Little Birds by Ana Mallah

One of the challenges we give ourselves here at Inspirations Studios is, when producing each issue of the world’s most beautiful needlework magazine, we try and include an offering of projects diverse enough so that there is a little something for everyone.

While re-creating needlework to this standard may mean there are times when it is recommended you have prior embroidery experience when stitching some of the projects we publish, we also include designs that are entirely suitable for stitchers who are new to the art of needlework.

Little Birds by Ana Mallah from Inspirations issue #116 is one such project that is perfect for anyone new to embroidery or those who enjoy a small, quick and wonderfully fun piece to stitch.

All of the techniques used in Little Birds are foundational stitches, so there is nothing scary or too complex involved in the needlework.

The motifs themselves are about 5cm (2”) in diameter making them small enough to tackle easily but large enough so as not to be too intricate.

All the materials used are very familiar and a breeze to work with including DMC stranded cottons, wool felt and a few nice embellishment goodies in the mix. Think a touch of metallic thread and gold braid for the highlights and glass seed beads for the hanging loop.

Put it all together and finish it off with a little construction and fibre-fill stuffing, add in the cutest beak and love heart tail and you’ve created yourself some of the most adorable hanging ornaments around!

And the best part is, there are three individual designs making each bird unique, as well as two different colourways to choose from.

Pink or Red? Flower, Berries or Heart?

This means you can choose to make just one bird or a pair, a set of three, a set of six or switch it up and stitch different motifs on each side. Then there is the option to invent your own colourways and experiment with a range of felt colours – the combinations are endless.

We even received a phone call recently from an excited reader who had just opened her copy of Inspirations issue #116 and was delighted to see Little Birds.

She went on to order four Ready-to-Stitch kits as she thought they were perfect for her and her friends in a retirement village who haven’t stitched in years due to health issues. Little Birds was just what they needed to get back on the tools thanks to their small size, their straightforward design, ability to be finished quickly… and they will look great decorating their village.

We certainly agree with that endorsement and are looking forward to seeing flocks of these Little Birds popping up here, there and everywhere over the coming months.

Special shout out to Ana Mallah who really is establishing herself as the Queen of Cute designs. When you look through Ana’s growing body of work, her projects are some of the most endearing and popular we have featured.

New to needlework? Looking for a gift to stitch? Christmas tree in need of up-styling? Little Birds is the little project with big appeal for everyone.

Make Your Own Little Birds

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Little Birds by Ana Mallah is an enchanting set of three hanging ornaments in a pink or red colourway.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kits for Little Birds include everything* you need to re-create these sweet birds: Wool felts, fabric stabiliser, fibre-fill, embroidery threads, beads and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.