Bluebird

Blackbird Designs is one of my absolute favorite cross-stitch designers. There is a series called the Reward of Merit. They are all small pincushions. I actually have all of them (I think) kitted and ready to go with finishing fabric, trim, linen, and the called for threads. I've had them kitted for a very long time, and have been wanting to get on to stitching them. I have stitched a few over the past few years, but am always so hesitant to do the finishing for some reason. I love to sew, but procrastinate because I am afraid of making a mistake.

For this design, I made a little quilted piece with some calico fabric that I had on hand. To sew these small pieces together, I used spray starch, which I found so helpful. It made the fabric nice and crisp for the sewing.

For this small sewing, I used a really tight stitch on my machine with less than a quarter inch seam allowance so that it wouldn't be bulky. I actually think I went a little too close to the stitching!

It is stuffed using crafter stuffing for doll making, which I find is really firm, and creates a nice finish.