On a low branch

New release: ask your store for a copy!

I think it’s time to fully embrace my status as ‘the bird lady’… I can’t fight it – I just love stitching birds! And it seems you like them too (thanks for joining me in the obsession!)… This one is a little different though…

Adapted from a piece of antique beadwork, this lovely bird (peacock? pheasant? weird amalgam of both?), this was a joy to adapt for you. The original was stitched entirely in opaque white beads on a fully-stitched, red silk ground. These beadwork pieces were often created for furniture like footstools or clock stands, and I admire the patience it took to create them.

However, I figure that none of us has time to fully-stitch backgrounds or to bead to this extent, so I have adapted the design to a cross-stitch that we can all enjoy. It is also all full crosses over 2, so it can be stitched on linen, evenweave or Aida, in any count that you prefer.

My model was stitched on 36-count “Red Rose” by Number12StitchCo (my absolute favourite red fabric) using 1 strand of colour 1000 by Cascade House Embroidery Silks (available in my Etsy store) – you will need 2 skeins.

While I adore this colour combination, this design is very easy to customise – you might like to stitch it in your preferred colour on a neutral fabric, or in white/ecru on a different, highly-coloured fabric. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Detailed pics of the antique will be uploaded soon (when I get a sunny day for pics!)

Please contact your local or online needlework store if you would like a copy. As a small designer outside of the US, stores only order if you ask! Thank you – and happy bird stitching!