Feeling a little nostalgic today…

Do you remember this beautiful design, Faria? I’m really going to miss searching for new patterns and sharing them with everyone.

I am trying to be focused on the process; however, I am really going to miss this Hankie world and celebrating the love of Hankies. I am hoping I can still be active in the Hankie-loving world and share my love of giving.

And remember our Surprise Hankie Boxes? They’re back! 🎁 We’ve only put together a limited number this time, and we’ve even added a new surprise set for you to discover.

I want to share my story of Mr Liberty with you. Liberty has had only a select number of suppliers in Australia. I was lucky to have one of the longest-standing suppliers, who has been my supplier since I started my Boutique Heidi. 

My supplier is a wonderful, distinguished English gentleman👨‍💼 . I spoke to him

regularly, and the sound of his voice reminded me of England and Liberty itself.... so I called him Mr. Liberty (no, he doesn't know this!)😂

I never actually got to meet Mr. Liberty... I don't know what he looked like, so I could imagine him to be whatever I wanted. I imagined a dapper gentle in a morning suit, something like from My Fair Lady 👒

With every Liberty collection, Mr. Liberty sent me Liberty Swatch books to select Fabrics for my Handkerchiefs. Every time I received a swatch book, I poured over it, not wanting to return it, so I was always late returning it.

Mr. Liberty had just retired, marking the end of a special time. I loved the formal, old-style way. Now I order online from the new Australian supplier, but it is not the same. 

I was lucky to obtain some of these Swatch books from Mr Liberty; I have listed some Swatch books and individual pieces from the books. I have kept some pieces (sorry) and am busy making a Liberty quilt. 🔲

I hope you find a little gem to create something wonderful. H 🩷

We all carry a piece of those special to us - wearing a piece of their jewellery or an old coat,  maybe a handbag or watch.... or a Handkerchief.  These special people and their memories are a permanent fixture in our lives, we carry them with us everyday.

This is about the 4th time I have tried to write this, I look at this photo of my Grandfather at my 21st with his hat in his hand and I am transported back to that moment. I see this photo every day, but today I cried and cried.

I love to give and feel I am good at the art of gift giving. Then I started to think.... and I realised that maybe I am not the best gift receiver.

My mum gave me this photo recently for my birthday, I had forgotten about it and I was soooo excited to receive it! I squealed with joy! 😝

This is me below..... I remember this day and absolutely loving this dress and tutu!! It was a dress I preformed in singing and tap dancing to ... What are Little Girls are Made of! Sugar and Spice and all things nice!! (such an inappropriate rhyme now!!!)

I still have this dress, it was on a notice board in my bedroom growing up, I still have the notice board with the dress pinned to it. 

As many know I believe it is not the actual item that is important but all those feelings associated with the item we treasure. Like a Handkerchief, this pink dress  has so many good memories and feelings.

This time when I saw the photo I saw more than a dress.....👗

• The Photo is blurry .... that never happens now! Who takes a 1 blurry and keeps it...  now our photos are smiles, sunshine and editing
• I am not really smiling, maybe I dont look happy ... .... I know I am happy ( I am wearing a tutu!!) 
• Little girl peaking around the corner,  I never noticed her before, eyes wide open and now I am intrigued who she is!

There was a time when carrying a handkerchief used to be as common as carrying an extra phone charger in your car. Not only was it an accepted practice to keep this handy cloth on you for practical reasons but it also served as a cheap way to accessorize clothes and add colour to outfits. It wasn’t until Kleenex was invented in the 1920s that this started to change. More people began to use disposable tissues and while it never completely went away, the hankie began to be less and less a part of people’s everyday routines.

But there is still many of us who never lost sight of the hankie’s many benefits and continue to use them today instead of tissues.

As we all know Hankie lovers are prepared, caring, giving and of course stylish. 

Hankie lovers ….

• Always carry a hankie in their pocket, sleeve or bra
• Have a spare hankie in their bag for cleaning glasses, their phone, or wipe hands or sweat away
• Know that a little gifts like hankies are often the best and always well received
• Have a gift draw or cupboard with hankies ready to give when the time arises
• Are stylish, carrying a hankie is elegant and charming…. And most hankie lovers have a matching hankie for their outfit.

