Introducing QM’s Patch Pals

Have you noticed Quiltmaker’s Patch Pals series of pictorial animal designs? QM Graphic Designer Denise Starck went to work on the first designs early in 2010 and hasn’t stopped yet.

Beary Patch from Quiltmaker Jan/Feb '11

The idea was to create simple pictures using only squares and half-square triangles, with just a sprinkling of quarter-square triangles when necessary.

That first pattern was assigned to me for writing. I always enjoy a good play on words, so I named him Beary Patch. From there the quilts and the names just got better and better.

Quack Patch from Quiltmaker March/April '11

At some point we realized that if we kept all the critters the same size, the centers and borders would be interchangeable. So keep in mind that you can always use a different Patch Pals border if one doesn’t tickle your fancy.

Ruff Patch from the May/June '11 issue of Quiltmaker

Of all the clever names we’ve chosen for the Patch Pals, Ruff Patch is by far my favorite name. And the color scheme of this piece is so inviting!

Purr Patch from the July/August '11 issue of Quiltmaker

I’m very allergic to cats but even I could live with this kitty we named Purr Patch.

Pokey Patch appears in Quiltmaker Sept/Oct '11

This is where Denise breaks the cuteness meter. Could Pokey Patch be any more fun?

Polar Patch from Quiltmaker Nov/Dec '11

Then because it was winter here in the U.S., we turned our thoughts to animals that suggested cold, and Polar Patch was born. And how ’bout that baby penguin?!

Prickly Patch appears in Quiltmaker's Jan/Feb '12 issue

As 2012 began, Denise turned to a less-familiar character, the hedgehog. We named him Prickly Patch. I love how the border furthers the idea of “prickly.”

Bunny Patch was born in the spring to be featured in Quiltmaker March/April '12

We include spring-like quilts in every March/April issue, so Bunny Patch was a good choice for that time of year.

Banana Patch is the most recent addition to the Patch Pals Collection

Which brings us to the current issue, May/June ’12, and the most recent Patch Pal. Because he’s a snacker, we called him Banana Patch. Isn’t that green background yummy?

Patch Pals make perfect kid quilts! Limited quantities of Patch Pals kits are available.

Most of the issues with Patch Pals patterns remain available. More Patch Pals are planned, and they’re just as cute as they can be!