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Ravelry: June
Flickrcrocheted baby orang utan
You probably all know the story by now: I’ve had a pet project for the past year – to crochet a life-size realistic baby orang utan as a freeform art project (no pattern!). It’s been a long time coming, but I have finally finished him!
I have a lot of detail I could share, but I think I’ll save that for another time, and let the pics speak for themselves today. Please, please leave me comments! This is the most important (to me) piece I’ve ever made and I really really want to know what you think of him…
And finally, with a wink to the fellow Pratchett fans: OOK!
For some reason I am very nervous about showing him to you – I feel like my soul is on display! I hope you can tell that I have poured my heart into him. Please let me know what you think in the comments…
Hi, I'm 
kris Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
june your hard work payed off! he is a work of art and you should be very proud of yourself. i can’t believe he is finally done its been a long time coming!!!! can’t wait to see whats next!
Lindy Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
Many congratulations! Your orang utan is brilliant and I love all the photos in the various realistic positions! He looks lovely & cuddly too, and incredibly real! You deserve great recognition for your orang utan.
Rikke Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
Awwww! He’s really cute! I love his little toes and fingers
Jennifer Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
Wow I love him!! He is shockingly realistic, and I love his facial expression. In the second pic it looks like he’s having a little temper tantrum ^_^
Marie-Thérèse Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
I think he is stunning and very, very cute. I admire your skills. You also display him excellent on the photos in this post.
Greetings from Germany
Marie-Thérèse
Lindsey Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
yay! I’m so excited that you’ve finished! Superly cute I must say.
Ruhammie Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
OH! He is ADORABLE! He seems so lifelike too, with that little baby belly and bent orangutan legs, fingers and toes, and precious baby face. You did an AWESOME JOB!
Josie Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
How could you be nervous? He’s so beautiful! If I was clever enough to make him I’d have been rushing to get the photos online for everyone to enjoy – thank you, I *have* really enjoyed seeing him.
Jessica Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
Oh my god, June, this is BRILLIANT! He is so adorable. The fingers and toes are perfect (did you use a wire armature?), and he has such a sweet expression. Also, it looks like he enjoys reading Good Omens, and you can never dislike a critter who has such good taste.
puglette Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 1:42 pm
oh june, your baby is just perfect! i just want to scoop this baby up and hold it all day! i love the photo where it is all stretched out, so sweet. i can definately see all the love you put into this project.
)
hugs,
puglette
Rebekah (BekahJan) Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 1:49 pm
Yay! He looks great! so cute! Great job!
His little hands and feet are adorable! And what a sweet face! 
Perfect! Simply Perfect! 
NE?E YILMAZ Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
VERY VERY GOOD
Candy Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
Seriously one of the cutest things I have ever seen. I love him.
Crystal Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
He’s adorable! I love his hads and feet. They look so realistic.
Expat Mom Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
Amazing! That`s a LOT of work and he`s very sweet.
karmadillo Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
So much personality! Ditto the other comments about the gorgeous feet and hands. It looks to have been a labor of pure love!
Robyn Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
Cuuuuuttteeeee! Love his toes! My sister likes monkeys and collects them. I should show this to her. Awesome job again June! Love how you put a real banana with him. I also like how he’s walking on his hands like real monkeys do. Adorable! A+++++++!
Linnea Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
Oh, he is DARLING! What a sweet little orang! His face is full of expression and I just love his fingers and toes and… he’s just perfect. You should be terribly proud of yourself! You are an amazing artist!
Jenni Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
he is amazing!! the curl of the toes and fingers is just perfect. I would love to know how many pictures you took of him in this photo session!
Alexis Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
That, is seriously cool! loved the hands & feet in particular.
Kimberly-Ann Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
He is beautiful, adorable, perfect. I wish I could cuddle him and teach him how to live wild in the forest like they do on Orangutang Diaries in Forest School.
Sabrina Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
Squee! I love him. I must show him to a billion of my friends and praise your artistic genius!
Sarah Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
June, he is wonderful! Those photographs really show him off well, too! Congratulations – I think your hard work paid off
Jo Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
June, he’s amazing! I can’t imagine how much work he must have been – but he was definitely worth it.
Congrats!
Patti Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
Is he also a Librarian?
val Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
He is as beautiful as I thought he would be if YOU created him. He is truly a work of art and you should be so proud of him. Thank you SO much for sharing him with us! Now….about that pattern……..of course, I couldn’t begin to do as good a job, but I could try!
Anna Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
Congratulations on the birth of your baby!!! Very cute and so realistic. Amazing work!
