Something I've been meaning to do for a long time! Black-billed magpies are one of my very favorite birds. I see them every morning when I go for a run and they've been near and dear to my heart since long before I lived where I could see them regularly.

But there don't seem to be any good commercially available plush versions, so I finally got around to making my own. This is my first plush that isn't just fleece! Most of it is minky, though I think the blue and green are actually velour. The beak and feet are some kind of smoother, higher-quality fleece (all I could find).

I actually got more colors for the tail but ended up liking this simpler look a lot better.

This time around I did *try* to keep track of the pattern I was making, because people always ask for patterns. But as usual, I ended up changing and deviating and modifying as I went. As a result, I don't really have a pattern to share, sorry! The body is four panels and I cut separate pieces into the pinions and tail feathers to get those extra seam details for separate feathers. There is also felt inside the tail and wings for a little sturdiness. I actually did a lot of applique because I didn't feel like trying to line up separate pieces for, say, the white and black on the body or the blue and white portions of the wings. I hand sew, so I try to keep it simpler.

The feet and toes are rolled fabric stitched shut, then trimmed and re-stitched to narrow down to toe tips.

Pretty close to life sized! I was worried I would accidentally make him too small but I think he came out just about right.

**** Not for sale *****
**** No pattern available, my apologies!! *****
**** I do not take commissions on sewing projects ****