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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 Part 2

Good morning everyone! We had a cool front come in this week with gorgeous morning temps. It will be a hot one in the afternoon, but I’ve been enjoying my morning coffee on the patio enjoying the 70-degree weather.

Benjamin is proving to be as popular with crocheters as I had hoped – he’s just so cute! Please share your color combinations on Instagram or Facebook. This week we’ll be making the African flower motifs for his shell and putting them together. Next week will be making the turtle head and bottom flap, then attaching the blanket to the turtle shell.

Part 1 is available at Benjamin Turtle Nap Buddy CAL.

Part 3 is available at Benjamin Turtle CAL Part 3

Free Turtle Jewelry Pattern

Turtle Directions

African Flower (Make 10):

Rnd 1: With Sungold yarn, Magic Ring (MR), ch 3 (counts as dc), dc, ch 1, *2 dc, ch 1,* repeat 4 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch-3. Fasten off Sungold.

Rnd 2: Attach Mild Green yarn in any ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc, ch 1, 2 dc in same sp, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next 5 ch-1 sps. Join with sl st in top of beg ch-3.

Rnd 3: Sl st into ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), 6 dc in same ch-1 sp, 7 dc in remaining 5 ch-1 sps. Join with sl st in top of beg ch-3. Fasten off Mild Green.

Rnd 4: Attach Toasted Almond yarn at first dc of any 7-dc group, ch 1, *sc in each of 7 dc across top of shell, sc in sp between shells two rows below in Rnd 2,* repeat 5 times. Join with sl st in top of first sc. Fasten off Toasted Almond yarn.

Rnd 5: Attach Dark Olive Yarn, ch 1 (does not count as st), *hdc in each of 8 sc across side of hexagon, ch 1,* repeat 5 times. Join with sl st in top of first hdc. Fasten off Dark Olive Yarn. Block squares and sew together in the following configuration.

turtle assembly

Each side of the hexagon is 8 hdc with a ch at each end. Sew these sts together. On the hexagons that form the outer edge (as indicated in photo below by arrows), continue this seam for an additional 4 sts.

turtle hexagon arrows

Edging:

Rnd 1: Attach Dark Olive yarn at any st, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next st and each st around. Some hexagons will still have ch-1 sps. Skip these. At seam, work dc dec across both sides of seam. Join with sl st in top of ch-3. Fasten off Dark Olive.

Rnd 2: Attach Sungold yarn, ch 1, sc in same st, *sk 2 sts, 6 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st,* repeat around. It may be necessary to manipulate the skipped sts towards the end of the rnd in order to finish with a shell st rather than a sc. Join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off Sungold.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions on this pattern. The pattern PDF is available at My Fingers Fly. If you prefer Ravelry, turtles are the featured animal on June 13 – Benjamin Turtle. Each day in June, a different animal pattern is half price.

Rainbow Nap Buddy

Bunny Nap Buddy Crochet Pattern

More Turtle Patterns

World Oceans Day – 4 Free Turtle Patterns

Free Turtle Earrings Pattern

Turtle Christmas Ornament

June2020calendar

National Zoo & Aquarium Month 2021 Blog Hop

Last year I published an Elephant Crochet Pattern ebook, but I just wasn’t satisfied with the amount of patterns, so I added a few more patterns. The ebook PDF is now available on Etsy and My Fingers Fly. Kindle and paperback versions are also available on Amazon. ElephantBookCover

Miles the Jazzy Elephant was so much fun to make; I hope you’ll enjoy him too. Elephant patterns are also available separately on Ravelry, Etsy, Lovecrafts, and My Fingers Fly. Also included in the book is an Elephant Ear Saver Crochet Pattern (free on the blog).

Miles and Benjamin will both be included in my next book, A to Z Animal Crochet. Animal patterns are so much fun!

I still have a few 2020 Crochet Calendars left – just pay shipping. Even though the year is almost half gone, the 12 kitchen crochet patterns can be used forever.

Stay safe and happy crocheting!

