#46 Yanessa's Birds

Again... another project that took way too much time.  The pattern was by far the most complicated part.  I probably made about 8 different patterns, and I still feel like the final pattern could use a little tweaking.

Luckily, I had a little helper... aka The Husband... Here he is at the main event... The Wedding that the birds made their debut.  He really can take credit for getting the slope of the back and head right, as well as bending the wire legs.  The design of the legs was referenced from Peonies Blog.  She had good insight and ideas on how to build these cute little creatures.  

The Husband also made a pattern of his own that I am very excited about making up... it looks more like a pigeon... a cute pigeon.

Here are a few shots of the little guys.  They are, of course, styled after the Ann Woods Birds, at the request of the Bride.   Actually, she really only asked me to help her figure out the pattern, but it took way too long, so I just said I would make them up for her.

The night before the event, I called on another helper... my Mother (not pictured)... and I am so glad I did, as Yanessa would not have had her birds... I am most certain about that.  My Mom is much more crafty than I, and so had all the special glue and know-how.  We wrapped the wire legs in brown floral tape and then covered them with this bronze glitter glue.  We used glass head silk pins first just as place holders for what would become the eyes, but then decided we liked them better than any other options.  The noses were shaped from clay, and baked.  She made about 8 noses, and broke 6. Ughhh!  I know all that doesn't sound like a lot to do in an evening, but it took 4 hours to complete the legs, make and apply the nose, flowers, and wings, and glue in the eyes.

So... at 12:45am, on the morning of the Wedding day... the Birds were COMPLETE.

They really were pretty fun to make... once the pattern was complete that is....  I now want to make a couple just for myself.  

I'll add that to the bottom of The List.  

One Down and... How many to go?

So I finished #47 Oga Cupid Dress, a ballet costume.  Yeah!  It feels so good to be finished.... (or almost... I actually still have to finish the edge of the hem once they decide on the length, but that really should only take a few minutes.I don't know what it was with this project, but it just wasn't going smooth.  Partial ill planning on my part, and partial... well... Ok, all ill planning on my part... and serger not cooperating.  Hours passed by while I tried to set my machine up to coverstitch... and then eventually had to settle for a crooked edge.  ughh.

Thank goodness this is a costume that will be seen from afar.  I think the owner of the costume is happy... but I see all the random mistakes or uneven stitches.  I may have to make another on my own terms to see about a better construction technique.

So, here is a close-up of the top of my version... it is still a little rough (ie. pins).  Little Dancers Mom added embellishment later.

Here is the Russian made costume I had to reference:

In the end... I am happy that I made the costume.  It was so fun to get to know the little dancer and her Mother better... both so cute.  It also got me back into sewing... since I really haven't made anything in a while.

Now, on to #46 Yanessa's Birds, which is a project where I will be copying, sort of, these birds, that sell out way too fast... or else she would be purchasing.  I hope they turn out cute enough.... they will be going on her Wedding cake.  Should be fun.