a sketchbook of nz birds

This is Keira in her new Fold Top - a beautiful, stylish garment made by Alison from very fine, soft wool fabric in charcoal grey. I'm a bit jealous of Keira as I wouldn't mind one of these myself. It's a generous, loose fit and I love it.

(The packaging was pretty special, too.) Thank you, Alison.

This is one of my favourite 2nd-hand book finds ever, 'A Sketchbook of New Zealand Birds' by Molly Falla (1966). Its layout and cover feel like a genuine sketchbook, and there are a few loose, original sketches on cardstock by the artist tucked inside too. Most of the birds are native to NZ, and they're often perched on native plants, too. Molly's love for them comes through in her writing- there are lots of anecdotes about different birds she found in her garden or nursed after injury.

I like the watercolours done on brown paper like this one, of little wax-eyes perched on a rata branch...

my favourite bird- the tui, shown here on some kaka beak:

and this is a bellbird, on a kowhai tree:

 

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Anna gave me this vintage embroidered tablecloth. It's so wonderful to see some NZ-specific embroidery being done on linen- it's a rare thing, I tell you! Two corners of the cloth have both kaka beak and kowhai flowers stitched on, with the distinctive fern-like leaves. How could I not make some shoes from it?

I did a little shop update today- just baby stuff...

...but I have some things for grown-ups which I plan to add over the next few days. Hope you have a lovely weekend- see you next week!

Comments

[jen]

what a lovely book

how creative you are love the baby shoes

[Anna Dean]

Hey great! So happy that tablecloth became shoes so quickly. They look fantastic and so appropriately NZ.
Looking forward to seeing you guys for Dan's party. Let me know if you guys would like a cottage to yourselves (I emailed Tom). I'm trying to work out how many to book. And will let you know about woodcrafty surprise needs when I get organised ;)
xa

[Jessicah]

I reallt like those fold tops- I agree it's a pity they are in little people only sizes. The kiwiana shoes are just lovely- begging to be made into shoes. Looking forward to checking out your adult additions later in the week. Thanks for the pedro love- its a bit hard keeping him quiet now that he feels like himself again.

[Lori]

lovely Melissa...

[kimberlee]

that book is an amazing find. I just can't get enough of illustrated birds these days.

of course the shoes are great! would love to see some adult sized things in the shop! how fun

-kimberlee

[janet clare]

Beautiful bird paintings - so great to see your native birds that I have never heard of. I love brown paper (I wrap all my parcels in it with string), but have never tried painting on it. Inspiration from you again - thanks!

[amisha]

so much beauty in this post! alison's work is amazing... that top is perfect on keira and i understand your desire for the adult size :) and such lovely NZ birds, in ink and textile. i can't wait for YOUR adult-things shop update too!!
xoxo

[Zelia]

Shoes from a table cloth... i could never think of that!
Love the poppy shoes ( i love poppies) and the book looks fantastic!

love
Zelia

[heidi]

those birds are stunning and keira is one special and lucky girl!

[Ellen]

I have been reading your blog for a long time now, share your love for textiles. I have one old apron with a kiwi embroidered on it , just like in Rosemary Mcleod's book Thrift to Fantasy. I'd like to draw your attention to my website where I've just listed my new tui and fantail felt toys. www.Elmtree.felt.co.nz Keep up your creativity and good luck!

[suzanne]

Love the bird and flower illustrations! And the baby shoes are so lovely! It is so great that you are making things out of these linens so that people get to enjoy them all over again instead of them gathering dust in a charity shop or someones cupboard. Someone, somewhere put alot of effort into embroidering them and they deserve to be appreciated! Glad to hear that you are going to do some things for adults - I am a big fan of your recycled wrap tops!

[carolyn]

The book is gorgeous and as always I adore your baby shoes, if only a friend or relation would have another baby so I could have the pleasure / delemma of choosing.

[Di]

Those baby shoes are lovely!! How talented to think of turning a table cloth into shoes! I also love Keira's top and having only ever seen a photo of it I can tell you that I am jealous too!!

[VictoriaE]

Great stuff - I love the NZ specific embroidery and bird book. I've been on a tangent myself about Australia-specific things, I love it when I find an Aussie themed craft book (even if the designs are ridiculous/too nineties) so I understand your excitement. The baby shoes are beautiful as always, also brings out more of the specialness of the fabrics and embroideries you use.

[Chara Michele]

What a lovely book! Such an amazing find!

Someday when I have children, I swear your baby shoes are going to be the first thing I buy for them! :) I love how you use the embroidered linen to make the shoes, it gives it such a special touch.

[jessica daisy]

Hi, I've been reading your blog for a little while now, and I what lovely little things you make!!
Pop over to my blog as I have a little surprise for you!
Jessx

[Cassi]

Those shoes are adorable! I wish I had little ones to squeeze their tootsies in a pair :)