Tag: National Zoo & Aquarium Month

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National Zoo & Aquarium Month Blog Hop, Day 1 World Reef Awareness Day

Fish crochet patterns

National zoo month crochet

 

June is going to be amazing! Join me every day this month for free animal patterns – 16 indie designers offering over 80 patterns for your summer crochet pleasure. Each day will feature at least one free (and up to 8) animal crochet pattern. Thanks to all these talented designers for joining me this month.

https://youtu.be/gEhfBrIQQm4

Since June 1 is National Reef Awareness Day, we’re starting off with animals that would inhabit a coral reef.

Fish crochet patterns

 

Clarence Clownfish from Crochet Wizzard

Fish Amigurumi from Loops and Love Crochet

Fish Towel from My Fingers Fly    Fish towel

 

Octopus Car Vent Clip

Octopus Eyeglass Holder Crochet Pattern

YouTube tutorial now available

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn:

3.5 oz. MC

0.5 oz. CC

12 yards yellow

1 yard black

Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook

Yarn needle

Fiberfill

  

Directions:

HEAD:

Rnd 1: With MC yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).

Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).

Rnd 4: *Sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, * repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 5: *Sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).

Rnd 6: *Sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (36 sc).

Rnd 7: *Sc in each of next 5 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (42 sc).

Rnd 8: *Sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (48 sc).

Rnd 9: *Sc in each of next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (54 sc).

Rnd 10: *Sc in each of next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (60 sc).

Rnd 11: *Sc in each of next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (66 sc).

Rnds 12-15: Sc in each st.

Rnd 16: *Dec, sc in next 9 sts,* repeat around (60 sc).

Rnds 17-20: Sc in each st.

Rnd 21: *Dec, sc in next 8 sts,* repeat around (54 sc).

Rnds 22-25: Sc in each st.

Rnd 26: *Dec, sc in next 7 sts,* repeat around (48 sc).

Rnds 27-30: Sc in each st.

Tentacles:

Row 1: Sc in next 6 sts.

Rows 2-3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 4 sts (5 sc).

Rows 5-6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 7: Dec, sc in next 3 sts (4 sc).

Rows 8-9: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 10: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 2 sts (3 sc).

Rows 11-12: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 13: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in last st (2 sc).

Rows 14-15: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 15: Dec (1 sc). Fasten off MC.

*Return to Rnd 30 of octopus body and attach MC yarn. Repeat Rows 1-14.* Repeat 6 times (8 tentacles).

BOTTOM:

Rnd 1: With CC yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).

Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).

Rnd 4: *Sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, * repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 5: *Sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).

Rnd 6: *Sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (36 sc).

Rnd 7: *Sc in each of next 5 sc, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (42 sc).

Rnd 8: *Sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (48 sc).

Repeat tentacles 8 times.

Pin tentacle bottoms to tentacle tops.

Attach MC yarn between 2 tentacles, *sc through both layers down the side of the tentacle, work 2 sc in tip, then sc up the other side, sl st in body between 2 tentacles,* repeat for each tentacle. Begin stuffing body after 4 tentacles are complete, and continue stuffing as you go.

Fold up 1 tentacle on each side and sew to Rnd 20 of body to create a spot for the frame of the eyeglasses to sit.

EYES:

Rnd 1: With yellow yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).

Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).

Rnd 4: Sc in each st.

Rnd 5: *Dec over next 2 sts, sc in next st,* repeat around (12 sc).

Rnd 6: Repeat round (6 sc). Stuff and close Rnd 6.

Use black yarn with straight st to make pupil across eyeball.

Rnd 1: With MC yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).

Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).

Rnds 4-12: Sc in each st.

Rnd 13: *Dec over next 2 sts, sc in next st,* repeat around (12 sc).

Rnd 14: Repeat round (6 sc). Stuff and close Rnd 14. Fold eyelid inside itself and sew Rnd 1 to Rnd 14. Insert eyeball and sew in place. Sew eyes to front of octopus just above the tentacles.

