I am loving your vlogmas series. I don’t care that there isn’t a ton of crafting/sewing going on in each video. It’s like catching up with a friend on her travels.
Great embroidery idea for the apron. If you have a modge podge of green and/red you could separate the strands and join 2 strands of different shades of the same color. You don't need to use 2 or 3 strands of the same color. If you kept the dark colors together and the lighter colors together you will still get the different values of dark and medium. That way the cohesiveness of your colors would go farther and you will not need to buy more thread. It would look variegated, more subtle. Not sure if I explained well you could Google using different colors of floss together. Embroidery artists do this. Can't wait to see.i may need a gingham apron in my life with chicken scratch. Never heard of this before. Enjoy your adventures...and thank you for taking us along for the ride! 🎄
Loving the little glimpses of the show, and my mind is blown by the logistics of setting up and packing up the whole kit ‘n caboodle every DAY ! The travelling electric saucepan thingy is a genius idea, have never seen anything like that - looks like you have the cooking-on-the-road routine down to a fine art! Can’t wait to see the chicken scratch apron project, I like how the little corner designs also kind of make a ❤heart shape if you turn it 90 degrees.
See, now you've got me wondering what a gingham skirt with a handkerchief-style hem would look like with this kind of embroidery motif around the bottom.
I just finished a chicken scratch embroidery chicken set on red gingham for an apron for my mom for Christmas based on a pattern I found in an antique store. It was so much more relaxing and fun to do than I thought it would be!
When I was a Freshman in High School, I was required (in Home Ed.) to make a gingham apron with chicken scratch on it for a grade. I earned an "A". That was about 62 years ago. Mom took the apron.
I really look forward to getting a notification that you have another vlogmas video out…you are such a breath of freshness, fresh air, happiness and all…I hope your folks can watch you during this time. They must be so proud of you. You are really keeping my spirits lifted this season. ❤ Apron - bib gets my vote. Love the ideas about snowflakes and trees. Take care, and sending you plenty good vibes. The pot… ooh, we use a Remoska which is very similar and we absolutely love it. 🎉❤😊
I just wanted to pop on and gush compliments on you. I have been watching your channel for most of this year. I only cottoned onto TH-cam this year as a platform to watch joyous content. My children have been quite embaressed by my lack of understanding of TH-cam. I can't believe it took me so long because content like yours has been a momentous, inspiring, joyful addition to my days. I am a big sewer, crafter, fibre artist and whatever else my hyperfixation brain sees. As a performer in my youth I love seeing glimpses of your circus life. I love your presentation style including your beautiful gesturing You just ooze passion and excitement. I have loved your historical video essays on things like wartime knitting, through to sewing adventures and now your Vlogness series. Thank you for sharing your life, as I am sure it also makes you vulnerable to not so nice people. You are bringing me so much joy. When I am crafting myself now, my kids laugh when I get into difficulty and ask me ""did you Shannon or Rachel this one". Meaning if I was channeling 'Shannon' I planned it out properly, or if I channelled 'Rachel Maksy' I just jumped in and ran with my excitement high without planning. Ha ha ha. Thank you again. Love your channel.
Thank you so much! Although I admit that I feel more like Rachel on this contract, just trying various things and not worrying too much about the planning (although perhaps with more patience for the follow through than she has; I enjoy the fiddly things and don't like to rush them!!)
Possibly the ultimate cheapskate “no hoop” hoop. Requires 4 safety pins, and the wearing of tough trousers of some kind. Jeans are ideal. Method: pin parts of your cloth to your jeans. Spread knees enough to tauten your cloth. Remember to rest before your legs cramp up! I think three snowflakes would be just enough and not too much.
I love this solution and it's absolutely my level of "Making Do" but unfortunately I neither have trousers/jeans, nor do I think this would work on the bus, which is where I've been doing a lot of it for the moment... but I do definitely pin most of my normal hand sewing to my pants for good tension!! Works a charm!
I think I like the look of the Bib and Brace style apron with big patch pockets, it always looks just that little bit more feminine. As for the embroidery, "KISS",,, one medium sized snowflake on the centre of the bib, and larger snowflakes on the pockets, with the lacey design across the hem of the skirt part, and maybe across the top of the bib, and over the shoulder straps...😊 Doing any kind of crafty stuff on the road can be a blessing and a curse. A blessing coz it keeps your hands busy and a curse trying to keep everything contained... I always have my crocheted "yarn on the arm" bag to put the skein of yarn I'm working with into. The pattern is from Jayda In Stitches. 😄 🙃🐨🇦🇺
I just love that all this vintage hand embroidery is coming back with you "youngsters". My grandmother did all of this and it reminds me of her so much. I personally do not care for the apron pattern you have, I don't feel it lends itself to the "Chicken Scratch" style. I do however love your pinafore apron or "No waste" apron you made- it will look amazing in the green gingham. I totally agree on eating out all the time - a homecooked meal is so much better and less expensive - lol!! That POT is amazing - will be looking for that - so you just need an electrical outlet for it to work? I love this series, all the towns and theatres and sightseeing - I am tired for you though. Stay healthy and keep up the great vlog. Can you post a schedule of your tour? Are you coming to the midwest?
I love the Christmas trees on the patch pockets idea. I prefer the pinafore style apron more than the cobbler apron. That placemat is lovely and a wonderful inspiration for the apron. I think your plan to use the chicken scratch pattern from the placemat, on the apron, will work perfectly! Charleston looks like a beautiful city. Visiting those southern cities at this time of year would be a bonus. Avoiding the horrible heat and humidity of summer and hopefully large crowds of tourist season. Especially doing walking tours like you do. Thanks again for taking us along on this adventure!
