Go Broncos - NFL Super Bowl XLVIII

Wishing the Broncos all the best for Super Bowl XLVIII. 

The Hanky Dress Lady and her husband
(who makes all the hangers)
 will be watching and rooting for you !!!

Hanky Dress Class in February at the Willow

Join me for a class in how to make 

my new style of Hanky Dress

February 9, 1:30 – 3:30

at the Willow in Downtown Littleton 

(corner of Prince and Main Streets)

Hanky Dresses can be used in so many different ways and for so many occasions. Speaking of which, why not make some for Valentine’s Day! There are five patterns for you to choose from. They make wonderful door hangers, small gifts, garlands and decorations. Great for parties and craft night with your friends.

You’ll decorate your own bodice and then learn all the essentials of assembling the dress. Included in the $40 fee for the class will be one pattern of your choice, and supplies for making one dress. (Please bring a pair of small and sharp paper cutting scissors and a couple of paint brushes.) You are welcome to bring additional hankies of your own to work on, if time permits. The smaller size, 9-10 inches, is best for this project. If you are a handkerchief collector and are concerned about damage to your hankies – don’t be. This project will not damage the handkerchief.

SPACE IS LIMITED - REGISTER NOW!

CALL 303-730-8521  

OR EMAIL INFO@WILLOWARTISANSMARKET.COM

A Little Valentine Play Time

I was in the mood to play today. So I decided to put together some Valentine's Day decorations using a couple of my Hanky Dress patterns. I selected a few hankies from my stash, folded up the tablecloth and let the fun begin. Shown here are Pattern No. 105/106 and  Pattern No. 107/108. I printed one out on red card stock and one on white. A little red and white paint, a couple small paint brushes and a little red ribbon, and I was good to go.

A few simple hearts and some polka dots  in basic red and white were all I used to decorate these bodices. They were then cut out with a pair of small scissors. Here are the tops ready for attaching to their respective hanky skirts.

The hankies are attached with a little ribbon with no sewing involved.

The vintage hankies are not harmed in any way.

Wouldn't they be sweet tied to the back of chairs for decorations at a little girl's party and then given away as party favors?    

Hanky Dresses make great party decorations simply displayed on a string.

Here, I used a button magnet to attach the dress to a shabby chic white metal tray. A ball chain is attached to the tray so it can be hung as it is on this door with the aide of a removable stick-on plastic hook.

A Nod to the 2014 Color of the Year

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid 18-3224.

Pantone describes their color this way:  Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones. Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.

Naturally, I had to search Etsy to see what I could find in the way of vintage hankies in this spectacular color. Below are a few of my finds; however, there are many more.

'Radiant Orchid - 2014 Color of the Year' by HankyDresses

My collection of Radiant Orchid Etsy Finds incorporating my passion for vintage handkerchiefs. There are some beauties to be found.

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

 

There were two that I had to claim for myself

....this one and the one in the photo under the books above.

 

New Item - Hanky Hearts

I've been hatching this idea for about six months now. These Hanky Hearts will be available in my Etsy shop next week ... just in time for Valentine's Day. While some of these were made especially for the holiday they are meant to be used year round.

Hanky Hearts are  one-of-a-kind items made from as many as six different vintage handkerchiefs. Many vintage hankies, though not quite perfect, still have plenty of beauty to share. 

I especially enjoy the challenge of coordinating the pretty bits and pieces crazy quilt fashion into a unique and usable item. They are decorated on both sides, machine quilted and stuffed.

I have already done a custom order for a lady that wanted her mother's hankies turned into loving keepsakes. She gave them as gifts to her family this past Christmas. 

A Hanky Heart can be used as a door hanger, a pin cushion, a dressing table ornament, or a bowl filler. You can use several as a garland, or string three together to create a vertical garland.

Here's a collection of red and white hearts  I made especially for Valentine's Day. Surely they will become a reminder of the giver's affection for a long time to come.