One of my favorite things about Spring is watching for the birds as they return to Minnesota after their winter vacations in warmer states. I can’t wait for The Eastern Bluebirds to return to their houses in our garden. So, when I saw this pattern on Pinterest, I couldn’t resist! As we plodded impatiently through our extra-long winter, I stitched a little bluebird for myself!
You can find the pattern at Spool HERE or HERE
It’s a darling pattern, but I made a few refinements and corrections...
First, you only need ONE Bird Belly:
Next, I made the bird’s head a bit larger and extended it down the back farther. When stitching the back of the bird’s head, extend the line as long as necessary to create a very smooth, tapered line—otherwise the head will be lumpy.
The final refinement: the pattern instructs you to stitch from tail to chest. Reverse that: sew from the chest point to the tail. When it is time to stitch the head, begin at this chest point again. This is important because the chest point is the critical point— where things need to line up perfectly. By beginning at that point you can control it with more precision. If the tail is a little off–it does not matter.
This is the point where everything must match precisely—start here:
Now that I have tested the pattern, I think I shall make a flock of birds: Baltimore Orioles, Red winged black birds, Blue-jays, Cardinals….
Maybe I’ll give them wings? I think I will be spending a bit of creative time in my Sewing NEST!
27 comments
Paula
Hi Lori, these birdies are to die for. Is there any chance I can get the pattern? the links are not working. You can email them to me, thank you! x
Lori Kennedy
Hi Paula, I guess they closed up shop–read https://whileshenaps.com/2014/05/what-happens-when-your-pattern-goes-viral-the-spool-bird.html
I will dig out my pattern an offer a link on my blog. I will try to do for Open Line Friday.
gardengirl92
Adorable! I love them! I saw some Eastern Bluebirds just a few days ago on vacation. They were almost as pretty as yours! 😉
theinboxjaunt
Aren’t they the prettiest little bird? I just love them–we have two houses for them in our garden and we are always delighted when they return!
gardengirl92
The color is so vibrant. I have feeders, but no houses in my yard. I may have to change that. 🙂
Sara
Attractive birdies!!
Judith
THANKS! IT WORKED!
theinboxjaunt
Thanks for letting me know!
theinboxjaunt
Yeah!
Joy
I’ve made a flock of these birds myself. I found an interesting branch on my property, hot glued the birds to it and hung it with fishing line from the ceiling in my studio. It was so uplifting to have them greet me each time I went to quilt.
theinboxjaunt
That sounds adorable! Any chance we could see it? If you send me an e-mail I could post it here.
theinboxjaunt
When I tried it again, it seemed to be working–but I added a slightly different link. Would someone let me know if that helps….I’m not sure what’s going on???
Judith
This is really cute – but – the link is not working today
linda j wilson
I made several of these for my Spring theme tree. They are adorable and I will include your changes/ideas with my next batch!
theinboxjaunt
I’d love to see your Spring birds! I’m still working on a way to hang them. Did you hang them or clip them?
kathy o
Oh – can they be any cuter??? no…you did an excellent job and thank you for testing the pattern for all of us!
Helen
Oh! Like the beautiful fabrics. They are going to be great. Here is link to my Bird Post done in fall colors. http://helenernst.blogspot.com/2011/11/fall-flock.html
Queenie
What a cute bird, I love the ribbon wings!
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie
theinboxjaunt
I think it is working now…
tanyiadeskins
oh and the link to the pattern does not appear to be working
theinboxjaunt
It appears to be working now.
theinboxjaunt
Oh. I will try to fix it. Thanks for letting me know.
Sent from my iPhone
tanyiadeskins
that blue and green is my ultimate favorite color combo! I really love your birdie! I would love to be able to gather enough courage to try something like this, it is just lovely, thank you for sharing the link!
I am stopping by from the WIP hop, hop on by if you can! http://domesticdeficitdisorder.blogspot.com/2013/06/wip-wednesday-june-4th-edition.html
theinboxjaunt
Love your colors!
sarah did it!
Adorable! I hope you’ll post more winged birds soon…
theinboxjaunt
I will try! Gives me an excuse to buy more ribbon!
Jan
Can’t wait to see it with wings. Don’t forget to show us.
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