On Thursday, Jan. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. the Ronceverte Public Library will offer an Embroidery Class teaching the basics of “Chicken Scratches.” Although the class itself is free, there is a fee of $7 for the materials used in the class. The fee includes, an embroidery hoop, a 21” square piece of gingham, a needle and two skeins of coordinating embroidery thread. The class will introduce participants to a beautiful and easy way to add something special to their home or to give as a gift.
This type of embroidery may also be referred to as cross stitch on gingham. Chicken Scratch embroidery has been around a very long time. According to the website, Needle & Thread, “There are extant examples of embroidery on gingham from as early as the 1800’s, but it was made more widely popular during the first half of the 1900’s, especially during The Great Depression, because it was an inexpensive and simple way to decorate gingham fabric.” (http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/44/chicken-scrAlchgingham-embroiderv-index.html)
Call the Ronceverte Public Library at 304-647-7400 for more information or to sign-up for the class or stop by the library at 712 W. Main Street, Ronceverte, during regular hours.