Crochet Monkey Hat

I was invited to a baby shower and so I thought I'd put one of my major accomplishments of the semester to use:  crocheting!  I noticed on the gift registry that there were a lot of "monkey" items, so I thought this pattern from Tara's blog would work well.  I was amazed that I remembered any of the stitches I learned this past winter from Allison, but it wasn't long before it was all coming back to me!  It's not as perfect as I would like, but I think it's pretty cute: 

Below, it looks a little like a sheep.  That's all right...the baby can by a transanimal ;-) 

And here is where Hubs designed the perfect monkey hat model:

I did alter the pattern slightly by using acrylic yarn for the edging (it felt softer) and I somehow turned the pattern halfway through, so there is more of a pattern to the basic hat than just the same stitch again and again.  Stitches learned:  hdc2tog.  Stitches relearned:  hdc, dc, sl, sc (pitiful, eh?).  I also varied the pattern by using the CC for the edging on the ears (the pics on the pattern reflected this idea, but it wasn't actually in the pattern).  Oh, did I mention it took me one day to complete this hat? Lightening Fingers!! 

Choosing My Next Crochet Project

So, I've made two hats, which surprised and amazed me because:  a) I had no idea I could create something so cute with crochet and b) I had no idea I would be able to do it so quickly!  I'm now on Spring Break, and although I'm overwhelmed with schoolwork that needs completed, I can't help but wonder...what should I make next? Here's what I like so far:

This has the delicate Victorian vibe that I've always been drawn to.  Does it look too complicated for only my 3rd project?  I'm a little intimidated.

Or, I may go a "simpler" route:

I would then add a flower or something else to "fancy" it up. Which pattern do you think should win?

I really like patterns by Drops Design, but I love the pictures of the free patterns I found...in Japanese.  I know I'm ambitious, but I've decided to draw the line at foreign language patterns just yet, even if they say they contain an equivalency chart.  Call me crazy. 

Hat Craze

Lovely and her Purpley Flower Hat

Finished!  Can you believe I finished two hats in less than a week?  Well, I think it was less than a week...I only really worked on them about four days!  Allison was right--this was a super easy, super quick project that got me hooked on crocheting (no pun intended)!  What do you think?  I used really cute leather (or faux leather--not sure) buttons that I found in my mom's really, really, really old button jar. 

Snugglebug and her Snuggly Flower Hat

Snugglebug's hat was first, so the seams are a lot more visible and the stitches aren't quite as even.  However, she still seems pleased with it!  I let her pick the buttons for this and she chose a cute gold circle with what looks like white knitted material in the middle.  Then, she chose a really cheesey gold anchor buttom that I'm not so fond of, but hey, this is her hat, so I'll just deal with it ;-)

Below are the hats by themselves.  I'm quited psyched (or stoked, according to Hubby) about finishing these projects...Beware of what summer may hold!  My eventual goal for August:  crochet dresses for this winter!  Mwoohahaha!

This pattern is found at McKinley's Closet:  http://mckinleyscloset.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-fever.html