Linda Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
OMGosh he is simply ADORABLE!!!!! His hands and feet are Incredible!
margie oomen Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 7:27 pm
What a marvel he is. I really adore his fingers and toes so very much. Congratulations
Christina Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
He’s amazing! Very realistic looking. I love it!
jeannette Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 8:59 pm
OOK! he is adorable!! them toes just kill me
futuregirl Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 9:48 pm
Awesome! I really think you outdid yourself here … and that’s saying a lot! You even elicited a “Wow!” and a “That’s pretty cute!” from the dude of the house.
Great job, June!
Idadown Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 10:02 pm
He is gorgeous! So “pick me up and cuddle me”. Congrats. Now for a baby brother or sister? LOL
Amy Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 10:21 pm
Aaaawwwww….so so very cute! What a great job. You should make the pattern available on your blog. I would so get it!!
Thanks for sharing!
Craft Passion Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 10:52 pm
After the long wait, finally see you stunning Orang Utan!!! He is so adorable and look so real!!! Wish that I can hug him though there are many real one out there here in Malaysia :p If you are making more to sell, I will buy one from you
EclatDuSoleil Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 11:23 pm
Simply adorable! I just would like to adopt him… or perhaps make one for my niece if you decide to write the pattern.
angelspirit Said,
April 8, 2009 @ 11:38 pm
Wow!!!! This is exceptional!!! You did a fantastic job!!!! I admire you for working with the fuzzy yarns so much and keeping your sanity!!! Your design skills are incredible!!!!
linda p Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 12:33 am
i think he’s PERFECT! isn’t it so fun to crochet w/o thinking about the pattern? you did a lovely job, and i love the furry yarn and the detail in his digits.
rosie Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 3:19 am
Oh June, what a little petal! He is wonderful, the expression on his face and the poses you put him in. On tv at the moment, we have a programme called Monkey World, think it’s in Dorset, and they have baby Orangs, and the real ones look just like yours. Quite incredible!
Well done
Rosie x
Amanda Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 3:31 am
YAY! I think he’s awesome.
He is VERY lifelike, and I love what you did with his hands and feet. They look awesome. It’s so hard to get hands and feet right… Amazing work.
Katrin Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 3:54 am
I just KNEW he would be great, but, June, you have outnumbered yourself! That is simply the most stunning thing I have seen lately!
Caley Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 4:13 am
That is so fantastic! It is right out of our local show Orangutan Diaries. Definitely one of the best crochet animals I’ve seen. Great job!
Eve Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 6:40 am
WOW!
How many hours do you think you put in this little baby?
Amazing work June, you should be very proud.
Eve
Jenn Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 8:40 am
I am in love with him. I was really hoping he was one of the patterns you would sell!
tomae Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 9:49 am
You are an artist. Your love can be seen here as well as your soul. I love the face. Nothing completes a ‘toy’ (lack of a better word) project like a face. The face is what makes it real! Thank you for sharing your art, your soul, and your love.
Nadine B Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 10:04 am
I think I will mostly just say “ditto” 45 times (previous posts). This is an amazing piece of art. I must say, I am trying my hardest to keep myself looking at the details (which absolutely make this creation perfect) and not disolving into a puddle of goo that makes baby noises and squeals “Sooo Cute!!!”. Although I really want to. Cause it really is.
Jana Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 11:35 am
Oh, my gosh, June! I can’t even BEGIN to tell you how stupendous he is!! Amazing, brilliant, charming, delightful, enticing, fantastic, grand, and the words go on to the end of the alphabet! Nothing good enough to describe this adorable work of art!
I never had any doubts (except when I thought the arm was a GLOVE! LOL!) that he would end up being another June one of a kind creation! I would be holding him all day long! Have you taken him to the store yet? Hee, hee!
I am off to Lebanon tomorrow! Enjoy your baby!
Jana
Jana Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 11:36 am
PS did you use wire in his fingers, toes, and legs?
ChelseaP Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
What the what?! You are amazing!!!!!!
Deb Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
He is sooo brilliant and so full of life! Very realistic. I swear he’s ready to get up and swing/walk away! Very very well done. It’s easy to see that you did indeed pour your heart and soul into this project!! Like others have already posted, I do think this is one of the very best crocheted animals I’ve ever seen! Bravo bravo bravo! Standing ovation!
Jamison's Travels Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
OH MY GOSH! He is absolutly adorable! What a wonderful piece of work, great job.