In fact, one could argue there’s never been a better time to switch over from wasteful tissues to luxuriously soft and stylish hankies.

My brothers always asked me what would you like for your birthday.... and I would say knickers or hankies!!  Knowing I would always receive hankies... never the knickers!

So when I started Boutique Heidi people stopped giving me hankies and for the past 10 years no one has given me a hankie until now.

It was recently my birthday and my mother gave me a HANKIE!!! 

I was horrified!! I shouted ... MUM!! HOW COULD YOU GIVE ME A HANKIE??? (it is not even one of mine!!) I think she avoided the question and changed the subject or said something like... well yes I thought you would like the design (and I did).

I thought what am I going to do with this! I am a traitor, my mum is a traitor!! 

So it sat on my dressing table for days, when I had time to pause, I realised how special this gift was. The simple little gift sparked many memories, reminded me of our connection and why hankies are so special to us both.

I finally have to admit ....I feel very special because no one had given me a hankie for so long. I was so happy to have a new little memory keeper to carry and hold.....  that reminded my of my mum and had a story. 

Ancient Times, Faraway Lands

King Richard II of England, who reigned from 1377 to 1399, is widely believed to have invented the cloth handkerchief, as surviving documents written by his courtiers describe his use of square pieces of cloth to wipe his nose.

Others say the story of the handkerchief originates in various places simultaneously. We’re all human, so we all sweat the same. Archaeological evidence has been found in China from 1000 BC showing figurines from the Chou dynasty holding pieces of cloth. This was thought to have been for the practical purposes of shielding their faces from the sun or using it pretty much in the way that we use traditional handkerchiefs today – for blowing our noses, wiping our brow of sweat, or cleaning up a spill.

Even from time in memoriam, there is endless utility for a personal cloth.

Roman culture is awash with references to handkerchiefs. It would be quite a spectacle to see hundreds of Romans waving their handkerchiefs in the air at public games. Handkerchiefs were also used as the “starting gun” for chariot races.

As trade along the Silk Road boomed between the 14th and 15th centuries, goods, as well as culture, were exchanged between Europe and Asia. This included headscarves that doubled as hankies.

 Handkerchiefs were also found in Middle Eastern culture, Uighur communities, Turkish culture, and among many other cultures all around the world throughout history. Their purpose ranged from preserving the sacred, bandaging wounds, signalling others, serving as a wallet for coins, or serving decorative and ritual purposes.

A symbol of devotion through history

A handkerchief was so much more than just medieval Kleenex. Contrary to story of King Richard II being the first person, others believe hankies were not used to blow one’s nose until the 15th century, when Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus declared that snot on the sleeve was pretty gross.

Handkerchiefs and romance were inextricably linked together in cultures in the middle ages up until the modern era. For example, in the era before the mobile phone photo, a knight would tie a lady’s handkerchief to the back of his helmet as a remembrance and token of good luck.

But that’s not all. Handkerchiefs gestures came to be a secret language of love.

When a maiden tossed her handkerchief from a window, it was a declaration of love, hopefully to be picked up by the man she intended her love for, and not a passing stranger. Should the object of her affection carefully pick it up and fold it into his pocket, it was the medieval equivalent of swiping right, and finding that it’s a match.

Or, if she was in the market, she would drop her handkerchief on the ground in one of many public parks that were frequented by eligible young gentlemen and chaperoned young women. This would mean that she is looking to meet the person she would love, and who would love her.

Instead of ghosting, or flowery break up letters, lovers just sent those handkerchiefs back to each other, symbolic of returning love.

A woman might send a homemade hankie, embroidered with patterns that carried its own bespoke meaning, to her love interest to be kept as a token. Should lovers exchange hankies with singed edges, it meant a deep, searing, passionate love.

Instead of texting each other “we on 4 2nite?”, a woman could subtly hold her handkerchief in the middle while she had the attention of her paramour. That gesture meant that she would be waiting for him for a midnight rendezvous of love that very night. A man might reply by waving his handkerchief with a flourish, universally read as meaning “yes”. 

Handkerchiefs were such a powerful symbol of fidelity and romance, that Shakespeare’s play Othello turned on the incident of a handkerchief. Given to his love Desdemona as a symbol of his love, the mistaken impression that she had given away her handkerchief to another man was scandalous enough to drive him to an ill-fated rage.

