If there’s one thing I’m always on the lookout for when we go antique shopping, it’s vintage hankies. I am like a kid in a candy shop when I find a booth that has more than a few of them for sale. I get lost looking and trying to imagine and remember what fabrics I have at home that they would coordinate with. One of my very favorite outfits to make for Kirsten is a dirndl. A dirndl usually consists of a bodice, a blouse, a full skirt and an apron and they are very often colorful with many different prints and embellishments. I love to coordinate different fabrics and make them bright in the summer months and more elegant as the weather gets cooler. I thought I’d share with you a few of my favorites I’ve made for Kirsten over the years. While all of my examples might not be considered a true dirndl, I’m mainly featuring the vintage hankies so I hope you enjoy my pictures. …and again, some of them are from long ago, so my photography isn’t that swift…
This first one was probably my very favorite one…. I just LOVED it…
…or wait, maybe it was this one…I loved the black against the rose hankie…
Same hankie as above, but with a totally different look…
Okay, I think we need to vote…do you have a favorite?
Oh, and don’t forget, Tuesday is the drawing for the GIVEAWAY…. you can read that post here to see the details and the prizes.
See you tomorrow,
Blessings Jeanne
These are such pretty hankie aprons, who’d ever have thought what their original purpose was eh? I know that paper tissues are more hygenic, but honestly, to have a hankie like one of these in my handbag would have been sooo nice!
Hugs Sharon in Spain x
Thanks Sharon,
It is always fun to me, as I’m making something from one of these sweet hankies, to think of the time when it was used (or not used) in real life. They are so pretty and I think I’ll always collect them, even if I don’t make something out of them.
Blessings, Jeanne
I am old enough to remember getting handkerchiefs of the day, much like panties of the day (also on my radar!). We always had a nice hanky in our purses, and believe it or not, we got them from Santa when he visited our classrooms at Christmastime! Those were the days!
How do you expect us to pick just one? I do like that last one, but honestly, Jeanne, I love them all!
Hi Linda,
I remember getting little hankies in gift sets too…panties too! I guess we’re both a couple of oldies. It’s fun to remember those good ole things…
Thanks so much for reading Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Beautiful creations with your hankies, Jeanne. I remember going through my mom and grandma’s hanky drawers when I was little. They were always so neatly folded in little triangles and, of course, each was ironed. 🙂 I have many of them in my collection and cannot bring myself to cut into them as they hold so many childhood memories.
Cindy,
You should see me before I cut into one of these beauties…I check and double check and make sure I’m getting it exactly cut in half, and making sure if there are any imperfections or holes that I don’t have them right in the front.
I have lots to use, but I still love to search for new ones… surely it’s not wrong to have a few extra’s on hand, is it?
Blessings, Jeanne
My favorite is the second one. I particularly like the cap. All the outfits are lovely! My history with AG dolls was sewing and knitting clothes for a cousin’s girls. One year my husband and I had tickets to enter in the first group when there was a yearly sale held in WI. It was overwhelming. I’m not good with mob scenes. My reaction is to hold back and watch. The huge room did not have good lighting. I did buy a doll, two of Addie’s trunks and small items I don’t remember. One trunk sits in our front hall.
Jan
Hi Jan,
That was a very popular one… I always liked it too…very much!
I’ve never even been to an AG store…one of these days I’m going to HAVE to get myself there. I’ve heard of that shopping day in WI on the American Girl Playthings doll forum. It sounds pretty wild! Glad you snagged at least one doll!
Thanks so much for reading,
Blessings, Jeanne
Wow, they are all so beautiful! If I had to choose a favorite, it would be photo #4. The white hankie has such pretty details and is shown off on the pretty pink outfit. really, they are all just glorious!
Hi Carolyn,
I found that vintage cotton trim in Kentucky one time on a shopping trip and just knew it would work well for a strappy dress someday! It did and I loved it… so glad you did too! Kirsten does look pretty sweet in it, doesn’t she?
Thanks for reading, Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
I love them all , but I would have to pick the one with the straw hat. Love it!
HI Regina,
Well, I’ve agreed with the others, and now I’m finding myself agreeing with you… How about I just say, “Kirsten looks good in any of the vintage hankies” and let it go at that!
Thanks so much, Regina,
Blessings, Jeanne