Colorado Birds Inspiration Colorways by sageflower
I am fascinated by birds. The freedom and grace of birds in flight never fail to make my spirit soar. Their colors are as varied as the flowers and butterflies below, and are perfectly harmonious. Their habits and ways of being teach and guide us if we observe them closely. I have found that they each have a unique message or wisdom to share with us.
We have several bird feeders set up on our sageflower property in a spot where we can enjoy the birds up close as they come to the feed stations near our deck. The characters change with the seasons, and it is especially delightful to see the parent birds introducing their fuzzy, clumsy chicks to this free buffet that we provide. The chicks often sway and topple around as they exercise their newly learned flying skills to approach and depart. Now if I can only tempt the hummingbirds to come and stay for the season, it will be delightful.
Lately, I felt inspired to develop a special collection of yarn colorways based on the beautiful birds of Colorado. Perhaps other regions will follow. The first three volunteers for this project are the American Robin, the Northern Flicker and the American Goldfinch.
When we see the American Robin arriving in our yards and trees with it’s assertive cheerily cheer up cheer up, we know that springtime is not far away and warmer days are coming. Perhaps the robin is not the most glamorous, but we notice that this vigorous bird is a prolific nest builder and egg and chick producer.
They can produce up to three successful broods per year. Both parents demonstrate great devotion as they hunt and fly back and forth to their nest bringing food to the little hungry chicks. Their glowing reddish cinnamon breast and belly is topped by a softer grayish brown wing and back, and a black head. This first custom sageflower colorway includes the American Robin-inspired shades of cinnamon, gray and black. I think it would knit or weave up to be a stunning afghan, or a cozy winter sweater or pair of socks. |
The flashy and athletic Northern Flicker is a frequent customer at our feeders. It is a highly social bird, staying close to its siblings and cousins for many months (if not years). It defends its territory and is usually monogamous, together with one mate for life. Sometimes I am fortunate enough to find one of their beautiful, colorful feathers to pick up and enjoy.
They have a soft brownish gray shade on their back and wings, with a striking black bib on their lower neck and chin and black edging on the end of their tail. There is a joyous speckling of black on the belly and wings. And they have a bright pop of red either on the back of their head, or on their cheeks. In addition, they often have a stunning orange or golden yellow shade under their tail and wings. The sageflower colorway for the Northern Flicker includes black, orange-rust, yellow, bright red and soft cream. I can picture this colorway knit up into stunning socks, or a fun vest or matching hat and scarf. |
I admit that the American Goldfinch is my favorite for many reasons. The goldfinch appears at the feeder with a burst of beauty and acrobatic cheerfulness. It is a courageous and strong flier, having a clear and keen sense of direction, always knowing it’s place and position in space and time. They often come to the feeder in large groups and eagerly gobble up the thistle seed in between their acrobatic moves. I just love watching them!
They have radiant yellow plumage on their backs and bellies, with a shiny black capped crown, and black wings with splashes of bright white.
This sageflower goldfinch colorway would be stunning woven into a wall hanging, or table runner and placemats. It would also knit up beautifully into mittens or fingerless gloves, or scarf. And for the CU fans – this is the perfect color combination for your school colors for a thick warm scarf to wear to the games.
They have radiant yellow plumage on their backs and bellies, with a shiny black capped crown, and black wings with splashes of bright white.
This sageflower goldfinch colorway would be stunning woven into a wall hanging, or table runner and placemats. It would also knit up beautifully into mittens or fingerless gloves, or scarf. And for the CU fans – this is the perfect color combination for your school colors for a thick warm scarf to wear to the games.