make: a hanky watch

Source: liberty.co.uk via Mollie on Pinterest

I've gushed about Liberty before, and I must now again. When I visited, we stuck to a few areas, and it's probably for the best that I didn't spot this watch. It's about $87, which is much more than I've ever considered spending for something that I rarely wear. But it's so pretty!



Fortunately, this lovely piece inspired me to try making my own. I grabbed a watch with a face I love and a vintage hanky and I set to work. (I rather like that the watch has the Liberty Bell on it...it makes it a real Liberty watch!) Here's how to make one of your own:



The first step is to remove the old watch band. A pin was helpful in popping the little spring loaded pins out.



Slide the metal pins out of the old band, then put them back in place on the watch.



Carefully fold up the hanky diagonally to form a strip that will fit through the pins on the watch.



Slide the hanky between the pins and the watch face. This is the hardest part because it can be a bit tight. Work it through without tearing the hanky.




Tie the watch on with a knot. I love that it's nice and soft, which is so much better for me while working at the computer. Usually watches make my wrist crazy!

The hanky I used feels a little larger than it should, so it's a bit bulky at the face of the watch. It doesn't bother me too much, but this could be fixed by using a smaller hanky (that would still tie), or by cutting two opposite corners off and sewing it into a tube. I've been thinking of trying the sewn tube out and adding some embroidery. What do you think?

Quick, inexpensive, and girly. I like it!