*** GIVEAWAY CLOSED***
David Attenborough famously did a documentary on "Kea: The Smartest Parrot" and anyone who has met these amazing birds in the wild will be unlikely to disagree with that title.
David Attenborough famously did a documentary on "Kea: The Smartest Parrot" and anyone who has met these amazing birds in the wild will be unlikely to disagree with that title.
These great birds live in New Zealand's Southern Alps and exude personality. I really wanted that to come across in my pattern.
I must admit that this is a pattern that makes me smile. I look at the made up block and I see a Kea acting the clown in front of an audience (no doubt trying to cheat some gullible tourists out of their picnics- DON'T FEED THE KEAS!) Or maybe he is heading towards a nearby car, ready to pull off the rubber round the door or attack the aerial (not everyone loves the Kea as much as I do!)
But part of what I like about this pattern is that although it is a Kea, it can easily be used as a generic parrot. When I make my patterns available to the world, I give up the right to choose what fabrics are used. Why not make this guy up as a multi coloured parrot, squawking "Pretty Polly" at all who will listen- I won't complain! On the contrary I will be pleased that someone has made use of my pattern and probably amazed by your creative fabric choices.
My pattern testers did a great job as always and I must say that looking at these blocks, I can really see that they had fun with their fabric choices.
Amanda of What the Bobbin? Created this cheeky Kea.
I've decided to release this pattern slightly differently to the way that I have been doing it recently. The pattern is now available for purchase from my Craftsy store. To celebrate its release I will give 2 people a copy of the Kea pattern and any other pattern from my Craftsy Store.
All that you need to do to be eligible is leave a comment on this post. It could be a suggestion for my next paper pieced pattern; a story about your meeting with a Kea or even just a hello. Whatever you feel like!
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Love it! Very cool and great choices of fabrics.
ReplyDeletehe does have that jaunty gait that characterises a kea! now I don't quilt, but i do have a MIL and a great aunt who do so i shall enter for them. I came to NZ initially for the snowboarding and on my very first day at mt hutt i had my plimsolls, tied together by the laces, stolen by a naughty kea when i was changing out of my boots in the car park. I thought it was quite amusing watching a wee group mucking around with them and went to get my camera. when i returned they were gone, no where to be seen, birds and shoes!
ReplyDeleteYour kea looks like such a character - well done on another great design!! Very fun fabric choices too - amazing the difference they make :-)
ReplyDeleteHe looks so cute and lively. Love the fabrics Amanda used. His green head looks a bit like our budgies. :)
ReplyDeleteThe last time we went to Orana Park there was a note to "move away from the Kea if he was getting annoying"; how do you do that when he's sitting on your head? Definitely a cheeky bird!
ReplyDeleteMaybe a Road Runner??
ReplyDeleteLove all 3 and love your work! You're so freeking clever!
ReplyDeleteI'd honestly never even heard of a Kea til now but I like them!
ReplyDeleteLove your patterns - thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing my version of your fun pattern!
ReplyDeleteLove your Kea pattern!! I would love to make a colorful variety of them!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!!
lubna_2112@hotmail.com
I love your patterns. I'm in the US, so I've never seen a Kea, but it looks very cute. I would like to try making my own paper piece pattern sometime. Yours are inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThis pattern is adorable. I cant wait to make my own version.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome pattern and I love birds! Even ones I have never seen except in pictures!
ReplyDeleteWow they look great - I would love to see one in a Rainbow Loorikeet colours :)
ReplyDeleteBeing from the US, I have never met a Kea but they do sound entertaining -- and the block is so cute! I think birds are interesting to watch and would love to have an assortment of bird patterns to use in quilts.
ReplyDeleteI love how different the blocks look made up with different fabrics. I can imagine a lovely parade of Keas working their way across a quilt.
ReplyDeleteWonderful block Juliet, and what great interpretations by your testers, a flock of these would make a lovely set of cushions for my new sofa!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite so far!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a real one!
I'm keen to give this a go. I'd love to win.
ReplyDeleteI like your birds. You have come up with a very fun idea!
ReplyDeleteI first met the Kea... here! I've never seen one in real life. They are so charming. I think the feet are jaunty :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is my first time to your blog! I am a serious newb at paper piecing, and just getting the hang of it--your patterns are so fun! The kiwi and the ladybug are my favorite, but the kea and the snail (we have a 'pet' snail named Slurms!) are awesome too.
ReplyDeleteI've seen a Kea at the zoo; I'd love to see one "in the wild" - and seeing as I live in the South Island maybe one day I will! I am itching to do some paper piecing, definitely within the next month or so - I haven't done it before.
ReplyDeleteI love your jaunty little kea pattern!! We don't have them in the wild here, but it reminds me of parakeets that people have as pets.
ReplyDeleteCrossing my fingers to win....
Susie
legato1958@aol.com
I've never seen a Kea in real life, as I live in the UK. But we do have flocks of wild parrots here that have escaped captivity and bred. I used to spend time at my brother's house watching them. I love your paper pieced patterns and I think the Kea pattern is glorious!
ReplyDeleteI love keas, they're so fabulously cheeky. I've never done any paper piecing, but I think a whole selection of native birds would make a lovely quilt. To that end, how about a kakapo?
ReplyDeleteLove your patterns. What a great way to learn about New Zealand's birds. This group would make a great quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love these ... once you have your full series I think I'm going to have to ask my Mother in Law to make me a quilt.
ReplyDeleteFor me. a quintessential NZ bird is a big fat Keruru eating berries on a bent branch. I'm also quite fond of the Takahe or Kakapo.
I love Amanda & Michelle's versions. His little beak <3
ReplyDeleteHe's very cute. How about a seagull at the beach?
ReplyDeleteI love this Kea.......a parrot with attitude!!!! I don't think it will pass by peacefully! It will be adopted by many to talk loudly. Thanks for sharing ........Marie (mlismor@optusnet.com.au)
ReplyDeletewonderful block. I am learning so much about your corner of the world. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI've never come across this bird but the block looks gorgeous - thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI am totally blown away by your skill at making foundation piecing patterns. I can't wait to scroll through your archived posts and see all of your many creations!! I feel as though I've hit the jackpot!! ~karen
ReplyDeleteI love all your bird patterns, birds are just fun and so colorful! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous just gorgeous
ReplyDelete