Pattern PDF is available at Octopus Eyeglass Holder Crochet Pattern

Want even more animals to crochet? A to Z Animal Crochet Patterns Ebook

 

 

What Do You Get When You Cross an Octopus with a Tomato? Octomato!

More Eyeglass Holders

Koala

Lamb

Owl Eyeglass Holder

Poodle

Eyeglass Holder Crochet Patterns Ebook

Stay tuned all month long for new animal designs.

June 2 – Zoo Blog Hop Day 2 – Owl Crochet Patterns                           June 3 – Zoo Blog Hop Day 3 – Bat Crochet Patterns

June 4 – Zoo Blog Hop Day 4 – National Hug Your Cat Day                June 5 – Bear Crochet Patterns

June 6 – Butterfly Crochet Patterns                                                             June 7 – Axolotl Crochet Patterns

June 8 – World Oceans Day – 4 Whales and 4 Turtles                            June 9 – Koala Crochet Patterns

June 10 – Lions                                                                                                     June 11 – 4 Cuddly Penguins

June 12 – Jack the Sloth                                                                                   June 13 – Mystical, Magical Unicorns!

June 14 – Alligators                                                                                             June 15 – Bunnies!

June 16 – Deer and Moose                                                                                Zoo Blog Hop Day 17 – Seahorse

Zoo Blog Hop Day 18 – Beaver                                                                         Zoo Blog Hop Day 19 – Monkeys

Zoo Blog Hop Day 20 – Eagles                                                                         Zoo Blog Hop Day 21 – Giraffes

Zoo Blog Hop Day 22 – Zebra                                                                          Zoo Blog Hop Day 23 – Sheep

Zoo Blog Hop Day 24 – Elephants                                                                 Zoo Blog Hop Day 25 – Dogs

Zoo Blog Hop Day 26 – Cows                                                                           Zoo Blog Hop Day 27 – Platypus

Zoo Blog Hop Day 28 – Mouse                                                                        Zoo Blog Hop Day 29 – Fox

Final Day of Zoo Blog Hop – Birds

 

Affiliate Links:

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission. Thanks for helping support my crochet blog. 

Lion Brand Yarn

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Benjamin Turtle CAL Part 3

TGIF! I hope everyone is enjoying the Benjamin Turtle pattern. Today’s post is the final one for this crochet-along. You will be making the bottom flap and assembling the nap buddy.

Directions:

Bottom:

Row 1: With Dark Olive yarn, ch 30, hdc in 2nd ch and in each ch across (29 hdc).

Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn, 2 hdc in first st, hdc across (32 hdc at end of Row 4).

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, 1 hdc, ch 1, sk next st, 30 hdc.

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each hdc and ch-1 sp.

Rows 7-14: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st.

Rows 15-24: Repeat Rows 5-14.

Rows 25-26: Repeat Rows 5-6.

Rows 27-29: Ch 1, turn, dec over first 2 sts, hdc across (29 hdc at end of Row 29). Do not fasten off.

Edging:

Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across top, down side, across unused loops on bottom, and up the other side with 2 hdc in each corner. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing.

Finished flap measures approximately 10” x 11”.

Assembly:

turtle blanket centers

Mark centers of blanket and turtle. Measure from center, 5” to left and 5” to right and pin blanket to turtle at these spots. Sew center 10” of blanket to turtle using Dark Olive yarn and back stitch. For extra security, sew edges of blanket to turtle with whip st.

Fold blanket into thirds and roll it, then fit it inside the turtle. Pin bottom flap centered over the blanket/turtle seam and sew in place.

turtle bottom flap

Sew buttons to bottom of shell corresponding to buttonholes in bottom flap.

turtle buddy bottom 

Head:

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (or magic circle), 6 sc in 2nd ch. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout head.

Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).

Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (18 sc).

Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (30 sc).

Rnds 6-9: Sc in each st.

Rnd 10: *Dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 11: Sc in each st.

Insert eyes at Rnd 4, approximately 1” apart.

Rnd 12: *Dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (18 sc).

Rnds 13-16: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 12” length.