Echoing a few other comments here: a hoop is not always needed for embroidery. I find that if I'm working with a grid (such as with chicken scratch and some cross stitch), I like working without a hoop/frame better. As long as you're an experienced enough hand sewist/embroiderer to keep good stitch tension--and you clearly are--you'll be just fine without, though it's certainly a matter of personal preference. And no need to apologize for it being a less crafty vlog. You're on tour, which was bound to cause a bit of chaos as far as crafting plans. But you're still granting us the privilege of coming along for the ride, which is what both great tour vlogs and great vlogmas series do, at least in my opinion. I'm loving the peek into tour, and it's giving me some nostalgia for theater guild tech week while I was in college.
I love the idea of delicate little snowflakes scattered about on the green gingham. I don’t think it would be too gaudy and would add just a bit more whimsy.
That is absolutely my level of MacGyver-ing, and I adore it! I have, by this point, gotten one figured out, but highly appreciate the tip AND the ingenuity! 💯💯
A pinafore apron would probably be more useful and comfortable. What about working a few snowflakes into the border motif in between the red lacy bits? ❄️ ❄️❄️
I love the pot/hotplate thing. That's so cool. I would have loved something like that when I was in dorms in university--I lived in one building that had kitchens available for the students, but my first year in dorms I was in a building where we had a fridge, a microwave, and a sink, to be shared with something like 30 or 40 students.
I will probably actually be giving it away or listing it on my Ko-Fi, as I don't wear aprons that much, and don't have much space in my apartment... turns out I like making things far more than I have time to wear them all 🤣🤣 But I love rehoming my projects, so that's been fun!
Shannon - you are confidant & very skilled with hand stitching, and you know how to control the tension on your thread, so you can easily do chicken scratch embroidery without a hoop. It isn't a necessity. Just Go For It! 👍💪🤩
A hah...I thought that the cobbler's apron pattern looked familiar when you showed it before...my grandmother had that pattern and made an apron from it. A happy memory \(^-^)/.
I worked on hand sewing drawstring eyelets while enjoying your video. Thanks for the company and I look forward to seeing your crafting progress in your next video!
It really is a good idea to use an embroidery hoop to do chicken scratch. It can be done without , but you have better control with the hoop of not having unevenness in the stitch being too loose or too tight. Your apron is going to be gorgeous. I can’t wait. So fun to do .
Hi Shannon, I agree with all of your ideas and also prefer the 1940’s apron. It seems more appropriate with the chicken scratch. That tour of the dungeon looked fascinating. So enjoying your series. ❤
First, I’m loving your channel and ALL the content (crafting, travel, circus performing, thrifting, DIY, etc.)! My thoughts on the apron are to do the more traditional apron (not the cobblers apron), and I agree with your aesthetic of “less is more”, so maybe do either the snowflakes OR the Christmas trees on the pockets, but not both. Limited thread colors also a thumbs up from me. Hope you and your fellow performers are staying healthy and safe while on the road! Looking forward to the next video! ❤
I have done that kind of embroidery without a hoop. Simply wrap the gingham over your index finger & embroider the "X" or the indicated stitch for the little square on the fabric. I'm looking forward to seeing all of your projects. Thanks for another wonderful video.
I LOVED Charleston when I was there. I had over a month to run around, but I was there for work and on my own most of the time. I had no idea who Stede Bonnet was at the time, so didn't look for his grave or anything. I *did* go walking around the cemeteries quite a bit but that's because I'm a Scorpio born just after Halloween. ☺️ So much to see in Charleston. I love going on virtual adventures!!
Whatever you decide with the chicken scratch I'm looking forward to watching. I have some pillowcases that werey great grandmother's that she did chicken scratch borders. I've never thought of looking up if it's something I can learn until I saw your previous video mentioning it. 😅 Even with all my handicraft projects I dont know why I didn't think of it!
Charleston is a beautiful city, much like Savannah, rich in history and beautiful old homes and buildings. Glad you got to venture out and explore some of the sites. I would have thought, traveling would lend to eating out often as well. Sure saves time and is healthier to cook in the room like you're doing.
I like the Christmas trees, but I also like the snowflakes and making it more of a winter themed apron and not specifically Christmas. And, I think you should go with the apron pattern you initially liked.
I’ve done that tour. Love Charleston, can’t wait to see where you go next. I love the gingham and I think the anowflakes with the trees could be very lovely
I have my grandma's chicken scratch gingham apron. It's ancient and well used. She cut the hem in tessellations so it is staggered which is cool. She hemmed the edges with ricrac. I bought some new gingham to make a new one and now I MUST do it.
I also learnt chicken scratch well all embroidery without a hoop really we had to learn to stitch evenly and were graded on how even the stitches were, still mainly work without a hoop on all embroidery.loving the series and the stage and back stage views
I think doing the 1940s apron based on the one you have already done would be great. You won't see the corners on the hem, so why not sew them back to back in the middle of the hem as a feature. Love the idea of the Christmas trees on the pockets. I can't wait to see the finished item now.
I loved the tour of your travel kitchen essentials! I’ve used mini rice cookers for con cookery but that pot is on another level. I swear by my Minipresso and my kettle mug when traveling/camping for my coffee needs. I bring a frother for the crema but often I just warm the cup, splash it in and gun it. Also, I had no idea chicken scratch could look so delicate and lacy. The snowflake on the red gingham - stunning! The red star pattern reminded me of Moravian star embroidery I like the idea of just doing them in white and saving red for tiny accents instead.
I've never heard of chicken scratch embroidery. It's so cute! I want to try it! Thanks for sharing your project and I agree, you should use the classic apron.
Thanks for the wonderful vlogs you’re doing. I love the glimpses of circus life and in your creative hobbies. You are an amazing person. Regarding food: I really thought you would have your own restaurant on tour with you, or at least your own chef. The hard work you’re doing every night, your really should have proper food made available to you.
No way that having food provided on every show is within the budget... especially since we're moving cities every day often, there aren't any kitchens on site... Soleil only can do it on resident shows because the whole tent travels with them everywhere, and they're literal months in the same place!
