This week’s Inspiration Friday project holds a special place in my heart! Today I want to share with you a Magic Hanky! I received one 28 years ago at one of my baby showers. Needless to say, it bought tears to the eyes! I have made this Magic Hanky over the years for family members.
My Magic Hanky came with this keepsake poem:
“THE MAGIC HANKY”
I’m a little hanky
as square as square can be
But with a stitch or two
They made a bonnet out of me.
I can be worn home from the hospital
or on christening day.
Then I’ll be carefully pressed
and neatly packed away.
For her wedding day
so, we’ve been told,
every well-dressed bride must
have that something old.
So, what could be more fitting
than to find little me.
A few stitches snipped
and a wedding hanky I’ll be.
And perchance it’s a boy,
someday he’ll surely wed.
So, to his bride he can present
the hanky
once worn upon his head.
In researching the history of the Magic Hanky, I learned that it is a traditional Irish wedding gift. Custom dictates that the bride keeps this hanky with her throughout her wedding day. The magic hanky is then saved for the first-born child and made into a Christening bonnet.
Whether it is used for coming home from the hospital, on christening day, or any special event, this gift is sure to hold a special place in your heart. As the poem says, this bonnet is just a snip away from becoming a perfect hanky for a bride on her special day.
I received my bonnet all boxed that I still have today. I look forward to the day I can pass my Magic Hanky onto my son’s bride!
Below you will find a step-by-step video tutorial on making this Magic Hanky. You can make the Hanky that much more special by using a handkerchief for a parent or grandparent. When I lost my grandmother many years ago, I saved one of her handkerchiefs and turned it into a magic hanky for my cousin. I gave it to his wife at their baby shower. I also kept my dad’s handkerchiefs and will use them for my future grandchildren.
Supplies
- Special Hanky Poem
- Handkerchief
- Ribbon (I used 53 inches of ribbon)
- Rosettes
- Needle
- Thread
- Iron
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So, if you are ready to make this special, Hanky check out the video below!
There you have it, a beautiful Magic Hanky. I think this will turn into a beautiful gift-giving tradition. Make sure to tag us on social media we would love to see your Magic Hanky!
Social Media Links
CLICK HERE If you would like to join the Facebook Group, Crafts and Inspiration hosted by Fun Stuff Crafts! In the group, I share and encourage members to share tips and projects.
2 comments
Oh my goodness, my Grandma made these for all of her Great-Grandchildren except my son she wasn’t doing as well then. I can’t wait to give my daughter her’s at her wedding, but she’s only 14 so it’ll be a while.
Hi, I used the Magic Hanky for my firstborn, who in turn used it for her wedding. It’s now, like her, will be 50 yrs old next week. (1972). I had one for each of my children and love giving them at shower for gifts.