Ahhh, my beloved Hankey Blankeys. How do I love thee, let me count the ways…. I have a number of new ones on the go. Some commissioned and some for the shop. Of all the things I love to make, these are my most favorites. There is not one part in the long making process I dislike.
I love sourcing the handkerchiefs, watching them dry in little pairs on the clothesline, ironing, folding, cutting and then putting them into colourways. I spend a good deal of time mixing, swapping, taking out and putting back until the pattern and colour balance looks just so. Then I stand back and just smile at the triangular goodness before me.
Next is the actual patchwork, piecing together part. Love this. Love the creases, love the shape unfolding before my very eyes and love the slightly imperfect intersections, well it is handmade ya’ll!
I lay the carefully selected backing fabric down, followed by the batting and then finally the top and then I call my ever faithful and most conscientious assistant to come help me baste the whole thing together. Although sometimes her love of pins leads her to also re-baste post quilting. Honestly it’s so hard to find good help these days…
And then I sew, sew like the wind and quilt the whole thing together. I use a variation of the echo quilting method which I love because of its cleanness and simplicity. Afterall, those darn cute and love-able hankeys speak for themselves.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
your assistant is very sweet. great post, it definitely captures your love for making these.
i think id really enjoy the sourcing, working out the combination and the satisfying ending : )
those colors are gorgeous…love the oranges.