When you mentioned chicken scratch embroidery in the first ep I was so intrigued! Not only did it seem like potentially beginner-friendly embroidery to me, it elevated gingham for me as well. I'd love to try this myself, just gotta find an excuse... I definitely agree with eating out all the time while travelling being overrated. It's expensive too, and a great way to learn about your local area is to visit the grocery store/local food outlets that aren't restaurants and take-out. It's where everyday people are going...well, every day, and food is an important part of culture, no matter how localised of a glimpse you're getting. (In my little area of the world, for example, the international sections of the same grocery chain vary by suburb, and you'd never know that unless you go into each store. Even by looking at the grocery chain online, you wouldn't be able to figure it out). Plus, the most creative thinking comes forth when presented with some limitations - in both cooking and sewing :D
The apron pattern is too busy at the bottom with all the pockets. Go with something with a simple straight forward design that will show off the embroidery without over powering it. Love the behind the scenes stuff. Marry Christmas! Best for the new year.
Considering the chicken scratch - you might consider doing the cobbler apron and do the frame motif on the pockets and a large tree on the center of the pinafore top. If you really want trees on the bottom, you could put small ones inside the frame. Also, when constructing the apron after you sew it - underline all the gingham with white broadcloth. This will help make the white contrast more, protect the back of the embroidery and also add some heft to the fabric to make the apron more usable. From the working perspective, you absolutely must use a good hoop - and watch your tension, as the gingham is much more loosely woven than the most fabrics you have embroidered on. Do a test swatch of the pattern - you may find you want to underline the gingham before you do the embroidery on it to keep you from stitching too tightly for the plain gingham. When stitching in a moving vehicle other than an airplane, I have found that really loose tension is difficult to manage.
Interesting ideas, thank you! Also lots of people in the comments have pretty good luck without a hoop (although I did end up finding one pretty easily, so I have one now) ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
I almost always prefer embroidering in hand to in a hoop, but that's personal preference and very much depends on the stiffness of the fabric. is doggo spending the Christmas season with their grand-humans? and with snow?
It looks like Minnesota is going to have a brown Christmas. The temperatures between the 23rd and the 25th are going to be in the forties. I could just cry.😢
Wow the designs of Chicken scratch is a whole new level to me! I'm a quilter and found a pattern of 9 blocks 20" square . After stitching 4 of them , all on different colours of gingham (;because it was the 70s lol) I gave up and sewed them together backed it making a table cloth for my grandmother for a present. ☺️ I'll be interested to learn how to do the green squares ...if you pick that one. Did I miss it, the fabric for the dress? Those pieces you liked on the dress are flanges as I know it but interested to know what they call it on the pattern in the 40s. Merry Vlogmas Shannon! 🎄🎶💞
I think it would be pretty neat to use your no-waste pattern for this project! And I think you could definitely do chicken scratch without a hoop, as many have said. Enjoying the road trip you're taking us on. ~m
The blue gingham chickenscratch looks like farm house style fancy; like an apron or kitchen linen that my grandmother migth use at christmas or easter 💖 Using red or green gingham would read plenty christmas-y to me. The red and green placemat looks to me like it has (simplified) poinsetta or amryllis flowers on it. Both on point for christmas in sweden. I would perhaps replace the christmas tree with the snowflake motif, and not use both. Only because I adore snowflake patterns.
Eating out gets so tiring when traveling, have to ever tried the coffee pot recipe’s? That would be a fun thing to try. The fact that you could have seen Watchhouse at that little theater!
I haven't heard of them specifically, or knew that there were recipes, although I've certainly made ramen in the hotel coffee pots before they switched them all out for the kind that don't actually get hot enough to make ramen 😭🍜
I loved this peek at Charleston and your days there. The antique mall by your parent's house looks so inviting too. Kudos to your company's hat designer, i think it was last video you did a slow pan of the hats on the table which we got a little glimpse of today. They are just stunning. An idea for a vlog - interview a coworker. Are there any other crafters in your troupe? 🌻🍄
I don’t live that far from Charleston but I’ve never done more than drive through on a trip elsewhere. You seem more excited by the bib style apron so I say go with that. And also the varieties of green will make it your own design instead of a direct copy which I think is more fun. That pot sounds pretty awesome, glad you found something that works. And not worried about the crafting, just pretty cool to see what you’re up to. Thank you for sharing ❤
If it's not too late to weigh in... you can never have too much embellishments at Christmas. As a confirmed maximalist, I highly recommend that you also do the snowflakes! I also like your preferred apron choice. The cobbler apron doesn't look very comfortable. I'm so terrible at commenting, but I really love your videos!
My husband and I went to see Cirque Dreams Holidaze in Pasadena, CA. I was disappointed that you weren't with that company, but I enjoyed the show nonetheless. Thank you for sharing your adventures, I enjoy seeing your crafting and your miscellaneous touring mishaps.
While I really love the cobbler's apron, and would love to see it made up, I think your no waste apron would be a better fit for this project. I did this type of embroidery growing up (I'm in the UK, and it wasn't called chicken scratch, but I can't remember what it was called 🙄), but we didn't use a hoop. If you wanted some tension you could just pin the end of the project to your jeans and work that way. I love the border design. Loving this Vlogmas Shannon, I look forward to each episode. Thank you.
Yay for snowflakes!! Just a few scattered over the bodice and a few on the skirt maybe? I think that would look great... Haven't listened to what you're exactly planning the apron for
Hi! This is the cobbler again. I would go with a classic style apron, not the cobbler one (even though I have a crush on its name, obviously), and I love the definition in the third pattern you mentioned, the one with the exact colours you brought. I hope my 2 cents help! I have to say, I really like the sneak peaks of the cities you visit, and I adore the pattern from 1948, such a great one! It looks cool, not too girly, it could almost be something Katharine Hepburn could wear if you would change the skirt into trousers. I always check the thrift store when I am visiting my parents village for notions, my family has started making fun of me. I am happy not to live near the store you showed, because it would be hard to contain my inner hoarder, those buttons ugh! How do you do it! :o
I think the second pattern you showed, S1221, would be much more suitable for the chicken scratch. Love your ideas for the layout! Though if you do put embroidery on the pocket patches, be sure to line the patch, so you don’t catch your fingers on the back of the embroidery.
