I had some doubts about offering this as the free design this month. It’s not really a difficult design but it does have five separate applique areas – the back of the bird, the bird’s breast, the bird’s wing, and two of the “speech bubbles”. But if you can stitch one applique area, you should be able to stitch five. It just takes longer! The design is for the 5×7 (130 x 180 mm) hoop, and there are 30 colour changes
The singing bird
This is one place where you could use metallic thread and metallic fabric to good effect. In the sample I’ve used my favourite Fairy Frost fabric for the two appliqueed speech bubbles, but you could also use gold or silver lame, or something similar. I would not recommend Mylar, however, as there’s no overstitching to hold it in place
If you’d like me to send you this design, just send a message to the blog and I’ll get it out to you. As always, please check the ‘Free Designs’ link above for the conditions of this offer
A word about the background: I’ve accidentally discovered an interesting way to produce painted fabric for these designs. I usually work in acrylics, mostly because they come in such a wide range of colours, and they can produce a good strong painted image. But sometimes the image is just a bit too strong. For example, ultramarine and alizarin crimson painted on this piece of canvas give a very heavy, flat effect. The fabric is also very hard and brittle to the hand.
Acrylic paint before washing…
But just put it in the washing machine and it turns into something more interesting. Not only is the fabric softer and easier to work with, it’s faded in an interesting way, with a worn, antique ‘shabby chic’ look.
…and after washing
Of course this look isn’t right for many designs, but it does go well with something with an old-fashioned, antique feel. I wouldn’t want to try washing this for a second time, but it would probably dry-clean, and it could be used for something like decorative cushions or quilts that don’t need regular washing. Just bear in mind that I haven’t actually tried cleaning fabric treated like this, so the idea doesn’t come with a guarantee!
I would love to have your singing bird design. Please send it to me. I wish I had found this site a long time ago.
Would love to have this sweet design. Thank you very much!
I think it’s some exciting projects you produce, especially the different stitches and colors to work with, and I’d love to ask for your beautiful bird
sincerely,
Hanne Nielsen
Denmark
I would love to have the embroidery design of your beautiful bird. I look forward to your monthly free designs and love reading about your design process. Thank you for your offerings.
Chris Bianco
Please send me this beautiful design! Your work is amazing.
Thank you for your offer of this lovely bird. Can hardly wait to put him on something
I am so amazed with your creativity. I love your little bird. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us! Deena
I love the May Singing Bird.
May I have the design please?
Thanks
Michelle
Very nice, I do love your painted backgrounds. Would love this design also.
Another great design. Please email.
That is very interesting about washing changing the look and hand of the acrylic paints so much. I really like the cloudy, smudged look after washing. It makes me think of landscapes and paintings of water scenes.
Since I’m not an artist, I know nothing about acrylics. Is it possible to dilute them with water before using to create a third effect?
Yes, please, if you have time, I’d love to receive your Singing Bird design. I’m already thinking of what colors I’d like to do her in.
🙂
Lisa
More wonderful ideas with a great design!
Please may I? I would love to have this design!
Wow! Another stunning design. I would very much like this one please and I might try painting the background too – bit nervous about that process though! As I said before, you are so inspirational.
Very interesting bird design. Your designs are always so very creative. Please send!
Such a great design. Would love to have it, please.
This little one is singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister…from her card.
I would like to receive this month’s unique & pretty design, singing bird. So sweet it is, perfect for many uses. I just found your blog and am sad I missed last month’s zen deer. It is really lovely, too. I will be vigilant in the future about checking the blog for sure!
Oops, I meant zen goat. Must learn to type better. I also wanted to point out how much I love your rendition of fish in the postings of work you’ve done for clients and how you use colored fabrics to make your finished work into real art.
I would love to get a copy of your singing bird. Your designs are lovely and very inspirational.
I am probably bit late to receive this lovely bird, but just signed on to your blog today. May I please still receive it?
LOVELY great bird.
May I have one please.
I just found your blog. Some of your older designs look awesome! Thanks you for the singing bird.
If it is not too late – I am always a day late and a dollar short – I would love to have the Singing Bird Design. So creative – thanks for sharing.
Your designs are so beautiful. Can you please send me this bird design.Thanks a lot Riaana