Here's another delightful pattern from the past. One that I've had in my "shoe box collection" for so long that I can't even remember where I first ran across it. But when one of my stitching friends contacted me with high hopes of finding this pattern again, I was happy to discover that indeed, I did have it tucked away for safe keeping. I love when that happens! Her grandmother had made a set of towels that she wanted to replace anew and eventually pass down, keeping the family memories and needlework tradition alive. And I am happy to know that now it will.
These vintage motifs are quite large, around 8" x 11" and could also used on a small quilt-hanging or tote bag. (I'm sure you can think of other things too.) They can be outline stitched as they are or done up fancy with colorful hits of color and pattern gathered from your scrap basket.
As I was working on this, I had fun experimenting with different colors and was quite smitten with this jaunty green and orange rooster. I may have to give this a whirl.
It is worth mentioning that there is just one applique pattern for the tail feathers and one for the wing, that works for both the chickens and roosters, making cutting them out in stacks fairly quick and easy. And as far as the applique goes, it can be done traditionally, or with the previously discussed lined-applique method shared here, or with a quick zigzag machine-stitch around the raw edges of the turning line (having omitted the seam allowance).
So, if you are fond of hens and chicks and jaunty roosters, there you have it.
Hen House Applique #7369