Something old, something new…Passing down heirloom garments is a wonderful tradition that you can start yourself. A simple bridal handkerchief can be turned into a baby bonnet, and then back into a wedding handkerchief when the baby grows up. Simple and sweet.

We recently cleaned and preserved a precious christening gown with several bonnets for one of our customers, Heather H. One of the bonnets was indeed constructed from a handkerchief.  My own daughter will be getting married in August and I will be sure that she carries a beautiful handkerchief just for this purpose.

Take a look at the photo of heather’s bonnet to see how simple it looks. Click on the photo for a close up. You can find instructions to make this bonnet at: http://bumblebeelinens.com/hankiebonnet.php Heather sent me this poem about the handkerchief bonnet.

TREASURE HANDKERCHIEF BONNET POEM by unknownI’m just a little hankie As square as can be But with a small stitch or two A bonnet I will be. I’ll be worn from the hospital Or on my christening day And after that be folded Then carefully put away. When on that future wedding day So we’ve always been told The well dressed bride must always Wear something that is old. So what could be more fitting Then to find little me And with a few fine stitches snipped A wedding hankie be. And if perchance it’s a boy Someday he’ll surely wed Then his bride can have the hankie Once worn upon his head