Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Turtle Needlecase

It seems like it must be the year of the turtle. Lately, everywhere I turn I see something with a turtle motif. Last night the woman in front of me in Jazzercise had a T-shirt on that advertised the Green Turtle sports bar. Another woman had a tote bag with a sea turtle print on the fabric. Somehow, I caught turtle fever and got the idea of making a crocheted turtle needle case. I think it was partly based on seeing this cute cross stitch set and partly based on this cute potholder. I couldn't find a pattern that I really liked, so I kind of invented my own. Note the snap on the tail to close it. Kirsten says it must be a snapping turtle!





The needlecase was a little birthday gift for a stitcher friend and I sent it with this card I made. It's an Archie Bear by Margaret Sherry from the UK Cross Stitcher Issue 210, done on an 18 count hand-dyed Aida from Enchanted Fabrics. After the rinsing, the fabric shrinks a bit so the count is really a little higher than 18. Those fractionals and back-stitching were quite the chore. But he's pretty cute, I think. He stands out better from the fabric in person.

30 comments:

Jane said...

Oh Annie, the turtle is adorable. A wonderful gift

Lenka said...

Wow! This is adorable Annie! I love it!

Anonymous said...

You are really something! But yea, you're absolutely right. There was a car in front of me this morning that had a pink turtle bumper sticker on it.

KarenV said...

The turtle is great, you did a wonderful job! Love Archie Bear too, he turned out cute.

Deb said...

Your needlecase is just too darned cute. I can't believe you came up with that yourself.

I haven't seen any turtle things around here, but I'll be on the lookout. Seems every year something makes an appearance.

GoldenAngelsWorks said...

That turtle is awesome. That is such a neat idea. The recipient is really lucky to be receiving that.

Nancy said...

I love your turtle, and you did a beautiful job! Someone is going to be very happy to get this and the lovely card.

Pumpkin said...

Now that is just TOOOOOO adorable!!!! GREAT job on coming up with your own design Annie! Do you know how seriously talented you are? Your friend should be very happy with her gifts :o)

Mylene said...

wow! You are very very creative! That turtle needlecase looks great as well as the card. Well done!!

Lainey said...

Awww Annie that turtle and Archie bear are just way too cute!

Jan said...

Love the turtles, just way cute, Annie!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

I love your turtle needlecase! You did a great job and it's oh, so clever!

Ranae said...

The turtle is so awesome. I have been gazing upon my new Prairie Schooler with turtles, dreaming of stitching it someday

SARITHA@RAINBOWBUNTING said...

That is soooo adorable!!And what a great idea you came up with..

Olga said...

Annie,
Your turtle is so cute, love the idea of the needle case too.

Annette said...

Ow what a beautifull card. And your needlecase is so cute...

Thanks you so much for the compiments on my blog...

Jackie's Stitches said...

You're so clever! I love this and I'm sure your friend does too.

Zinaida said...

Annie, the turtle is awesome! And I really like your birthday card!

Rachel S-H said...

What a cute gift!

Julianne said...

Wonderful idea for a needlecase!

Nima said...

wow...that looks adorable. this reminds me the needle case i got from yoou for EMS exchange...i'm using it right now...i always remember you when i see it..

Unknown said...

Annie - I just love, love your turtle! You are so talented!

Enjoy your weekend!

Liz in Kansas said...

"Snapping turtle". Oh, teehee, har har! I love it! Too cute for words. As usual, you have done a wonderful job!

Jenny said...

OMG! How cute Annie :-) You are amazing!

Anne said...

You have such great ideas! Your turtle is so cute! Happy stitcher friend I bet!! :)

Stitcher said...

Oh my goodness, that turtle is just adorable and how very clever to "invent your own"! I love crochet and don't do it nearly enough!

Siobhán said...

What a fun turtle!! Super cute. Maybe seeing all the turtles was a ploy by the stitching gods to send you subliminal messages. ;)

Anita Camilla said...

I've just discover your blog and I really appreciate your works! If you want to visit an italian blog, we can get in touch! Have a nice week, Anita Camilla

Sandra said...

So you are on the turtle fever too? Welcome to the club lol

You did an outstanding job Annie, did you wrote the pattern or just free formed it?

The card is very cute too!

Lelia said...

Your turtle is wonderful! Job well done : )