Susan’s Critter Patterns
The Spirited Scottie
Spending the week with Dad, I dabbled with this Scottish Terrier design. It's a fun, quick sew. I opted to make him using plaid Christmas ribbon for his coat. I put tape on the back of the ribbon to keep the edges from fraying. Since I didn't have my felt stash, I...
The Darling White-tailed Deer
The White-tailed deer first appeared in my latest pattern book, Animals of the Northeast. Leave the antlers off, and it's a doe to go along with my White-tailed Fawn. Enjoy! Enjoy the free download below – or purchase the White-tailed Deer felt kit here. [sdm_download...
The Secretive Gray Fox
First introduced in my book Downeast Thunder Farm Animals of the Northeast here is my Secretive Gray Fox pattern. I've only spied red fox on the farm here but the gray is abundant in southern and mid-coast Maine - and throughout much of the United States. Enjoy!...
Christmas Cats and Dogs
These little cats and dogs have kept me busy in the evenings - the perfect project to help keep me awake during TV-time. I plan to use these as little extras tied to Christmas packages. The cat design was inspired by a Pinterest picture from this website. The dog...
The Little Brown Bat
Inspired by the Halloween decorations in the stores, I designed the Little Brown Bat - an often requested pattern. I'm on vacation with my folks in Pennsylvania and don't have my felt supplies at hand, so the prototype for this guy is in Halloween black felt with a...
The Majestic Mountain Lion
The presence of mountain lions in Maine is often debated. In 2018 federal officials declared the Eastern Cougar extinct. However, every year there are reported sightings that leave us wondering. Friends shared that they spotted one outside their home - tail dragging...
The Prickly Porcupine
The Prickly Porcupine represents the many porcupines that live in the Maine woods. I opted to use washed wool-poly blend felt for this guy to give him more texture. He's a simple pattern from my punch list of critters for the critter pattern book that I hope to...
The Solitary Groundhog
Having been born in Punxsutawney, PA, my father's hometown, groundhogs (aka woodchucks and marmots) have long been part of our family culture. Gobbler's Knob (where Punxsutawney Phil emerges every February 2nd) was just a walk up the road from my grandparent's house....
The Great American Bison
The American Bison (or Buffalo) has been an often-requested pattern. For me, getting this felt critter right has been all about texture since they are shaggy beasts. I used Light Brown for the body and Safari Brown (a heathered felt) for the upper body. To give them...
The Maine Bobcat
My next pattern book will feature my critters. I'm trying to work through the other Maine animals that need to be included - like the bobcat. Trying to find just the right felt color for this one is challenging. You can choose to make him with a variety of shades of...
The Playful Opossum
Here's a new project for your post-holiday crafting. I've never spotted an opossum, but it has been one of the most requested critters over the years. I've dabbled with a design on and off for years, never quite happy with the result. I like the critters to look as...
The Boundless Border Terrier
It's been a while since I've played with a dog pattern. Here's a scrappy little Border Terrier. They have so many variations in coloring that I've provided some options. The general shape of this pup can be modified to fit a variety of floppy-eared dogs. If you make...
The Musical Bowhead Whale
The Bowhead whale - one of the longest living whales found only in the Arctic regions. A fitting start to my 2021 patterns. Enjoy!
The Leisurely Right Whale
Hannah has started putting whales in sweaters. It started with this Christmas wreath she created for the WHRL Christmas Tree Festival and Auction earlier in the month. Her whale enchantment continues there, so I, too, am back on the whale theme. My last felt critter...
The Playful Pig
When folks ask for or suggest a pattern, I don't always jump on it. My life is a little crazy, with multiple part-time jobs that make up the whole. And then there's my love of designing these felt birds and critters - the side gig. The pattern suggestion has to vibe...
The Charismatic Kangaroo
I loved this recent pattern suggestion given the devastating extent of the recent bush fires in Australia. So the Charismatic Kangaroo joins his fellow Australian, The Kindly Koala, as a free pattern. If you decide to make a Charismatic Kangaroo or Kindly Koala,...
The Gentle Manatee
I've not had the pleasure of seeing a manatee in person, but they seem like such gentle giants. She's been a popular pattern request over the years. You'll find her an easy weekend project! Have fun!
The Happy Hippo
Thinking outside of the Downeast Maine box, here's a Happy Hippo felt pattern for your weekend enjoyment. Have fun!
