Battle of the Plastic Flutes- Guo versus Nuvo

I recently made a youtube video comparing two plastic flutes of mine.  A Nuvo Student Flute and Guo New Voice Flute.  Both flutes are pretty new to the flute scene.  Both flutes are either entirely or mostly made out of plastic.  Both flutes also have very good intonation and come in a variety of colors.

The video can be found here:
http://youtu.be/ew3Vog5w_lw

 The first flute in the video is a Nuvo Student Flute. I am playing it with the curved headjoint instead of the straight headjoint.  The reason for doing this is sheer laziness on my part.  The Nuvo flute comes with interchangeable lip plates.  One of these lip plates is called "first note", this lip plate allows you to blow air directly into the flute like you would with a recorder.  This is a great feature for little kids (like my son) who want to try to play a real flute but can't get a sound out with a traditional lip plate.  Changing the lip plates is a little bit of pain so I decided to just use the curved headjoint. 

The Nuvo student flute retails around $200-$250 USD. This flute is completely waterproof. What I like most about this flute is the low register. The low register speaks very well. The high register doesn't speak as clearly and notes above the 3rd octave G are difficult to get out, granted I haven't played on this flute all that much. The mechanism on this flute feels a bit spongy, though I must say that the key placement is very comfortable. This is seriously the most comfortable flute I have ever played. All in all this is a great flute for those of you wanting a flute that you can take out into the elements. I wish I had this flute when I was in high school marching band. To learn more about Nuvo Flutes click here http://www.nuvo-instrumental.com/

The second flute is a New Voice flute by Guo. This flute currently retails for about $1,250 USD. The mechanism on this flute feels a lot nicer than the Nuvo but it should considering the big price difference. The high register on this flute speaks pretty easy. I have a harder time getting the lowest couple of notes to come out on this flute than I do on others. This flute doesn't project as well as a silver flute but I think it would a great flute for playing in a small ensemble.  A few months ago, I made a video doing a blind comparison of the Guo New Voice and some of my more traditional silver flutes.  The Guo flute was the hands down favorite of my friends and family.   Guo also makes a student level plastic flute called the Tocco flute, which currently retails for about $700 USD.  To learn more about Guo Flutes click here http://www.guoflute.com/

Out of the two flutes I prefer the Guo.  It is a lot more refined than the Nuvo, but like I said before it should be since it costs $1,000 more.  I consider the Nuvo flute to strictly be an entry level student flute while I'll can see using the Guo in a more professional setting where you might not to take your expensive flute.

Llama Hat Preview

Been working on making/designing a llama hat for a friend's daughter's halloween costume. I need to test out the pattern for larger sizes but here is how Mr. Llama is turning out so far.

Parrot Beanie Hat- Free Pattern

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn in black, white,yellow and in three other colors of your choice.

H Hook

Stitch Marker (if desired)

Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations

ch= chain

dc= double crochet

hdc= half double crochet

sc= single crochet

sc2tog= single crochet two together

sl st= slip stitch

st= stitch

Main Body of hat

0-3 months

Ch 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Rounds 6-11: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc). Do not fasten off.

Continue onto Ear flap #1

3-6 months

Chain 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Rounds 7-12: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc). Do not fasten off

Continue onto Ear flap #1

6-12 months

Chain 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Round 7: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 12 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (56 dc)

Rounds 8-13: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st. (56 DC) Do not fasten off

Continue onto Ear flap #1

Toddler/Preschooler

Chain 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Round 7: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 12 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (56 dc)

Round 8: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 13 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (60 dc)

Rounds 9- 14: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (60 dc) Do not fasten off

Continue onto Ear flap #1

Child

Chain 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Round 7: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 12 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (56 dc)

Round 8: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 13 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (60 dc)

Round 9: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 14 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (64 dc)

Rounds 10- 15: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (64 dc)

Do not fasten off

Continue onto Ear flap #1

Adult

Chain 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Round 7: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 12 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (56 dc)

Round 8: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 13 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (60 dc)

Round 9: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 14 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (64 dc)

Round 10: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 15 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (68 dc)

Rounds 11- 16: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (68 dc) Do not fasten off

