…is better than two in the box!
My one and only New Year Resolution this year was to try and make cross-stitch smalls up as soon as I finished them, so they don’t end up languishing in a box. Last year I discovered the Fido Stitch Studio designs of birds on eBay, they do very reasonably priced and beautiful cross-stitch kits of birds (and dogs, cats, guineapigs…) I made two last year and they are unfortunately still languishing in my box waiting to be made up…
I stitched the singing robin just after Christmas and made him into a pretty small…
I had two more of these kits so once the robin was stitched I moved on to the next one, a nuthatch. Nuthatches are one of our regular visitors to the bird feeders, they’re quite handsome birds with their slate blue back and black eye stripe. You can see from their head shape that they are part of the woodpecker family. I remember reading years ago that tree-creepers creep up a tree trunk whereas the nuthatch creeps down, they’re often upside down on our feeders.
The kit stitched up fairly easily, I think the colour changes were more even with this one. I changed the fabric from 14 count aida to 32 count linen as I much prefer linen. I also used a sharp needle for the back-stitching instead of my usual blunt cross-stitch one, the back-stitching on these patterns bears no resemblance to the holes available, it would be my only criticism of the designs. It was a little easier with a sharp needle as I could bring my needle up slightly off the hole if needed.
Isn’t he gorgeous!
I decided to make him into a long thin pillow. I found a blue batik that toned in nicely and also had a leaf design which seemed rather apt.I pulled out my trims drawer and chose one of the blue cotton laces which picks out the blue of the nuthatch nicely. Buttons took a bit more deciding, but eventually I chose three different ones, two peach ones and one blue.
I made some cord from a peach and a light blue DMC thread, nicely using up two old bobbins of floss. It didn’t come out quite as neat as usual as just as I had it on full twist it slipped off my gadget! I rescued it but it’s not perfect! I stitched it round and added a few beads in peach/cream and blue.
I think he’s come out pretty well! My other Fido Stitch Studio design is a kingfisher, but I might do something different next.
thecraftycreek 
you always do the most perfect finishings, Margaret! The fabric, lace, buttons, everything was so meant to go with the plumage of this little nuthatch.
I reckon Fido kits should be kitted with evenweave instead of aida (or at least the choice when ordered). I’ve also done a couple and the backstitch is always difficult to get looking right on aida.
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With the back-stitch I’m not sure linen helps, the problem is more that the lines don’t relate to stitches.
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Such a cute nuthatch but the robin is my favourite.
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Lovin’ these birds, Margaret! 🙂 The robin is my favorite as well.
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Gorgeous, those birds are beautifully done.
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Your birds look so life like! I love how you finished them.
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The long pillow allows for the added lace buttons, very striking.
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You must make up the first two – they do not deserve to languish in a draw Margaret. I love these little birds, and like with so many things they tempt me. However with two big storage boxes full of kits or chart that are or are partially kitted up I cannot afford to be tempted to anything else x
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Those smalls are so sweet – I am imagine your home decorated with an amazing collection of your work!
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Absolutely gorgeous as always.
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Gorgeous and so nice that you have them as garden visitors too
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I love seeing them on the feeders, we have a pair that visit every day.
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I always enjoy seeing what you are working on and what you have finished. I love all your birds.
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All so lovely.
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Your bluebird is gorgeous!!
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You have such a creative flair for turned a stitchery into a treasure! Gorgeous… each one!
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The birds are so cute! i love the robin especially
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Love seeing your birds, they are gorgeous! My daughter would love them!
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Wow! Those birds are beautiful and so realistic! I’m not sure I could pick a favorite!
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Oh my, I adore that little nuthatch pillow. What a beautiful finish. That robin is so pretty too. You have to take the time to finish the first to. You will be so happy that you did.
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So pretty, two beautiful bird finishes.
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