Yes, You Can Sew a Crow!

It’s Nice to have a Sew-Along Group

Ann Wood, the creator of this beautiful crow pattern, hosted the first-ever crow sew-along and that was exactly the spark I needed to commit to a bird sewing experiment. Even though the pattern provides instructions for every step of the project, including clear photographs of each detail, I felt sure I was in over my head. I even tried to entice my sweetie to make the feet for me, but he just said to do my best.

Actually, It’s Magic How It Goes Together!

I followed each step, and little by little, the crow came together. It felt like a magic trick. Once I had the legs installed and pinned the wings and tail on, it startled me with how bird-like it is. It’s so out of my experience to make a crow that the sight of it was unexpected, even though I just put it together!

In broad strokes, here are the steps to making the crow:

• Sew the body together. The pattern has templates to create darts on the underbody that bring the crow’s legs into the correct position (like magic). Stuff the body with wool roving.
• The wings and tail are assembled separately. Both the wings and tail are constructed by sewing two pieces right sides together, cutting a slit in the wrong side, and turning the piece inside out. Additional feathers get sewn over the top of the constructed pieces.
• You carve the beak out of a hardwood stick. I used a piece of oak that had fallen in the yard. A sharpie paints it a purplish/black.
• The feet are made of 18 gauge wire wrapped in masking tape. After the feet are shaped, a gob of hot glue on each foot holds everything together. Wrap the toes, foot, and leg with florist tape. Once the legs are constructed, they are painted and inserted deep into the bird’s body.
• Head covers and addtional feathers provide the finishing details.
• The instructions are great and it’s very do-able!!

What I’ll do Differently Next Time

Now that I’ve made a crow, there are a few things a I would do differently. First, I used polyester toy filling to stuff my crow. I have a whole bag of it that I used for another project, so I figured what could go wrong? The filling works its way out through the fabric, so I have little wispy hairs here and there. I think that’s called bearding. It’s not that noticiable, but it would be better if it didn’t happen. I’ve never tried wool roving, but that’s the recommended stuffing, and I will try that next time.

My crow is standing on it’s toes. Next time, I will make its feet sit flat on the ground (like real crows). I should have looked at more crow pictures before I made the feet! I also worried that I would break the wire in the feet if I experimented too much after it was put together. He’s still very handsome, even if he looks like he’s ready to leap into the air!

I had to make the eyes with heavy-duty sewing thread because I can’t find my embroidery kit! I’m afraid that’s going to involve a closet cleanout, but next time I’ll do better.

Way Outside My Comfort Zone and a Ton of Fun!

I learned so much by making this project, not the least is to go-ahead and try. I was surprised by how accessible this pattern is and I’m happy with the results. I’ve looked at dozens of crows made by other participants and there is a whole world to be explored. I will enjoy the company of this crow on my mantle, and I look forward to making another sometime. Maybe, I’ll start an annual project to make a crow (or something similar).

To find this pattern and many more creative projects visit annwoodhandmade.com. She is a wonderful artist!