Antique Handkerchiefs ~ Fragile Beauty

I blog a lot about antique handkerchiefs because I think they are breathtaking. The amount of workmanship that went into hand-making these pieces of art is astounding. I am, by no means, an expert on types of lace, but I believe this is a combination of tape lace and bobbin lace:

Bobbin lace hand-made in the mid 1800s

It’s beautiful, don’t you think?  Here’s another photo with a closer look at this gorgeous handkerchief:

Hand-made bobbin lace c. mid-1800s

Now I’ll tell you a little bit about its provenance. I purchased approximately 18 handkerchiefs from a representative of a 90-year old woman. She told the representative that HER GREAT GRANDMOTHER MADE them!  That means the handkerchiefs were made in the mid-1800s. I can’t tell you what a thrill it was for me when the package containing the handkerchiefs arrived. Holding something so delicate and historic and marveling at the workmanship was a treat! I couldn’t wait to share some of the photos with you. Here’s another one:

Hand~made lace handkerchief c. 1840

I’ll have more information on the bobbin lace technique in my next post. Be sure to stop by and visit me at AllVintageHankies.etsy.com   Have an elegant day!  xo

Wedding Handkerchiefs

We all know this age~old saying, ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…’ and the rest of the rhyme is…’and a silver sixpence in her shoe!’

This little ditty is thought to have originated in the late 1800’s Victorian England.

And, a bride’s ensemble would certainly be incomplete without the addition of a lovely antique or vintage handkerchief, like the ones below:

Breathtaking and exquisite in their beauty, just like the bride!

The antique or vintage handkerchief can fill the need of ‘something old’ or ‘something blue’ as there are many handkerchiefs with blue tatting around the edges or blue embroidery work like the ones below:

Giving the bride a gift of a handkerchief is something she’ll cherish. It may also be passed down to her daughter on her wedding day. What a thoughtful gift!  You will find hundreds of handkerchiefs at my shop AllVintageHankies.etsy.com 

An antique or vintage handkerchief is a gift that is affordable, will stay beautiful for years to come and remind the bride, not only of one of the happiest days of her life, but also of you!

Hope to see you soon at AllVintageHankies.etsy.com

Have an elegant day!  xo