Stuff head and sew to front of turtle at the top edge of the center hexagon. Weave in all ends.

turtle buddy both small

Part 1 of the CAL can be found at Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy CAL.

Part 2 of the CAL can be found at Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy CAL Part 2.

Free Turtle Jewelry Pattern

Four Free Turtle Patterns

Please post your turtle photos to Facebook or Instagram.

Rainbow Nap Buddy

Bunny Nap Buddy Crochet Pattern

Summer Solstice Giveaway

I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing crochet pattern giveaway! There are 25 designers, each offering a different summer pattern. Use coupon code SUMMER2020 on Ravelry through 6/24/2020. These amazing patterns should keep you busy for quite a while this summer!

Summer Solstice Giveaway

My contribution to the roundup is also available at First Day of Summer – easy butterfly flip flop pattern. If you prefer video tutorials, please see YouTube.

National Zoo & Aquarium Month

June 50% off patterns continue with today’s animal being the Polar Bear. We still have over a week to go in June with lots more half price patterns. Thursday’s sale is also still available – Fish Dish Towel. Makes a great Father’s Day gift!

June2020calendar

National Zoo & Aquarium Month 2021 Blog Hop

Turtle Christmas Ornament

For the bargain shoppers among you, this week’s Etsy specials are 20% off yarn and 30% off select finished products.

King Snake crocheted in Bernat blanket yarn

king snake coiled

I spent this week working on a giant snake plushie. Bernat blanket yarn is so soft and squishy, I just love using it to make stuffed animals! The pattern is complete, but I need a couple of people to test it. If you would like to test, please join my Facebook group for the King snake and other testing opportunities. The snake in the photo measures 100″ long, and instructions are also given for a 66″ snake.

Panda Bear Eyeglass Holder

panda

For the Addi knitter, this cute panda pattern is quick and easy.

Panda Eyeglass Holder Addi Pattern

Have a safe and happy summer. Happy crocheting!

 

 

 

 

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Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy CAL

Businesses across the country are beginning to open again, and people are returning to work. Do you have a little one who is returning to day care? Benjamin Turtle would be the perfect companion. He’s a cute plush toy that unfolds to reveal a toddler blanket for naptime.

Benjamin Turtle video

This crochet-along will be published in three parts over the month of June:

  1. Toddler blanket
  2. Turtle shell – Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy CAL Part 2
  3. Assembly – Benjamin Turtle CAL Part 3

Free Turtle Jewelry Pattern

I hope you enjoy making him as much as I enjoyed designing him. Thanks to also to tester Sharon Reid who provided me the beautiful photos.

Materials

I Love This Yarn worsted weight

21 oz. Dark Olive

6 oz. Mild Green

5 oz. Toasted Almond

2 oz. Sungold

Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook

Fiberfil

Yarn needle

Two 8-mm black safety eyes

Three 3/4” buttons

Blanket Directions:

Row 1: With Dark Olive yarn, ch 101, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in remaining chs (100 hdc).

Rows 2-10: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st.

Rows 11-12: Ch 1, turn, switch to Mild Green yarn and hdc in each st.

Repeat stripe pattern of 10 rows Dark Olive and 2 rows Mild Green 9 times. Then work another 10 rows of Dark Olive hdc.

Edging:

With Dark Olive yarn, ch 1, turn, hdc in each st across top with 3 hdc in corner. Turn to work down side, work hdc with approximately 3 sts for every 2 rows. Lay work on a table occasionally to make sure it is laying flat; adjust sts as necessary. Turn to work across bottom with 3 hdc in corner, hdc in each unused loop of starting ch, 3 hdc in corner. Turn to work up next side using the same number of sts as the other side. Join with sl st in 1st hdc.

20200430_111936

Okay, the easy part is done. Stay tuned for part 2 to make the turtle shell which will hold the blanket. Pattern PDF is available for download at My Fingers Fly. Please feel free to share photos on Instagram or Facebook.

Rainbow Nap Buddy

More Turtle Patterns

Free Turtle Earrings Pattern

World Oceans Day – 4 Free Turtle Patterns

National Zoo & Aquarium Month

Check out my Ravelry shop for 50% off a different animal crochet pattern each day.