A symbol of Wealth, Status and Class

Handkerchiefs became synonymous with signalling high station in life in Europe and beyond. Everyone from Persian Kings to European royalty adopted the beautifully embroidered hankies crafted from exotic fabrics to demonstrate their divinely ordained VIP status.

 If you didn’t have a hankie, it wasn’t full drip (and we’re not talking about a runny nose). This meant that oversize handkerchiefs became quite the rage in 18th century Paris, until King Louis XVI, husband to cake-enthusiast Marie Antoinette, declared that “nobody is allowed to have a bigger one than me” and limited the size to a 16″x 16″square. 

In the 19th century, it became fashionable for gentlemen to wear two-piece suits, but to display the handkerchief as a status symbol continued in the form of the pocket square. Although this is now distinct from the handkerchief, the tradition of wearing pocket squares began in veneration of the handkerchief. That’s why the pocket square is worn on the top left breast pocket, away from the miscellaneous contents of your pocket.

A pocket square is not a handkerchief, although it carries all the markers of refinement that handkerchiefs of yore communicated. Generally, in keeping with the tradition, it’s made of a lush fabric, like silk, and embroidered, embossed, or printed as an accessory that distinguishes its wearer as a gentleman with a fine sense of fashion.

The 20th Century – the peak and decline of the handkerchief

Handkerchiefs were everywhere as an accessory in the early 20th century. The industrial revolution had led to more economical methods of processing materials and manufacturing products, including handkerchiefs. They had become a necessary part of life for men and women, young and old.

Hankies were no longer made from silk and lace as decorative accessories. They could be mass-produced out of cheaper textiles, like cloth or cotton. Handkerchiefs served the practical purpose of taking care of sniffles, sneezes, and wipes, in addition to being fashion statements, or embellishments such as pocket squares.

But two things happened that halted the story of the hankie in the twentieth century. During the First World War, the world was struck by a global flu pandemic of 1918’s. Capitalizing on the fact that this pandemic was still very recent history in the world’s collective memory, and that people carried possibly contagious germs on their person, the Kleenex slogan “Don’t carry a cold in your pocket” was ingenious marketing for new disposable facial tissues.

With the “Roaring 20’s” of post-war economic growth, more disposable income meant that there was an appetite for innovation. These facial tissues had been around for a while as a convenient way for a woman to remove makeup at the end of the day.

Handkerchiefs continued to exist throughout the 20th century in fashion and as a practical accessory, but their widespread use dramatically tailed off as disposable facial tissues came to dominate the market.

Who doesn’t love a comeback story?

In recent years, the handkerchief has seen a resurgence of interest. Partly due to an appreciation of vintage, and retro fashion and partly because people are more aware of the problems of disposable, single-use tissues. Our mothers and grandmothers started collections and handed them down once passed. The humble hanky is a practical accessary and is making a comeback.

Thank you to Lisa for sending us this piece

Source - HankyBook.com

We were researching the reasons and traditions behind giving a hand

kerchiefs as a gift and we found some other interesting old-fashioned gift-giving superstitions.

HANKIES
Some gift-giving superstitions are quite literal—giving a handkerchief is said to signify tears to come. In Sweden, a man is never supposed to give his lover a silk handkerchief, or she will wipe away her affection for him. Soap is also supposed to be an unlucky gift, as it will wash your friendship away.

KNIVES AND SCISSORS
Giving anything sharp, such as a knife or scissors, is bad luck, as it’s thought to sever the relationship. However, the damage can be mitigated if the receiver gives something small, like a coin, in return to make the exchange a transaction. Some folklorists err on the side of caution and also recommend repeating the rhyme: “If you love me, as I love you, no knife can cut our love in two.”

OPALS
Opals are considered one of the most unlucky gemstones, and so should be avoided as a gift unless the receiver was born in October (the birthstone month for opal), in which case its negative vibes will be reversed. Never set an opal in an engagement ring, as it portends early widowhood.

SHOES
Giving someone a new pair of shoes is unlucky, although strangely it is also said to prolong their life. It is very bad luck to give shoes as a Christmas present, as it is thought to signify that the receiver will walk away from you. However, if you never give anyone a gift of shoes, it means that you will be doomed to go shoeless in the afterlife. Tough choice.

