Kinsley the Kea Bird

Kinsley the Kea Bird

Some projects feel like stitching a little piece of home, and this week’s Kinsley the Kea was exactly that. The kea is one of Aotearoa’s most iconic native parrots — clever, curious, mischievous, and famously cheeky. They’re the kind of birds who steal your lunch, unzip your backpack, and charm you while doing it. Bringing that playful spirit to life in yarn always fills me with a special kind of joy.

Kinsley stands at 28 cm tall (about 11 inches) and balances beautifully on his own, which gives him such a lovely presence. He feels like he’s ready to hop off on an adventure at any moment — very on‑brand for a kea.

This is a design I’ve loved for a long time, but every time I make him, I find new ways to refine the details. Next time, I’m planning to add a touch of orange under his wings, just like the real kea’s hidden flashes of colour. It’s one of my favourite things about the species — that little surprise of brightness you only see when they stretch or take flight.

This particular Kinsley is spreading his wings and heading off to Australia, where he’ll be joining some new bird friends. I love imagining him perched proudly on a shelf, bringing a bit of Kiwi cheekiness across the Tasman. There’s something so heartwarming about sending a native New Zealand bird to a new home overseas — a tiny reminder of where I’m from, stitched with love.

Creating him this week reminded me how special it is to craft something that feels deeply connected to my country. A soft, handmade tribute to one of our most beloved birds.

Here’s to Kinsley — cheeky, colourful, and ready for his next adventure.