I've always loved vintage linens, especially handkerchiefs. But I never want to use them for their original purpose, so I like to come up with new ways to enjoy them. Hankies with a decorative edge can be used as removable jabots, for instance, when pinned under a collar – or used to fill a V neck when pinned underneath. 

Home decor ideas are also a great way to showcase some elegant, delicate hankies, like these four coordinating ones I got from Lily at Mode de Lis when she was having a sale. They are exquisite with their white-on-white embroidery and cutwork, and the cotton is so fine it's like gauze. Too pretty to use, but not to display!

I sewed them together by hand, to make a larger square. Because they were so thin and see-through, I backed them with a square of muslin I cut out slightly smaller than the hankie square, and serged.

These two squares were held together to make a pull-across curtain for a small window in my new house, and because I used curtain clips, I can at any time unclip the squares and cut the threads that sew the hankies together, so they can remain in their original state.

There are lots of ways to use hankies as curtains or valances, and hopefully I can use more of them in future, but for now I love how easy it is to get a simple elegant curtain and enjoy the beauty of these lovely vintage pieces every day.

Meanwhile, I'm pretty sure my vintage hankie collection will continue to grow! 🙂