Two Birds stitched 15 years apart 2009-2025

Years ago I took a soft shading class of a Red Poll from Tanja Berlin and really enjoyed it. I finished the bird in 2009 and was really proud of it, and it has hung in my house for years. Soft shading is a wonderful technique that is used to stitch realistic flowers, birds and many other things but it does take some practice to master.

Yesterday I finished a new bird by Trish Burr. It is "The dainty European Robin Erithacus rubecula" that was published in Inspirations magazine. I think that it turned really well and I can see so much inprovement in my stitching technique.

My husband's middle name was Robin and he was named for his father's friend from England. Since my husband's passing I have been collecting a few robins that make me think of him. One of the more unique birds that we discovered was one made of Legos. We could not find the kit but got the plans and ordered parts from several sources to build our bird. He sets on our mantel so we can enjoy seeing him everyday. It makes us smile.

Another pattern that I bought is "An Australian rose robin resting on a splendid magnolia depicted in threadpainting, by Trish Burr" from Inspirations magazine. The breast feathers are the most amazing shade of pink. The first time that I saw it, I was not sure that it could be real but it is. I stitched it several years ago and gave it to a friend who loves magnolias.