Tuesday 4 December 2012

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.

14 comments:

Anna said...

Very nice...
Have a nice day !
Anna

Samantha said...

How dare you not iron HIS shirts?! Didn't you get your apron at your wedding reception with a list of wifely duties in the pocket?
:)

Kerryp77 said...

Hi Wendy,
The hearts are so pretty. I might have to have a go. I've cross stitched onto gingham before now and was ok once I got going. £4 seems more than reasonable.

Pam @Threading My Way said...

I really like your lavender sachets, Wendy, both the heart with the button and the embroidery. I'm surprised they didn't sell at the fair.

JoJo said...

Those are so cute that I thought it was an applique you added!

Allie said...

Those are way too cute, Wendy, I'm surprised they didn't sell at the fair, but glad you got some sales online!!

Sandra :) said...

I like chicken scratch - I've made a c.s. bookmark (years ago), and have even dedicated a Pinterest board to the craft :D I particularly like your pink gingham!

Chris Dodsley @made by ChrissieD said...

What gorgeous detailed work, some people just don't appreciate craftsmanship these days and unfortunately most aren't prepared to pay for it!

Jackie said...

These are very pretty and look quite complicated. I must have a go. I will ave to google instructions though. I'm glad you sold more than just table costs at the craft fair,I haven't done any this christmas and its such a load off.

Anonymous said...

The hen scratch embroidered hearts are lovely. That's one of the things I used to find when I was selling at craft fairs (many years ago)... I might not sell something at one sale and I'd wonder if I'd wasted my time, only to have that same item sell out at the next show.

Anita said...

Beautiful hearts,like the lavender one.Your chicken scratch embroidery is lovely,am sorry that it didn't go well at the fair but am glad that you managed to sell online.

Little Bluebell (Adrianne) said...

I LOVE the look of this technique! I've never seen it before. Thanks so much for sharing!! : )

Anonymous said...

I'm another that hasn't heard of chicken scratch, but I do like it, what a good idea!

-- Kerry pennydog

Paulina said...

Hi Wendy, these hearts look great. I've never heard of that technique before, so it's nice to get to know something new.