Gregarious Nubian Goat
Sitting and watching television is a challenge for me - I need something to do, or I fall asleep. Every time. When picking out movies, Paul and Hannah tell me, "We saw that one - you slept through it." So this little Lop-eared, or Nubian goat, was my evening project....
The Singular Chinook Salmon
It's not every day that I can jump on a pattern suggestion. The idea has to resonate with me, and I have to have time. These days I'm so time-poor, it's almost silly. I received a request for a Chinook Salmon. Folks from the non-profit Port Townsend Marine Science...
The Solitary Seal
Since spotting what I think of as "Hannah's Seal" in the bay last month, I knew I had to create a seal. Although this little guy is a fair bit cuter than our resident seal who looks like a grumpy old man. Have fun!
Ellie the Endearing Elephant
When the suggestion for an elephant hit my inbox, it immediately resonated. I'm fascinated by elephants. They have such human-like emotions. I love that they are good mamas, banding together to raise their babies. And what's cuter than a baby elephant? I hope you...
The Heartwarming Holstein Cow
Many a visitor has suggested a cow pattern. She spoke to me yesterday as I was tinkering with designs. With a snow day in the forecast, she's the perfect project for shoveling procrastination! Download the free plan below or purchase a complete kit with expanded...
The Boisterous Bottlenose Dolphin
It's been a bit of a dry summer on the new pattern front. With Hannah home and I working more than I can ever recall, I've not spent much time being creative. This Boisterous Bottlenose Dolphin has been in the works for a few weeks, but only today as I sit at home...
The Gentle Gray Whale
Earlier this week, Sharyn wrote to say, "Your recent series of whales got me inspired to go whale watching on the California coast. I've lived in California over 30 years, but had not traveled to go whale watching. One thing I've learned is that we have lots of gray...
Happy the Hedgehog
Happy the Hedgehog has been a long time coming. She has been a most popular request since I started sharing my felt ornament designs. We don't have hedgehogs in the wild in the USA so she wasn't at the top of my to do list, but she was fun to make. Enjoy!...
Unicorn of the Sea – The Narwhal
The Narwhal looks a bit mystical with it's giant tooth. If you're going for a more realistic look, you might choose a pale gray and add many more "spots" to your ornament. I hope you enjoy this addition to my whale series created for my nephew, baby Elijah. Have...
The Awesome Orca
Until I started on this pattern as part of my whale series, I didn't appreciate that while called a "killer whale" the Orca is actually part of the dolphin family. They are such magnificent animals, so easily recognizable with their black and white markings. I hope...
The Gregarious Beluga Whale
Sightings of Beluga Whales are pretty scarce in this neck of the woods. This Beluga Whale pattern is super easy ornament to make. My whale is a pale blue, but white or off white would be more accurate. I so like their "smiles" - they seem such happy creatures. Hope...
The Majestic Humpback Whale
The Majestic Humpback Whale is number three in my whale series. He's already off to grace baby Elijah's room (my nephew). Found on both coasts of the United States, the Humpback is a summer visitor to the coast of Maine. Have fun! [sdm_download id="30288" fancy="0"...
The Endangered Blanding’s Turtle
This turtle design grew out of an email I received from Nancy. A fourth-grade teacher, Nancy raises two Blanding's Turtle hatchlings with her class each year. Once grown, they release the turtles into the wilds of Massachusetts. This is my second attempt at the...
The Benevolent Blue Whale
Whale number two in my whale series is the Benevolent Blue Whale, designed with love for my new nephew. He's too young to appreciate them, but I'm having fun designing them for him. I hope you have fun with him! ...
The Wondrous Sperm Whale
When I learned that my new nephew's bedroom was being decorated with whales, I went to work designing them. If you've been visiting for a while, you know that I prefer to design realistic looking ornaments. And while I tried to do this for the sperm whale, he turned...
The Lonesome Lobster
This lobster pattern has been a long time coming. It took me numerous starts before I was happy with the pattern. The challenge is in how narrow the legs are - there's not a lot of substance to them. I wonder what would happen with pipe cleaners for legs? If you have...
The Bodacious Beaver
During my travels Downeast I've seen many beaver lodges - the pile of sticks peeking out of an estuary, pond or marsh. On occasion, I watched a beaver swim along, but I've never seen one actively working on their home. Yet it's clear that they've been busy, I'll spot...