Donna Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
*applause* ….OMG June, you have nothing to be nervous about! He is not only perfect, but adorable, cute, and realistic! GREAT JOB! I LOVE his FUR, and the fingers/toes are amazing! .. now I just want to paint some nice red toenails on him. Hahahaha
Jessica Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 3:23 pm
He is just so perfect – what a gorgous little orangutan he is! You can really tell that you put all your heart into making him – the little details and the fact that he looks so realistic just make me want to steal him from you. Thanks also for the last pic – as a fellow Pratchett fan I really appreciated it
Ali Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
You do such nice work. I love his little fingers and toes. You’re a very creative person. The photos make you want tp pick him up and cuddle him.
Shoveling Ferret Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
He’s fabulous – his face is the perfect medium between realism and cute; the fur is fabulous – not too garishly orange; the fingers and toes are wonderful; and the fact that he’s posable is a stroke of genius. Congrats! I’ll be featuring him on my blog soon.
R.Pinnegar Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
My husband and I read a lot of Pratchett together (out loud – it’s the best way). When I saw the picture with the book and the banana I thought of the librarian and I didn’t even see your comment until later. He is perfect!
Nelore Said,
April 10, 2009 @ 2:21 am
It’s absolutely wonderful! I only hope that I can become as great a crocheter as you, June! You’re truly an inspiration!
HildeC Said,
April 10, 2009 @ 4:55 am
I can definitively see that you’ve poured your heart into this project. There is just one thing to say – fantastic!
Blue Said,
April 10, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
I haven’t read all of the wonderful responses above so I may be echoing someone, but I just want to wrap his arms about my neck and snuggle/wear him all day.
Utterly adorable, June. I hope you’re (deservedly) proud!
Katrina Said,
April 10, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
He is beautiful!!
Rebekah Said,
April 10, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
He’s the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen!!! Fantasic job, you should be so proud of yourself!
Anne Sweeney Said,
April 10, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
This link was just posted in one of my groups. HOW ADORABLE!!!
I love monkeys and this one is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO realistic and cute. WONDERFUL job!!! Might there be a pattern someday?? Would love to try to make one. Again VERY talented and wonderful job.
Kari Said,
April 11, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
Wow! He’s so very realistic, and I love all of the details you’ve attended to. He really does look like he could get up and walk away on his own! Super, great, amazing job! (I secretly can’t wait to see what you do next!)
PrettyModern Said,
April 12, 2009 @ 10:07 am
LOVE it. The best amigurumi I’ve seen in ages!
Katie Said,
April 12, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
The second and third pictures made me gasp out loud….he’ just THAT cute! Fantastic, your hard work really paid off. He’s amazing!
=Tamar Said,
April 12, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
Wow! Your attention to detail and structure is particularly impressive. You didn’t just make shapes, you curved the lines of the crocheting to add further realism and expression to the shaping. Thank you for showing the inner construction; it makes the achievement all the more fantastic, knowing it isn’t just stuffing.
MaryDK Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 9:25 am
You did an amazing job!! So realistic, what creativity! Well done!!
Tess Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
Great job ! Wurth every one of the 100 hours
K4TT Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
Ohhhh My Gaaaawwwwwddddd!!
How on Earth did I miss this post??? June, he is absolutely adorable! You really did capture the essence you were going for.. as well as the realism!!
Okay… if this doesn’t convince you… I was doing a google search and I saw the thumbnail of this little guy and thought that it was a site for some sort of Animal Awareness/Cause – which immediately I clicked on .. well, because all animal causes are my interest!
Perfect job~ You can really see the love and dedication you put into each perfect stitch…
hmm… however…
unless I missed it somewhere….
he is missing .. one.. tiny.. itsy-bitsy little thing….
…
a name
)
Miriam Said,
April 28, 2009 @ 6:50 pm
June, I’m late to the party (and I’ve read the post on how you put him together already) and I’m just amazed. He’s amazing. I know what you mean about having a big, difficult, takes-months-to-figure project like this and putting your heart into it. And what you came up with was amazing. You are so amazingly skilled at this stuff, I’m _always_ in awe of what you come up with (my next project is your violets), though the orangutang takes it to a whole new level!
Kim Said,
May 1, 2009 @ 3:21 pm
Was looking for a pic of an orang utan when I came across your fantastic crocheted orang. I just couldn’t resist finding out all about him. You should be really proud of all your hard work and what a fantastic finished ornag utan. Some of the poses are so realistic.
JustBec Said,
June 2, 2009 @ 11:25 am
He is so adorable. You did such a wonderful job on this one! WTG!!!
So, is he as soft as he looks?
