HANDKERCHIEF SACHETS

 

Originally, handkerchiefs came in many shapes and materials including silk and linen until King Louis XVII of France declared that they should be square.  During the 19th century they became ornate and pretty enough to carry openly rather than hidden in a pocket.  Often decorated with initials or monograms, they were an essential part of a lady’s wardrobe during Victorian times plus it was proper etiquette for a man to carry two - one in his breast pocket for show and to offer to a lady if needed and 1 in his pants pocket for personal use.  They also became a tool for romance as signals were developed between men & women – to draw across the cheek meant “I love you” and thrown over the shoulder meant “follow me.”  In addition, white handkerchiefs with a black border were carried as an expression of grief during mourning.

 

If you have a collection of vintage handkerchiefs they make wonderful sachets, pillows (4 sewn together) or liners for gift baskets plus even a simple doll to bless a young girl.

 

HANDKERCHIEF SACHETS

2tsp lavender flowers

1tsp marjoram

1tsp thyme

1tsp rosemary

 

1. Iron the handkerchief flat.

2. Fill a muslin bag with the herb mixture, tie and tuck top into bag

3. Place the bag, surrounded by some cotton batting, in the middle of the wrong side of the handkerchief

4. Fold the hanky by bringing the bottom corner up over the bag to form a triangle. Fold again by bringing the left and right corners of the triangle up to the top point. You now have a small square with the herb bag in the bottom corner.

5. Carefully turn the sachet over and secure by tying a ribbon in a knot and then a bow.

This handkerchief sachet is a fragrant and elegant addition to the pocket of a jacket, tied to a bridal or baby shower gift, hung from a hanger in a closet (moths don't like these herbs!) or put in drawers. A small squeeze of the sachet will release the essential oils for years!

 

HANDKERCHIEF DOLLS

Fold in half diagonally and place cotton batting inside the middle as a head.  Tie neck with ribbon, knot and tie a bow.  Knot each of the two top corners close to the ends to make the arms.  Puff out to look like sleeves.

 

 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men.”

Colossians 3:23