Downeast Thunder Farm Boo Kitty
When putting up our Christmas tree last month, Hannah pointed out that we have Ginger, Gidget, and Cinder ornaments, but no Boo. So, Snape (aka Boo) makes it on the tree the last day before we take the tree down until next Christmas. Meet Boo Kitty! Right-click this...
The Rambunctious River Otter
Occasionally I see a river otter frolicking around the river bank. Their tracks in the snow are very curious because of the long, thick tail they drag behind them. It almost looks as if they like to slide along the snow rather than walk - although there's little snow...
Gracie the Border Collie
Gracie was a sweet Border Collie rescued by friends some years ago. She enjoyed a loving, happy home in her senior years, but sadly passed away this fall. I designed this ornament to honor Gracie. While this pattern was designed to match Gracie's marking, you can mix...
The Charming Chipmunk
Who doesn't find a chipmunk charming? There's been one squatting under the little crate on my stoop. When I open the door, he scurries by, startling me every time. With this cold weather coming, he's seemingly got this sights set on moving in! enjoy. Right click here...
The Regal Reindeer
As the weather begins to turn colder, my thoughts are jumping ahead to holiday projects. Yes, I know - it's not yet Halloween but a reindeer is definitely in order! Enjoy! Right-click here and select "save target as" to save this printable Reindeer pattern to your...
The Lively Sea Otter
Hannah provided the inspiration for this Sea Otter when she shared with me pictures of Sea Otters with frolicking with their babies. This little otter can snuggle a sea otter pup, or a clam shell. I provide both with this pattern. Hannah went to the beach with me...
The Watchful Wolf
The Wolf is possibly my most requested pattern. It's also the pattern that I've struggled over more than any other. Wolves come in so many shades and markings - there's no one "right" pattern. This is the third wolf I've drafted and stitched over the last few weeks....
Myrtle the Sea Turtle
The Sea Turtle is one of Hannah's favorite creatures, so I designed this critter for her. Paul dubbed her "Myrtle the Turtle". I took Myrtle to the beach today for a photo shoot; the lure of the ocean is strong. See that wave rolling up the beach? Yup, that wave...
The Gentle Garden Mouse
I had company working in the greenhouse yesterday. A little garden mouse has taken up residence. Probably spent the whole winter in there. Probably had babies in there. He didn't seem to mind sharing the space with me. Although my screech did seem to startle him into...
The Sassy Sheep
I had more fun planning this little ewe. The inspiration came from a sheep wall hanging that appeared in the office last week. Rather than using felt for this girl, I scoured the house for something that would give the body a wooly texture - fleece, boiled wool,...
The Kindly Koala
When I was a teeny-bopper we lived in Friedburg, Germany. My father, an Army officer, was stationed there for three years. During that tour of duty, an Australian soldier visited with us for a time. When he departed for home, he gifted me with a stuffed Koala. It's my...
The Spunky Skunk
No woodland creature collection would be complete without a skunk. I was always a bit amused by skunks, if not their smell. Early on, Paul taught Hannah and me Arlo Guthrie's song "There's a Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" which we sing religiously when we drive...
The Peaceful Panda
Looking for something "easy" to work on this weekend, I thought I'd stick with the bear theme after finishing the Great Grizzly. I saw my first Panda during a visit to the National Zoo in the late 70s when I was just a teen. A trip to the same zoo some 25 years later...
The Great Grizzly
This Great Grizzly, along with the Bashful Black Bear and the Fearless Polar Bear, rounds out my collection of North American bears. You won't find him in Maine, but he'll make a good addition to your critter collection. To download this printable Grizzly PDF pattern,...
A Welsh Corgi Named Oji
Oji was a wonderful rescue Welsh Corgi my friends adopted three or four years ago. He was lively and playful and was a wonderful companion for them. When Oji died after being hit by a car last month, Chris said that all the joy seemed to leave their house. After...
A Note on Copyright
I am happy to share these with you for your personal, not-for-profit use. You are encouraged to make these in any form (ornaments, felting, quilting, applique, etc.) and sell for, non-profit fund-raising. You may not redistribute the patterns without express written permission or sell the patterns.
At this time I cannot grant permission for commercial use of my patterns. If you have questions about your intended use of the patterns, drop me a note!