Tag: National Zoo & Aquarium Month

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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

 

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🍑 Peachy Queen Goes to Atlanta: A Sweet Southern Adventure

peachy queen

When a Peachy Queen takes on Atlanta, you know it’s going to be a peach-perfect time! From skyline views to sweet tea sips, my recent trip to Georgia’s capital was filled with charm, creativity, and a whole lot of fun.

First Stop: The City That Blends Old & New

 

Atlanta has a way of mixing history with hip in the most fabulous way. I started my trip with a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park, where fountains danced under the sun and the energy was contagious. 

Southern Hospitality, Y’all 💁‍♀️

Next we stopped for a pulled pork sandwich. 

Crochet Came Along for the Ride 🧶

Naturally, my travel bag included a small project or two (okay, maybe five). I crocheted under magnolia trees and even got a few compliments at a café from fellow yarn lovers. Atlanta is definitely a city where creativity thrives!

Until Next Time, ATL! ✨

My heart (and suitcase) came back a little fuller after this Atlanta adventure. Whether you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming about your next getaway, I highly recommend following in the footsteps of this Peachy Queen and discovering all the sweet surprises Atlanta has to offer.

Stay peachy, y’all! 🍑👑

Peachy Queen Amigurumi

 Finished measures approximately 5 tall (including crown) by 6” wide (including arms).

 Materials:

Worsted weight yarn

      1.5 oz. peach

      A few yards yellow

      1 yard red

Crochet hook size G (4.0 mm)

Safety eyes

Fiberfill

Directions:

BODY:

Rnd 1: With peach yarn, ch 2. Sc 6 in second ch from hook. Do not join.

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

Rnd 3: *1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (18 sc).

Rnd 4: *1 sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc*, repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 5: *1 sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc*, repeat around (30 sc).

Rnd 6: *1 sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (36 sc).

Rnd 7: *1 sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (41 sc).

Rnds 8-14: Sc in each st.

Rnd 15: *Dec, sc in next 5 sc,* repeat around (36 sc).

Rnd 16: *Dec, sc in next 4 sc,* repeat around (30 sc).

Rnd 17: *Dec, sc in next 3 sc,* repeat around (24 sc).

Insert safety eyes at Rnd 12 approximately 5 sts apart. Embroider mouth in red. Stuff firmly.

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

Rnd 19: *Dec, sc in next sc,* repeat around (12 sc). Finish stuffing.

Rnd 20: Dec around (6 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off peach leaving 6” length for sewing. Gather remaining 6 sts and pull tightly to close.  

LEGS: (Make 2)

Rnd 1: With peach yarn, ch 2. Sc 6 in second ch from hook. Do not join.

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

Rnd 3: *1 sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (15 sc).

Rnd 4: Sc in each st.

Rnd 5: *Dec, sc in next 3 sc *, repeat around (12 sc).

Rnds 6-8: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing.

ARMS: (Make 2)

Rnd 1: With peach yarn, ch 2. Sc 6 in second ch from hook. Do not join.

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

Rnd 3: Sc in each st.

Rnd 4: *Dec, sc in next 2 sc *, repeat around (9 sc).

Rnds 5-6: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing.

Stuff arms and legs firmly and sew to body.

CROWN:

Rnd 1: With yellow yarn, ch 42, sc in 2nd ch and each ch to last ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of starting ch (mark 1st st), sc in each ch. Join with sl st in marked st.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, *sc, sk 2 sts, (3 dc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch, 3 dc) in next st, sk 2 sts,* repeat around, sl st in top of 1st sc. Fasten off leaving 12” length for sewing. Sew crown to top of head.

Weave in all ends.

PDF available at Peachy Queen Amigurumi Crochet Pattern – My Fingers Fly 

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