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journalsay hello to the sea turtle
I’ve tried something a bit different for my latest design for the AquaAmi range. My sea turtle is made with two colours of yarn, but is still all worked in single crochet in the round (apart from a few rogue hdcs). He is one of my largest and most ambitious designs to date, at 11″ (28cm) long from nose to tail, with a 12.5″ (32cm) flipper-span!
I’ve designed him so his head and limbs appear to stick out of holes in his shell. The top and bottom of his shell are each formed from 10 hexagons. Yes, that is a lot of stitching together, but I think it was worth it!
Some fun sea turtle facts I discovered while researching for this design:
- Sea turtles, unlike other turtles, cannot retract their heads and limbs into their shells
- Sea turtles have evolved streamlined shells and large front flippers so they can ‘fly’ through the water
- Sea turtles spend almost their whole lives at sea, but females return to the same beach they were born to lay their eggs
- You can tell females from males as the females have a very short tail
Here’s his belly:
Once I have finished writing up and illustrating all the steps that go into making him, you’ll be able to make your own Sea Turtle! Join my mailing list if you’d like to know when the pattern is available.
What do you think of him? I hope you love him as much as I do!
Cynthia Said,
March 28, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
More than cute, no words!
Saralah Said,
March 28, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Wow, I love this! It is making me want to drop all my WIP/UFOs immediately, and pick up a crochet hook
Robyn Said,
March 28, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Aww he’s cute!
c.Rachel Said,
March 28, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
The details of your sea turtle is gorgeous! Love how you did the belly too. Amazing work!
firesheep67 Said,
March 28, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
He’s fabulous! I want to make him too! =:)
Melody Said,
March 28, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
He is wonderful! Every design gets better and better. I’ve seen many designs but you seem to capture the very essence of the animal. The shaping and character are just right (’cept the kittens’ ears). I will continue to await new designs eagerly!!! (need a cow! lol)
Clare Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 7:07 am
So sweet!
Kristy Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 7:21 am
Wow I can’t wait to see it written up in pattern form! My daughter loves sea turtles! I am sure you would just be over joyed to come home from school and find one on her bed! After mommy sneakingly made it for her while she was off getting smart. *smiles*
Kristy
LadyDayDreamer
Jana Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 8:02 am
Hi, June!
Awesome! I will have to make it as a companion to the “regular” turtle that I made my daughter!
I FINALLY got high speed DSL! Yay! So I was checking out the crochet videos on You Tube and found out they DON’T have a video on the “magic ring”! I don’t have the means to make a video (I don’t THINK, anyway) and your picture tutorial on it is SO good, that I thought maybe you, or maybe one of your readers could make one! I didn’t really see anything about amigurumi, either.
Just a suggestion!
Jana in Saudi
Misha Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 8:53 am
You did an amazing job! I can’t go on enough! I simply loooove this creation. And I am so jealous. I wish I could have a quarter of your skills. WAY TO GO!!!!
Lallee Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 9:35 am
You did a beautiful job with this design! I grew up where I could watch the sea turtles lay their eggs. Fun memories. You captured the sea turtle very well, and I love how you made the pattern on the bottom shell too. Great job!
val Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
this is one of my favorites you’ve done……but I adore turtles!
val Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 7:40 pm
this is one of my favs that you have done……but I admit, I am partial to turtles!
Angela Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
Wow! You’ve truly caught the essence of the sea-turtle there, it’s so realistic. I’ve only just started arigurumi, and I find your site truly inspirational.
Angela Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
amigurumi even… *g*
Lauraslefthook Said,
March 29, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
I love that you share facts about the topic of your crochet in your blog!! As a former teacher, I love learning more about things and love those who help to educate others!!
IdaDown Said,
March 30, 2008 @ 3:44 am
It is fabulous. Love the leg detail. Waiting eagerly for the pattern. What ply did you use?
naida Said,
March 30, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
wow, he is too cute!!!
Donna Said,
March 30, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
OMG. … speechless… WOW!
Gail E Said,
March 31, 2008 @ 8:47 am
Wonderful! When will we see the pattern? I love her. At least I assume she’s a “her” due to her short tail . . . ?
I hate joining and weaving in ends, but just may have to make an exception for this one!
~~~hugs~~~
Amanda Said,
April 1, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
Amazing ! Love it !!
futuregirl Said,
April 6, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
What an excellent turtle! Great design.
Kristen Said,
April 9, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
I can’t wait until the turtle pattern is out! I already know I want to buy it! : ) He is the cutest and most detailed ami turtle I have ever seen! Thanks for thinking him up! I am looking forward to him!
Kristen
Katie Said,
April 17, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
I believe I DO love him as much as you! I am in love with turtles, and this one is extremely adorable!!
Jess Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
This turtle is too cute for words. Absolutely adorable! I don’t know if I’d have the patience for Amigurumi at that size, but he’s way way cute!
Jennie Said,
May 5, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
This is so adorable! I’m a beginner now but once I get some more crochet under my belt I’d love to make this.
Dailylife @ turtelina.net » Season Finales Said,
May 18, 2008 @ 7:14 am
[...] lot and can highly recommend it. Next I am going to read The Kite Runner. Crochetwise, I started a new turtle yesterday. Pictures as soon as I am [...]