CATS
In Sicily, it’s said you should never give a gift in the shape of a cat to someone who is engaged to be married, as this foretells sudden and violent death. However, in other cultures, if your partner gives you an actual cat as a present, it means you will never be parted

PORTRAITS
Bad news for ego-maniacs and narcissists: Receiving a present with your own likeness on it is bad luck, and to receive a portrait of yourself is a sign of treachery.

GIVING A GIFT BACK
It is unlucky to give a gift and then take it back again. An old rhyme warns: “Give a thing and take it back, Old Nick will give your head a crack.” Another says: “Give a thing and take again, And you shall ride in hell’s wain.” (Wain is a word for a wagon or cart.)

COAL
In old English tradition, it’s lucky to put a lump of coal among the Christmas presents in the stocking. The recipient should then spit on it, throw it into the fire, and make a wish as it burns, and that wish will come true.

BAD LUCK COLORS
The color of a gift can be significant. Giving or receiving black items is said to always be bad luck, as the color black brings death with it. You’re also never supposed to give a book with a red cover, as it is sure to break a friendship, because red is the color of anger and misunderstanding.

ROSES

EMERALDS
Emeralds were traditionally thought to be found in the nests of griffins (a mythological creature that’s part lion and part eagle), and to give the bearer protection from evil. Giving an emerald confers luck, happiness, and success—unless it is given on a Monday, in which case the luck is lost. If a man gives his lover an emerald as a gift, it can also be used to divine the strength of their love. If the emerald grows paler in color, then their love is decreasing, but if the emerald becomes a deeper green, it means love is flourishing.

FLOWERS
Giving flowers is always a lovely gift, but if you are gifted cut flowers, never say thank you—it’s bad luck. Giving white lilac to a sick person is especially unlucky and does not bode well for their recovery. However, if you give yellow flowers, you can shortly expect to receive a gift of some money.

GLOVES
Giving gloves is bad luck, and if you give them to a friend it means you will have a fight. Likewise, giving or accepting a gift with the left hand will result in a loss of friendship.

PARSLEY
Parsley is especially difficult to germinate, and so gardeners would traditionally make three sowings, two for the devil and one for the gardener. It is also said to flourish if you swear profusely while planting it. As a consequence, giving parsley to a friend is inadvisable, as it portends bad luck or death. If a friend really covets your parsley, rather than giving them the plants, it is better to just let them “steal” the herb to prevent any bad luck from being passed on.

TURQUOISE
If you have been struggling over what to get for your mother-in-law, look no further. Give the semi-precious gem turquoise, which is supposed to remove any animosity between giver and receiver.

PEACOCK FEATHERS
Peacock feathers should never be given as gifts, as it is extremely unlucky to have one inside the house—it invokes the magic of the evil eye. Umbrellas and mirrors are also unlucky gifts, as they will cause an estrangement.

METAL
Be careful about what metal that gift is made from. Presents made from pewter or zinc are omens of long life and happiness, whereas a present made of tin foretells mischief.

CORAL
Gifts of coral necklaces for children will protect them from harm. It is said that red coral will turn pale if its owner becomes ill and return to full color as they recover.

PURSE
If you give someone a purse or wallet, it is important to make sure you put at least one coin inside it. This will ensure the purse will never be empty and signifies future wealth.

SPREAD THE LOVE
Gifts should not just be given to friends and family; the luck of the household can be preserved by extending generosity to visitors. To protect a household from the mischief of fairies, it is wise to leave out gifts of food or salt to preserve their good feeling. It is also lucky to give gifts to any visiting carol singers.

This will had a special home made touch to your Christmas....Hankie Bon Bons! Not only are these fun little presents to keep everyone entertained at Christmas.

These are especially perfect for little kids and adults' as you can tailor them to suit your family. 

Step 1  - Getting Started  

To start, cut down your paper roll so that it's longer than the toilet paper tube on each side. can use small to large hankies  - the hankies  can be all the size and pattern of tailored to the individual, eg Car Hankie for Grandpa

Using the double stick tape like you're wrapping an oddly-shaped gift, tape down one edge of a hankie, and then on top of it, tape down the other edge. The hankie should form the same tube shape as the toilet paper tube, but longer. 

