Birds and Zippers...

It was a lovely Saturday afternoon. The heat of the last couple of weeks had subsided and we were enjoying a cool spring breeze through the open windows and doors...perfect weather to play in the sewing room. Perfect day to begin making my birds for next weekend's Birdcage Sew-In.

I had a few leftover scraps from the Aviary fabric range (how perfect is that?!) and decided to use them for my birds, so I cut out the shapes and arranged colours...

All pretty florals...all lovely shabby chic colours. 

Next step was to sew around the birds and stuff them. But wait! I have no toy stuffing! Aaaaahhhh....what to do? Put them aside and buy the stuffing on Monday. 

I'm really disappointed by this stage because I had my heart set on some simple bird-making, but then an idea evolves (*love* evolving ideas, don't you?!)...why not cut another single bird shape and use it as an applique?

 Now, why not combine this applique with something that requires a zipper? At least that way I am finally making something for my own Zipper-Me-Up September Challenge! (have you made something yet??)

My first thought was another zippered pouch, but really that would not challenge me. I made a lot in July for Christmas gifts, and the purpose of this challenge is for me to keep working through zipper-phobia.

A new idea forms.

I'll make a cushion, and insert a blind zipper in the back of the cushion. Now, I've never done that before, so here goes...

Not bad! \o/

Now to finish the applique and the front of the cushion...

...maybe add a sweet glass bead for the birdie's eye...

 ...before I sew it all together!

It's going to look gorgeous in a white wicker chair...

Perhaps I'll add a pretty tassel to hang from the zip?

Then maybe it will end up on my bed. :-)

Either way, I love it!

This project helped me in a couple of ways. I got to try a blind zipper insertion, and whilst it may not be perfect to some, it is fabulous to me. The other bonus was finally using up the little scraps of Aviary that have been stored away for 'something'. In fact, I realised how much I really like this fabric range so I went online and bought a few fat quarters to make a matching cushion in the weeks ahead. 

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Now, back to the Birdcage Weekend Sew-In next Saturday and Sunday. 

Click on the button at the top right hand side of my blog to find the information, and also to access all the wonderful free bird making links. If you have last month's Homespun magazine you can use Sarah Saliba's pattern for the birds and cage if you like. 

My lovely friend Ruth is an avid crocheter, so she went hunting online to find me some bird patterns for those of you who like to dabble in wool and crochet hooking! Here are some of them that you will love...

From Attic24 (I LOVE this blog!!)...

Little Green has this cute robin, plus owls at the same link...

 Crochet Me even has a Dodo!

Plus you'll find many different crochet bird patterns HERE at Crochet Central.

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Have a lovely Sunday. We've enjoyed smoothies and malted raisin toast, and now I'm going to roast some vegetables for a pizza topping while we make the most of this slightly cooler weather. 

What are you up to?

Hugs

Jenny

xx