I have always loved artistic pursuits–anything having to do with sewing, design and creativity. I actually think I could sew before I could write my ABC’s. I started with embroidery and hand stitching doll clothes at age five. I was about eight when my mother let me use her treadle sewing machine; and by the time I was thirteen I was sewing dresses for myself on her new Montgomery Ward electric sewing machine. Then when I got married my husband took me to my first auction and I discovered the wonderful world of vintage.
Handkerchiefs are nothing less than miniature works of art and there appears to be a growing appreciation for them. I have been admiring and collecting hankies for close to ten years now. Often, while sorting through hankies in shops, I heard women say, “I just love vintage hankies, but what do you do with them…how do you display them?” I created Hanky Dresses in response to this question. In doing so, I hope to get all grandmothers’ hankies out of all the dresser drawers in America and into something that can be appreciated now and in the future. I have found that the finished dress often reflects the personality of the lady whose hanky it once was and evokes fond memories of her for its owner.
I began my Hanky Dress journey in early 2007. At first, I sold only locally in my hometown of Littleton, Colorado which gained me the nickname of “The Hanky Dress Lady”. I opened my Etsy Shop and started my blog www.TheHankyDressLady.blogspot.com in May of 2012. For me, the best part of my work is the joy I am able to share with my customers.
I am obsessed with vintage hankies and continue to develop new ways to display and use them. I now also make Hanky Cottages and Hanky Hearts from bits and pieces of damaged hankies. I also offer DIY bodice patterns for showing off your own handkerchief collection or just a fun project for craft night with your friends. Even little girls love making these. And, I have several other projects in my head and on the drawing board.
I love both the plaid and the colors and think it would look wonderful in a laundry or sewing room.
Any of these vintage hankies would make wonderful Hanky Dresses.
 Vintage Hankie Red Rose… $6
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 Two Vintage Hankerchief… $12
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 Vintage Daisy Handkerch… $5.5
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 2 Vintage Hankies. Shee… $10
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So nice to get to know you Muriel, and how your shop got started! I have always loved hankies. Mom always had several tucked in her purse, and now I do, too! I think your hanky dresses are very clever! Wishing you continued success!
My mother, Ione had a drawer full of pretty hankies, all gifts from the woman that owned the beauty parlor that my mother worked in from the 1930's through 1950. What a chic way to preserve these lovely mementos.
Barbara @ ionesattic
THE cutest thing! I love your little shop and all of your pretty little hanky dresses. Congratulations on your success.