—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, February 4,1978 46 L D EYE f-c S i' w U Chickens (Continued from Page 44) The “chickens” were made of quilted calico and were designed to perch on a basket nest, which held warm bread or rolls. The wings of the calico birds opened so that one can reach in and help oneself to a fresh roll. Former county president Mrs. Robert Gregory spearheaded the efforts to make the centerpieces along with current county president Mrs. Carl Diller. The specific idea of a bun warmer for the centerpiece was suggested at a meeting of Society 22 where one of the calico chickens was given as a gift. Members quickly agreed that it would be a pretty, practical centerpiece idea, and from there it was only a matter of purchasing the fabric and setting aside a date to construct the chickens. A pattern was duplicated for Society 3 and the chickens began to take shape. Don’t chicken out make a calico hen like the Farm Women YORK - If these Farm Women look like they have a good idea, and you’d like to try to make a calico chicken yourself, don’t “chicken out” - try the following directions. You’ll need about a yard of calico or other print fabric, stuffing material (clean, worn nylon stockings or panty hose can be used), assorted trims or lace, and small pieces of red and white felt or other suitable material. Fold material, right sides together, and cut the hen pattern twice thi ough both layers of fabric. With right sides still together, stitch all around the hen shapes, leaving a small opening near the tail for turning the right sides out. Turn and Press. Pin together the two pressed hen shapes, then stitch through all four thicknesses, between the marked dots, around the heat and around the tail. Leave open the wing and bottom areas. Lightly stuff Both Societies worked independently, with members getting together for the work. In Society 3 one member contributed 15 drapery fabric chickens to the total. The project proved to be a popular one with both societies and those involved can attest to the good tipie had while making the warmers. the head and tail. Secure the stuffing by machine stit ching on the dotted lines. Do not stitch up through the wing. Wings will fold down the sides of the hen and can be trimmed around the edges with lace,' braid, or double fold seam tape. Cut two larger circles of red felt and two smaller circles of white felt for eye. Glue or stitch white on red circle, then glue or stitch eye to hen. Cut two combs from red felt, stitch together and sew atop head. Set a vase of greens or a small potted plant in the opening between the two wings. This pattern also makes a cuddly stuffed pet. Sew the four thicknesses all around, leaving only a small opening at the bottom. Stuff com pletely, close opening, and finish trimming as above. For complete washabihty, use fabrics other than felt for trim, and stitch all trims securely in place. 0* X f V u J