Recently, my husband and I took a little trip, and visited his brother and wife, up in New York state. We had lovely weather during the weekend visit.
I discovered that one thing that "the brothers" share in common, is the love of watching birds in their backyards. (They also both hate the squirrels, but we won't talk about that now!) While we were visiting on their patio, it didn't take long for a Pileated Woodpecker to eat from their suet feeder.
They had this same feeder, that holds the suet , and supports the tail of the woodpecker while it feeds.
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| This is a special woodpecker feeder for birds like the Pileated Woodpecker {here} |
We even saw an adult woodpecker feed its young.... just like in this photo.
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| An adult feeding a baby (from this site) |
When I got home, it came to me that I had filed away a pattern for a paper pieced woodpecker awhile ago. If I remembered correctly, I figured I could make a few changes on it, to make it resemble a Pileated Woodpecker.
The Pattern : Woodpecker PP Block by Julianna @ Sewing Under Rainbow
It was designed for the ForestQAL
Size: 12" x 12" block
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| Woodpecker pp block here |
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| Janelle, at Emmaline Bags, made this beautiful woodpecker in the QAL (photo by Janelle) |
And here is my Woodpecker Block:
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| Woodpecker made by Susie's Sunroom |
I didn't have to change a single line on it. It just needed the right fabrics!
(Don't you love that background fabric.... it's Andover Fabric 's Alison Glass- Sticks & Twine)
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| The Pileated Woodpecker photo from Wikipedia |
I made my block into a pillow.... for their window seat.
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| Pileated Woodpecker pillow |
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| Of course the back has the covered zipper ! |
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| Pileated Woodpecker by Susie's Sunroom |
I got two big hugs when I gave them their pillow at our family reunion last weekend.
I just love to quilt!
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| I'm off to my sewing room! |
Linking up at: Can I Get A Whoop Whoop! @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict and
Fabric Frenzy Friday @ Fort Worth Fabric Studio and
Fabric Frenzy Friday @ Fort Worth Fabric Studio and
Let's Bee Social @ Sew Fresh Quilts
Oh Susie, so much resonates with me in this post. (First, glad I clicked on you again on my laptop, as it brought me to your Blogger page and blog; on my phone I got nowhere when I clicked on your name, how weird.) Bird-watching/listening, ahh. When we lived in Alberta we had pileated woodpeckers. I will NEVER forget the first time I saw one; I was like, "WHAT is that crow-sized, maybe bigger bird with the INCREDIBLE scarlet plumage on his head?!!" I immediately thought of Woody the Woodpecker, and my eyes couldn't believe what I was seeing. These birds are HUGE, unlike the Downy and the Hairy which are smaller. We have woodpeckers here in southern Ontario, but I'm not sure about pileated; methinks I will have to get a feeder again. Your pillow is spectacular; what a superb gift, beautifully made. Thanks for the link to the pattern; I will head over. Love that Alison Glass background you used too!
ReplyDeleteThis is a gorgeous accent piece and will bring back fond memories of your visit. Getting paid in hugs is such a great reward!
ReplyDeleteSuch a stunning pillow and it will be a pleasant reminder of your visit.
ReplyDeleteYou rock with your paper-piecing, your cushions and your generous heart. 💟
ReplyDeleteYou created a very beautiful version of the paper piecing block. Congratulations =)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool looking bird. Your cushion cover is great. And so perfect for the window seat where they can watch the real thing outside.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift!! You always pick the perfect fabrics and your piecing is immaculate. It looks like a printed photo. Fantastic pillow, Susie!!
ReplyDelete-Soma
You truly do the most amazing paper piecing Susie! This woodpecker turned out so lifelike and gorgeous! I really love the shadow effect of the head in movement - very realistic. What a lovely way to remember your visit.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! Obviously an amazing pattern...made perfectly! Our household has a very soft spot for woodpeckers too, I can only imagine what pleasure this gift brings daily!!! Well done!
ReplyDelete