H is for handkerchiefs, and by the way, I want both of these objects in slightly different versions. I think I'm willing to tackle the limited amount of embroidery it would take to make myself a flowered monogram handkerchief. I like the handkerchief pouch, too, but I think I'd make one with a brighter scrap of fabric and a vintage button. (Both have to wait until I finish the regrettably large crocheted doo-dad bag, although I'm pleased to say the half-crochet stitch is coming along swimmingly.)
The letter H also stands for how-to. Since I spent an inordinate amount of time washing and pressing handkerchiefs Thursday, I thought I'd accomplish two things at once and do a little post about how I clean them. I'm not an expert, but you can learn from my mistakes. First, and this is probably obvious, but don't wash vintage handkerchiefs in the washing machine. They're too delicate for all that agitation. If they need to be washed, I soak them in Oxy Clean. It's especially good at getting out yellowing. Not all handkerchiefs are colorfast, so be careful. Be very cautious about yellow and somewhat cautious about red. I start out with maybe a heaping tablespoon in a dishpan-full of hot water. You can make it stronger if you need to, and soaking overnight often does the trick.
One thing that Oxy Clean won't get out are rust spots. On hankies, they're usually little pinhead-size spots that are orange or dark red, usually courtesy of a straight pin or a staple. Whink came to the rescue on this pretty monogrammed handkerchief. Follow the package directions exactly. I don't experiment with stuff that's got a big DANGER label on the front. If all of the stars are aligned, the rust spot will melt away before your very eyes. If a dark cloud is over your head, the Whink will eat away the rust spot and the fabric underneath it. That's more likely if there's a big or very dark spot.
Were you wondering what the L stands for? It's for my pal Linda, who's having a giveaway right now. I've seen the Little dresses she's giving away Live and in person, and they are Lovely. If you're Lucky, you'll win. OK, that's enough from the Letter L.
I use the bleach pen pictured earlier only sparingly, and usually on something a little more sturdy, like a pillowcase. Bleach is harsh stuff. It can also make a white background too white, so you end up with a spot anyway.
This picture is of some of the hankies I finished yesterday - I'm working on my big beauty shot for an eBay listing this weekend. (Some are going on Etsy, too.) The posy is in the middle is covering up the pointed tips that I didn't quite line up.
Here's an ironing action shot. Sort of. This is after the hankie has been washed and air-dried.
Here it is after ironing.
Here it is after starching and ironing. I love starch. I like the pump-bottle, non-aerosol Niagara Spray Starch. I forgot to take its picture. Anyway, a final important note on ironing. Sometimes you read that it's a good idea to iron things while they're slightly damp, to really get out the wrinkles. I'm here to tell you that can end in disaster - like irreversible, I can't believe I just scorched this embroidered Madeira handkerchief to death disaster. The iron can just latch on to those damp fibers and singe them. It doesn't always happen, but it's happened to me often enough to let things dry. I'm so cautious now I even let the starch settle a little. It's horrible to work so hard to get something clean and perfect, only to ruin it in ironing.
Hope this post has been helpful and hasn't bored you to tears. In the right frame of mind, I find all of this fussing with linens sort of soothing and meditative. It's pretty satisfying to the inner preservationist to bring something a little tired back to its original loveliness.
Love seeing your beautiful collection and it's great to have this information! THANKS! Happy Day to YOU!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | February 20, 2009 at 02:06 PM
This is the greatest post ever! It's such helpful information that I will actually use. By the way I live the way the hankies look in a circle like that.
Posted by: Amy | February 20, 2009 at 02:19 PM
I LOVE that picture of all the hankies! It is magazine or book-worthy! Thank you for sharing your laundering tips for them. I had to go and dig mine out after your last post, just to visit with them for a little while!
Posted by: Carol | February 20, 2009 at 02:34 PM
ok, those are just beautiful! i want to come over and play! you have the best goodies :) i finally started cutting up (gasp!) my hankies and making them into flowers. i have to go read your last post about how you came to such a collection. they are hard to pass up, aren't they?
Posted by: susan | February 20, 2009 at 03:05 PM
Thanks for the info. I've done what you suggested with Oxy Clean in the past, but I didn't know about Whink. I have a bunch of hankies that need a good cleaning.
Posted by: jenny g. | February 20, 2009 at 05:11 PM
When I'm in the States with my family and want to go shopping for rust stain remover I will mention your name, if that is allright with you LOL.
