NEW BEGINNINGS

Well, this does not look like much of anything but it is quilted and ready.  Most of it will be covered by what is planned so no need to make it any more complicated then this. 

This cold and windy weather has brought many varieties of woodpeckers to the suet feeder .  This one is so beautiful with his bright red head.

Muscovy Ducks

I have begun a new quilt inspired by this photograph by my friend Natalie Rowe.  She gave me permission to use it quite a while ago and now is the time.  I have had it in my ideas folder way too long.

So here is the background which I pieced this time.  There will be lots of changes coming as soon as I finish quilting it.  This piece is smaller...and measures approximately 32" X 21".

Mourning Dove

 I took this photo a few weeks ago out of my studio window.  It was early in the morning and this dove was huddled in the sunshine.  I love the bark on the maple tree and the dove....so I knew it would be my next piece.

I chose this fabric which I recently purchased at our local quilt shop, The Sewing Basket.
Then I added the border randomly fusing those pieces down.  Today I quilted it with  organic lines from one side to the other about a 1/4 inch apart.
 

 I had sketched out the dove yesterday on tissue paper....He is big so taped several sheets together.  Then I placed him on the quilt background to envision it.  He will be made up in mauve colors so the contrast with the grey will be very nice.

Here is a closeup of how I sketch marking areas of shadows and feathers.   Before working on him I will do the branches he is perched on.  I want to place them so they are going over and under the border giving depth.  It is why the border needed to go on first.
So tomorrow I will begin working on that.  I love making trees and bark so it will be enjoyable to work on.

Back to Chickens and Roosters

 I have started a new background....defintely need to change out those two too light pieces.  I liked them at first but they need to be a bit darker.  I am taking a break from my owls and going back to roosters and chickens just to mix it up a bit and plus there are some that I just want to do.

Zoey and Watson defintely are figuring out their relationship and space.  Obviously Watson does not care if this new bed is pink, it is bigger and he has claimed it. His mouth appears completely healed and he is eating his wet food well.  Big relief.  

 I think they are both looking out at it snowing once again and thinking "will these windows ever be opened up?"