Dark Mantle... ummm... it's basically a cave squid... (lots of pics)

[sprocketfish]

I just finished a quick anniversary present for my boyfriend and I thought I should share it... WELL, it's a crocheted dark mantle; a dark mantle is a monster from Dungeons and Dragons. It basically is a squid-like monster that lives in caves and ambushes innocent spelunkers or adventurers. ANYWAY, I decided to crochet a dark mantle (which can also be used as a hat) because what would be a better nerdy anniversary gift... Nothing says "I love you" like a fictional cave-dwelling squid... Time for pics!
Here he is lurking on my desk at work...


Here is the reference I used to create this monstrosity (and a wiki link for those curious)...

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darkmantle
And a close-ups...

His mouthy mouth...

Here is an innocent co-worker who stumbled upon the dark mantle lurking in my cubicle...


Thanks for taking a look at my latest creation and I may have a pdf of this pattern if anyone is interested... I think my boyfriend will love it! I can't wait to get some actions shots of him and his dark mantle...

**Dark Mantle Pattern**
For the Dark Mantle pattern, please pm me with your email address and I can send you the pdf; I will make another post with the pattern, but it is too long to include in this post... BUT I will include actions shots of my bf with his new dark mantle... and his dark mantle interacting with the some of the other crochet creations I've made for him  ...

Here's the bf enjoying his new friend... (I wish the picture was better   )

The dark mantle hanging out with his crocheted brethren soul donut and companion cube...

[missriss]

that's crazy!  it looked very ferboding (SP?) on your desk..  and hilarious as a hat.

[UUmom2many]

hee hee hee I LOVE IT!!! Very nice work!

[wawamommy]

Amazing!!!  This must have taken you forever to do.  Totally love the shot of the innocent co-worker!  As a hat, your dark mantle must be very warm.  Anyway, I'm impressed!

[Ludi]

It scared me!
 

[Solitaire]

LOL that has to be the most adorable dark mantle I've ever seen! I can't wait to see the pics of your boyfriend and his formidable hat 

[craftylittlemonkey]

holy shoot this is the coolest thing i have ever seen. i should be typing in all caps because i am screaming that inside my head right now. really, wow, unbelievably cool *this rocks* amazing amazing amazing. i don't even know what the heck that dark mantle thing is but i don't care, that is the best octopus stuffy and the best piece of crochet i have ever, ever seen. ever. wow.

[Jeenome]

Nothing says "I love you" like a fictional cave-dwelling squid

LOL! Too true!

He is awesome! How long did that take?

[chocolatebutton]

haha that is so cool.. yours looks a bit more approachable than the original though 

[sprocketfish]

  Thanks for all of the great comments! It really didn't take that long to crochet- I started a couple weeks ago and took a break for 5 days because I was at a conference. It really was a quick and fun project to work on; the most tedious part was attaching all 56 suckers onto the tentacles... I'm glad so many people enjoy this project as much as I do- I'm sure my bf will love it...