Pattern 5 - The Bird's the Word

I started Pattern 5 from the Guild of Needle Lace Basic Instruction book this weekend. I'm using Sulky Blendables 30wt, and I've used Ocean Blue, Parchment, and Buttercream.

This thread is very different from tatting thread, and I have to concentrate to keep my stitches even. I probably should have worked a little sample piece before starting, but I was eager to get started.

I found a deal on Overstock.com, and couldn't resist. I bought 10 spools of 30wt Blendables. The colors were all appealing to me, and I had birthday money from my mom waiting to be spent.

The thread is 2 ply and much softer than the tatting thread, but I think I can live with it. I don't care for wildly colored variegated thread, but these colors change gracefully.

The head and face are Single Corded Brussels, the beak is Single Brussels and Whipped Single Brussels. Next I will do the body, which starts with Treble Brussels and changes to Corded Trebel Brussels along the dotted line.

I had thought of introducing a dark green for the belly, but have decided to keep it simple and use Parchment.

I've gotten feedback from internet lacers (hi F, and L!) who say a needle lace pillow is very nice to work on. I started making one of my own yesterday, from stuff I found around the house. I haven't taken a picture yet, but I'll post pictures and results another day.