People's fascination with birds is never ending. Eagles circle above, catching the updrafts, and we watch for hours, staring in wonderment. We feed the wild birds at our window sills and delight in their antics. And, we shower affection on birds who consent to become our pets, sharing our days and making us laugh with their colorful personalities. 

This week's designs are all about those birds -- beautiful birds that have inspired folk art and cultural legends, wild birds who create lively drama in our own backyards, birds of prey that tantalize and mystify us, and quirky pals we take into our hearts.

We begin with a peacock, bright and bold with color. You'll notice two versions - the first version has rings in the tail feathers where you can place heat-set crystals. Texture-lovers will enjoy the hen and rooster design, whose tail feathers can be turned into fringe.

Framed panels feature graceful and stately birds, including the Snowy Egret, Flamingo, African Grey Parrot, and Bird of Paradise. And, raptors in their natural settings soar from jacket backs; these large designs feature a Bald Eagle, Red-Tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, and Great Horned Owl.

As winter lumbers on, we look forward to the sounds of birds that foretell spring -- the "cheer-up" song of the first returning robins and the loon's plaintive call over fog-shrouded lakes. Listen for the cardinal's whistle and blue bird and chickadee's sweet songs as you sew with these design sets-- including a corner nest, a feather, and a bird in flight -- made to coordinate on many a spring project.

May your embroidery machine fly like it had wings, and enjoy this week's designs!