This week we have another design inspired by the Cape Dorset artists of Baffin Island. This is the original print that caught my eye.
Downwing owl
It’s a charming little owl, but what I noticed particularly was that although the artist caught the bird in flight, they drew it with its wings down. I realised then that I mostly draw flying birds with the wings up – I have no idea why. Maybe it's because a bird with upraised wings just looks more animated. But when I started to look at birds’ wings I realised that actually the back of the wing (which is exposed when the wing points downwards) is very interesting, with complicated patterns of feathers
So I drew and digitised several birds with downward wings, and here is the first. I chose a heron because they have really big wings with intricate feather patterns that I thought would look well on an embroidered design
Downwing heron
It probably doesn’t look it but this is a fiendishly complicated design, with several different grey applique fabrics and several different shades of grey thread, and with complex overlying areas of applique and overstitching. It got so complicated that I got lost once or twice when I was stitching it and it was more by luck than judgement that it turned out more or less OK. I like it – the downward-pointing wing gives it a peacefulness and calmness that would be lost if the wing was pointing upwards
Oh Wow! Love the heron and I can sure see what you mean by the complicated design. Always impressed with your work.
This is a beautiful crane! How did you do it? I am amazed!
It is so so so beautiful and full of peace. It went out really well…the shape of a bird and the precise wings full of details… I admire you…
I love the look of the large wing-tip feathers.
Fantastic work, such an intricate pattern, I bet it took lots of calculation and concentration. But result worth it! The Herron is not only serene, but also has proud look about him: you can admire my gorgeous wings and curly fancy claws…
This looks wonderful! I always thought about birds with their wings up too, but love the movement this heron has with the wings down. He looks like he is coming in for a landing. Love his feet too.
I can’t wait to see what (if?) you do with the owl picture.
I forgot to mention your background. Did you paint it? I like!
That heron is just gorgeous! I think it’s your best work yet if that’s okay to say. You probably have enough birds to make a bird-based very large wall hanging or quilt!
Thank you again for sharing your wonderful work.
Mia, love this heron. Wonderful detail and the winds down adds to the great look. I would never have guessed that there were that many grays available. Love the painted background also. You are as always an inspiration to us.
This is a wonderful designs, looks very intricate.
This looks like a very complicated design.The Heron beautiful.
I have just looked through your archives and found some free designs I would love to have: August 2015 – 2 fish; March 2015 – pheasant; April 2014 – zentangle goat; and March 2014 – tulip plant. Thank you very much.
Hi Mia, Love this intricate and complicated heron design with all of the different gray variations in both the thread and applique fabrics. Your heron is another example of your artistic combination of different stitch techniques. The hand painted background fabric with all of the blue variations is perfect for the heron in flight with the wings down.
Mia, this heron is just a masterpiece. I like it so much…we have a Blue Heron that will land in our lower field at times, but mostly where the water is…at our neighbors. They are so sleek and yet elegant in the air…
Beautiful bird…you did him well…
Love your heron. Great work as always and thanks for sharing your blog and artwork with us.
It’s fantastic! And the background is perfect to the heron.