Yes, I was going to be leave a big enough hem to cover the embroidery on the back of the hem, and will also line the pockets for the same reason! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Sound is much better this time around. As I said last time, before you had to take it down for sound issues, I love the idea of a whimsy aparon. With the Christmas treats pockets and the lacy embroidery along the hem and top. I kinda think that the snowflakes might make it too busy. Unless you want a separate winter theme with snowflakes. That would be pretty too. I actually have two aprons that I plan on doing. First I see to take apart my other apron and fix it and give it a new dye job. The color I originally dyed it just feels too loud for working on the homestead. So I'm thinking midnight or navy blue instead of the teal I have. The second I want to get in touch with my Scandinavian ancestory try my hand at Hardanger embroidery. That would be my house and cooking apron. Anyways I'm totally loving the Vlogmas series and looking forward to the next. Hopefully you will get a embroidery hoop soon and get started on your chicken scratch embroidery. I do have two questions though. 1. Did you soak in that giant jacuzzi tub? And 2. Did the tour guide come see you guys perform?
No, we didn't use the jacuzzi tub (didn't want to try and sleep in a moist room afterwards, although others did and said the ventilation was so good that it wasn't a problem), and I don't know if he came, we all had to pack up right after the show!
the no waste apron! imo it's so much cuter than the more utilitarian full coverage top one. You could draw the pattern on the fabric and not cut it up until you're ready to sew it up? (you've made it before you you know that the measurements will work) Might be easier to embroider and you won't be dealing with fraying edges
For the top of the apron, you could do a snow flake in the center, then just one row of the red lacy bit on each side. Smaller, delicate, 10:47 and balanced. Just my opinion
That cookpot is sweet! Wish I'd known of them before I moved across the country. Five days eating salads from my cooler wasn't bad, but it would have been nice to have a bit more options. Oh yeah, and it would've been super handy when I moved into my current home, which didn't have a stove for a while! The pinafore style apron is my favorite. I'd do the border & Christmas tree pockets first, and then see if you can work in a few random snowflakes here and there without making it too crazy. A little bit of the border pattern along the tie might be nice too, can't remember if you said you were doing that. 🙂
Dear Charleston, if you need any more bricks counted, hit me up. My rates are reasonable, and my results are on par with what you've come to expect from brick counters in the area. 🤣
Hello Shannon, I agree with the majority on the "no waste apron style and I agree with you on the design. Phew that was easy. I was a bit confused at the start of the Vlog, I thought you were saying the embroidery was too "Godly" for you!? Please excuse my Aussie ear. I worked it out in the end. Finally, thank you sharing a part of the U.S.A that doesn't appear on my radar. It looks loovely. Go Well.
I am loving your vlogmas series. I don’t care that there isn’t a ton of crafting/sewing going on in each video. It’s like catching up with a friend on her travels.
Thank you! I love that thought! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Great embroidery idea for the apron. If you have a modge podge of green and/red you could separate the strands and join 2 strands of different shades of the same color. You don't need to use 2 or 3 strands of the same color. If you kept the dark colors together and the lighter colors together you will still get the different values of dark and medium. That way the cohesiveness of your colors would go farther and you will not need to buy more thread. It would look variegated, more subtle. Not sure if I explained well you could Google using different colors of floss together. Embroidery artists do this. Can't wait to see.i may need a gingham apron in my life with chicken scratch. Never heard of this before. Enjoy your adventures...and thank you for taking us along for the ride! 🎄
Ooh blending the colours is a terrific idea!
Thank you, interesting idea!! I'll look into it!
I think the bib style apron suits the decade of chicken scratch better. And I love your ideas for the design.
Thank you! I agree :-D
Loving the little glimpses of the show, and my mind is blown by the logistics of setting up and packing up the whole kit ‘n caboodle every DAY !
The travelling electric saucepan thingy is a genius idea, have never seen anything like that - looks like you have the cooking-on-the-road routine down to a fine art! Can’t wait to see the chicken scratch apron project, I like how the little corner designs also kind of make a ❤heart shape if you turn it 90 degrees.
♥️🎄♥️🎄
See, now you've got me wondering what a gingham skirt with a handkerchief-style hem would look like with this kind of embroidery motif around the bottom.
You should try one!! (also I literally just filmed a Vintage Pattern of the Day segment that has a handkerchief-style hem, that's so funny)
I love this idea so much! I think it would be so cute!
yessssssssssssss surely it'd be super cute!
I was taught to do chicken scratch in the hand, no hoop required! Love all the motifs you found and the full-skirted apron.
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You are a delightful creator, thank you for your channel❤
You are very welcome, glad you're enjoying it ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Snowflakes on the pockets! 🤓🥰🌟
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I absolutely loved your no waste apron. What a great idea to incorporate Christmas. You did such a fine job on it. The style is timeless.
Thank you! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
I just finished a chicken scratch embroidery chicken set on red gingham for an apron for my mom for Christmas based on a pattern I found in an antique store. It was so much more relaxing and fun to do than I thought it would be!
That's so cool! And yes, it's SUPER relaxing!!
Definitely think the no waste apron would look super cute in the gingham with chicken scratch on it.
Thank you! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
When I was a Freshman in High School, I was required (in Home Ed.) to make a gingham apron with chicken scratch on it for a grade. I earned an "A". That was about 62 years ago. Mom took the apron.
