ScrapHappy November 2023 — Scraps from Many Lives

Back in 2012, I sketched a plan for a way to use all the vintage handkerchiefs I had gathered up over the years, and this year I finally got around to making it.

sketch of handkerchief quilt from 2012

 

Table topper of vintage handkerchiefs.

I started with a big piece of cotton batiste over some batting.  Most of the handkerchiefs had a feature in just one corner — little embroidered bouquets or butterflies, so I only used that area.  Others were all-over prints, and I cut them into quarters, and then layered all the pieces over each other.  The finished corner of one handkerchief overlaid the raw edge of the one beneath, so that the pretty lace trimmings showed.

The blue rose circle was meant to be in the exact center but I got carried away, and couldn’t bear to trim off the extra on the left side. 🙂

A green layer under a sheer white handkerchief shows off the embroidery better.

Two favorite motifs.

Gorgeous embroidery.

After all the handkerchiefs were stitched down, I added the backing, a beautiful vintage piece I bought in an antique store about 6 years ago.

Vintage backing.

I quilted very lightly, because a lot of the hankies were fragile and I didn’t want to tear them.  On some of the hankies that had no motif, I quilted words including “books,” “tea,” and “rainy days.” 🙂

And here is where it belongs, in my sun porch where I sit to do my reading and writing!

Table topper on the tea table.

There are many different countries represented here — France, Ireland, Italy, China, and the Philippines were mentioned in little stickers that showed that these were souvenirs and gifts from traveling relatives. And there is no telling how many different hands embellished them, both before and after purchase. Most of these belonged to the fabulous Aunt Millie, but others are from my mom, my grandmother, and my great-aunts.  I am happy to have them out where I can appreciate all the skill that went into them, instead of having them tucked away in a box.

And right after I finished this one, I saw another arrangement that I may have to try!

ScrapHappy is the 15th of each month, and it is hosted by Kate and Gun, the first two names on the list.  It is the day we celebrate all things scrappy!

Kate, Gun, Eva, Sue, Lynda,
Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy,  Tracy, 
Jan, Moira, Sandra, Chris, Alys,
Claire, Jean, Dawn, Gwen,
Sunny, Kjerstin, Sue L, Vera, 
Ann, Dawn 2, Carol, Preeti,
Nóilin, Viv, Karrin, Amo, Alissa, 
Lynn, Tierney and Hannah

Category : Quilting
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