Start by tying the bottom end of the tube with a ribbon (Just like with the hankie, the prettier your ribbon, the better). You can also use fabric, string, or twine. 

Using the side that's open, place all of your surprises inside. Work slowly and carefully until the tube is filled. We include jokes, sayings and of course a party hat inside of each but that is up to you

Once you've finished, tie off the open end with your ribbon. You should now have what's looking like a Christmas Bon Bons! 

Gently arrange the hankie so that it looks good all fanned out at the ends. How easy was that? you can purchase the little cracking pieces from craft shops if you still want the popping noise.

Place a name tag on them if create for the a specific person, a very cute place setting—they're quite the conversation starter.  

Enjoy & Take care

H X

We have successfully adapted but.....

It goes without saying we are all a little over COVID, lock downs, uncertainty, anxiety and stress. Here is Ballarat we have just come out of a 7 day lock down, yes it sounds great ... we are out!(and is great!) but we are all on edge not knowing if COVID is still in our community or if there will be another snap lock down. So how can you truly relax? 

Stress levels are high and this new normal still doesn't feel normal. We are worn down, tired and over it.... however I feel like we are still the lucky ones.  Our business has adapted and we continue to work  independently without contact. I rarely see my team and some team members have never met. Everything is done by text message, photos, detailed notes and the occasional phone call.

All deliveries including fabric, boxes, packaging are dropped at my front door by my wonderful Australia Post delivery guy who know me, my family and dogs well. Once the fabrics are delivered we assign them to a maker detailing the requirements including size, amounts and deadlines. The fabric is then left with the makers name and detailed notes outside my front door ....  and collected by my team of sewers and embroiders.  It is a very simple contactless system that allows pick ups and deliveries at any time. We use text to advise items are ready for pick up, have been picked up or have been delivered.  I think it must be funny to see my team of ladies picking up and dropping off items at all hours!  I wonder what my neighbors think!

Luckily our packaging warehouse is very close to my home  which makes transportation and working easy.  Once we have the handkcheifs we press and package them, we take shifts to ensure we are COVID safe and often work alone or from home.

This system works well and when we are in lock down all our makers are very pleased to have work they can do at home safely. The downside is our team never sees each other... I rarely see anyone, which is why I am always up for a chat if you call me!

I am grateful for your support, your messages of thanks, your kind reviews and telephone calls. 

Take care, stay sane! 

It seems to be a buzz word at the moment ........I hear people saying they did a :'collab'.... I tend to shy away from people using the latest buzz words. But is it just a fancy word for working together? 

In fact, collaboration is so ingrained in the way people work online nowadays. Havent we all been doing it for years.... working together to achieve a common goal?

How well you collaborate or work with others will greatly impact the outcome. It is not just about cross promotion it is about creating something unique from that relationship that you cant create alone.

We have all had a negative experience when working with others however we always do learn something about ourselves and others. For a successful partnership I think you need to be particular who you work with especially if you are small business or work alone.  From my experience I think you  need an initial connection, common values, a spark even.

When I met Artist Emily sparks flew! Emily lives in Ballarat and our world's collided a few years ago... spraying rainbow magic dust everywhere! When I contacted her to do a collaboration she said yes immediately.  Emily finds things like the iridescence hiding within a seashell, the rainbow swirl of an oil stain on the road, or a prismatic reflection cast mysteriously on a wall irresistibly magical, and squirrels away the imagery in her minds eye to later inform her visual works, read more about Emily here  🌈

So what are the benefits of collaborating?
 

Evolve
We dont always have to move forward, we can move side ways. Engaging with you  customers in a different way, giving them another option something that they cant find anywhere else. Working with others also helps us to solve problems, Emily I went back and forth working out how to create this limited edition range, with the aim of making it a Ballarat project and printed in Australia. 

Learn
One of the best things about working collaboratively with people who bring different skill sets and backgrounds to the table.

This means asking for feedback and opinions, sharing knowledge, finding out how your collaborators approach their side of the project, and gaining a insight into a different way of working.

Those that collaborate not only have an opportunity to learn from each other—their mistakes, successes, failures, workflow.