Continue onto Ear flap #1

Ear flaps for Infant to Preschooler sizes

Ear flap 1:
Chain 1, SC in next 10, chain 1, turn
Row 2: SC2TOG, SC in next 6, SC2TOG, chain 1, turn
Row 3: SC across (8 SC)
Row 4: SC2TOG, SC in next 4, SC2TOG, chain 1, turn
Row 5: SC across ( 6 SC)
Row 6: SC2TOG, SC in next 2, SC2TOG, chain 1, turn
Row 7: SC across (4 SC)
Row 8: SC2TOG, SC2TOG, chain 1, turn
Row 9: SC2TOG, fasten off, weave in ends

Ear flap 2:

For 0-3 months. Holding hat upside count 19 stitches to the left of earflap. In the 20^th stitch join yarn with a sl st and continue below

For 3-6 months. Holding hat upside count 21 stitches to the left of earflap. In the 22nd stitch join yarn with a sl st and continue below

For 6-12 month. Holding hat upside count 22 stitches to the left of earflap. In the 23^rd stitch join yarn with a sl st and continue below

For toddler/preschool. Holding hat upside count 23 stitches to the left of earflap. In the 24^th stitch join yarn with a sl st and continue below

Chain 1, SC in next 10, chain 1, turn
Row 2: SC2TOG, SC in next 6, SC2TOG, chain 1, turn
Row 3: SC across (8 SC)
Row 4: SC2TOG, SC in next 4, SC2TOG, chain 1, turn
Row 5: SC across ( 6 SC)
Row 6: SC2TOG, SC in next 2, SC2TOG, chain 1, turn
Row 7: SC across (4 SC)
Row 8: SC2TOG, SC2TOG, chain 1, turn
Row 9:SC2TOG, Fasten Off.

In contrasting color: SC around hat and earflaps (do 2 rounds of this for a more polished look), fasten off weave in ends.

Ear flaps for Child and Adult sizes

Ear flap 1:
Chain 1, SC in next 12, chain 1, turn
Row 2: SC decrease, SC in next 8, SC decrease, chain 1, turn
Row 3: SC across (10 SC)
Row 4: SC decrease, SC in next 6, SC decrease, chain 1, turn
Row 5: SC across ( 8 SC)
Row 6: SC decrease, SC in next 4, SC decrease, chain 1, turn
Row 7: SC across ( 6 SC)
Row 8: SC decrease, SC in next 2, SC decrease, chain 1, turn
Row 9: SC across (4 SC)
Row 10: Make 2 SC decreases, chain 1, turn
Row 11: SC decrease, fasten off, weave in ends

Ear flap 2:

For child. Holding hat upside count 25 stitches to the left of ear flap. In the 26^th stitch join yarn with a sl st and continue below.

For adult. Holding hat upside count 26 stitches to the left of ear flap. In the 27^th stitch join yarn with a sl st and continue below
Chain 1, SC in next 12, chain 1, turn
Row 2: SC decrease, SC in next 8, SC decrease, chain 1, turn
Row 3: SC across (10 SC)
Row 4: SC decrease, SC in next 6, SC decrease, chain 1, turn
Row 5: SC across ( 8 SC)
Row 6: SC decrease, SC in next 4, SC decrease, chain 1, turn
Row 7: SC across ( 6 SC)
Row 8: SC decrease, SC in next 2, SC decrease, chain 1, turn
Row 9: SC across (4 SC)
Row 10: Make 2 SC decreases, chain 1, turn
Row 11:SC decrease. Fasten Off.

In contrasting color: SC around hat and earflaps (do 2 rounds of this for a more polished look), fasten off weave in ends.

Eyes for infant to preschooler sizes (make 2):

in black Ch 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: ch 2, in center of ring make 11 hdc. Join to first stitch with with sl st. (11hdc) Switch to one of the other colors of your choice.

Round 2: ch 2, in same st make 2 hdc. Make 2 hdc in each remaining st in round. Join to first st with a sl st. (22 hdc) Switch to White

Round 3: ch 2, in same st make 2 hdc, Make *1 hdc next st and 2 hdc* in the next st. *Repeat* for entire round. Join to first st. With a sl st. (33hdc) Fasten Off, leaving a long tail for sewing the eyes onto the hat.

Beak for Infant to Preschool sizes:

In yellow ch 6

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (5 sc)
Row 2: Sc2tog in first 2 sts, sc in remaining sts across. Ch 1, turn (4 sc)
Row 3: Sc2tog in first 2 sts, sc in remaining sts across. Ch 1, turn. (3 sc)

Row 4: Sc2tog in first 2 sts, sc in remaining sts across. Ch 1, turn. (2 sc)

Row 5: Sc2tog. (1 sc)

Ch 1 and sc along the edges of the beak. 
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing the beak onto the hat.

