This project was inspired by a personal desire to showcase my grandmother’s handkerchiefs, which had been stored in boxes and bags, by displaying them in a way that highlights their beauty The Allure of Aesthetics: How Beauty Shapes Our World - In a world increasingly dominated by data and algorithms, the influence of aesthetics often seems to be an afterthought. However, the role of beauty and design in our lives is far from trivial; it shapes our perceptions, triggers emotional responses, and plays a crucial role in societal norms. Aesthetic: More Than Skin Deep From the… . These delicate cloth squares are truly stunning, and it’s hard to imagine using them for their original purpose. Here are a few ways to showcase these lovely handkerchiefs:
Handkerchiefs Under Glass
Many of my grandmother’s handkerchiefs measure approximately 11″ x 11″. A 12″ x 12″ frame works well for displaying them. I found a lightweight, thin black plastic frame with a clear plastic front at my local JoAnn store. These frames have a bendable plastic front that can be removed to insert the handkerchief and then reinserted. The black background highlights the lace handkerchiefs beautifully.
Handkerchief Potpourri
I had so many beautiful handkerchiefs that I couldn’t possibly display them all, so I turned some of them into sachets for potpourri. I chose handkerchiefs based on their color and purchased 1/8th of a yard of colored netting to hold the potpourri. Lay the handkerchief right side down, add a double layer of coordinating netting, and place a scoop of fragrant potpourri in the center. Gather the edges of the handkerchief and secure everything with a pretty ribbon. To further embellish the sachets, consider adding a silver heart charm.
Handkerchief Table Runner
For this project, you’ll need several handkerchiefs that coordinate well together. I was able to group my grandmother’s handkerchiefs by color and chose the yellow group for a lovely table runner. This project requires more time than the others, as it involves ironing and hand sewing.
Materials List:
- 5-7 handkerchiefs
- Fusible Interfacing
- Iron and ironing board
- Needle and thread
- Pins
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Lay each handkerchief on the fusible interfacing and cut a piece slightly larger than the handkerchief.
- Iron each handkerchief to remove as many creases as possible, then place the wrong side of the handkerchief on the shiny side of the interfacing. With a hot, dry iron, fuse the interfacing to the handkerchief. Focus on the edges, but you can return later to secure them after trimming the excess interfacing.
- Cut off the excess interfacing along the edge of the handkerchief, being careful not to cut through the sewn edge. If desired, return to the ironing board to better fuse the edges.
- Spend some time arranging your handkerchiefs, considering color distribution and size. Pin the handkerchiefs together where they overlap, working with two at a time and then joining the pairs.
- When sewing the handkerchiefs together, you are essentially appliquéing them to each other. On the top, use a technique of coming up from the bottom, through both handkerchiefs, wrapping the thread over the hemmed edge, and punching back down very close to the thread coming up. Move over about ¼” and repeat this process along the overlapping edge.
- On the back, tack the bottom fabric to the top in 3 or 4 places, trying not to go through the handkerchief and catching only the interfacing if possible.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME