First of all, a very happy 2020 to all blog readers! And it's time for the first freebie of the year. I'm always asking for ideas for freebies from readers, and this is in response to Beverley, who suggested a soaring hawk. This is simplified from the larger and more complex design which I posted on February 2, 2018, but I think it also does well as a smaller design (for the 5×7 inches/130×180 mm hoop). However it's still pretty complicated and might not be ideal for a beginner
The gold hawk on the wing
It has an applique body and wings, but the applique is overstitched – that is, it's not edged with the usual heavy satin stitch border. This means that the fabric edges may look a little rough, but I think the technique works well enough, seeing that the design is relatively realistic, and is not a cartoon or a simplified design. I would just suggest that for the applique steps you use a thread colour that tones with the other colours you've used on the wings. I used a russet brown, which is the same colour as the detailing on the shoulder (colour 14) but another colour might be better for you, depending on what else you've used
Anyway – good luck! Here's the file (in .pes v6) and here is the worksheet. By the way, my apologies for the fuzzy image. I'm having scanner problems today!
Thank you so much for the Hawk. I love how you do the applique without the satin stitches. It makes the birds and animals look more realistic.
Thank you once again for a interesting looking bird. Happy HEALTHY New Year
Thank you for the hawk I really like how the wings look makes the feathers look like feathers even though I am not fond of raw edge applique
I took your wall hanging with the birds to our quilt show. It got a lot of very nice comments. They loved how everything lined up perfectly the look of the birds so real. It was a hit!
He is a beauty for sure. I love how the feathers lay… so realistic.
Hi Mia, Thank you so much for the awesome gold hawk design! I love applique and by using a raw edge applique, even if some of the strands of thread remain after cutting, it will give an even more realistic look to the design. Your feather stitch fills give a more realistic appearance to the feathers.
Thank you for the lovely hawk design. And off course all your other lovely and inspiring work you display.
I would like to suggest a ‘freebie’ Maybe a Koala or kangaroo that you actually sell and donate the money to https://www.wires.org.au/ to help with the wildlife rescue in Australia?
Thank you
Kylie