Handkerchief Production

A few days ago, I was bemoaning to Mama that I never seem to have enough handkerchiefs. I have practically gone through Granddaddy's pile, but I left a couple for his use.  I do not want to use the antique ladies hankies that I have in my drawer upstairs because I don't want to rip them and the fabric is rather delicate...besides, the ladies hankies are a little smaller than this allergy ridden lass needs. 

Well, yesterday, I found this on my desk:

I decided to finish stitching the doll dresses I was making before starting on this project...and that took me all afternoon. (Daddy and I butchered the rest of the roosters yesterday morning.)

Therefore, I got around to it this morning, after an early rising (I actually saw the sunrise, if it could be called that this morning as overcast as it is) to help get Grandpa off the floor, breakfast, dishes, and running slops out...

By the way, if you thought that material was a shirt, you are right.

I started by using the seam-ripper to remove the buttons and then the pocket. I cut out the back of shirt--it was from the back that I would get my handkerchiefs.

Shirts look so--funny--with the back cut out.

Next I took one of Daddy's hankies, pinned it on the piece of shirt, and cut out around it, leaving room for a narrow rolled hem. Then, I cut out a second one with more of an "eye-ball" measuring because I could not get two of the same size out. The second one is actually rectangular whereas the first one is square.

Once I got them cut out, I ironed them and pinned a scrawny rolled hem.

That took a little while. :)

After that, I stitched them (of course!) The corners were the only hard part--I'druther not have anybody closely inspecting them...the stitches are kind of wiggly! :D

And there you have it; quick and easy. And usable....

(We really need a new ironing board cover...that one is ripped in multiple places.)

      Racheal