birdhouse skirt

Any guesses about the origin of this skirt?


I found two window valences in a thrift shop last summer. Yes, the skirt had a previous life as a window dressing in someone’s kitchen! Funny, yes? It’s a clever fabric. I actually thought it was all appliquéd until I studied it more closely; the design is printed, and the manufacturer zigzag-stitched around each item in the print with a color-coordinated thread. The result is a dimensional, hand-stitched appearance that I love. And I think it’s just kitch-y enough without being over the top.


There is a second valence waiting for some other project, or for a second birdhouse skirt someday when this one is out-grown. I suspect that the donator of the valences would be somewhat surprised to see it running through through the backyard in this manner!