The swallows have finally arrived, a little late this year, and are swooping and diving all around our garage and the lambing shed, finding their old nests and patching them up in readiness for the new breeding season. To welcome them back I’ve been playing around with some embroidered swallows, placing them against a background of tall reeds. The first version was more or less realistic
Swallows in the reeds, version 1
However I wasn’t all that happy with it, so I tried a more stylised, abstract treatment, with some different reeds.
Swallows in the reeds, version 2
This is better, I think, but still not quite right. One problem is, I think, that the background is so strong that it overwhelms the birds, so I might try cutting it back and making it a bit more indistinct. And for the next version I’ll make the birds even more abstract and simple
I look forward to your designs each month! You are making excellent work!
Your creativity is boundless!
Linda Hudson from Virginia
Beautiful! The bird in version 1 at the bottom in flight looks so real. Great job on both versions!
Deena
We don’t see the swallows until usually the second weekend in May. The first pic is my favourite as it reminds me of how protective they get in our barn when we go around their nest. Love your work as always.
I love warm gold of the reeds on the second one. I think it brought it together, it stitched abstract background and vivid birds into one canvas
As usual, your work is amazing! Why not try some subtly variegated thread on the birds, something like Superior Thread’s Twist. I think that would give dimension to the birds in picture #1. I don’t see anything objectionable in #2, seems perfect to me!
It’s always uplifting to open your email. I like to see your creations.
oh Wow! I love both! I love the first one with the bird and his open wings! The second one is also special like in nature – they always sit together…. Great work!
Our swallows have been swooping around lately so these designs resonate with me. Lovely.
I like to see your blog and i am waiting your new post
Thanks
Please kindly send me the swallow birds so love your designs and thank you
I missed the tree design is it still available to me just love it. I have requested for the swallow birds
Kind regards Michelle Lund