Apart from the Arctic tern, I think the Redwing (Skógarþröstur) is my favourite bird. Growing up in Hrísey, northern Iceland, they were always around. We kids would feed them raisins, and some of the old fishermen — trillukarl — had Redwings that followed them. One fisherman even had a Redwing that joined him on short boat rides.
Over the past few years, I’ve taken many photographs of Redwings. In the spring of 2022, I began working on this quilt, but it became a long project, and I didn’t complete it until autumn 2023.
This quilt is particularly special to me. I used a photo I took myself and edited it in Illustrator. For the first time, I figured out how to add the grid I use for reference directly in the editing process, rather than by hand after printing.
I also painted some of the fabric for both the background and the bird itself. Additionally, I ordered custom-printed fabric from the UK, based on photos I took of berries and leaves. Because of all the personal touches, I feel more invested in this quilt than in any other I’ve made.
Here you can see how I work each row at a time, that way it is not as overwhelming. One square at a time - one row at a time.
I have stated to edit the pictures I take while I am sewing to check for contrast difference while I am sewing.
Here you can see the finished quilt next to the printed picture I took.
Here is the original picture I took in September 2021.
Here is the quilt when I initially thought it was finished. However, after taking a closer look, I realized I wasn’t satisfied with the outcome. The beak was too light, and in some areas, the contrast with the background wasn’t strong enough. So, I returned to the sewing table and made adjustments to a few squares.
If you look closely at his little feet, you’ll notice he’s sitting in a tree—although it’s not a "real" one. I wanted to give the impression that he was perched on a branch without having to recreate the tree in exact detail. To achieve this, I used some of the specially printed fabric, cutting it into squares, and loosely followed the shape of the branch from the original photo using different branch images on the fabric. I’m really pleased with how it turned out.
Here is the final outcome. Looking back, I can see a few things I’d do differently now, but overall, I’m very happy with it. I’m also pleased to know that "he" now has a wonderful home.
In April 2024, I participated in an art exhibition organised by the Icelandic Autistic Society, titled Colorful March. The exhibition showcased a diverse group of artists and creatives on the autism spectrum, letting their work speak for itself. I was the only artist displaying quilt pieces, which made the experience all the more unique.
It was a fantastic experience, and I’d definitely participate again if given the opportunity. Meeting other artists on the spectrum was inspiring, and it was interesting to see how, despite our differences, we all share certain experiences. One of the artists, a young woman with incredible drawings, had a connection to my past—her father and I had worked together years ago (this is Iceland, after all!).
He and his wife loved my quilts and asked if I was selling them. I don’t usually sell my quilts, as I enjoy the creative process without the pressure of making money from them. I also find it hard to set a price, as to me, they’re priceless. However, knowing that “he” would go to a good home with my former co-worker, I agreed.