Eyes for Child and Adult (make 2):

in black Ch 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: ch 2, in center of ring make 11 dc. Join to first stitch with with sl st. (11dc) Switch to one of the other colors of your choice.

Round 2: ch 2, in same st make 2 dc. Make 2 dc in each remaining st in round. Join to first st with a sl st. (22 dc) Switch to White

Round 3: ch 2, in same st make 2 dc, Make *1 dc next st and 2 dc* in the next st. *Repeat* for entire round. Join to first st. With a sl st. (33 dc) Fasten Off, leaving a long tail for sewing the eyes onto the hat.

Beak for Child and Adult:

In yellow ch 8

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (7 sc)
Row 2: Sc2tog in first 2 sts, sc in remaining sts across. Ch 1, turn (6 sc)
Row 3: Sc2tog in first 2 sts, sc in remaining sts across. Ch 1, turn. (5 sc)

Row 4: Sc2tog in first 2 sts, sc in remaining sts across. Ch 1, turn. (4 sc)

Row 5: Sc2tog in first 2 sts, sc in rem sts across. Ch 1, turn. (3 sc)

Row 6: Sc2tog in first 2 sts, sc in remaining sts across. Ch 1, turn. (2 sc)

Row 7: Sc2tog. (1 sc)

Ch 1 and sc along the edges of the beak.  Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing the beak onto the hat.

Top Feathers:

Cut 12 inch strips of each color. Hold all strands together and fold in half. Insert

crochet hook in top of hat and draw fold through to form a loop. Thread the ends of the strands through the loop and pull to tighten.Trim tassels to desired length.

If you want more feathers just repeat this step and sew on as many feathers as you would like to the top of the hat. 

*Note- if you don't want to do this you could always make a pom pom and sew it onto the top of the hat.

Braided Tails (make 2):
Cut three 1 yard strands of four of the different colors in the hat (12 strands total).
Pass through last space in ear flap. You should now have 24 strands to braid with.
Make knot and braid approx to desired length, knot, trim ends.

Please do not copy, post, and/or sell this pattern and claim it to be your own. You may sell finished items made from this pattern for profit but please give me credit for the pattern and include a link to my blog. 

Crocheted Octopus Beanie Hat- Free Pattern

This cute hat is super easy and very quick to make.  I haven't tested all of the sizes so please let me know if you find any mistakes and I will do my best to correct them.

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn in black, white, and in color of your choice. (If you wish do the optional bow pick a second color of your choice)

H Hook

Stitch Markers (if desired)

Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations

ch= chain

dc= double crochet

hdc= half double crochet

sc= single crochet

sl st= slip stitch

st= stitch

Notes: Don't fret too much over the tentacle placement. Important thing is that you end up with 8 tentacles and that they semi line up towards the front of the hat but aren't going to be in the face of the person wearing the hat. I find that placing a stitch marker in the stitches where the tentacles are going to be makes it a lot easier.  Also feel free to make the tentacles as long or as short as you like, just keep in mind that the tentacles will spiral and end up being about half the length of your chain.

Main Body of hat (in color of your choice)

0-3 months

Ch 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Rounds 6-11: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc). Do not fasten off

Now on to the tentacles!

Round 12: SC in first st, ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 3 st. *SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 3 st*. *Repeat* until you have 8 tentacles. SC in remaining sts across the front of the hat (should have 19 remaining stitches)

3-6 months

Ch 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Rounds 7-12: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc). Do not fasten off

Now on to the tentacles!

Round 13: SC in first st ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat., sc in next 4 st. * SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 3 st (repeat until you have 7 tentacles ), sc in next 4 st, SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat. SC in remaining sts across the front of the hat (should have 21 remaining stitches)

6-12 months

Ch 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Round 7: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 12 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (56 dc)

Rounds 8-13: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st. (56 DC) Do not fasten off

Now on to the tentacles!

Round 14: sc in first st ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 4 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 4 st. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in nxt 3 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 3 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in nxt 3 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in nxt 4 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 4 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back. SC in remaining sts across the front of the hat (should have 23 remaining stitches)

Toddler/Preschooler

Ch 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Round 7: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 12 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (56 dc)

Round 8: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 13 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (60 dc)

Rounds 9- 14: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (60 dc) Do not fasten off

Now on to the tentacles!

