Look what I found...

I spent some time with my sister today and we caught up on each other lives over a cuppa... I was telling her about my exploits over the last week. I finally got around to the 'Chicken Scratch' sage - it has more chapters than 'Gone with the Wind'. I told her about her the blue gingham table cloth which her mother-in-law had given me worked with the 'Chicken Scratch' stitch many, many years ago. Her mother -n-law was a member of the CWA (Country Womens' Association) and my sister believes that is where she learnt to do the stitch. I told her that my table cloth seemed to have disappeared during one of my house moves.

My sister then rushed to her linen cupboard and returned with a flourish, not unlike a magician, with a swirling cape. Lo and behold a finely preserved 'Chicken Scratch' tablecloth in each hand. A lemon one and and orange one. The orange one would team really well with L's apron op-shop find. A matching set. Only kidding!!!! My sister offered me one as a replacement but I suggested she keep them both for posterity.

Not only that, but also she produces a tray cloth that she figured would have to be at least 70 years old. This one is for you G - a beloved Crinoline Lady - it too, is fairly well kept - however age and use has worn it. I promised faithfully that I would return all after I scanned them. There is no difference between the 'Chicken Scratch' lemon and orange table cloth - just a different application as far as design goes. I have been limited by size in the scanning, but will photograph each of them once the camera is working again.

Isn't it amazing what we find in our linen cupboards - or rather, that of our relatives. My sister also showed me a couple of hand embroidered tablecloths she bought from Abbey's auctions - I think you would like those too G.