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Scrap Happy Hankie Bags

4/11/2020

6 Comments

 
Picture
Recently, I got an email from my friend Joan M. in Prescott Arizona. She has been making the most of her stay at home time and is churning out great gifts to tuck away for holiday time later in the year. Joan's hankie bags are simply delightful!!! I know I would cherish owning one of these myself. Another one of the bags is made from a dresser scarf. I believe Joan has inspired us to look at those hand-me-down linens in a whole new way!

​Curious as to what kinds of gifts Joan is busy making? I'll let Joan tell you more in her own words, shown in purple below:
"I have been enjoying having more time to spend in my favorite room and making some Christmas gifts for my family.  We do not exchange gifts any more (too many in the family now) but we have a white elephant exchange that everyone loves. 

Last Christmas I decided to make something for everyone, so they got: bowl cozies, steering wheel covers (great for protections against the hot sun in Arizona), key chains made with zippers, and splash guards for the microwave. It was so much fun to see their faces because no one knew what these were. My son thought his steering wheel cover was a hat!

Next Christmas the gals are getting one of these zipper bags made from doilies my Grandmother and Aunts made in the 40's and 50's. I have a chest full and almost donated them to charity because none of my family will want them - I don't even use them. The bag in the upper right - hard to see- is made in the style of a crazy quilt using pieces of doilies used in other bags."
I don't know about you, but I was awestruck by Joan's creative use of vintage hankies and her re-purposing of a doily to make crazy patchwork for another bag. Each one is so unique! What a way to preserve family history and bring precious heirlooms into the fore front instead of keeping them locked away in a dark drawer or dusty box.

By the way, Joan's cheerful note had the title "Making Lemonade" in the subject line of her email :-)

When you're done reading about Joan's creative adventures and you have finished oohing and aahing over her beautiful heirloom style bags, please take the time to leave a comment at the end of this post. 
6 Comments
Pat
4/12/2020 05:38:30

Just lovely,great ideas,hope to do something with my collection of hankies, your recipients will belucky.

Reply
Joanne Banko
4/13/2020 00:31:42

Hi Pat! I agree completely with your comment! I'm so glad to know Joan's masterpieces inspired you to use your own treasured hankies. I'm sure you'll make something spectacular with them :-)

Reply
Juanita
4/12/2020 06:34:37

These are absolutely beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration!

Reply
jana dees
4/12/2020 10:25:44

Wow! What a wonderful idea and to share with your family. I inherited some doilies and handkerchiefs and didn't know what to do with them. Now I'll be busy putting them to good use.

Reply
Clovis
4/12/2020 12:03:27

Great ideas.

Reply
Joan M.
4/13/2020 10:54:02

Thank you for posting my picture of my bags. I am having so much fun with these and my sewing room looks like my old cedar chest exploded in there. Have fun everyone.

Reply



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    Joanne Banko
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