My mom told me that this was one of the least cute, ugly, unlovable things I had ever made, and she was dead serious when she said it. On one hand, her feedback made me laugh, and on the other, hand I was instantly crushed. I figured that I would write it up anyways, as not all projects can be winners.

• 130g / 87m of Bernat Blanket – a super bulky weight (6) yarn (colour: Whipped Cream)
• 5g Loops and Threads Classic FiberFill
• Size K (6.5mm) hook
• Size L (8.00mm) hook

Pattern by Tara at The Cosy Stitch
MODIFICATIONS by tick-tock hobbies

If you’re confused as to why the paid pattern is for a hippopotamus when my post clearly indicates that I made a rhinoceros, there’s a simple answer. About halfway through this project, I forgot what animal I was supposed to be making. I realize that seems like a problem with an easy solution, but alas, I did not take the two seconds needed to check the pattern. Instead, I decided to go with my gut, and I freehanded a horn to complete my rhino.

(abbreviations: SC = single crochet, DEC = one single crochet over two stitches)

Horn

1. Using the 6.50mm hook, chain seven stitches.
2. Starting in the second stitch from the hook, work four SC. Do a DEC. (5 stitches)
3. Chain-one and turn. Starting in the second stitch from the hook, work three SC. Do a DEC. (4 stitches)
4. Chain-one and turn. Starting in the second stitch from the hook, work two SC. Do a DEC. (3 stitches)
5. Chain-one and turn. Starting in the second stitch from the hook, work one SC. Do a DEC. (2 stitches)
6. Chain-one and turn. Starting in the second stitch from the hook, do a DEC. You should have a triangle shape. Turn and slip stitch two sides together to form a curved cone. Stuff and attach to the nose.

I’m slowly coming to the conclusion that loveys might not be my thing. It’s definitely a super cute area of crochet to specialize in, but my creations never come out as adorable as I want them to be. Take this particular project for example. Apart from my mom’s scathing critique, almost all of the friends I asked thought this was an animal other than a rhino, so I took that as a sign that my design was unsuccessful. Maybe it was the colour of yarn I chose, or maybe it was the lopsided eyes, but this will be a project where the yarn will be frogged and repurposed. I do think the original hippo design is super adorable though, so I might try it again in the future when I have some chunky grey yarn. Have you ever had a craft fail? What did you do about it?

Until next time, happy crafting!