Sunday, September 19, 2010

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. 
~~~~~
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.
~~~~~
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

28 comments:

Vanina said...

Hermosos todos los pajaritos!!!
Acá en Argentina llega la primavera, sí que ya los estamos esperando!!!
Besos!!

Lurline said...

Love your birdie cushion!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Vicki ♥ said...

Your birds are georgous Jen and I love your cushion. It looks superb on the white cane wicker chair :)

Gee.....the Word Verification is winge...has to do with birds wings I reckon :)
hugs Vicki xoxoxx

Alice said...

Your cushion is gorgeous. The colors are just beautiful and I am impressed with that perfect zipper. I must practice zippers. Glad you are able to get lots of work done.
I am in love with that little robin. I also need to learn to crochet--there are so many cute things out there.
Thanks for sharing them.
L,A-

Maria said...

Love your birdie cushion and your zipper looks great to me.
Gorgeous different birdies, will go have a look.
Oh had brekkie at your favorite cafe this morning. Sounds like you had a lovely morning too.

Debbie said...

Jenny your cushion is so pretty, the zip is perfect!

Penny said...

Jenny, your cushion is too precious! Looks perfect on your white wicker chair :))

Country Nanny said...

Dear Jenny, I'm happy to see you're back again. Your birds are really gorgeous and make me think about spring...sigh...sob...here it's fall and today is a rainy day :(
Lots of love,
Elisa

Pam said...

Hi Jenny, I'm so glad you are feeling better and back blogging and creating again. I love your birdie cushion and love the fabrics you have used for your birdies. Very pretty.

chris, milatos said...

Love the birds and your cushion is perfect. Looks great on the wicker chair and the bed. Enjoy your day. Me I am off to the beach.

Катаринка said...

Это просто чудо !!!!
Очень красиво !!!!!
Катя из Сибири

Oddbjørg said...

Lovely birds and pincushion!

Natitxu said...

Me ha encantado ese cojin con el pajaro, es muy dulce. Besos

Abby and Stephanie said...

Very soft and tweet pillow. :o) You managed to combine both...birds and zippers.

Maggey and Jim said...

Love the birds. The pillow is gorgeous..and I really like the zipper concept..
Maggey

FlourishingPalms said...

As always, it's a treat to see the lovelies you've been making. You're so creative. A bird AND a zipper? Well THAT'S "killing two birds with one stone!" (Pun intended.)

I worshipped this morning too, singing "Great Jehovah" in the choir. The Holy Spirit made our song gorgeous with a number of wet eyes in the congregation, and in our choir, including me. It was awesome. Praise Him!

Anonymous said...

Great job on the invisible zipper, Jenny - wow, I don't think I've done one of those since 11th grade, back in 1970!!! It's usually been regular zips. Those birdies are sure cute, especially the dodo LOL
I'm glad your hands are getting better - it must be hard (but oh, so worth it, right) to give up foods we like -good for you.

Gerda in Alberta, Canada

Anonymous said...

ALmost forgot - what a cute cushion!! YOu have such great ideas.

Gerda in Alberta, Canada

Betty said...

Love your bird...so sweet and graceful! I'm wondering if that pattern available? So glad your are seeing and feeling improvement...healing following that surgery does take time!

Marja Rijnsburger said...

Love your cushion, the colors are so beautiful.
Marja

Sew Useful Designs said...

Ah sweetie that blind zipper is Perfick! And the Aviary cushiobn is gorgeous! It is a gorgeous fabric range isn't it? The colours are so serene. Those first little crochet birdies are so cute and quirky!
Catch you round like a fruit loop!!!
Hugs!! Vikki xoxo

Anonymous said...

I have too much on at the moment to join you in this challenge but I have to tell you that it is very hard not to jump on board when you share such beautiful work as this. (sigh)

Thanks for sharing the Attic 24 blog. I don't think I've seen it before and it's just gorgeous! I had to share with my oldest dd who emailed to say she really "needs" to crochet more. LOL

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Fabulous! Love that cushion girlfriend! Indeed it does look fantastic on white wicker and on your bed! Tomorrow is all about you on my blog. :)
xx, shell

Karen M said...

Stopped over here after visiting Shell of the Raspberry Rabbits. I'm so glad she featured you. I LOVE your work. The designs, colors, all beautiful. Looking forward to seeing all the birds.

manda said...

Love your cushion Jenny! I am glad your hands are better. Mayeb try rubbing some vitamin E oil into your scarred finger everyday, it just might ease the scarring a little bit.
I went searching the other week and found the little birdcages I'll be using. They are empty small cages bought in the after Xmas sales at Big W last year. They are meant to be tree ornaments, so I'll add some itty bitty birdies and see if I can make them into every day decorations instead!!
I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else is making!!
I have been working on xmas embroideries for a hanging quilt! And I'm having major surgery on the 14th Oct, the day befor my birthday! Oh dear... It will be a few days in hospital, but I need it done so who cares!!
Big hugs!!

manos de chicureo said...

Muy lindos tus pajaritos. El cojín quedó muy hermoso con las tela que usaste.
Saludos,
Yasmin

Judith Tetley said...

I love birdies so.....put me on the list please Jenny darling...I'll do my best to create a sweet one. Don't know about the bird cage though??
Hugs..Judith
http://creativestudio10.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Oh Jenny your cushion is gorgeous. Love the pattern & fabric.