A Chime of Wrens: a New Textile

I had been hearing a particular bird, and have concluded, by its upright tail, longish beak, white eyebrow, and the way it clung to the Japanese maple that it was likely a wren of some kind. It was always alone.

Wrens are usually solitary, but still they have a collective noun: a chime of wrens. Together they may compete for food or share it; they can defend their territory and protect one another. Safety and power in the chime.

I bought this woven Japanese cotton, like an elegant denim, and just wanted to make a little quilt with embroidered birds on it. 

A Chime of Wrens

10.5"w x 18"h (26.5 cm x 46 cm)

Woven cotton; seed beads and onyx beads; bound with hand-dyed cotton made by Velma Bolyard; hand quilted with embroidery and cotton threads

Velma's cloth was just the bright touch it needed for the binding. (Thank you again, Velma!)

A process shot:

Strength in numbers. 

Today marks approximately ten years since I began this blog. Thanks for your support!