Hankie Couture

First is the eye-catching Big Collar Dress, which features a fun big collar and two skirt options. One option allows for a fully gathered skirt that you can see here. The second option has two different skirt lengths and allows for more than half of the hankie to be used for cutting other pieces such as a matching bodice, purse, or hat. You can see an example here.

What I love about the Color-Blocked Dress are the endless possibilities that can be designed with five separate skirt panels! This pattern lends itself to utilizing a relatively small hankie by twinning new matching fabrics for the panels. Narrow ribbons or trim can be added to accent the panels, as well as lace or small beads or pearls. A good example of this is here, where you can see how the fuchsia ribbon separates and enhances each panel! Another example of this idea can be found here. I used the scalloped edge of a white vintage handkerchief and white pearls to accent the panels here!

I love the Sweetheart Dress’s two-panel skirt with the contrasting band at the bottom! It requires a bit more expertise, because there are many curves and tiny darts that must be manipulated precisely, but is worth the extra time and work. here, you can see an example of how this fun style can incorporate a variety of new fabrics that twin beautifully with the vintage handkerchief.

The Scalloped-Edge Greatcoat is an enjoyable puzzle to piece together and you can see one of my favorite patterns here. By combining contrasting fabrics against the scalloped edges, you can create a truly unique piece of fashion. My advice is to start by finding a beautiful scalloped-edge hankie and then have fun sewing this lovely coat!

The romantic Embroidered Apron is the perfect playful accessory that utilizes pretty embroidered scalloped vintage hankies, and can also be worn over any dress style! The example here shows how the apron can be constructed from a variety of embroidered pieces, such as tiny wine coasters, miniature embroidered tea towels, or even small scraps of hand-stitched linens.

The Go-Everywhere Purse was a blast to create because of how versatile it can be. Use whatever you have on hand, this purse can be made from felt, real or faux leather, or even suede. Plus, it is easy to embellish with beads, buttons, or small jewelry findings. One of my favorites is here.

This fashionable, customizable Tote Bag comes with two different handle lengths. This little tote, you can see an example here, takes up the smallest amount of fabric, so in most cases can be cut from the same hankie used to make any one of the three new dress patterns.

Last, but not the least in any way, is the Wide Brim Hat. This delicious hat can be designed from crochet hankies, small hankie remnants, or even contrasting new fabrics that twin with the vintage hankie. I’ve even included colorful tulle and roses in the past to further embellish this hat! You can find an example here. I went wild and designed a few different variations of this hat to inspire you even more to create your very own vintage heirloom treasure.

I had so much fun creating all of these new outfits and fashions for my Hankie Couture Fans! My new creations are more than just a dress and wherever possible, I’ve included matching purses, hats, and (of course) our girls must have matching necklaces, bracelets, and earrings!

I sincerely hope you find inspiration and joy in these ensembles, as they were a total joy to create! This has been a dream come true, and I have dedicated this book to you, my Hankie Couture Fans!

Thanks for entering the World of Hankie Couture! Enjoy your stay!

All my love,

Marsha