Feathers & Frills

I recently had to work out a generic bird pattern for a customer, but rather than let her have all the fun, I wanted to make myself a scarf from it too.  This is the completed cockatoo scarf - it's quite short because I got bored because I thought it would be nice to have the feathers falling at the neckline a bit like a cravat.  The beak holds on to the scarf body with a nifty little aligator clip inside.

I'd like to make a green parrot in the same way, but first I really have to finish the other wips in my pile!

Like this one - a scarf knitted from novelty yarn that ruffles as you knit.  There are cute little sequins scattered about as well.  I'm tempted to keep this one when it's done - there is plenty of yarn left to make more!

And if I can get my act together, I am writing another mini tutorial on how to paint on fabric with Inktense.  It may take a couple of days as I have picked a complicated little picture because I want it as a cushion cover in my work room. 

Who's A Pretty Boy Then?

This is a little something I have been working on lately. It took longer to plan than to actually make - lots of lone dog walks while working out increases, decreases and shaping in my head.  The idea is that this pattern can be adapted and used to make any kind of parrot or macaw, depending on colours used and leaving off the crest of course.  Next thing to do - transcribe my scribbles into some kind of working pattern!

On the needles this week: little Valentine's things, but you'll have to wait to see them.

Coming up - I've long wanted to do a tutorial on how to paint on fabric with Inktense pencils and blocks.  Now that I will be making some calico cushion covers, it will be an ideal opportunity to kill two birds with one stone - watch this space.