The first question that comes to mind with the Critter Pattern Work's animal quilting patterns is, why would you bother to buy them instead of simply getting out a glossy natural history book and tracing off a picture of the animal you want? Well, for a start, you'll have to find a photograph that works - a profile is usually best. Then you'll have to decide which are the characteristic features that you'll want to show, and how much detail to show, e.g. on a lion's mane. And you'll have to think about which body parts you indicate with stitching, and which with contrasting fabric, e.g. a rhino's horn. So why not let someone else, like Critter Patterns, do all this stuff and you do the fun part, the playing with fabric part?
Although each critter pattern comes with an example of a completed quilt on the front of the packet, the outline for each animal is separate, so you can put together your quilt in whatever way you wish. For example, the Critters Alphabet design lends itself to an "A is for alligator, B is for bear" block design, while the example has all the animals around the outside. The animal outlines will photocopy well to whatever size you need to fit your design.
Critters' patterns vary from simple ones for beginners or those with limited time (called "Critters in a hurry" which it is claimed can be finished in 8 hours, e.g. the butterfly design) to straightforward ones which are mostly made from one or two pieces of fabric, to more intricate designs and medallion designs such as the Noah's Ark.
I found the patterns and instructions straightforward and easy to use. I think even a beginner is able to tackle these with confidence and more experienced quilters will find them useful shortcuts that inspire creativity and experimentation. The potential is enormous as you can mix-and-match critters, make them multi-coloured, plaid, whatever comes to mind.
Critter patterns are design by Debora Konchinsky and her son, Marc. They regularly attend shows and offer a four-day quilt camp at their shop in Pennsylvania.
Critter Patterns does also offer a video featuring Debora Konchinsky showing the steps involved in sewing one of her patterns, but this is definitely for beginners only.
