A Bit of Chicken Scratch

I've been quiet this week - but not because nothing is happening.  I've been making steady progress on a few projects, just not enough to show any pictures yet.

Bu-u-u-u-t, I do have pictures of the embroidery sample I finished a couple of weeks ago!  No, I don't know why I did not post this earlier.  Out with the fairies, I guess!

I am following Sharon B's Stitch Explorer project and last month we explored the Chicken Scratch.  I recognize the stitch, but can't remember ever trying to stitch it myself.  It is usually done on a gingham fabric with white thread.  That creates a very nice lacy pattern.

This photo was taken at night, so everything looks yellow.  The stitch is a series of cross stitch - or double cross - and then lacing around the white squares in the fabric.   The heart shape is half done here, so you can see the two elements of the stitch.

 

I tried a couple of different layouts and color settings on the checked fabric;

 

 

 

And some variations on a linen fabric, with just lacing,

 

 

 

and with both lacing and cross stitches.  I can imagine some ways to use this stitch for a patterned area, or as fill-in.

 

But, I think I will most likely use it as an embellishment on gingham.  I remember some aprons from long ago.  And I like that crisp lacy look.  Can't help it!

This month we are working on trellis stitch.  I will share my experiments with that later.