First Released in 2017
I originally designed my Marbler Bird in 2017 as a companion to my Rhinoceros Wall Décor. However, this little bird could be so much more than a decoration on a rhino!
The Marbler Bird is a fun twist on the Warbler species of bird, in name, due to the marble that is recommended to be placed in the bird for balancing weight. This cutie can be used as a pin cushion, ornament, mobile, friendship gift, memory token, bowel ornament, etc.
This is a quick make and an adorable scrap buster!
Includes:
Full Size Templates
How to Make a Mobile
Two Main Tail Option
Decorative Tail Feathers (optional)
Bite-sized Easy-to-follow Instructions
Photos Accompany Each Step
Skill Level - Confident Beginner
Skills and Techniques Used
- Fundamental Sewing Basics
- Sewing Tight Curves
- Sewing Simple Gusset
- Clipping Curved Seams
- Applique (optional for beak)
- Hand Sewing (to close seams and attach wings)
Photo Gallery
Materials and Tools Needed
- Fat Quarter quality cotton or minky (alternative fabrics: quality cotton, faux fur, repurposed clothing, etc) *You can get almost two out of a fat quarter
- Scrap fabric for beak color
- Black embroidery floss for eyes (or 5mm safety eyes if desired)
- ~1/4 yard minky for hooves (alternative fabrics: quality cotton, canvas, suede, coduroy, etc)
- ~6 oz fiber filling
- Optional: 1 marble for balancing weight
- Notions: scissors, thread, sewing machine
Made by 'You'
For my newer patterns, I have a “Pattern Testers’ Gallery”, however, trying to do this retrospectively has a few challenges. Namely, I don’t have all of the images from previous testers saved or organized.
In lieu of a testers’ gallery, I am sharing a small selection of images of Marbler Birds made by others. I appreciate everyone who did test this pattern when it was originally released in 2017 and I enjoy seeing the birds others continue to make.
I have seen them made primarily from cotton, but other fabrics making an appearance are minky, fleece and even denim. One maker made a ‘flock’ of them out of a loved ones clothing, to be given as keepsakes at the celebration of life. One made a small flock as Christmas ornaments. There is so much you can do with this little birdie!
Heirloom quality toy
You have scraps to use
Makes a memorable and fun gift
You want a cute pin cushion
A bird mobile over a crib or bed is beautiful
Sewing and crafting are therapeutic
Put some birds on your Christmas tree
They look adorable on the rhino wall décor
Sell finished birds at handmade markets
You’ll love watching it come to life as you make it
It is difficult to accurately describe the skill level needed for each project as the skill level itself can be quite subjective. Each traditional skill level has a wide spectrum of ability associated with it. I have tried to assign a general skill level to each pattern, however, please review specific techniques used in the pattern to determine if it is a good fit for you to try. Keep in mind I write my tutorials in bite-sized easy to follow steps, each accompanied with photos.
I aim to have each pattern attainable for a confident beginner and some have variations that may be more advanced, but they are optional. You’ll be provided with all the instructions, tips and material list to create a plush toy just like those pictured in the tutorial…I keep nothing secret. Each pattern and tutorial provide the blueprint for you to make it just like I have. An easy to make pattern doesn’t have to be simplistic looking…it can look amazing!