In the early spring our backyard is a flurry of activity,
with our permanent residents of Wrens, Chickadees, Cardinals and Tufted Titmice,
and then with the Goldfinches descending in droves on their way North. During this time, the ambitious little brown
bird with an attitude (Wren), is building four or five nests. After this is done, one nest is chosen for
the eggs and in which to raise their family.
When our
children were small, one of their favorite books was “The Best Nest” by P. D.
Eastman. In this delightful story, Mr.
Bird sings a song:
“I love my
house.
I love my nest.
In all the world
My nest is best!”
But then
Mrs. Bird informs him that it is NOT the best nest and so the story continues to
indeed find the best nest. However in
the end, Mrs. Bird decides that the old, original nest is indeed the best,
especially for a brand-new bird!
In
constructing my Neighbor quilt, I first used a method for creating a woven
background detailed in the April/May 2015 of Quilting Arts magazine. Neutral batiks were woven together and the
edges of the strips were stitched down using a serpentine stitch. The birdhouse and branches were fused onto
the background and stitching was done along their edges. The five neighbors were embroidered by hand
using reduced scale designs from the book, “Wild Birds, Designs for Applique
& Quilting” by Carol Armstrong. I
used four strands of DMC floss and primarily used the split stitch in
combination with a satin stitch on a base of cotton fabric fused to a non-woven
stabilizer. The embroidered birds were
cut out, the edges sealed with a permanent fabric glue, and then each bird was
glued onto the background using the same fabric glue. The last step was to add legs which were painted
onto the background.
My children loved that book. I also love birds. Your quilt is amazing. Love the stitching.
ReplyDeleteStunning! Love the birds against the lighter background!
ReplyDeleteRita, as usual, your work is stunning ! I loved reading about "The Best Nest" and can imagine your children listening to it with delight.
ReplyDeleteWeaving the batik strips was perfect, and provided great background texture for the quilt.
And OH ! The hand embroidered birds.... Absolutely amazing. As always, you captured the theme perfectly.... I look forward to seeing this quilt in person !
Such delightful birds - great neighbors.
ReplyDeleteAnother winning quilt from you, Rita! The amount of work you put into this quilt is humbling. I am eager to try that weaving of the background technique. And then the birds--well, words escape me, they are so exquisite!
ReplyDeleteThe background is beautiful! I looked very close but could see NO edges. You are very skilled. As if that's not enough the birds are perfect. Will have to go pull that issue and take another look. Great little quilt!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! LOVE the background weaving and stitching and the birds, house and tree are wonderful too. I am in awe of your talent!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are just fabulous. Love the composition and am awed by the execution.
ReplyDeleteFascinating & amazing! The piped edging is the perfect compliment to the birds, house, tree branch and woven background.
ReplyDeleteRita, this is so beautiful and so very clever. I absolutely love the hand-embroidered birds. Just stunning!
ReplyDeleteRita, first thank you for posting for me while I am under the weather, you never hesitate to step in and help and second I love this quilt. It is so peaceful and fun at the same time. Once in a while I see a bird on my window sill and I wonder if he is staring at me or admiring himself in the window!
ReplyDeleteRita, you've made another exquisite quilt. I love your interpretation of the theme as well as the execution. I love representational work and it is so hard for me to create it.
ReplyDelete