Round 15: sc in first st ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 3 sts. *SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 4 sts*. *Repeat* until you have 8 tentacles. SC in remaining sts across the front of the hat (should have 25 remaining stitches)

Child

Ch 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Round 7: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 12 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (56 dc)

Round 8: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 13 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (60 dc)

Rouns 9: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 14 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (64 dc)

Rounds 10- 15: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (64 dc)

Do not fasten off

Now on to the tentacles!

Round 16: sc in first st ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat. SC in next 5 sts. *SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat. SC in next 4 sts*. *Repeat until you have a total of 8 tentacles. SC in remaining sts across the front of the hat (should have 27 remaining stitches)

Adult

Ch 4, join to first st with sl st to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44 dc)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48 dc)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Round 7: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 12 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (56 dc)

Round 8: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 13 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (60 dc)

Round 9: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 14 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (64 dc)

Round 10: Ch 2 in same st do 2 dc, do one dc in next 15 sts and 2 dc in the next st *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (68 dc)

Rounds 11- 16: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (68 dc) Do not fasten off

Now on to the tentacles!

Round 17: sc in first st ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 5 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 5 st. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in nxt 4 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 4 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in nxt 4 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in nxt 4 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat, sc in next 5 sts. SC then ch 31 skip ch closet to hook and do 2 sc in each ch heading back towards the hat. SC in remaining sts around the front of the hat (should have 29 remaining stitches)

Eyes (make 2):

in black Ch 4, join to first st with slst to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and make 8 dc in center of ring. Join to top of first st with a sl st (8 dc). Switch to white

Round 2: Ch 2, in same st make 2 dc. Make 2 dc in each remaining st in round. Join to top of first st with a sl st. Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew eyes onto hat. (16 dc)

When sewing on the eyes make sure you have them placed close enough together.  I think I may have sewn my eyes just a wee bit too far apart.

Smile/Smirk

Using black yarn and a tapestry embroider on the expression of your choice using the back stitch.

Bow (optional)

in color of your choice, Ch 16
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (14 hdc)
Rows 2- 10: Hdc in each st. Turn, Ch 2 (14 hdc). Fasten off
Take a long strand of yarn in the same color as the bow and wrap around the middle of the bow to draw it in. Wrap several times. Tie the ends in the back of the bow. Using the yarn needle weave the ends into the bow to hide then use these same ends to sew onto the hat. Sew the middle of the bow and bottom of the bow onto the hat. 

Please do not copy, post, and/or sell this pattern and claim it to be your own. You may sell finished items made from this pattern for profit but please give me credit for the pattern and include a link to my blog. 

Octopus Hat- Sneak Peak

Making a couple of hats to donate to a  fundraiser auction for a local preschool.  The preschool's unofficial mascot is a purple octopus so I decided to design an octopus hat.  I should have the patten written out in the next few days.

Hippo Beanie Hat- Infant Sizes- Free Pattern

Finally got around to making an infant sized Hippo beanie hat.

Baby Henry modeling the Hippo Hat

 

Materials:

H Hook

G Hook

Worsted weight yarn in your choice of color for the main body of hat, inner ears, nostrils, and bow. Worsted weight yarn in white and black
Stitch marker (if desired)
Tapestry needle 

Abbreviations:
Ch= chain
dc= double crochet
hdc= half double crochet (half treble crochet)
hdc2tog= half double crochet two together
sc= single crochet
sc2tog= single crochet two together
sl st= slip stitch
st= stitch
sts= stitches

 

Body of Hat

With H hook and with main color

0-3 months

Chain 4, join to first st with slst to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48)

Rounds 6-10: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (48)

Round 11: ch 1 in same st do 1 sc, do one SC in each remaining ST in round, join to first ST in round with a sl st. Fasten off (48 sc)

3-6 months

Chain 4, join to first st with slst to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52)

Rounds 7-11: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (52 dc)

Round 12: ch 1 in same st do 1 sc, do one SC in each remaining ST in round, join to first ST in round with a sl st. Fasten off (52 sc)

6-12 months

Chain 4, join to first st with slst to form a ring

Round 1: Ch 2 and do 11 dc in the ring, join to first st with a sl st (11)

Round 2: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do 2 dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st (22)

Round 3: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next st and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (33)

Round 4: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 2 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (44)

Round 5: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 10 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (48)

Round 6: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 11 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (52)

Round 7: Ch 2 in same stitch do 2 dc, do one dc in next 12 sts and 2 dc in the next stitch *repeat* join to first st in round with a sl st (56)

