The Best of Bird Brain Designs

Robin has been practicing various forms of stitching for over five decades. She took up embroidery after losing her job due to pregnancy, using her newfound free time to embellish stationery items while anticipating the birth of her son, Jeffrey. Today, he is a talented web designer for Bird Brain Designs and numerous other companies.

Having taught crewel embroidery in Davis, California, and sold supplies from a wicker basket in her station wagon, Robin partnered with a needlepoint enthusiast to establish ‘The Sampler.’ At a trade show, she connected with needlework kit producers and eventually relocated to Pennsylvania with her two young children. After spending years in the industry and seeing her children grow up and leave home, Robin returned to Sonoma, California.

Linda, Tina, and Robin, three sisters, established a Sonoma-based gift shop called “Three Sisters.” They enjoyed running the store for six years before closing it in June 2002. The closure was due to Linda requiring surgery to replace her hip and both knees. Now, they jokingly refer to her as their “bionic” sister!

More About Bird Brain Designs

Bird Brain Designs was established when Robin was requested to create a felt table rug and Christmas stocking for Better Homes and Gardens. Upon realizing the beauty of Penny Rug Appliqué, Robin expanded her designs, giving birth to Bird Brain Designs. As the website and quilt shows developed, new Redwork Designs, leaflets, wool, Perle cotton floss, and various stitching accessories were added to the collection.

The “Birds,” as they’re called, now attend quilt shows across the west coast and even as far east as Texas. These events are enjoyable, bustling, and tiring. Recently, machine embroidery has become a popular way to unwind and appreciate needlework. For years, women have requested that the sought-after BBD embroidery designs be digitized for use on their embroidery machines.

Studio And More Patterns

The Studio is a bustling hub of activity, previously located on the third floor of Robin’s Kelseyville home in California, now functioning as Robin’s Design Studio. A wall of windows offers sweeping views of Clear Lake, the state’s largest natural lake. The entrance provides a glimpse of Mt. Konocti, an extinct volcano that last erupted 10,000 years ago—hopefully remaining dormant! With stunning scenery, pleasant weather, and minimal traffic, Lake County is an ideal place to live and work.

Bird Brain Designs has relocated to a 1937 Variety Store building in downtown Kelseyville. The spacious storefront accommodates the online shipping operation, providing space for patterns, kit fabrics, and other essential items. At the back of the store, there is a garage warehouse along with a small kitchen and classroom. The enormous front area is filled with stitched pillows, hangings, quilts, and more that showcase all of Bird Brain Designs’ offerings. Textiles, designs, Perle Cotton, and a wool display are showcased in retro cabinets and furnishings. Among the needlecraft items are antiques and collectibles discovered during “retail therapy” outings en route to quilt exhibitions.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, Bird Brain Designs patterns offers a wide variety of high-quality embroidery patterns and supplies that are perfect for both beginners and experienced stitchers. With their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction, it’s no wonder why they have such a loyal following in the embroidery community. Whether you’re looking for seasonal designs, whimsical motifs, or classic samplers, Bird Brain Design has something for everyone. You can purchase their projects here.