June2020calendar

Stay safe. Be kind. Happy crocheting.

National Zoo & Aquarium Month 2021 Blog Hop

Turtle Christmas Ornament

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Sugar Skull Jewelry

sugar skull jewelry

With the country just beginning to open back up, travel is still on hold for us. In the meantime, I’ve been working on my next book – Halloween crochet. This week I’m offering a simple pattern for sugar skull jewelry. If you have some cotton thread to use up, this is a great project. I normally prefer working with worsted yarn, but lately I have come to love using thread to make earrings.

Materials:

Aunt Lydia’s Cotton–

15 yards ivory

Few yards of a few bright colors for skull decorations

Size 1.5 mm steel crochet hook

Needle

Directions:

Row 1: With ivory thread, ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 5 ch (6 sc).

Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn, inc, sc across to last st, inc in last st (12 sc at end of Row 4).

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in 1st 3 sts. Leave remaining sts unworked.

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Leave loop hanging. Using separate piece of yarn, go back to Row 4. Skip 6 sts, sc in each of last 3 sts.

Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Ch 6, join with sl st in first section of Row 6. Fasten off. Pick up loop on Row 6, sc across 3 sts.

Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc across all sts & chs (12 sc).

Rows 9-10: Repeat Row 2 (16 sc).

Row 11: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 12: Repeat Row 2 (18 sc).

Rows 13-14: Repeat Row 11.

Row 15: Ch 1, turn, sc in 4 sts.

Row 16: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 2 sts (3 sc).

Row 17: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 18: Ch 1, turn, inc, sc in next 2 sts (4 sc). Leave loop hanging. With separate piece of yarn, sk 3 sts on Row 14. Ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, ch 1, turn, dec twice. Ch 1, turn, sc in 2 sts. Ch 1, turn, inc twice. Ch 3, sl st in 1st st of Row 18. Fasten off.

Go back to Row 14. Sk 3 sts, ch 1, sc in last 4 sts. Ch 1, turn, sc in next 2 sts, dec (3 sc). Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Ch 1, turn, sc in 2 sts, inc next st (4 sc). Ch 1, sl st in middle section of Row 18. Fasten off.

Row 19: Pick up loop on first section of Row 18. Ch 1, sc in each st and ch (18 sc).

Rows 20-22: Ch 1, turn, dec first 2 sts, sc across to last 2 sts, dec last 2 sts (12 sc).

Row 23: Dec, sc next 8 sts, dec, continue down side, sc around entire skull. Join with sl st in 1st sc of Row 23. Stop here for single-color skull.

To make multicolored skull, continue with adding colors.

With pink yarn, sc around both eye openings.

Heart:

With pink yarn, ch 3. In 3rd ch from hook, work 2 dc, 4 hdc, ch 1, 4 hdc, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st in same ch. Fasten off leaving 12” length and sew to forehead of skull.

Nose:

With purple yarn, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 2, sl st in 3rd ch. Fasten off leaving 6” length and sew to center of face.

Attach jump ring and necklace chain or earring hooks.

This PDF pattern is available to download on Ravelry, separately or included in the Sugar Skull Crochet Patterns ebook. If you prefer, it is also available on Amazon as a Kindle download or paperback.

Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy, World Turtle Day

turtle buddy both small

Next month I will start the first CAL for My Fingers Fly, Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy. The toddler blanket folds up after naptime and is stored in Benjamin’s shell, giving your child a plush toy the rest of the day. The pattern uses worsted weight yarn with a simple striped blanket and the African flower motif for the turtle. The pattern will be published in stages throughout June 2020, and I hope you will share your progress photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Benjamin Turtle on YouTube

Finished blanket measures approximately 50″ long by 28” wide (with instructions to make it longer if necessary). When rolled up, Benjamin measures approximately 18” long by 10” wide by 7” tall.
Materials you will need:
Worsted weight yarn (I used I Love This Yarn)
21 oz. dark olive
6 oz. light green
5 oz. tan
2 oz. gold
Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
Fiberfil
Yarn needle
Two 10-mm black safety eyes
Three 7/8”-1” buttons

June is National Zoo & Aquarium Month

To celebrate June, each day will have a different animal or fish pattern on sale on Ravelry. I will post a calendar by June 1 with more details.