Nice!! well, except for the part where your Mom stole it! 🤣
I really look forward to getting a notification that you have another vlogmas video out…you are such a breath of freshness, fresh air, happiness and all…I hope your folks can watch you during this time. They must be so proud of you. You are really keeping my spirits lifted this season. ❤ Apron - bib gets my vote. Love the ideas about snowflakes and trees. Take care, and sending you plenty good vibes. The pot… ooh, we use a Remoska which is very similar and we absolutely love it. 🎉❤😊
Yay! Thank you!♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Ha! I was screaming pockets! just before you said it! 😂, love your videos! keep them coming!
hahahah yessss! Gotta have pockets, especially on an apron! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
I just wanted to pop on and gush compliments on you. I have been watching your channel for most of this year. I only cottoned onto TH-cam this year as a platform to watch joyous content. My children have been quite embaressed by my lack of understanding of TH-cam. I can't believe it took me so long because content like yours has been a momentous, inspiring, joyful addition to my days. I am a big sewer, crafter, fibre artist and whatever else my hyperfixation brain sees. As a performer in my youth I love seeing glimpses of your circus life. I love your presentation style including your beautiful gesturing You just ooze passion and excitement. I have loved your historical video essays on things like wartime knitting, through to sewing adventures and now your Vlogness series. Thank you for sharing your life, as I am sure it also makes you vulnerable to not so nice people. You are bringing me so much joy. When I am crafting myself now, my kids laugh when I get into difficulty and ask me ""did you Shannon or Rachel this one". Meaning if I was channeling 'Shannon' I planned it out properly, or if I channelled 'Rachel Maksy' I just jumped in and ran with my excitement high without planning. Ha ha ha. Thank you again. Love your channel.
Thank you so much! Although I admit that I feel more like Rachel on this contract, just trying various things and not worrying too much about the planning (although perhaps with more patience for the follow through than she has; I enjoy the fiddly things and don't like to rush them!!)
Oh heavens, my children were raised in Charleston. Many school trips touring the area's sights are well remembered.
Nice!!
The Gingham decoration ideas look like fun project. I never even considered how good the little squares would be for patterning!
Possibly the ultimate cheapskate “no hoop” hoop. Requires 4 safety pins, and the wearing of tough trousers of some kind. Jeans are ideal. Method: pin parts of your cloth to your jeans. Spread knees enough to tauten your cloth. Remember to rest before your legs cramp up! I think three snowflakes would be just enough and not too much.
I love this solution and it's absolutely my level of "Making Do" but unfortunately I neither have trousers/jeans, nor do I think this would work on the bus, which is where I've been doing a lot of it for the moment... but I do definitely pin most of my normal hand sewing to my pants for good tension!! Works a charm!
I think I like the look of the Bib and Brace style apron with big patch pockets, it always looks just that little bit more feminine.
As for the embroidery, "KISS",,, one medium sized snowflake on the centre of the bib, and larger snowflakes on the pockets, with the lacey design across the hem of the skirt part, and maybe across the top of the bib, and over the shoulder straps...😊
Doing any kind of crafty stuff on the road can be a blessing and a curse. A blessing coz it keeps your hands busy and a curse trying to keep everything contained...
I always have my crocheted "yarn on the arm" bag to put the skein of yarn I'm working with into. The pattern is from Jayda In Stitches. 😄
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I just love that all this vintage hand embroidery is coming back with you "youngsters". My grandmother did all of this and it reminds me of her so much. I personally do not care for the apron pattern you have, I don't feel it lends itself to the "Chicken Scratch" style. I do however love your pinafore apron or "No waste" apron you made- it will look amazing in the green gingham. I totally agree on eating out all the time - a homecooked meal is so much better and less expensive - lol!! That POT is amazing - will be looking for that - so you just need an electrical outlet for it to work? I love this series, all the towns and theatres and sightseeing - I am tired for you though. Stay healthy and keep up the great vlog. Can you post a schedule of your tour? Are you coming to the midwest?
There is a schedule of the tour up on my Instagram (it's saved as a Highlight), but I can try to post it on my community tab as well
@@ShannonMakes thank you for the response, i will look for it there :)
I love the Christmas trees on the patch pockets idea. I prefer the pinafore style apron more than the cobbler apron. That placemat is lovely and a wonderful inspiration for the apron. I think your plan to use the chicken scratch pattern from the placemat, on the apron, will work perfectly!
Charleston looks like a beautiful city. Visiting those southern cities at this time of year would be a bonus. Avoiding the horrible heat and humidity of summer and hopefully large crowds of tourist season. Especially doing walking tours like you do. Thanks again for taking us along on this adventure!
♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄 You're welcome!
Echoing a few other comments here: a hoop is not always needed for embroidery. I find that if I'm working with a grid (such as with chicken scratch and some cross stitch), I like working without a hoop/frame better. As long as you're an experienced enough hand sewist/embroiderer to keep good stitch tension--and you clearly are--you'll be just fine without, though it's certainly a matter of personal preference.
And no need to apologize for it being a less crafty vlog. You're on tour, which was bound to cause a bit of chaos as far as crafting plans. But you're still granting us the privilege of coming along for the ride, which is what both great tour vlogs and great vlogmas series do, at least in my opinion. I'm loving the peek into tour, and it's giving me some nostalgia for theater guild tech week while I was in college.
Yea, if I don't find a hoop quickly/easily, that's what I'll do!! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
I love the idea of delicate little snowflakes scattered about on the green gingham. I don’t think it would be too gaudy and would add just a bit more whimsy.
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I made a makeshift hoop in a pinch once for a small project - out of a peanut butter top with the middle cut out and some zip ties. Hope this helps.
That is absolutely my level of MacGyver-ing, and I adore it! I have, by this point, gotten one figured out, but highly appreciate the tip AND the ingenuity! 💯💯
A pinafore apron would probably be more useful and comfortable.
What about working a few snowflakes into the border motif in between the red lacy bits? ❄️ ❄️❄️
I will see how much brain power I have for patterning!! Good idea!
I love the pot/hotplate thing. That's so cool. I would have loved something like that when I was in dorms in university--I lived in one building that had kitchens available for the students, but my first year in dorms I was in a building where we had a fridge, a microwave, and a sink, to be shared with something like 30 or 40 students.
Very practical when in certain situations!!
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I love your zero waste apron! But you're the one who will be wearing it, so go with what you like the best!!