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Rolling Stones – Football is Back

My husband and I are slowly working our way through our travel bucket list, and July was a double. Not only did we get to see Queen in Houston, but a few days later we saw the Rolling Stones. It was one day after Mick Jagger’s 76th birthday and just a few months after heart surgery, but he hasn’t slowed down a bit which left us all wondering, where does he get the stamina? It was an amazing show. NRG stadium was filled to capacity. Opening act was Bishop Gun, a Natchez, Mississippi band, probably the first opening act I have ever enjoyed.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts showed us that they have no intention of slowing down, even after 55 years of performing.

Charlie Watts
Ronnie Wood
Keith Richards
Mick Jagger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puGQdprrr9w

I’m not sure what will be next on the bucket list as far as music, but next week’s post will be about our trip to Los Angeles. What’s on your bucket list?

Football is back!

Last night’s game between the Texans and the Green Bay Packers didn’t turn out the way that I hoped, but at least it was an exciting game to watch. I love autumn – football, cooler weather, Halloween. It’s also when I get serious about crocheting items for my Christmas gift list. This week’s freebie is actually a knitting pattern, but it’s a simple pattern that works up quickly on a circular needle with worsted weight yarn. Use brown and white for traditional football colors, or use your favorite team’s colors. I would love to see photos of your earwarmer on my Instagram at http://instagram.com/myfingersfly.

Football Earwarmer

To download a PDF version, see https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/football-earwarmer-knit-pattern-free-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=cdfe9acb7&_ss=r

August – Back to School Month – https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/school?_pos=1&_sid=8a30de041&_ss=r

August 9 – Book Lover’s Day –

August 10 – Bowling Day – https://www.myfingersfly.com/products/boob-bowling-ball-bag-crochet-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=d485fdd01&_ss=r

August 15 – Relaxation Day – http://www.myfingersfly.com

August 16 – Airborne Day – https://www.myfingersfly.com/blogs/news/military-baby-sweaters?_pos=1&_sid=876a0c5fc&_ss=r

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Reasons to Crochet – National Paranormal Day – Mother’s Day – London

Daughter #2 is a sugar skull fan, so I use that motif a lot when making gifts for her. This week I reworked my skull applique pattern and updated my Ravelry listing.

Skull Motif https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/skull-motif-insertion

This is a simple pattern that can be used to embellish clothing and accessories. Let your imagination run wild with colors, yarn sizes, and decorations. Stay tuned later in the month for a new crochet book – Sugar Skull Crochet Patterns.

Skull:

Row 1: With white yarn, 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. Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Ch 6, join with sl st in first section of Row 6. Fasten off.

Row 7: Pick up loop on Row 6, sc across all sts & chs (12 sc).

Rows 8-9: Repeat Row 2 (16 sc).

Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 11: Repeat Row 2 (18 sc).

Rows 12-13: Repeat Row 10.

Row 14: Ch 1, turn, sc in 4 sts.

Row 15: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 2 sts (3 sc).

Row 16: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st.

Row 17: Ch 1, turn, inc, sc in next 2 sts (4 sc). Leave loop hanging. With separate piece of yarn, sk 3 sts on Row 13. 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 17. Fasten off.

Go back to Row 13. 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 17. Fasten off.

Row 18: Pick up loop on first section of Row 17. Ch 1, sc in each st and ch (18 sc).

Rows 19-21: Ch 1, turn, dec first 2 sts, sc across to last 2 sts, dec last 2 sts (12 sc).

Row 22: Dec, sc next 8 sts, dec, continue down side, sc around entire skull. Join with sl st in 1st sc of Row 22.

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.

Use straight st and white yarn to embroider teeth. Decorate cheeks with flowers in a daisy st.

Sew skull to bag. Use teal yarn to topstitch edge of skull.

More Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Zebra Coin Purse

Mother’s Day Handbag Blog Hop

Poodle Eyeglass Holder

Lacy Infinity Scarf

One of my other hobbies (since I was a teenager) is writing poetry. Several years ago, my aunt asked me to write a poem for her church’s annual Mother’s Day luncheon. I have compiled these poems and several others into a book in time for gifting for Mother’s Day.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1095818457

Also in the works is a new facet to my crochet business (more to come about that next week), so there was no time for travel this week. We did book a trip to London in the fall to see the Houston Texans play the Jacksonville Jaguars. London is such a beautiful city, but we didn’t get to see as much as we had hoped when we visited last summer. We did meet some wonderful people from all over the world. Oddly enough, we met very few Londoners there. The city really inspired my crochet senses, so this time I will go to London with some British-inspired crochet designs.