Connecting
Emily and I both work mainly alone..... operating in isolated silos at times, which has its advantages but it can be a little boring and isolating

As connections are made, it is a little boost for ourselves and businesses. Regularly working together with people outside builds our own confidence, well being and satisfaction and very rewarding.

Efficient & Fun
But for many types of projects, collaboration is just more efficient. When the project is complex and demanding, we have to be able to admit to ourselves that we’ll need help. It’ll have to be a group effort. And that’s where collaboration comes in. It helps us divide up a heavy workload, find creative solutions to tough problems, and wrap our heads around the big picture.
An organization that makes collaboration a big part of its culture is bound to normalize this style of working, thereby creating a more efficient and fun business.

When you work together seamlessly they have more impact than a single individual would. ... it allows collaborators to work together towards a defined business goal, increasing the chances of success through a collaborative effort.

We are very excited to bring these limited edition Handkerchiefs to you. 
The fabrics are printed in Melbourne, Australia making them truly Australian made!  These are limited Handkerchiefs and will be available soon, so register to receive notification when they are available. 

“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” — George Bernard Shaw

I love having a present cupboard, I have a range of special items that I purchase ready to gift when the occasion arises. Do you have a present cupboard?  Many of our Handkerchief lovers do, they have a stash of handkerchiefs on hand ready to gift. 

So what is the art of gifting.... I found a definition that I really liked.....it is simply defined as giving from the heart without any expectation of something in return. I think that is what our handkerchiefs are about. 

True giving and happiness are deeply connected and they both come from a place deep within our souls. A gift, no matter how small or large, is something that is enjoyed more than once.

Gift giving is seen to be a way to invest in a relationship. ... in essence, it is a social lubricant, a way to celebrate life, love and friendship and become a better partner, spouse, friend, employer and person.

So why do we love giving gifts? I think it is because we want to make people feel loved, to show we care. We want to make people feel special and we want to make people feel valued and connect with them. Giving a gift is a way to show someone, how much we love them, what they mean to us and a way to create a connection and a special memory.

People from all cultures and all walks of life celebrate various special occasions and celebrations by gifting each other. Gift-giving is a worldwide tradition that dates back to as far back as we can remember. It is a way to express our feelings whether they’re feelings of love, joy, appreciation or gratitude for another person. Not only that, but it also cements cultural traditions and social ties among friends, family and neighbors.

Gift giving is a beautiful universal act that is ingrained in our brains and in every culture because it helps people send meaningful messages. Ever wonder when and how did the tradition of gift-giving start and evolve overtime?

If you would like to read more on the history of gift giving around the world you can read this article here 

Enjoy the art of gift giving, connecting with others and creating new memories. with those you love. 

I looked into the origins of Mother’s day and came across a remarkable woman - Anna Jarvis ….I was immediately intrigued by Anna.  

Three years after her mother's death, Anna held a memorial ceremony to honour her mother and all mothers at a Shrine in Grafton West Virginia, which is now known as the International Mother's Day Shrine.

Anna always believed herself to be the leader of the commemorative day and therefore maintained her established belief in the sentimental significance of the day, which was to honour all mothers and motherhood. Anna valued the symbolism of the white carnation.

Anna opposed the forces of commercialisation that overwhelmed her original message; Her opposition to these commercial forces was evident in her contemporary views, saying:

A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment.
— Anna Jarvis.

This last quote made me giggle I think it is still true today! I think her views are still relevant and we remember why the sentimental significance of the day.

Enjoy your Mother's Day! Remember your gift doesn’t need to be big and grand.

Heidi x

I remember when I first visited Liberty in London, slowly climbing  up those iconic wooden stairs... it was magical. I remember how I felt that day,  I am still amazed by the impact that building had on me

When I first visited Liberty over 20 years ago I was travelling around Europe on a shoestring I was able to purchase one handkerchief that I still have today.  Each time I have retuned to London since I have visited Liberty to purchase more handkcheifs.

Last year I just yearned to go back ... perhaps it was because we couldn't go. I have told my daughter about the magic of Liberty and she has read about it in story books, I am proud to say she knows her Liberty prints and can see and feel the difference.  For her 10th Birthday we are planning and saving to visit London and experience the magic of Liberty ... fingers cross for next year 🤞

Liberty have now released an organic range that I am proud to offer you. You can Pre-order your Organic handkerchiefs with exclusive subscriber discount that can be found below.

