CQJP 2015 March Block - Study in Chicken Scratch Embroidery

I am finally caught up for CQJP 2015 after having a slow start and then with the blocks being a little more detailed than originally planned.  Here is my block for March.  Each month I am doing a sort of study on different techniques etc.  January was use of metallic threads and February was familiarizing myself with ways to stitch on sequins.  As you can probably guess, March is a study in 'chicken scratch' embroidery.  To me aprons go hand-in-hand with this type of embroidery so I created a tiny apron for my block.  This seemed like a 40s thing too, so I tried to convey a 40s feel by adding the clothespins, buttons, lots of stitchery and not much glitz and glamour.

Connie Eyberg - completed March CQJP Block for 2015

Originally I was planning to add a pocket in the center of each block so I used a smoother fabric so items would slide in and out easier.   After playing with that idea I tabled it, at least for the time being.  The bright yellow was throwing me off, so I went shopping and chose a different fabric.  I replaced the bright, shiny yellow pieces with a more 'comfortable' fabric.  I am showing you both versions (above is the after; below is the before) of the naked block. 

This is my block with just the treated seams.  Below are some 'chicken scratch' scraps I did.

The little dress shown below is one I made for my daughter when she was around three years old.  My grandmother embroidered it.  My daughter is now in her 40s.  This border is the inspiration for the design on the apron on my CQ block.

Finally, below is a very small apron I made just a few years ago.  It was my first and only attempt at chicken scratch.  I was pretty pleased with it and always meant to try more of this embroidery.  It is fascinating seeing how changing the color of the embroidery can totally change the look of the design.  I found a photo of this heart design somewhere and wish I would have recorded where or who it came from so I could give credit where credit is due.  Same with the heart design shown above in green.

Chicken scratch has been around for a long, long time.  I have some aprons my grandmother stitched and remember her always working on her stitching.  Never did I imagine I would enjoy embroidery as much as she did.  I often wish she was still around so we could stitch together and I could learn from her mastery of the process.

I haven't decided what I am going to do for my CQJP 2015 April block.  I have a couple of projects that I have to get done before I start, so I can be thinking about it in the meantime.  We are heading a little south for the next few days, hoping for better weather although it is unseasonably warm for the next couple of days in Iowa - in the 60s.  I'm ready for spring!