itchy hen

Good morning!  I spent some time at the weekend uploading photos and sorting them into posts, ready to write as I go along.  By a strange coincidence, I had these photos uploaded to publish today.  Why a strange coincidence?  You'll see...

This project is a LANT (learn a new technique) * as I haven't tried this particular form of embroidery before.  This, for the uninitiated, is chicken scratch.  It's basically the art of embroidering on gingham to produce a lovely effect.  Well I think it's lovely!

The pattern was in a recent issue of Craftseller and looked so lovely, I wanted to try it.  I found some gingham in my stash but it was very thick so I decided to back it with Stitch 'n' Tear.  Well, would you believe it, someone has broken into my house and stolen my Stitch 'n' Tear!  I assume someone has broken in as I can't see Mr CA using it...  I used interfacing instead.  It worked fine.  Except for the fact that when I was backing the first one, I had the interfacing upside down.  My ironing board is pretty damn sticky anyway so I thought nothing of it.  Mr CA, fed up with the huge ironing pile that I haven't touched in months, and probably due to the fact that when he mentioned it I went ballistic about the fact that just because I'm a woman I don't have to do the ironing, has been ironing a work shirt each day.  Oooops. 

I used Perle Cotton size 5.  This technique is quick and easy and I loved it.  I see more of this in my future. 

Stuffed with lavender, a button and hanging ribbon added and they're ready to go.  I used white thread for three of them, then tried the purple one again with purple size 8 perle cotton as I didn't have the 5 in that colour.  I also did one in a variegated pink size 5 which seemed so much thicker than the white, despite them being the same manufacturer.  I don't seem to have taken a photo of that...

I took them to the craft fair where they didn't sell at all.  Clearly I was outrageous with my £4 price tag (£30 for a fake fur, made-in-China scarf on the stall next to me - selling like hotcakes.  £4 lavender sachet, no chance!) as no-one bought one. 

 

Arriving at work the next day, my best mate messaged me and asked if I still had any of these hearts left and ordered one of each colour as a present for her Gran.  A few hours later someone bought the same 3 hearts on Folksy!  I haven't sold anything online in months so I was delighted!  I will, of course, stitch up some more for my friend.... I'm looking forward to it already!

 

* if you want to know more about my challenge to try all crafts, see my crafts list page.  Anyone can link up a new craft/technique they've tried at any time.  To join in go here.