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- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Fredericton Artist Selected for International Knitting Residency
Rachel MacGillivray of Fredericton has been chosen as one of six knitters worldwide to participate in a unique residency aimed at promoting sea turtle conservation. The initiative, organized by Knit for Wildlife, brings together a global cohort of knitting artists focused on raising awareness for the endangered hawksbill sea turtle.
Knitting for Sea Turtle Conservation
For her project, MacGillivray is meticulously creating life-size replicas of hawksbill sea turtle eggs and hatchlings. These knitted pieces, crafted to the exact dimensions of their real counterparts, are intended for use as educational tools in classrooms. She hopes that by providing tangible representations, she can help students connect with the plight of this threatened species.
An Inspiring Personal Journey
MacGillivray almost did not apply for the residency, doubting her abilities in the face of an international call. Despite her background teaching at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design and experience in Toronto’s fashion sector, she found the idea daunting. However, encouragement from her best friend and her son Duncan helped her submit her application just before the deadline. Ultimately, she was selected, becoming the only Canadian in the program’s second cohort.
Role of Hawksbill Sea Turtles and Ongoing Threats
The hawksbill sea turtle is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the world’s major oceans. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries division, the species is unique among sea turtles for its ability to eat sponges as a primary diet. However, hawksbills face the threat of extinction, primarily due to hunting for their beautiful shells, which are used in jewelry and decorative items. This historic exploitation nearly drove them to extinction.
Collaboration with Conservation Scientists
Throughout the residency, MacGillivray has been working closely with researchers from Nature Seychelles and the Barbados Sea Turtle Project. Their collaborative efforts ensure that every detail of the knitted hatchlings and eggs—flipper length, shell shape, and overall anatomy—accurately reflects real hawksbill turtles. The rigorous design process has involved considerable trial and error, including selecting appropriate yarn types for realism.
Educational Impact and Future Plans
The final phase of the residency involves finalizing the knitting pattern, set for release in December, so that others can create their own educational sea turtle replicas. The pattern will include lesson plans to further support animal education and wildlife awareness in classrooms. MacGillivray’s motivation ties closely to her son’s passion for animals and science, as well as her commitment to meaningful environmental art and conservation efforts.
Other Notable Residency Projects
The five other artists-in-residence are contributing diverse works, such as a winter hat inspired by the hawksbill's features, jewelry as an alternative to traditional tortoiseshell, and bags resembling the turtle’s shell. Each project highlights creative approaches to environmental art within the theme of endangered species and animal education.
Source: cbc.ca.
