Ok ok ok. That tea set was definitely a low. The teacups were simple enough but no amount of caffeine was going to make the teapot look good. I'll put that project on the back burner. So, onto a high now. My daughter wanted to dress up as a superhero, so here is the pattern for a batgirl/batman mask.

Materials:

3.5 mm hook/E or 4
Any non chunky wool

Abbreviations:

English:                           American:

CH: chain stitch  =          CH: chain stitch
TR: triple stitch  =           DC: double crochet
HTR: half triple =            HDC: Half double crochet
DC: double crochet =      SC: single crochet
DEC: decrease stitch

* This project is NOT worked in a round, which means you need to slip stitch at the end of each round to 1st triple, half triple or double stitch. I'm saying it here so i don't have to keep repeating it in the pattern. It also means you will have a seam running down the back of your mask.

Each round is started with either 3,2 or 1 chains. These stitches are used to raise the height of your hook, they do NOT count as a stitch. That is why you slip stitch into the first triple, half triple or double stitch, not the chains.

Phew, go make a cup of coffee, because we're about to start the pattern. Hooks at the ready.....

Ch 4. Sl stitch to 1st ch to make a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3. 12 tr in ring, join with sl stitch to 1st tr.
Rnd 2: Ch 3. 2 tr in first st. Repeat in each stitch around. Remembr to join with sl stitch to 1st tr. Last time I'll mention it.
Rnd 3: Ch 3. *Tr in first st. 2tr in next st*. Repeat **around.
Rnd 4: Ch 3. *Tr in first 2 sts. 2tr in next st*. Repeat ** around.
Rnd 5: Ch 3. *Tr in first 3 sts. 2tr in next st*. Repeat ** around.
Rnd 6: Ch 3. *Tr in first 4 sts. 2tr in next st*. Repeat ** around.
Rnd 7: Ch 3. *Tr in first 5 sts. 2tr in next st*. Repeat ** around.

* The work should now cover the top of the head. If you need a larger size, keep adding rounds in same pattern, adding 1 more tr to each round.

Rnd 8: Ch 3. Tr in each stitch around.
Rnd 9-16: Repeat round 8.

* The work should now come down to just below the eyebrows, if not, keep adding rows until it does. And now for the eyeholes!

Rnd 17: Ch 3. Tr in first 31 sts. Ch 12. Skip next 8 sts. Tr in next 5 sts. Ch 12. Skip next 8 sts. Tr in remaining sts around.
Rnd 18: Ch 2. Htr in each st around, including the eyehole chains made in last round.
Rnd 19: Ch 1. Dc in first 31 sts. Dec. Dc in next 9 sts. Dec.

* if you do not want to do the nose, which is a bit tricky and involves a lot of decreasing, look away now, I will give you an alternative next.

With nose:
Dc in next 4 sts. Dec. Ch 1, turn.
Dec, Db in next 2 sts. Dec. Ch 1, turn.
Dec, Dec. Sl st down side of nose until you get to next Dc on mask. Dc in each st around. Sl st to first Dc cut thread and finish off.

Without nose:
Dc in next 10 sts. Dec. Then Dc in each st to end. Sl st to first Dc, cut thread and finish off.

* I suppose you're wondering what is up with the Dec around the eyeholes. I find it gives a rounder and more open eyehole. If you find the Dec tricky or it's stressing you out, then give it a miss. Just put a Dc in the two sts you would otherwise be decreasing. Easy fish.

And now for the ears. Of course, you will need to make two of these:

Rnd 1: Ch 3. Dc in 2nd and 3rd chain from hook. Ch 1 and turn.
Rnd 2: 2 htr in next 2 sts. Ch 1 and turn.
Rnd 3: htr in each st across.
Rnd 4: 2htr in first st. Htr in next 2sts. 2htr in last st. Ch 1 and turn.
Rnd 5: Htr in each st across. Ch 1 and turn.
Rnd 6: 2htr in first st. Htr in next 4 sts. 2htr in last st. Ch 1 and turn.
Rnd 7-9: Htr in each st across. Ch 1 and turn.
Rnd 10: Dec. Htr in next 4 sts. Dec. Ch 1 and turn.
Rnd 11: Dec. Htr in next 2 sts. Dec. Cut thread and finish off.