Rounds 8-12: Ch 2 in same st do 1 dc, do one dc in each remaining st in round, join to first st in round with a sl st

Round 13: ch 1 in same st do 1 sc, do one SC in each remaining ST in round, join to first ST in round with a sl st. Fasten off (56 sc)

Eyes (make 2)

With G hook and with black make a magic loop, and ch 2.
round 1: make 6 SC in the loop and pull the loop tight, sl st to the top of the first st. Fasten off. (6 sc)
round 2: switch to white ch 1, and do 2 hdc in each stitch sl st to the top of the first st. Fasten off. (12 HDC)

Outer Ears (Make 2)

with G hook and in main color Ch5

Row 1: SC in each stitch, skipping the first CH. (4SC), turn and ch 1

Row 2: 2 SC in first stich, SC in next 2, 2 SC in last stitch. turn and ch 1 (6SC)

Row 3: SC in each stitch,(6 SC) turn and ch 1

Row 4: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 4, 2 SC in last stitch. turn and ch 1 (8SC)

Row 5: SC in each stitch. turn and ch 1 (8 SC)

Row 6: SC2TOG, SC in next 4, SC2TOG last 2 stitches. (6SC)

Row 7: SC2TOG, SC in next 2, SC2TOG last 2 stitches. (4SC)

Row 8: SC2TOG, SC2TOG. (2SC)

SC around ear (do this two times), only put one SC in each corner so ear will start to "cup".

Inner Ears (Make 2)

with G hook and in accent color Ch5

Row 1: SC in each stitch, skipping the first CH. (4SC), turn and ch 1

Row 2: 2 SC in first stich, SC in next 2, 2 SC in last stitch. turn and ch 1 (6SC)

Row 3: SC in each stitch,(6 SC) turn and ch 1

Row 4: 2 SC in first stitch, SC in next 4, 2 SC in last stitch. turn and ch 1 (8SC)

Row 5: SC in each stitch. turn and ch 1 (8 SC)

Row 6: SC2TOG, SC in next 4, SC2TOG last 2 stitches. (6SC)

Row 7: SC2TOG, SC in next 2, SC2TOG last 2 stitches. (4SC)

Row 8: SC2TOG, SC2TOG. (2SC)

switch to main color, ch 1 and SC around ear, only put one SC in each corner so ear will start to "cup". Leave long tail for sewing the inner ear onto outer ear

Mouth

with G hook Ch 20

Row 1: Hdc into the third chain, hdc across. Turn (18 hdc)

Row 2 Ch 2, hdc across. Turn (18 hdc)

Row 3: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc in next 14 st, hdc2tog. Turn (16)

Row 4: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc in next 12 st, hdc2tog. Turn (14)

Row 5: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc in next 10 st, hdc2tog. Turn (12)

Ch 1, sc around edges, bottom, and top of mouth. Join to first sc with a sl st. Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing the mouth onto the hat.

Teeth (make 2)

Tooth #1

with G hook

Row 1: On bottom row of mouth attach yarn with a sl st on the 2^nd st of the row. SC in same st. SC in next 3 sts. Turn and chain 1. (4)

Row 2: SC in each st in row, Turn and ch 1.

Row 3: SC in each st in row. Fasten off and weave in loose ends.

Tooth #2

Row 1:Holding mouth upside down count 7 st to the left of the inner edge of tooth #1. Attach yarn with a sl st in the 8^th st. SC in the same st. SC in the next 3 st. Turn and ch 1 (4)

Row 2: SC in each st in row, Turn and ch 1.

Row 3: SC in each st in row. Fasten off and weave in loose ends.

Nostrils (make 2)

With G hook and in same color as inner ears
Ch 4, join to first st with a sl st.

Round 1: Chain 1 make 6 SC in ring. Join to to first st with a sl st. Fasten off and leave long tail to sew onto mouth

Bow (optional)

With G hook and in color of your choice, Ch 16
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (14 hdc)
Rows 2- 8: Hdc in each st. Turn, Ch 2. Fasten off

Take a long strand of yarn in the same color as the bow and wrap around the middle of the bow to draw it in. Wrap several times. Tie the ends in the back of the bow. Using the yarn needle weave the ends into the bow to hide then use these same ends to sew onto the hat. Sew the middle of the bow and bottom of the bow onto the hat.

Note: Please do not copy, post, and/or sell this pattern and claim it to be your own. You may sell finished items made from this pattern for profit but please give me credit for the pattern and include a link to my blog.