Birds of a Feather February 19, 2007 at 7:46 am | Posted in
Crochet | 172 Comments Our kitchen is the only area of the house
that enjoys large stretches of clear glass windows, greeting and
welcoming the rising sun more enthusiastically than any other room.
That could at least partially explain why I spend far more time
there than in my own room, where even the wide open curtains only
let in the faintest sliver of light, only a mere suggestion that
itmight in fact be day time. Like a moth drawn to the light, Im
likely to be found basking in the glow emitted by the row of
windows adjacent to the fully transparent door downstairs, in the
presence of all cooking activities surrounding. As much as I love
this bright space, there are times when I curse the carefully
constructed layout. Its not entirely unusual to hear a sickening
thud out of no where, and its instantly understood that another
short-sighted bird mistook the solid surface as an opening. If this
happens when Im around to hear it, I try to make sure that the
feathered creature is alright, if a bit embarrassed. Although
theres little I could really do to help if they had seriously
injured themselves, its a relief to know that my services are
rarely need. Only once did the bird in question not immediately
flutter off, shaken but stable. Looking more than a little dazed, I
invited a particularly stricken victim of misperception inside to
gather his wits and take a small breather. Accompanied shortly by
two other worried friends, I asked them all to stay a bit, not
wanting anyone to get left behind. With both caretakers at his
sides, it was no time before the whole trio was ready to set off
again, behind schedule but wiser for the unexpected pit stop. Now I
can fully appreciate when people put seemly absurd stickers on
large glass surfaces, warning others to look where theyre going.
Obvious to humans (in most cases), but a bird flying at high speed
might not look twice otherwise. Maybe its time to invest in
something of that sort, although unfortunately, I doubt that many
of my winged friends will be able to read the warnings. Birds are
still a joy to have around for company, and if there were a way to
have more of them stop in without literally hitting the side of the
house, I think it would be the best for all of us. Visitors like
the ones pictured here are extremely gracious guests, not at all
demanding, and always courteous to their hosts, not to mention a
snap to make. Requiring only the most basic crocheting competency
and smallest amount of yarn, why dont you adopt a few today? Body:
Using an F hook and worsted weight yarn in the color of your
choice, sc 6 into a circle Sc2 into each st (12 sts) Sc 1, sc2 into
next st* around (18 sts) Sc 2, sc2 into next st* around (24 sts) Sc
around Sc 3, sc2 into next st* around (30 sts) Sc around for 10
rounds Sc 3, sc2 tog* around (24 sts) Sc 2, sc2 tog* around (18
sts) Sc 1, sc2 tog* around (12 sts) Sc2tog around (6 sts) Wings
(Make 2): Sc 6 into a circle Sc2 into each st (12 sts) Sc 3, sc2
into next st (15 sts) Sc around for 3 rounds Tail: Sc6 into a
circle Sc2 into each st (12 sts) Sc2 into each st (24 sts)
Assembly: Stuff body firmly, gather remaining 6 stitches together
and tie tightly. Fold tail in half and sew around outside edge. Sew
tail with the flat (inner part) lined up with the last of plain
single crochet on the body. With wings about halfway on the body,
sew them on so that they are symmetrical, and the tail remains
centered between them. Embellish with felt beak and plastic eyes.
Make a whole family, because birds of a feather flock together!