June Said,
June 3, 2009 @ 10:40 pm
JustBec: No, he’s not as soft as he looks… he is even softer! Seriously, I think it’s the softest yarn I have ever touched. I wish there was a way for you to touch him and see for yourself!
Michael Said,
June 14, 2009 @ 5:41 pm
He’s perfect. I think he should have a starring role in a children’s book.
OOOK!
MiniBooger Said,
June 28, 2009 @ 6:09 pm
Gorgeous – just gorgeous!! I love the detail on his feet and hands; and his expression is perfect. Wonderful job!
Cool Blog To Share | craftpassion.com Said,
July 19, 2009 @ 11:41 pm
[...] professional amigurumi pattern designer residing in Ontario, Canada. She created this real-looking baby Orang Utan. From the detailing, you can see she has put her heart and soul into it. You should read her [...]
Mitsy Said,
July 23, 2009 @ 11:19 am
How I love to have an baby Orang Utan like yours, it is fun to see him swing on the brange. In Holland (where I come from) we don’t see them swinging around, only in the zoo. But I bet if you ever are willing to let all
us crocheters buy the pattern the world would be a fun place to be.
Is love him, and wish you well.
mitsy from holland
Karen Said,
August 1, 2009 @ 1:09 am
This is so beautiful. I love his little hands and feet.
Debbie Goodis Said,
January 4, 2010 @ 4:02 pm
I think the biggest compliment I can give is that I can’t stop looking at the pictures and wishing I could own a real baby arangutan. I also show the pictures to other because I think this little representation is so amazing. I would love to have one of these crocheted beauties. Thank youl
Debbie
Marleen Said,
March 30, 2010 @ 2:45 am
This is probabky THE most amazing project I have ever seen ; adorable and very life-like. Thank you for making it and ths being an inspiration to what crochet can achieve. I love it, and will forever regret there’s no pattern to reproduce one of my own.Excellent work.
Mia Said,
April 7, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
OMG!!! If you aren’t already, you really should make a pattern of him! He’s sooo darn cute!!! I wanna have one too!
Rose Said,
April 9, 2010 @ 8:32 am
There isnt any way to buy one is there? I LOVE HIM!!!! Hes beautiful!
Judy Said,
August 19, 2010 @ 3:15 pm
Have you named him??????? He is so very beautiful….. I love him!!!!!!!!!!! Your work is exquisite…. You just want to hold his hand and cuddle him…..
vicky Said,
August 19, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
do you have pattern people can buy.i crochet for charitys thanks
June Said,
August 19, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
No, it’s funny – I’ve never got around to naming him! I’d planned to ask my readers for suggestions, but it just never happened. I suppose it’s never too late though
June Said,
August 19, 2010 @ 4:38 pm
I do have lots of cute animal patterns for sale (at http://www.planetjune.com/shop), but I’m afraid the orang utan is an art piece, so there’s no pattern for him – sorry.
Nancy Said,
August 20, 2010 @ 12:04 pm
I love it. I collect them and have my granddaughter collecting what I don’t have of them. Which is alot. It is so adorable. I wish I could do this. Great Work.
Caroline Said,
August 29, 2010 @ 4:14 am
He looks like he’s called ‘Ook’.
Late to the party, yeah, but your artwork is so moving I had to say something. I especially love the knuckling pose – he looks so pensive, in that way that only Orangs seem to have. Beautiful.
Cheryl Said,
January 3, 2011 @ 11:46 am
He’s so cute…i’d love to make him for my grandson…will you be sharing the pattern sometime soon? I sure would like to be able to just ‘figure it out’ the way you have…good job!
June Said,
January 3, 2011 @ 1:20 pm
I’m sorry, Cheryl – he was a one-of-a-kind art piece and so there’s no pattern possible. I’m glad you like him though
Susan P. Said,
March 6, 2011 @ 2:37 pm
WOW! He really is amazing. I showed the picture to a friend of mine when at a yarn-in yesterday and she couldn’t believe it was crocheted. If you had and sold a pattern for it I bet you’d sell a ton. I just took up crocheting again recently and this has inspired me to get busy making and experimenting with new projects.
Thanks for sharing your work.
Donna Baker Said,
October 29, 2011 @ 5:17 pm
your blog is awesome! I have been perusing all your amigirumi patterns (I have made a few) and they are AWESOME ! thanks for the tips about the brushing for fur. I will have to buy your bear pattern and try it some day!
NIKKI Said,
February 6, 2012 @ 3:25 am
OMG……he is the cutest EVER!!!!