The Story behind Liberty 

When the adventurous founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty laid plans for a London emporium laden with luxuries and fabrics from distant lands, his dream was to metaphorically dock a ship in the city streets. To this day, a voyage of discovery awaits on the good ship Liberty, with history hidden amongst six floors of cutting-edge design, unexpected edits and beautiful wares from the world's greatest craftspeople.

In 1875, Arthur borrowed £2,000 from his future father-in-law and took a building on Regent Street, London with just three dedicated staff and plenty of ambition.

"I was DETERMINED NOT to FOLLOW EXISTING FASHIONS but to CREATE NEW ONES"

Arthur Lasenby Liberty

Liberty's collection of ornaments, fabric and objets d'art from around the world proved irresistible to a society intoxicated at the time by Japan and the East and Liberty effected social change in interior design and dress, so much so that the Art Nouveau period in Italy is called 'Liberty Style'. Within eighteen months the loan was repaid.

"LIBERTY is the CHOSEN RESORT of the ARTISTIC SHOPPER"

Oscar Wilde

ABOUT LIBERTY FABRICS

The Liberty Fabrics department is a true design institution. World-renowned for our historic 50,000-strong print archive, and for our in-house studio where new artworks are painted and drawn by hand, the Liberty Fabrics offering reflects on storied heritage and century-spanning passion for art and design. From ornate Art Nouveau layouts and classic 1930s ditsy florals to bold geometrics, landscapes and offbeat conversationals, their fabrics offer a colourful canvas for bespoke creations of all kind

ORGANIC LIBERTY

The packaging and wrapping we use whether it be paper, boxes and ribbons we want you to be able to use them again. Whether to wrap another gift, write your shopping list or send your own parcel. This is why there is only a small amount of branding on our packaging, it is neutral and simple so you are more likely to use it again.

We try to source everything locally our Handkerchiefs are all created in Ballarat and we use local printers and suppliers where we can.  

We are always looking for Australian fabrics and organic where possible, which is a constant mission but one I am passionate about. In March we will launch a Liberty organic range, my ultimate dream is to have an environmentally friendly handkerchief range that is created purely from Australian fabrics.

Are we Eco friendly?
We try to be....

• All of our packing can be recycled, you can use the Handkerchief packets to write your shopping list.
• Your order is wrapped tissue paper, wrapping paper or a gift box that you can re-use or recycle.
• Our post boxes are compostable & biodegradable 
• All soft plastic and paper is taken to a recycle center 
• Our cardboard boxes, rolls and interesting bits are given to a local school

Our fabric remnants go to many homes...

• Larger pieces are used to created remnant boxes that we sell on occasion through our website (minus the pieces my daughter claims to create doll clothes)
• Long skinny pieces are used for wrapping smaller handkerchief orders 
• Shorter skinny pieces are given to a crafty lady called the Crafty Squirrel🐿✂ in our street who hade a giant ball of Liberty string..... it is stunning!
• Smaller pieces that you dont think can be made into anything are donated to a local school in Crewsick
  

Led by the amazing Jane at Creswick P-6 the students have created some masterpieces using our fabric pieces. In 2020 the students practiced their weaving skills and created these beautiful wall hangings from our left overs. 

"The kids are enjoying the beautiful fabrics, ribbons etc and will be using the cardboard later for construction! Jane Xxx"  

I think it just beautiful

Heidi x

Late in 2003, my husband Bruce and I set off for Shanghai for Bruce to undergo a month of Chinese cancer treatments for terminal mesothelioma. Western solutions proved futile in containing the cancer. Though Bruce beat the odds of his prognosis, we knew we had slim chance of success: however, the idea of giving up on maximising every infinitesimal moment of life was unthinkable. Whilst in Shanghai, and in between difficult treatments, Bruce and I tasted Shanghai, all the while lifting our spirits by planning long-ranging goals in our future. We went to a tailor where Bruce was measured for a three-quarter length, cashmere overcoat. He chose an extravagant, chocolate-brown cashmere fabric, the very best silk lining and hand-carved buttons. Not only would the coat be memorable, but the whole experience of three fittings would never be forgotten. It was forty degrees in Shanghai and winter in Australia was seven months away! On the day of his second fitting he took a fancy to an exquisite, red, silk fabric, covered with colourful hibiscus flowers. He told me that I should have something made for me. I had a pleated skirt made. It was beyond dreamy. When we collected our finished garments the owner of the store aid that the seamstress had made me a handkerchief with the leftover fabric. He said, “You wont be able to wear the skirt every day but you can carry the handkerchief with you every day.”

