Started with 7mm hook and magic ring. Changed to recommended 8mm hook on 3rd row, as very tight going. (I usually have to go down 1 - 2 sizes for correct tension)

YARN is very rigid so that it produces a free standing item that can also be hangable. I usually prefer to work with softer, chunky weight wool.

However, resulting project provides an ideal, ‘safe place-tidy’ to find my stuff, as soon as I get in the front door I can stash keys mobile, coin pouch, gloves, hat, sunglasses etc. until I need them again,

INSTRUCTIONS:
Row 23 -29 sc where it sayx dec in next 2 stitches ofcourse means 1 dec over 2 stitches.

Row 30: I moved marker up to ch1 st in row. At loop I did 14 ch then slip st into same st, before continuing to end of section row.
Row 31: I missed Rnd 32 and instead closed the roof of mouth by joining last and 1st stitches of Row 30 with a slip st, RS facing, as 1 sc into marked stitch. I then slip-stitched up forehead into back loops of adjacent sts (instead of working in-the-round for rnd 32).

Rnd 33: Starts ‘Join yarn… ‘ This gives mouth characteristic, classic muppet monster look.

PATTERN: Huge thanks to Carissa Browning for this fun, quick pattern. It seems pretty thorough, though no actual yarn weight mentioned.
Delighted it includes a knitted version.

EYES: Made small pom-pom eyes. May try crochet eyes if I make any others.

LINING: since body proportions were slightly different to those suggested in pattern, I drafted my own templates on A2 layout pad paper, plus 12mm seam allowance. Sewed chosen pink velour fabric on machine using ballpoint needle and zig-zag stitch. Lining then hand-sewn inside around mouth and up forehead.

ANTENNAE: (NB: Pipe cleaners are too short.) I wasn’t so keen to use the Chenille Stems shown in pattern. I wanted to crochet some antennae instead, but they won’t stand up without help.

TENTACLES: I’m reserving judgement on whether to add them, simply because we have a mischievous cat who would find them too tempting to resist!

In hommage to Sesame Street I’m naming my 1st one Burt (tho he wasn’t a YipYip, admittedly)