I will probably actually be giving it away or listing it on my Ko-Fi, as I don't wear aprons that much, and don't have much space in my apartment... turns out I like making things far more than I have time to wear them all 🤣🤣 But I love rehoming my projects, so that's been fun!
Shannon - you are confidant & very skilled with hand stitching, and you know how to control the tension on your thread, so you can easily do chicken scratch embroidery without a hoop.
It isn't a necessity.
Just Go For It!
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Yes, if I can't easily find a hoop, that's what I'll do
I’m from Michigan and I’m familiar with that theater!
Nice! That's so fun!!
You can tour the Provost dungeons at night, very spooky. My kids did it and said there were a lot of strange things going on!
ooooh that's so fun!!
A hah...I thought that the cobbler's apron pattern looked familiar when you showed it before...my grandmother had that pattern and made an apron from it. A happy memory \(^-^)/.
Oh, that's so cool!!
I worked on hand sewing drawstring eyelets while enjoying your video. Thanks for the company and I look forward to seeing your crafting progress in your next video!
Oooh, nice!! You're welcome for the company, see you tomorrow!! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Yeah, chicken scratch. I learned the Pegasus band patterns in middle school home economics back in 1989.
That's wild, very fun!!!
It really is a good idea to use an embroidery hoop to do chicken scratch. It can be done without , but you have better control with the hoop of not having unevenness in the stitch being too loose or too tight. Your apron is going to be gorgeous. I can’t wait. So fun to do .
I do think I could manage without, but with all the traveling and such, if I can easily get my hands on one, I think that's what I'll go for!
I really hope you do this again this year! Its so fun and cozy!
Charleston is a great place to visit, really enjoyed it... I did chicken scratch in the past & now you have made me want to try it again!!!❤❤❤❤❤
You could also do several trees in just green and then have one 'decorated' tree to highlight it. I love the boarder pattern! 💜
Very true, very true... if I was doing a long table runner, that's 1000% what I'd do, make the center tree "decorated"!! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Hi Shannon, I agree with all of your ideas and also prefer the 1940’s apron. It seems more appropriate with the chicken scratch. That tour of the dungeon looked fascinating. So enjoying your series. ❤
Thank you!! ♥️🎄♥️
First, I’m loving your channel and ALL the content (crafting, travel, circus performing, thrifting, DIY, etc.)! My thoughts on the apron are to do the more traditional apron (not the cobblers apron), and I agree with your aesthetic of “less is more”, so maybe do either the snowflakes OR the Christmas trees on the pockets, but not both. Limited thread colors also a thumbs up from me. Hope you and your fellow performers are staying healthy and safe while on the road! Looking forward to the next video! ❤
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I have done that kind of embroidery without a hoop. Simply wrap the gingham over your index finger & embroider the "X" or the indicated stitch for the little square on the fabric. I'm looking forward to seeing all of your projects. Thanks for another wonderful video.
thank you! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Snowflakes- yes please ☃️
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I LOVED Charleston when I was there. I had over a month to run around, but I was there for work and on my own most of the time. I had no idea who Stede Bonnet was at the time, so didn't look for his grave or anything. I *did* go walking around the cemeteries quite a bit but that's because I'm a Scorpio born just after Halloween. ☺️ So much to see in Charleston. I love going on virtual adventures!!
Yes, it was so much fun, I'd definitely go back for more!
Whatever you decide with the chicken scratch I'm looking forward to watching. I have some pillowcases that werey great grandmother's that she did chicken scratch borders. I've never thought of looking up if it's something I can learn until I saw your previous video mentioning it. 😅 Even with all my handicraft projects I dont know why I didn't think of it!
tomorrow's video!!! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
I forgot this. If you want to work hoopless you can also treat your fabric with spray starch and ironing the area you will be embroidering.
Yessss, if I was in Montreal, I totally would - I have some spray starch there for just such an occasion!
That pot looks great
Very practical in certain situations!
Charleston is a beautiful city, much like Savannah, rich in history and beautiful old homes and buildings. Glad you got to venture out and explore some of the sites. I would have thought, traveling would lend to eating out often as well. Sure saves time and is healthier to cook in the room like you're doing.
I like the Christmas trees, but I also like the snowflakes and making it more of a winter themed apron and not specifically Christmas. And, I think you should go with the apron pattern you initially liked.
Thank you! ♥️🎄♥️
I’ve done that tour. Love Charleston, can’t wait to see where you go next. I love the gingham and I think the anowflakes with the trees could be very lovely
I LOVE anything to do with pirates. Would have loved that tour. I am trying chicken scratch embroidery this week. It is so fun, beautiful and easy.
I do love a good chicken scratch project!
I have my grandma's chicken scratch gingham apron. It's ancient and well used. She cut the hem in tessellations so it is staggered which is cool. She hemmed the edges with ricrac. I bought some new gingham to make a new one and now I MUST do it.
Yes, do it!! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
I also learnt chicken scratch well all embroidery without a hoop really we had to learn to stitch evenly and were graded on how even the stitches were, still mainly work without a hoop on all embroidery.loving the series and the stage and back stage views
I think doing the 1940s apron based on the one you have already done would be great. You won't see the corners on the hem, so why not sew them back to back in the middle of the hem as a feature. Love the idea of the Christmas trees on the pockets. I can't wait to see the finished item now.
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Snowflakes at the end of the apron strings could be cute.
true!!
My mom used to have an apron with gingham embroidery. Maybe I give it a go too! Thank you for planting the idea :)
Definitely do, it's very relaxing! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
I loved the tour of your travel kitchen essentials! I’ve used mini rice cookers for con cookery but that pot is on another level.
I swear by my Minipresso and my kettle mug when traveling/camping for my coffee needs. I bring a frother for the crema but often I just warm the cup, splash it in and gun it.
Also, I had no idea chicken scratch could look so delicate and lacy. The snowflake on the red gingham - stunning! The red star pattern reminded me of Moravian star embroidery I like the idea of just doing them in white and saving red for tiny accents instead.
