Coquecigrues Collection

Definition and use of the word Coquecigrues

The first mention of a coquecigrue is attributed to the French satirical author, François Rabelais in his oeuvre Gargantua. Following his defeat by Grandgousier’s army, a witch predicts to Pichrochole that he will reclaim his kingdom when the Coquecigrues come – in other words, never.
Coquecigrues are supposedly a fantastical animal borne of a coq (cock), a cigogne (stork) and ciguë (hemlock), a plant particularly appreciated by this animal. Other sources claim that it is formed of three poultry birds, the cock, the stork and the grue (crane). Whatever, they are a totally imaginary animal, depicted in three different forms on our fabric. By extension, the word Coquecigrues refers to an absurdity, poppycock, nonsense, something that will never happen. A French phrase, watch the Coquecigrues fly could be translated into English as to build castles in the air. Los Caprichos by Goya is described by Théophile Gautier as a series of etchings where owls and Coquecigrues fly. Pierre-Henri Simon, in Les Raisins Verts (1950) describes « faces with three eyes, women with two heads, a whole fauna of monsters and Coquecigrues”. In more recent literary references, Coquecigrue is the name of the mischievous owl offered to Ron by Syrius Black to console him after the death of his rat.

Embroider the Coquecigrues print in cross stitch

Interpreted in cross stitch by Frédérique Crestin-Billet (Madame Sajou), the Coquecigrues motif in cross stitch is one of our best sellers. It is available on a clearly printed on a full-colour pattern chart with indications for a repeat motif, so you can sew it to any size you want. It is also available as a kit. The kit is complete with threads, 12 count linen fabric and backing fabric to make a 31 x 22cm cushion.
For beginners, there is a delightful little box with a lid to embroider, representing one of the Coquecigrues on the fabric, surrounded by some small flowers.

Embellishing our Coquecigrue fabric

We show you how to add an original touch to our Coquecigrues fabric by embellishing a few motifs with our Tonkin embroidery thread using traditional embroidery stitches. It is great fun to do and gives spectacular results!
See the video Embroider our Coquecigrues Fabric in Madame Sajou’s Diary.

Coquecigrues sewing set

Our complete sewing sets are great starter kits containing lots of quality haberdashery items. This version is covered in our Coquecigrues motif of course! It contains a pair of scissors, a thimble, a tape measure, a seam ripper, six cocoons of sewing thread, a pin box with a Coquecigrues label, a packet of sewing needles with the same motif, and cards for keeping ribbons and threads tidy.

Coquecigrues haberdashery accessories

Among the different accessories with this Coquecigrues motif, you can find a gorgeous little tin containing fine dressmakers pins, a booklet containing different textile needles, a large selection of 40 embroidery and sewing needles, a hand-made needle case in coated cotton, a scissor case, also in coated cotton and hand-made pumpkin style pin cushions.

Coquecigrues ribbons and bias binding

The Coquecigrues motif is available in 100% cotton bias binding (2cm) and on printed polyester twill ribbon. The coordinate check print is also available in both formats. These are perfect for making your own pouches, bags and even patchworks.

The Coquecigrues storage boxes

Our sewing set boxes are also available empty, including with our Coquecigrues motif. Give your atelier the total look with our small workshop boxes and larger project boxes. For all your little bits and bobs, nothing could be better than our little click-clack tins, available in two sizes. Not forgetting our box to embroider which, once embroidered, is perfect for storing all sorts of nick-nacks.

Coquecigrues accessories for the home

Our Coquecigrues fabrics in percale or coated cotton add a great touch of colour to your interior. We have aprons, tea towels or cushion covers, a large selection of bags, pouches for make up or sewing projects, pin cushions and scissor cases. But also hand towels and face cloths, notelets and even a fan! Some items are only available seasonally, some are in limited quantity, so keep your eyes open for new products.
You may be interested in two articles in Madame Sajou’s Diary related to our large cross stitch pattern chart dedicated to the Oberkampf Manufactory in Jouy-en-Josas who printed this marvellous Coquecigrues motif.

And also, the complete collection Museums and Heritage Toile de Jouy where you can find the Coquecigrues pattern and complete kit.