by Susan | Mar 30, 2022 | Felt Patterns, Insect Patterns
My recent trip home to my parent’s home was supposed to be purely fun. What was unanticipated was mom spending a week in the hospital and undergoing emergency surgery. I sewed this little butterfly while sitting in the OR waiting room, trying to keep my mind...
by Susan | Mar 26, 2022 | Felt Patterns, Insect Patterns
.I found this ladybug pattern languishing on my iPad. I designed it some time ago but never made it. I’m not very good at cutting nice even circles so I used a paper hole bunch for these. I hope you enjoy this little weekend project! If you are reading this via...
by Susan | Mar 20, 2022 | Felt Patterns, Insect Patterns
The next installment in the butterfly theme is the American Copper. Once again, the limitations of felt colors challenged me. But an endless supply of felt colors could be a problem for me! Rather than tiny pieces of felt for the spots, I used beads, but you can also...
by Susan | Mar 14, 2022 | Felt Patterns, Insect Patterns
Hannah has a vision for a butterfly tree for this year’s WHRL Christmas Tree Festival. She gave me a punch list of butterflies to work my way through. The Black Swallowtail is the first of a few to come. Enjoy! If you’re reading this from your email, click...
by Susan | Mar 6, 2022 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
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...
by Susan | Feb 27, 2022 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
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...
by Susan | Feb 19, 2022 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
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...
by Susan | Feb 12, 2022 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Struggling a bit to find my creative mojo again, I tackled this Yellow-headed Blackbird. He’s not something you’ll find in Maine, but the basic color pattern appealed to my desire for uncomplicated. You all west of the Mississippi are likely familiar with...
by Susan | Dec 26, 2021 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Woodland Patterns
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...
by Susan | Nov 20, 2021 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns
When the request for a Northern Shrike came in last week, I realized that I’d started the design for this fellow some time ago, but never finished the ornament. Here he is for your weekend crafting pleasure. Enjoy! Note: If you are reading this post via e-mail,...
by Susan | Nov 1, 2021 | Felt Patterns
Here are some more ideas for creating with Downeast Thunder Farm birds and critters. Joyful Owl Wreaths My use of owls in wreaths began with a balsam wreath for Christmas with the Joyful Owl. She’s designed with just her head and upper body to appear as if...
by Susan | Oct 29, 2021 | Felt Patterns, Other Patterns
Why a Christmas Mouse, you wonder? I have no idea, but it’s been on my mind for a couple of years, and I’ve been in the designing groove now that the weather is cooling down. For this critter, I’ve used Silver Gray (mouse), Barnyard Red (scarf),...
by Susan | Oct 23, 2021 | Felt Patterns, Other Patterns
Clearly, I’m gearing up for Christmas. Last weekend it was the Woodland Gnomes. This weekend it’s this simple Woodland Christmas Tree. There are many ways you can create this. Use two coordinating green colors for the tree or use the same color throughout....
by Susan | Oct 17, 2021 | Felt Patterns, Other Patterns
Magical little nature spirits, gnomes have found a place in Christmas holiday traditions. While I’m not a fan of the garden gnome, I had lots of fun creating these felt versions. These woodland Christmas gnomes will make darling gift decorations or tree...
by Susan | Oct 10, 2021 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Cleaning the living room yesterday, I discovered this Golden-crowned Kinglet pattern that had slipped under the sofa. I designed it at some point but never crafted him. A gray Sunday morning was a good time to take him from paper to felt. Enjoy! Note: If you are...
by Susan | Oct 8, 2021 | Felt Patterns
With the cooler weather setting in and the holidays coming, it seems like a natural time for handicrafts. I have fun designing my birds and critters, and I’m always delighted by the ways readers use the patterns in their projects. I thought I’d showcase...
by Susan | Sep 1, 2021 | Critter Patterns, Dogs, Felt Patterns
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...
by Susan | Aug 22, 2021 | Other Patterns
After creating my wooden buoy garland and my Maine Lobster Buoy Adirondack chairs, creating a felt buoy pattern was a no-brainer. Enjoy! Lobster Buoy OrnamentDownload Now!448 Downloads Note: If you are reading this post via e-mail, click the “Continue...
by Susan | Jul 12, 2021 | Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
The Green-eyed Vireo is another songster in my woods I’ve discovered through song identification apps. I haven’t been able to find a good olive green in felt – the color called for on this bird. I dabbled with some wool fabric for the back and wing....
by Susan | Jul 4, 2021 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
The Black-throated Green Warbler is another songster that I’ve detected in my backyard via song. Another bird I’ve yet to spot, but whose song I hear with gusto lately. This July 4 weekend is chilly and rainy – after days of 90s weather – the...