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I've never heard of chicken scratch embroidery. It's so cute! I want to try it! Thanks for sharing your project and I agree, you should use the classic apron.
Thank you, and it's very enjoyable, you certainly should try it!! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Thanks for the wonderful vlogs you’re doing. I love the glimpses of circus life and in your creative hobbies. You are an amazing person.
Regarding food: I really thought you would have your own restaurant on tour with you, or at least your own chef. The hard work you’re doing every night, your really should have proper food made available to you.
No way that having food provided on every show is within the budget... especially since we're moving cities every day often, there aren't any kitchens on site... Soleil only can do it on resident shows because the whole tent travels with them everywhere, and they're literal months in the same place!
When you mentioned chicken scratch embroidery in the first ep I was so intrigued! Not only did it seem like potentially beginner-friendly embroidery to me, it elevated gingham for me as well. I'd love to try this myself, just gotta find an excuse...
I definitely agree with eating out all the time while travelling being overrated. It's expensive too, and a great way to learn about your local area is to visit the grocery store/local food outlets that aren't restaurants and take-out. It's where everyday people are going...well, every day, and food is an important part of culture, no matter how localised of a glimpse you're getting. (In my little area of the world, for example, the international sections of the same grocery chain vary by suburb, and you'd never know that unless you go into each store. Even by looking at the grocery chain online, you wouldn't be able to figure it out). Plus, the most creative thinking comes forth when presented with some limitations - in both cooking and sewing :D
I like the 1940's apron with the border!
Thank you! ♥️🎄♥️
I feel that the blue apron pattern from the 1940s Vintage will go well with the green grid on your fabric :)
Agreed! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
The apron pattern is too busy at the bottom with all the pockets. Go with something with a simple straight forward design that will show off the embroidery without over powering it. Love the behind the scenes stuff. Marry Christmas! Best for the new year.
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Considering the chicken scratch - you might consider doing the cobbler apron and do the frame motif on the pockets and a large tree on the center of the pinafore top. If you really want trees on the bottom, you could put small ones inside the frame. Also, when constructing the apron after you sew it - underline all the gingham with white broadcloth. This will help make the white contrast more, protect the back of the embroidery and also add some heft to the fabric to make the apron more usable.
From the working perspective, you absolutely must use a good hoop - and watch your tension, as the gingham is much more loosely woven than the most fabrics you have embroidered on. Do a test swatch of the pattern - you may find you want to underline the gingham before you do the embroidery on it to keep you from stitching too tightly for the plain gingham. When stitching in a moving vehicle other than an airplane, I have found that really loose tension is difficult to manage.
Interesting ideas, thank you! Also lots of people in the comments have pretty good luck without a hoop (although I did end up finding one pretty easily, so I have one now) ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
I almost always prefer embroidering in hand to in a hoop, but that's personal preference and very much depends on the stiffness of the fabric.
is doggo spending the Christmas season with their grand-humans? and with snow?
It looks like Minnesota is going to have a brown Christmas. The temperatures between the 23rd and the 25th are going to be in the forties. I could just cry.😢
@sallythekolcat your question will be answered tomorrow! And @damogranheart5521, that's so sad 😭😭 pour one out for Cannelle's sake!
I love the original lacy border and you could make the little flowers red
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Wow the designs of Chicken scratch is a whole new level to me! I'm a quilter and found a pattern of 9 blocks 20" square . After stitching 4 of them , all on different colours of gingham (;because it was the 70s lol) I gave up and sewed them together backed it making a table cloth for my grandmother for a present. ☺️ I'll be interested to learn how to do the green squares ...if you pick that one. Did I miss it, the fabric for the dress? Those pieces you liked on the dress are flanges as I know it but interested to know what they call it on the pattern in the 40s.
Merry Vlogmas Shannon! 🎄🎶💞
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I love Charleston SC and can't wait to go back there. So much to see and do. I live an hour away from Charleston WV
Yes, it was very enjoyable, so much history!
I think it would be pretty neat to use your no-waste pattern for this project! And I think you could definitely do chicken scratch without a hoop, as many have said. Enjoying the road trip you're taking us on. ~m
yes, if I don't easily find one, that's what I'll do!!! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Soooooo enjoying this series
yay, love that! ♥️🎄♥️
The blue gingham chickenscratch looks like farm house style fancy; like an apron or kitchen linen that my grandmother migth use at christmas or easter 💖 Using red or green gingham would read plenty christmas-y to me. The red and green placemat looks to me like it has (simplified) poinsetta or amryllis flowers on it. Both on point for christmas in sweden. I would perhaps replace the christmas tree with the snowflake motif, and not use both. Only because I adore snowflake patterns.
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i used to have chicken scratch aprons. i think i donated them. but i like the simplicity pattern the best.
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Eating out gets so tiring when traveling, have to ever tried the coffee pot recipe’s? That would be a fun thing to try. The fact that you could have seen Watchhouse at that little theater!
I haven't heard about coffee pot cooking although I have made instant rice and macaroni in my coffee pot when my stove gave up the ghost.
I haven't heard of them specifically, or knew that there were recipes, although I've certainly made ramen in the hotel coffee pots before they switched them all out for the kind that don't actually get hot enough to make ramen 😭🍜
15:40 Ooooooo I didn't know that existed. That's awesome
You could do one pocket of the apron with a christmas tree and the other one with snow flakes.
I loved this peek at Charleston and your days there. The antique mall by your parent's house looks so inviting too. Kudos to your company's hat designer, i think it was last video you did a slow pan of the hats on the table which we got a little glimpse of today. They are just stunning. An idea for a vlog - interview a coworker. Are there any other crafters in your troupe? 🌻🍄
♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄thank you!
Use the pinafore style apron. I love the snow flakes but I think you should leave them off.
I don’t live that far from Charleston but I’ve never done more than drive through on a trip elsewhere. You seem more excited by the bib style apron so I say go with that. And also the varieties of green will make it your own design instead of a direct copy which I think is more fun. That pot sounds pretty awesome, glad you found something that works. And not worried about the crafting, just pretty cool to see what you’re up to. Thank you for sharing ❤
♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄 thank you!
