"...12 inches square. What size...to turn a bridal hanky into a temporary baby bonnet in the future...pack, store, present, this piece..." Sue T
*** I am a tad rusty, but as I remember a hankie of about 14-15" is ideal, as a baby's head is around 18" circumference, and the ear to ear measurement was about 3" less. It needs to cover the ears (most babies are sensitive to wind, ear infections and sun with little hair on their heads - whether real or wives tale, this is largely why fine cotton ones were worn in summer and obviously warm ones in cold weather). I used to smock all of my daughter's bonnets but for a wedding hankie, you fold back 2-3" and tack down at the sides (ears) with a ribbon flower made from one end of the ties (on both sides, of course). With smocking, there is a ruffle for sun in the eyes, so you could consider adding a casing instead, but a bit more work (perhaps easier than making a ribbon flower, and less chance of folding damage to the lace or when the mother washes and presses it). For the back of the head, you will need another ribbon to make a drawstring, and some run it through the lace itself (which you won't want to do with handmade lace), or fold it back and leave enough for a casing, thread with ribbon, and tie in a bow. I would sew it with a medium hand stitch between regular and basting stitches, so it is obvious to remove, perhaps with silk topstitch thread. Some suggest pressing, but I would only finger press. You used to give the hankie for the wedding (well have it couriered long before the wedding) and there was a note or poem inside and you say if they return it, you will turn it into a baby bonnet. If the girl is a natural at handwork, then you include instructions written with a lovely hand on some great card stock, and sign your name for the generations to see who made this wondrous thing. I found one poem, but prefer something written myself or more practical and succinct, but perhaps you will like this one, which is the reverse...the baby bonnet is turned into a wedding hankie later for the same person (you can amend as per need): "I am just a little hankie, as square as can be; But with a stitch or two, they've made a bonnet out of me. I'll be worn home from the hospital, and on special days, And then I'll be carefully pressed and neatly packed away. Then on the wedding, I have been told, Every well dressed Bride must have something old. So what would be more fitting than to find Little Old Me, A few stitches snipped and a wedding handkerchief I will be! And if per chance, it is a boy, someday he still will wed. So to his Bride he can present the handkerchief once worn upon his head." Best, Susan Reishus www.SusanReishusDesigns.com - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