National Military Appreciation Month

To honor our Military, all crochet patterns and ebooks are 15% off through May 31 with coupon code MILITARY. Thank you all for your service.

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April in San Antonio – Amazon Giveaway – Free Easter Pattern

Butterfly Baby Dress Crochet Pattern

easter

Unfortunately, our Houston mini vacation has been postponed due to Mick Jagger’s health. Disappointing for us, but I’m sure it’s more frustrating for the Rolling Stones. Hopefully he will heal quickly, and the tour will be rescheduled. Facebook rumors say it will be rescheduled for October, so we’ll see.

We also had tickets for the San Antonio Commanders final home game this weekend, but the Alliance of American Football abruptly shut down the league this week. It’s so disappointing for San Antonio football fans. We attended all the home games, and the fans were great! Texas is definitely football country.

football earwarmer 2

http://Football Earwarmer Knit Pattern

From an entertainment standpoint, we definitely won’t be bored. April is definitely a good time of year to be in San Antonio. This weekend is the Poteet Strawberry Festival, which has always been a favorite for our family. Great music, carnival rides, and all the typical fair food including anything you can think of that is made of strawberries. If the rain holds off on Saturday, we will go see David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, one of my husband’s favorite Tejano bands.

Next week I’ll be getting the house ready for Easter. The Ferrel Family tradition is fajitas for Easter dinner – beef, chicken, and sausage. There will also be rice and beans, potato salad, guacamole, pico de gallo, tortillas, and I’m still working on ideas for a dessert to impress. Family, good food, children running in and out, and of course, cascarones, confetti eggs to crack on someone’s head.

My go-to gift for the children for Easter is a bunny bag filled with candy. The pattern is available in my Ravelry shop as a free download with any purchase through Easter.

bunny in sun

https://www.ravelry.com/people/myfingersfly

My newest Easter pattern will be available only on the blog this month – Easter Bunny Scrubby using Red Heart Scrubby Sparkle. Make a few as hostess gifts, or add a couple to your teen’s Easter basket as a gag gift.

bunny scrubby

Materials:

Red Heart Scrubby Sparkle –   ¼  oz.

Size G crochet hook

Yarn needle

 

Directions:

BODY:

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 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). Join with sl st. Do not fasten off.

HEAD:

Row 1: Ch 1, 6 hdc in next st.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, hdc in each st.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, dec, hdc in next 2 sts, dec, sl st in base of same st. Do not fasten off.

EARS:

*Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch and next 2 ch,* sl st in Row 3 of head. Sl st in Row 2, repeat * to *, sl st in

Row 1 of head. Fasten off.

TAIL:

Ch 3, 10 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with sl st in top of 1st dc. Fasten off leaving 6” length. Sew tail securely to body. Weave in all ends.

More Easter Patterns

Easter Crochet Pattern Roundup – Over 30 Free Patterns

Zoo Blog Hop Day 15 – Bunnies!

Easter Bunny Hot Rod Crafts

Easter Lamb Free Pattern

Easter Enchantment Crochet Patterns Ebook – Over 20 Easter Patterns in PDF Format

Fashion Doll Easter Bonnet

Flower Easter Basket Pattern

Bunny Nap Buddy Crochet Pattern

Bunny Bath Pouf Pattern

More Scrubby Patterns

Bat Scrubby Crochet Pattern

Free Taco Scrubby Crochet Pattern

Frankenstein Scrubby Crochet Pattern

April is also Month of the Military Child. My Military Baby Pattern Book was inspired by my daughter’s fatigues. Living in Military City, USA, I am very proud of these designs. Through April 10, you have a chance to win a free Kindle copy by liking my Amazon Author Page.

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/699d3d5f2b25f3cd

military book cover amazon

This month promises more adventures at Fiesta San Antonio. Stay tuned for more free patterns to come.