If it's not too late to weigh in... you can never have too much embellishments at Christmas. As a confirmed maximalist, I highly recommend that you also do the snowflakes! I also like your preferred apron choice. The cobbler apron doesn't look very comfortable. I'm so terrible at commenting, but I really love your videos!
Bib or zero waste apron it is for me. Amazing how you manage to cook!
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My husband and I went to see Cirque Dreams Holidaze in Pasadena, CA. I was disappointed that you weren't with that company, but I enjoyed the show nonetheless. Thank you for sharing your adventures, I enjoy seeing your crafting and your miscellaneous touring mishaps.
You're welcome! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Lot of good ideas! I don’t sew but very interesting 😊
While I really love the cobbler's apron, and would love to see it made up, I think your no waste apron would be a better fit for this project. I did this type of embroidery growing up (I'm in the UK, and it wasn't called chicken scratch, but I can't remember what it was called 🙄), but we didn't use a hoop. If you wanted some tension you could just pin the end of the project to your jeans and work that way. I love the border design. Loving this Vlogmas Shannon, I look forward to each episode. Thank you.
Yes, if I can't easily find a hoop, I will definitely do without!! Thank you! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Yay for snowflakes!! Just a few scattered over the bodice and a few on the skirt maybe? I think that would look great... Haven't listened to what you're exactly planning the apron for
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I love this video! fun to see the travel and show bits.
Thank you!
Hi! This is the cobbler again. I would go with a classic style apron, not the cobbler one (even though I have a crush on its name, obviously), and I love the definition in the third pattern you mentioned, the one with the exact colours you brought. I hope my 2 cents help! I have to say, I really like the sneak peaks of the cities you visit, and I adore the pattern from 1948, such a great one! It looks cool, not too girly, it could almost be something Katharine Hepburn could wear if you would change the skirt into trousers. I always check the thrift store when I am visiting my parents village for notions, my family has started making fun of me. I am happy not to live near the store you showed, because it would be hard to contain my inner hoarder, those buttons ugh! How do you do it! :o
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Looking forward to your next Vlogmas they have been a joy so far 🎄❣️
Oh thank you! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
I just found your videos, and am really enjoying them Thank You.
You’re welcome! So glad you like them!
For the gingham I would use the 2nd style of apron.
So fun!
I think the second pattern you showed, S1221, would be much more suitable for the chicken scratch. Love your ideas for the layout! Though if you do put embroidery on the pocket patches, be sure to line the patch, so you don’t catch your fingers on the back of the embroidery.
Yes, I was going to be leave a big enough hem to cover the embroidery on the back of the hem, and will also line the pockets for the same reason! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
Sound is much better this time around. As I said last time, before you had to take it down for sound issues, I love the idea of a whimsy aparon. With the Christmas treats pockets and the lacy embroidery along the hem and top. I kinda think that the snowflakes might make it too busy. Unless you want a separate winter theme with snowflakes. That would be pretty too. I actually have two aprons that I plan on doing. First I see to take apart my other apron and fix it and give it a new dye job. The color I originally dyed it just feels too loud for working on the homestead. So I'm thinking midnight or navy blue instead of the teal I have. The second I want to get in touch with my Scandinavian ancestory try my hand at Hardanger embroidery. That would be my house and cooking apron. Anyways I'm totally loving the Vlogmas series and looking forward to the next. Hopefully you will get a embroidery hoop soon and get started on your chicken scratch embroidery. I do have two questions though. 1. Did you soak in that giant jacuzzi tub? And 2. Did the tour guide come see you guys perform?
No, we didn't use the jacuzzi tub (didn't want to try and sleep in a moist room afterwards, although others did and said the ventilation was so good that it wasn't a problem), and I don't know if he came, we all had to pack up right after the show!
the no waste apron! imo it's so much cuter than the more utilitarian full coverage top one. You could draw the pattern on the fabric and not cut it up until you're ready to sew it up? (you've made it before you you know that the measurements will work) Might be easier to embroider and you won't be dealing with fraying edges
true! ♥️🎄♥️
For the top of the apron, you could do a snow flake in the center, then just one row of the red lacy bit on each side. Smaller, delicate, 10:47 and balanced. Just my opinion
Oooh, I'll think about that, for sure!!
I vote bibbed apron with snowflakes on the pockets rather than trees. Loving all the content. Merry Christmas Shannon.
Merry Christmas! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
That cookpot is sweet! Wish I'd known of them before I moved across the country. Five days eating salads from my cooler wasn't bad, but it would have been nice to have a bit more options. Oh yeah, and it would've been super handy when I moved into my current home, which didn't have a stove for a while! The pinafore style apron is my favorite. I'd do the border & Christmas tree pockets first, and then see if you can work in a few random snowflakes here and there without making it too crazy. A little bit of the border pattern along the tie might be nice too, can't remember if you said you were doing that. 🙂
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i love this. You are in my City in this video!
Nice!!
Ive seen that kind of embroideryon aprons at consignment stores and never knew what it was called.
well now you do!! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄
My mother made me a gingham dress. It was gathered in with cross stitch and my grandmother tatted a collar.
Sounds adorable1
Dear Charleston, if you need any more bricks counted, hit me up. My rates are reasonable, and my results are on par with what you've come to expect from brick counters in the area. 🤣
omg, I laughed so hard at this one, everyone on the bus looked at me funny
Hello Shannon, I agree with the majority on the "no waste apron style and I agree with you on the design. Phew that was easy. I was a bit confused at the start of the Vlog, I thought you were saying the embroidery was too "Godly" for you!? Please excuse my Aussie ear. I worked it out in the end. Finally, thank you sharing a part of the U.S.A that doesn't appear on my radar. It looks loovely. Go Well.
"gaudy" 🤣 also my fault for not having time to tweak the closed captions! ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