The Value of Birds

 

The Value of Birds

a coinpurse shaped like a bird, with velcro closure, approx 4" across

For Project Quilting 15.5:  Wearables

For this week's challenge, we were meant to create something 'wearable', and apparently bags and pouches qualify!  I found a little pattern for this bird wallet to be made by lacing leather together, but I adjusted it for my supplies.  I used fabric and a very stiff fusible interfacing.  There is a button eye and a bit of velcro holding the wing flap down. 

Its lined, and fully functionally as a coin purse:

Birds are a valuable member of our ecosystems all over the world in their capacity as insect eaters, and seed spreaders.  They also provide food for other creatures. Let's take care that our feathered friends don't become further endangered. 

Peace, 

Paula  

Running out of Time

                                        Running out of Time

11.5" x 15",  Quilting cotton, Machine applique, Machine quilted,
Hand embroidered

Completed Feb 26, 2024 for Project Quilting 15.4: Hourglass challenge

Continuing my personal theme of "birds" for this season of Project Quilting, I've done some research on the number of endangered bird species due to climate change and human destruction of bird habitat.  According to the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) 

"There are over 10,000 species of birds on the planet, from the largest hawks and vultures to the smallest finches and hummingbirds. Unfortunately, many of them are on the brink of extinction. As climate change and human activity impacts wildlife around the world, it is important that we work to mitigate threats like deforestation and climate change and protect these endangered birds."

For this project, I created small colorful birds and also black birds representing those species we have already lost.  The birds are fused into the hourglass shape, then embroidered to add details.   I quilted the background before adding the hourglass, which is machine raw-edge appliqued. 

Protecting bluebirds

 

Houses on the lake

9”x6”. Paper pieced, hand embroidered, machine quilted.  Hand dyed cottons

Completed for Project Quilting 15.1 challenge: birdhouse 

On a recent walk around the Orange Reservoir we saw a row of birdhouses facing East, built in the lake  like this:

    A bit of research revealed that local bluebirds are endangered by more aggressive species like swallows and sparrows.  To protect bluebird nests the conservancy built these specifically for bluebirds.  Here is a picture a neighbor compiled showing baby birds in residence.   

After paper piecing these tiny houses (2”).  I added the posts and then quilted it to look like water.  

Finally i embroidered small bluebirds on this small piece  

Peace 

Paula