Cassowary Cross Stitch Pattern

Description

Cassowary cross stitch pattern was inspired by a Southern Cassowary I photographed near Mission Beach (Far-north Queensland, Australia) in 2012.

THE MOMENT
Arriving for an afternoon walk along a rainforest trail, I had just pulled out my camera when a young cassowary (male) stepped out of the dark jungle foliage. I was thrilled to capture his shining brown eye looking straight at me.

Cassowaries are incredibly big and beautiful, but they are also the world’s most dangerous birds. From 2010-2014 I had the good fortune to live in an area frequented by these rare (and endangered) Beings. An afternoon visit to my garden by a cassowary was always a highlight in my day.

It’s so wonderful to be able to share these memories with you now in cross stitch.

THE PROJECT
Cassowary cross stitch pattern has been designed specifically for 14 count black Aida cloth. The cassowary’s feathers and lower body merge into the black background and the jungle elements (foliage and fig vines) are represented in dark avocado green and black brown.

The tricky elements are the cassowary’s feathers, neck and wattles — you’ll be speckling light shades of Winter White, Manila, and Hyacinth to recreate the afternoon sun reflecting off his feathers.

Are you up for the challenge? You’ll be rewarded with a stunning and unique piece of art for your favourite wall.

THE ARTIST
Melinda J. Irvine is a professional writer, textile artist and designer who has been cross stitching for more than 30 years. Growing up with a long line of women who created all their own clothes and home decor, I was sewing from a very early age. Decades later I am still stitching and thrilled to share my designs here on my website.