Rattlesnake Wreath

rattlesnake wreath plain

This week I completed another pattern which will go into my Halloween crochet book, Rattlesnake Wreath. For this weekend only, it is introductory priced at 50% off. Already well on its way, but I still have a list of patterns to make for this book. Is there a Halloween pattern you would like to see included?

Now that restaurants are opening up, I’m off to have lunch with the hubby. Happy crocheting everyone! Stay safe.

More Halloween patterns

halloween patterns

 

Halloween Pattern Roundup

 

 

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June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month – Free Turtle Pattern – Cutest Baby Crochet Contest

turtle earrings

One of my regrets of my recent trip to Atlanta was that it was not long enough. Just the downtown area alone has several attractions that I hope to return for, including the Georgia Aquarium.

Since June is National Zoo & Aquarium Month, I am hoping to make it back soon. In the meantime, I occupied myself this week with crocheting some turtles. Daughter #2 loves turtles, and I originally made the tank top in this pattern for her. The other thing that got me in a turtle mood was finding this little guy in my driveway on Memorial Day. I picked him up and put him in the grass so he wouldn’t get run over.

 

The pattern is simple, and it can be made in a variety of sizes. Use crochet cotton for jewelry or a small applique; use sport yarn for a slightly larger applique for shirts, jeans, or hats; use cotton worsted for coasters, or double the yarn for potholders. It’s also great for using up those small amounts in your scrap bucket.

Turtle Motif Razor-Back Tank Top

 

Materials:

Cotton blend razor-back tank top (I used New Boundaries Rib Tank)

Sport weight yarn – a few ounces each of MC & CC

Size G crochet hook

Needle and matching thread

Motif measures approximately 3” using sport yarn

Instructions:

BODY:

Rnd 1: With MC yarn, ch 2, 10 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in 1st st, 2 dc in each st around (20 dc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 3: With CC yarn, *ch 1, sc in next 2 sts of Rnd 3, dc into st in Rnd 2,* repeat around. Do not skip any sts. Join with sl st.

Rnd 4: Ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, inc,* repeat around. Join with sl st.

Rnd 5: With MC yarn, ch 3 dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts,* repeat around. Join with sl st.

Rnd 6: With CC yarn, ch 1, *sc in next 4 sts of Rnd 6, sc in st of Rnd 5, sk next st on Rnd 6* repeat around. Do not fasten off.

HEAD:

Row 1: Sl st in 1st st, ch 1, sc in next 4 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in next 4 sts.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, dec twice.

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, dec. Fasten off CC.

TAIL:

Row 1: On opposite side of body from head, attach CC. Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, dec, fasten off.

LEGS:

Make front legs 3 sts away from head; make back legs 3 sts away from tail.

Row 1: Attach CC yarn, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 sts.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in next 3 sts.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, dc over 1st 2 sts, sc in last st.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Sew turtled centered onto back of tank top with matching thread.

For smaller motif to make earrings or necklace, use crochet cotton and #3 steel hook for a turtle measuring approximately 2 ½”.

 

For a larger motif to use as a coaster, use I Love This Cotton worsted yarn and a G hook for a turtle measuring approximately 5”.


PDF download is available at https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/turtle-motif-crochet-pattern-free-pattern

This week’s new release is Tiny Totes Crochet Patterns. Crochet a Baby Gorilla Purse, a Horny Toad Coin Purse, a Butterfly Bag, a small Rodeo Handbag, or choose from three different styles of Sugar Skull Purses. 

Available as PDF download at https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/tiny-totes-crochet-patterns-ebook-sugar-skulls-horny-toad-mia-handbag-butterfly-and-baby-gorilla

More Turtle Patterns

Turtle Christmas Ornament

World Oceans Day – 4 Free Turtle Patterns

Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy CAL