This happens every Easter, I get stuck thinking of ideas for things to make for my Patchwork Group. I search the net looking for ideas and every time I end up having to come up with something myself. This year is no different. There are only a few days to go and it is crunch time, well chook time actually.
I bought a bag of lavender when I was up at Toowomba last week and there it was sitting on my desk smelling wonderful and saying, "look at me, look at me". Then inspiration struck. Chooks lay eggs, in this case easter eggs, so I would use my old chook pin cushion pattern. (Well it isn't really mine just my version.) What I did do is miniaturise it to make it a lavender bag to hang on a coat hanger and of course each chook has some eggs.
MATERIALS
1 X a charm square, 5" x 5."
a square of felt ( 3/4" ) and cut in half diagonally to make 2 triangles.
For the hanger cut a length of ribbon about 4".
Beads for the eyes.
Each chook takes about 4 teaspoons of lavender for the filling.
Cut the charm square into 4 equal size squares. So one 1 charm square makes 2 chooks.
Position the felt beak 1/2" from the top edge with the right side of the fabric facing up.
Place another square of fabric on top of this, right sides facing each other and sew down this side with a scant 1/4" seam. Open the seam and iron.
Place the folded ribbon next to this seam with the ends protruding over the edge.
Close the fabric and sew along this seam reverse stitching over the ribbon to make sure it is secure.
On the bottom edge of the square, that is the one opposite where the ribbon is attached, sew either end of the seam, reversing back over your stitching, and leaving an opening to add the filling.
On the unfinished end, fold and bring the two seams together to square off. Sew across seam.
Take hold of the ribbon and pull through to the right side. Push out each of the corners.
The little pyramids will sit up on their own at this point but now we have to fill and finish them.
TO FILL
I made a funnel from a piece of paper, the same way you make an icing bag. I used a piece of printing paper and cut the end to fit the opening at the bottom of the chook. I also worked over a container. No matter how careful you are something always spills. Take a bit of time to add the lavender. I packed it down between each teaspoon and moved the filling to the side to add the last teaspoon full.
TO FINISH
The neatest way to close the bottom opening is to ladder stitch it. The thread you use to close the opening you also use to sew on the beads so make sure it is of a good length. I started by sewing a back stitch in the seam and then ran the needle along the seam to the opening.
My material was fraying and I had 20 bags to make so I whip stitched the opening closed.
I then took the thread through the filling up to the position of the eye making sure that I didn't pull it tight. At this point make a small back stitch to hold the thread, then attach your bead.
Fold the top of the head flat and take the thread through to the other side and repeat. Finish with a small back stitch to secure the thread.
Now, take you thread through to the back seam and do a series of back stitches in the ditch to complete the finishing.
You can change the look of your chook by just changing the length of your ribbon, the position of the eyes or reversing the position of the closing seam.
Quick, easy, cheap and only another 16 to go.
They're charming - and the lavender is sure to make them very welcome - it's a lovely smell!
Posted by: Rachel | April 03, 2012 at 08:12 PM
They are so cute. They are small but still takes time to make them so thank you Carolyn for all your effort - haven't hidden mine away in the wardrobe as yet, it's nice to look at so have put it next to my little pincushions which I love too. I am having a lovely time catching up on your blog. have been sewing - great weather for it - and have 4 quilts now pinned up and ready to quilt. Need another long weekend or need to retire!
Posted by: Sue Gardem | June 11, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Im preparing 40 kits for classes coming up at the end of the month. I hadnt realised it was going to be so much work.
Posted by: Carolyn Foley | June 11, 2012 at 03:59 PM