I wanted my hippo to be bigger than average, which is why I went with a worsted weight yarn and the F hook.
I made a mistake in how I was joining and didn’t figure it out till I was too far in to start over. So I have some ridging on the seams, but it doesn’t look bad, just gives it a different look. I love how little yarn this actually uses, I could easily make 2 animals out of one skein.

ETA: I was surprised how even with all the ‘holes’ in the african flower motif that the stuffing didn’t poke thru. Stuffing is a challenge as I’m not sure exactly how stiff she should be. But I guess as I finish I can adjust that.

I will be using 18mm eyes to finish off my hippopotamus

This thing is huge. But I love it!! I still sculpted the eyes even though I used safety eyes and it made a difference.

Her butt is probably the cutest thing about this toy. Love it.

ETA2: When I make it again i think I will keep the motifs all the same colour scheme, I really like the monochromatic look that gives in other hippos I’ve seen.