He was right.  

Bruce lost his battle with mesothelioma in January 2006. He never saw another winter, and never got to wear his precious cashmere coat.  Today, the coat hangs in my wardrobe – a memory of the giant of a man my husband was. And, in my stunning, red handkerchief, every day, I carry the memories of a day spent with my husband that could never ever be forgotten.

Julie Stafford

When I started our exhibition we had a shop front in Ballarat appropriately called - Little Square, each May I provided this free exhibition in our shop.. This year we were invited to be apart of Ballarat Heritage Weekend, which couldn't proceed however I have recently been inspired to start collecting and sharing Handkerchief stories again. 

One story I just love is about Sir Robert Menzies.  I am very grateful to Liz from Geelong who sends me this Handkerchief every year without fail for everyone to see. I am so impressed and honored she trusts me to look after these precious items.,

I remember when I met Sir Robert Menzies... he was in Ballarat for the 150 year Democracy Conference at the Federation University in 2004. I was assisting with the conference and one of my roles to liaise with guest speakers, Sir Robert Menzies was a key note speaker.

He of course had an amazing presence and was such a distinguished gentleman,  I still remember clearly his instructions for his visit... he had to stay at the Ansonia Boutique Hotel, in the front room on the right.

When I was sent this story by Liz I was very pleased .... this story is exactly how I remember him a gentleman with no nonsense. Some of you may have heard this story before ... but it is one of my favorites and I still love looking at the handkerchief and the photo. 

Sir Robert Menzies's Hankie

When I was young my father, mother, brother and I were invited to a private dinner at which Sir Robert and Dame Patti Menzies were guests. I remember thinking Sir Robert must have been royalty because he had a chauffeur! My mother, a British History and English teacher, was lucky enough to be seated next to Sir Robert. She found him to be extremely delightful and interesting and enjoyed a wonderful conversation about British history and the influence of the monarchy in Australia. At one point, during the evening, mum needed a hahandkerchief and, uncharacteristically, had forgotten hers. Sir Robert gladly obliged and gave her his beautifully starched and monogrammed hankie. My mother never kept anything belonging to anybody else in all of her 89 years on this earth. But this was one hankie she just could not give back! 

Liz, Geelong

I was so excited when I found this website I had to share it with other Hankie Lovers!!  It is called  http://handkerchiefheroes.com, it is all about Hankie history, appreciation and collecting. It was wonderful to explore through the pages, it gave me great joy and I was so excited to see others shared my love of hankies and their stories.  

Ann Mahony, is a collector & historian on vintage handkerchiefs and founder of Handkerchief Heroes, her collection now numbers between 5000-6000 pieces.

I hope you love this piece below from her website, you can view her Hankie collection, her knowledge and collection is something I aspire to. 

"Stories of hope, heartache and happiness hiding in the humble handkerchief 

Who could imagine that a simple square of cotton or silk could hold memories of sadness, loss, joy, hope, happiness and love in their evanescent folds?  But they do.  I know because over the years, I’ve heard countless stories from people about a handkerchief they treasure. Some hankies have been saved for decades. Personally, I have handkerchiefs in my collection dating back to 1893. True collectors have hankies that stretch much farther back in time, for these keepsakes were special to someone, and were thus saved, and survived for us to savor.

Handkerchiefs have been with us in the small moments – dabbing a baby’s chin, wrapping a child’s cut finger, catching a tear while watching An Affair to Remember for the umpteenth time, and  the major moments – a bride’s tears of joy, a widow’s deep despair, a marine tucking his wife’s perfumed hankie over his heart.

Numerous histories of the handkerchief abound, with some facts contradicting others.  In no way should you consider me a historian, nor this a comprehensive history.  I offer the following as a compendium of fascinating facts gathered from a variety of sources that appear to be reliable" - Ann Mahony

I encourage you to visit this wonderful website, I just love it! - http://handkerchiefheroes.com

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