Over the last few weeks, I have asked a lot of people what birds I should add to my Birds of New Zealand paper piecing series.
A recurring answer has been the Morepork.
A recurring answer has been the Morepork.
I must admit that I've been resisting the idea as there are so many amazing paper pieced owl patterns out there, but the other night I decided to have a wee play and see what the pattern would turn out like.
Before I knew it, I had a complete pattern staring at me.
The only thing was that the pattern had some teensy tiny itty bitty little pieces and I thought I'd better try it out myself before giving it to my pattern testers. Its not fair to expect them to do an impossible pattern if I'm not prepared to try it out myself first!
I have to say that there are many tiny pieces, but they all have a purpose and they all work!
This is a pattern which SHOULD NOT be reduced in size- it may actually be sensible to increase the size! (Or if you really must reduce the pattern, then I recommend using a single piece of fabric for the yellows of the eyes and embroidering in the pupils in the eyes)
I did make one mistake. I used the wrong fabric for the beak and by the time that I realised, it was too late and I wasn't changing it! Its not the end of the world, but something with a bit more contrast would probably have been better.
Mr Tartankiwi's reaction when he saw the block was "well you wouldn't have been able to do that a year ago!"- He's right! I am really excited to see how exact my piecing is becoming and how much better I am at getting the sections to line up.
Mr Tartankiwi's reaction when he saw the block was "well you wouldn't have been able to do that a year ago!"- He's right! I am really excited to see how exact my piecing is becoming and how much better I am at getting the sections to line up.
If anyone is brave enough to give this pattern a test, they are more than welcome but just remember that you have been warned!
Ohmygosh I love it! As soon as he's on Craftsy I'm gonna snatch him up.
ReplyDeleteI love this! How could I get to test the pattern? I adore it so! You are really talented.
ReplyDeleteI love him too...I have gotten better at paper piecing so he looks fun!
ReplyDeletelooks awesome and you know I am NOT putting my hand up to be a tester - admire from afar is my policy! :o)
ReplyDeleteHe is fabulous! I would love to test the pattern if you can wait until next week.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fabulous block Juliet! Your bird series is just fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love him!!! I cant be greedy and test them all so will wait for the official release - unless you do need some one :-)
ReplyDeleteCant wait to sew this whole series!!!!!
PS Meant to say your fabric choice is fabulous!
DeleteHoly moly! That's impressive!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful and quite impressive.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to test it, but am not sure my skills are up to it...
He is so awesome!
ReplyDeletewowsers honey just amazing
ReplyDeleteand I've emailed my friend in Portugal who loves paper piecing may be she can be a tester for you coz I'm with Miriam I'll watch from the sidelines
Amazing! So loving your birdies! Must get cracking with the one i have lined up!
ReplyDeleteMy dear Cat.... do you really think I can? !
ReplyDeleteJuliet your work is wonderful and the bird is fantastic,
I love paper piecing and a good challenge but....12 inches Is it? I would not be able to hold the little eye pieces I'm sure,
Sorry .. Cat!
I'd like to make the owl, but I didn't see it under your patterns or Craftsy?
ReplyDeleteOooo...oooh that owl is absolutely gorgeous. I love your work. Thanks for sharing! Marie (mlismore@optusnet.com.au)
ReplyDeleteWOW! This is SO cool!!!! Great job!!!! I'm far too faint hearted to have a go at piecing... lol This is so cool!
ReplyDeleteAnother great addition to your Birds series. How nice that your hubby recognises your talents too :)
ReplyDeleteSee you're awesome! This is spot on :)
ReplyDelete