We have been watching the wild birds from the window. The western bluebirds, we are happy to discover, have moved into the backyard birdhouses next to the garden where they are feasting on the bugs. So far, we haven't had any problem with cutworms, pillbugs, or slugs. The mourning doves have also moved in and are busy building a nest in the tall pines on the edge of the property. I like watching them hunt and peck at bits of twig and twine, rejecting one after another in a most persnickety fashion, apparently in search of a certain type of material for their new home. I tell them, I've got plenty of weeds free for the taking!
If only they would listen.
After a few precious days of rare, golden April sunshine, and naps on the deck (between short bursts of "spring cleaning"), cool cloudy days have returned with the expectation of showers to follow. Time to get back to my indoor projects. I'd gone digging for more fun Spring Inspiration earlier this month and found another little gem tucked in my "shoebox".
I've had this particular pattern for ages, but had held it back hoping I'd run across another one printed with blue ink, because the yellow transfers are the hardest to work with in terms of getting a good image to reproduce, due to the lack of contrast between the color of the paper and the ink. Sometimes the ink flakes off with too much handling. And when a pattern has been folded inside an envelope for 64 years, as this one has, the creases are set.
In short, we must proceed delicately. In a most persnickety fashion.
And that's just what I did. When all was said and done, it came out pretty good. The pattern has been reproduced in three sizes. The original size, plus slightly larger and smaller sizes, with an additional set reversed. So lots of options. There is also a simple border to use along hems or what have you. I took a little creative license and added bird titles (in one size) to be placed where ever you like or not at all, as you please.
You can find it here on the PatternBee website. And if birds aren't your thing, we have flowers too! Check out the newest applique pattern for spring flowers here.
Enjoy!
When I saw the price on the pattern, I tried to guess how old it was. I think patterns cost about 50 cents when I began sewing in the late 60s. Love the Birds.
Posted by: Carol | April 16, 2014 at 04:02 AM