In the midst of cleaning my cellar, I found another project to do….. I came across a bag of handkerchiefs crocheted by my Great Grandmother Antonia. This would be the same Grandma you hear me refer to when I mention the silver I use at all family gatherings. She loved to crochet, and crocheted many, many handkerchiefs that she gave to family, or sold for a small fee. She even sent one to the White House!!! Yes, you read that correctly. She thought Mamie Eisenhower would enjoy one for her inaugural ball, so she sent her one, with a note. Mamie sent a nice note back, and it actually has her signature. Being pack rats, we actually have the original letter, and an article written in the paper about the handkerchiefs going to the White House.
But back to my project….. the handkerchiefs were always bright colors, and very dainty. Seeing them today made me think of her, and also to think of what to do with them. Carrying handkerchiefs is not as popular as it was in the past, and even so, I have so many! So I visited Pinterest for inspiration, and decided I will make them into a table runner. I took the handkerchiefs and arranged them various ways till I was happy with a layout. Then I measured how long the design was, and cut a fabric I had gotten at a local store to the length needed. I ironed the edges to make a nice straight line for easier sewing.
Once the background runner was done, I pinned the handkerchiefs the way I wanted them sewed. I carefully stitched them along the lace, but not through it. This way if someone decides to take it apart in the future, it will be easier to keep them intact.
The final runner is a mixture of the handkerchiefs my Grandma made, on a pretty fabric background. I also saved a few handkerchiefs for future generations to use at weddings. I think my Grandmother would be pleased with the final product and happy that I am using them. And remembering her. Thanks Grandma!
Below is Great Grandma and her husband Charles, at their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Art and Musings by Marnie 