In may 1985, a friend offered Patrica Nix an antique handkerchief case inherited from an aunt. Although she did not know what to expect, she assumed that she would use the promised container to make on of her characteristic box constructions. Months later Nix received a small pouch of burnt umber taffeta, its flaps tied with matching ribbon. It was a typical purse a woman once used to store of carry handkerchiefs. Inside the pouch she found a stack of neatly folded handkerchiefs, square white or coloured cloths with intricate lace borders and embroidered designs; square cloths printed with gaudy floral patterns. From the contents of the pouch grew the interrelated series called Handkerchiefs and Trellises.