Piecing

Black-Billed Magpie

I've drawn this simplified picture of a Black-billed Magpie. I need to decide how I'm going to piece it. I've left the legs off, as I'm going to applique them.

What if I divide The Magpie into head tail and body?

This will mean inset seams which I usually try to avoid. But I can't see a better way to do it.

The head and the tail are easy enough to divide into smaller sections.  Notice that I've taken a liberty with the tail and simplified it.

The body still needs more work.

What if I divide the body into these 5 sections?

These divide easily into smaller pieces.

The finished Magpie looks something like this.

Strictly speaking the eye should be black but then you wouldn't see it.






For more piecing ideas go to My Posts by Subject in the sidebar on the right and click on Piecing.


Some time ago I wrote a song about Magpies. It lists all the things I think I know about Magpies. I won't sing it for you, that would be putting too great a strain on our relationship. However, I will show you the words.


MAGPIE PIE


Nobody likes the magpie

Nobody treats him nice

I’m kinda fond of magpie

Lemme give you some advice



(Chorus)

Oh my, my, my, magpie pie

If you eat it you will die

So don’t try no magpie pie

Don’t make your momma cry

Don’t make your momma cry



Nobody likes the magpie

Nobody treats him kind

Magpie don’t seem to notice

He pays them no never mind



(Chorus)



Nobody likes the magpie

They say that he’s a thief

He ain’t stole nothin’ from me

I don’t give him no grief



(Chorus)



Nobody likes the magpie

He’s not a welcome guest

Magpie annoys the other birds

Magpie is such a pest



(Chorus)



Nobody likes the magpie

Magpie makes too much noise

But I’m so fond of magpie

I even like his voice



(Chorus)



Nobody likes the magpie

Nobody likes his nest

He built it out of sticks and twigs

It is the ugliest



(Chorus)



Nobody likes the magpie

They make fun of his name

“Hey take a peek at Pica Pica”

I think their humor’s lame



(Chorus)



Nobody likes the magpie

But nobody calls him dumb

If you’re gonna find a smarter bird

You’ll have to travel some



(Chorus)



Nobody saves the magpie

He’s not on no ones list

Magpie is not endangered

He’s a self-conservationist



(Chorus)



Nobody likes the magpie

But I give you my solemn word

Even his detractors

Admit he is a handsome bird



(Chorus)



Nobody likes the magpie

Nobody calls him friend

But I’m kinda fond of magpie

Maybe I can start a trend



(Chorus)