Oh dear, I've been at it again. When I say "it" I mean acting out on a slightly obsessive compulsion. In the past it's been the yo-yos, pin cushions and door stops but now it is birds. Yes folks, I have morphed into the sewing equivalent of an ornithologist.
I sometimes get wind in my sails 
and keep on at an idea until I run out of puff. As with most projects, it all started when I picked up a piece of fabric and smoothed it between my fingers. Then, I spotted an equally lovely but contrasting piece of fabric and felt that one up too. That was me done for.
Out came the ironing board, on went the sewing machine and out the window went all plans of clearing out drawers, sorting out cupboards and cleaning bathrooms. First I cut one, then five, then 20 fabric birds which I then went on to pin, sew, stuff and close. Oh the pleasure one can find in rummaging through a stash of fabric coming up with fabric combinations both weird and wonderful! Some are a little kooky, others are traditional matches made in textile heaven.
Bliss. I am totally in love with them. I have made loads of these before but there's something about this particular flock which makes me all gooey inside.
I'm going to perch some on little twigs and suspend them from the ceiling, I might just balance several on a large twig, or make birdie mobiles from them. I don't care if they never have a purpose other than to make me feel good. I know some of you see that as pointless, a la the dozens of yo-yos I made a few months back, but I see the pleasure they give me as a reason for their existence in themselves.
In saying that, who can think of another potential use for them? Crazy ideas welcome. Perhaps one could adorn a race day hat? Maybe I could pin them on to household pot plants? Should I stitch little French knots as eyes or leave them blind but beautiful?
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Hi P, so happy I made the flock. Did I mention Im in love with my birds?
I can see why you like making them, they are lovely!
Just given me an idea to hunt out my kiwiana fabric supply I collected about 5 years ago (is now buried somewhere at my mum's) and make a few (though I am currently collecting a supply to make some mice, I saw them in a craft book and can't get them out of my mind, super cute).
I think they would make a great mobile for a baby. I was also thinking they might be nice hung in a window (though I guess fading could be a problem), or with a ribbon through the top for Christmas decorations!
:-)
Wouldn't they look gorgeous perched in your Xmas tree - use some nice embroidery thread for loops and viola (plus you can feel all good about already being done with decorations and it's not even September!) Pat on the back and a glass of wine for you x
@ P, @ Colleen, could one of you link to the pattern, looks cute!
I think they're adorable, I'll have to start searching online for patterns. Makes me want to drag out the sewing machine that hasn't seen the light of day for some time!
@MJ, so sorry but actually i used a pattern I scored from a friend. Will ask if she got it online though....
The birds would make super-cute brooches too.
Is there a tutorial for these birds coming soon?
I have been planning to make birds and suspect on twigs from the ceiling too, and it looks like you found the same bird pattern that I found on the internet. I also thought of mobiles for babies. Nice and easy to sew also, and a great way to use of small scraps of cotton quilting fabrics (of which I have quiet a lot). Why not sew some eyes on using French knots, or small beads?