I even have a handkerchief pouch white on white. And here is what I think about it: most interesting coloured handkerchiefs like the ones you are showing here and in the previous post date from the 40-50ties. That was a very poor period for my country. Things weren't bought in abundance and used till they dropped apart. Like my childrens hankies were 2nd (maybe even 3rd of 4th hand, given to me by a neighbour with older children and when I was about 12 I gave mine away too. When you find a childrens' hankie from the 50ties it has been washed so many times that the colors are whitish. So that is why I only have embroidered white on white hankies. So there have been colorful hankies, but they aren't well preserved in general.
Posted by: LiLi M. | February 20, 2009 at 05:30 PM
they are just beautiful! I love all the tips too! Thank you!
Posted by: robin-Thrifty Miss Priss | February 20, 2009 at 05:47 PM
Thanks for the shout-out. I remember ironing my dad's handkerchiefs and I loved that sizzle of starch.
Posted by: Linda | February 20, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Oh, thank you so much for posting your cleaning tips! In the past two years I have inherited almost 200 vintage hankies and am trying to decide what to do with them. I once saw a gorgeous quilt made in the fan pattern with the fan made of several 'rays' of vintage hankies. The lady who made it gave me an unused block so I would know how it was made. Now with your help I have a better idea of how to clean those hankies.
Posted by: arlene | February 21, 2009 at 12:25 AM
Love your hankies - especially the "L". A friend gave me a powder called SOAK. It's meant for soaking clean your vintage textiles, and it's done a great job for me and is quite gentle. It really takes out the dull yellows. As far as I know it's only available online, I've never seen it in a store.
Posted by: Linda B | February 21, 2009 at 12:03 PM
I'm glad you were able to save the L handkerchief, I just ordered it off Etsy! I thought it would be cute to do something for my daughter's room (her name is Layla). Just have to decide what to do with it!
Posted by: Wendy | February 21, 2009 at 01:13 PM
How bizarre... I was at my parents on Saturday, going through a bunch of Hankies that Mom was getting rid of and in there was a monogrammed 'R' - EXACTLY like the 'H' in your first photo - same print and everything!!!! Too cool!
Posted by: svelteSTUFF | February 22, 2009 at 07:05 AM
Your blog is so interesting. I love the way you explain in simple terms and the eye you have for display is so special. Love it!
Posted by: kay | February 22, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Loved this post. I like info on how to care for the old things I find. I have done some Doozeys(something that is bizarre or unexpected) while trying to "clean/ruin" some awesome finds! Love pictures too, it amazes me what just a little starch can do!
Posted by: Stephanie Coop | February 22, 2009 at 07:13 PM
I don't love to iron, but there is great satisfaction in having a stack of perfectly pressed beautiful hankies...maybe it is because when you spend the time ironing each one you notice all the amazing details. I'm a starch fan too!
Posted by: laurie - magpie ethel | February 22, 2009 at 09:58 PM
I love to play with my linens, too! Thanks for these handy tips! ♥
Posted by: Holly | February 23, 2009 at 08:52 AM
I'm really impressed with how well you do cleaning your linens. I have always bought the Oxy-Clean knock off at the Dollar Tree. I've never used it on vintage linens, but your experience has me rethinking using the knock-off. I have a apron I'd like to try this on right now. I have used Vintage Textile Soak bought at the quilt shop with mixed results.
I am trying resist collecting hankies! I passed on a batch at the last auction I attended! You are enabling me!
Posted by: Shelley G in Iowa | February 23, 2009 at 12:38 PM
I found this today before I headed off for work on Craigslist, I immediately thought of you. http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/clt/1047913511.html
It's dagwood and BLondie Handerkerchiefs!
Patti
Posted by: Patti | February 24, 2009 at 07:57 AM
At a time of so much sadness around here.. looking at those wonderful colors and your thoughts about them really cheered me up!
Maddie
Posted by: maddie | February 25, 2009 at 04:44 PM
Whink and Chlorox should NEVER be used on vintage linens and especially on delicate hankies.
It may remove the stain, but just wait until it's laundered again - you will have a HOLE where the stain was.
I have sold and collected vintage linens for 20 years and have had disasterous results with these products.
Posted by: Linda | May 12, 2009 at 11:41 AM