by Susan | Oct 15, 2022 | Bird Patterns, Christmas, Felt Patterns
This week, I’ve spent my evenings in front of the television playing with these Birds on Branches Christmas Ornaments. They are four-inch circle bird scenes. Because the birds are so small to fit in this space, I slightly simplified the designs from my bird...
by Susan | Sep 24, 2022 | Odds and Ends, Owl and Raptor Patterns, Projects
Last weekend I started working on felt Joyful Wreath Owls – thinking ahead to this year’s Winter Tree Festival and Auction. I love making these gray felt wreath owls. Then I started thinking about something a little different. How could I switch things up....
by Susan | Sep 7, 2022 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
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...
by Susan | Aug 21, 2022 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
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...
by Susan | May 29, 2022 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Some of my backyard birds you have to go searching the edges of the woods for; otherwise, you can only hear them. The Blue-headed Vireo is one that I’ve been recording daily on Merlin; I’ve yet to spot this guy. A challenging part of this bird is finding...
by Susan | May 20, 2022 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
The White-throated Sparrow may be the unsung hero of my backyard. Unassuming, always around either at the feeder or rustling around beneath the lilac bushes. I’m past due creating a felt pattern for this guy. Enjoy! If you are reading this post via email, click...
by Susan | May 12, 2022 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Black-and-white Warblers have been singing and keeping me company from the edge of the woods these past few days. This design was a happy way to spend the afternoon on the porch. Enjoy! If you are reading this post via email, click Continue Reading at the bottom and...
by Susan | Apr 30, 2022 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Woodland Patterns
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...
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),...