Last Sunday I was able to cut out what I had stitched on the branches and stitch what you see here. Although the background stuff is complete for the bottom two birds, I’m going to complete the tree before I do the birds.
The birds are going to be changed somewhat to match actual birds. Three (robin, cardinal, and indigo bunting) are already correct. The blue jay is painted the colors of California’s Scrub Jays, although the placement of the colors is like Eastern Blue Jays, so I’m changing the colors. The little top bird doesn’t match any bird I can find, so it will be changed to be a goldfinch.
I have plenty of stitch books and Carolyn Hedge Baird’s new book on bird stitches to help me.
Putting the cross in the car has helped me get the background done. I’m using a Blackwork pattern of interlocking squares called Chinois, below. The thread I’m using is called Pavanne. Although solid, it’s from, I think, Needle Necessities and has not been made for a long time. It’s a four-strand cotton, similar to Overture.
I’m hoping to get another third or more of the tree done today.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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