Sock Monkey - Free Preemie Pattern for Rosie's Cozies

My friend Elisabeth at Calleigh's Clips and Crochet Creations created a new Preemie Tiger pattern for Rosie's Cozies. I would have never known about this project if it hadn't been for her. She inspired me to come up with my own design to fit a Zooish theme. 

Rosie's Cozies is a project created to honor the families of those fighting for the lives of their children in the NICU. 

Rosanna DeVries was born at 23 weeks and after two rollercoaster weeks, the Lord chose to take her home.  This project is meant to honor little Rosie's life and the family who fought for her.

Crocheting for charity is a priority this year. And, my first charity of the year to support will be Rosie's Cozies. I hope that you will consider making a hat or two (they work up extremely fast) to donate to Rosie's Cozies or a local hospital. 

Abbreviations Used:

MC: Main Color - this is the body color of the sock monkey

CC: Coordinating Color - this is the color of the hat and lips of the sock monkey

hdc: Half-Double Crochet

Supplies Needed:

Size "I" hook
Vanna's Choice Taupe Mist (MC)
I Love This Yarn in Cranberry (CC)
Vanna's Choice Linen (Neutral)
Note: Feel free to substitute with any Soft Worsted Weight.

Gauge:

Work Pattern through Round 5. At the end of Round 5, it should measure approx. 3.25" across.

Hat Pattern

Round 1: With CC: Work 8 hdc into Magic Circle, join with sl st (8)

Round 2: ch 1, *2 hdc* in each stitch around, join with sl st (16)

Round 3: ch 1, *2 hdc, hdc* around, join with sl st (24)

Round 4: ch 1, *2 hdc, hdc, hdc* around, join with sl st (32) 

Round 5: (in front-loop only) ch 1, hdc around, join with sl st. Cut yarn. (32)

Round 6: Join MC: (in the unworked back-loop from Round 4) ch1, hdc around, join with sl st (32)

Round 7-9: ch 1, hdc around, join with sl st (32)

Round 10: With Neutral, ch 1, sc around, join with sl st (32)

Round 11: With CC, ch 1, sc around, join with sl st. Cut Yarn (32)

Round 12: With Neutral, ch 1, sc around, join with sl st. Cut Yarn. (32)

Round 13: With MC, ch 1, sc around, join with sl st and fasten off. (32)

Sock Monkey Ears (Make 2)

With MC, begin with Magic Circle (or ch 2).

Crochet 10 hdc into circle (do not join).

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. Attach the ears to the hat. 

Note: To make the ears look the same from the front and back, you will attach the right ear with the long tail beginning at the top. You will attach the left ear with the long tail starting at the bottom.

Hat Measures 3.2" diameter at crown and 3.75" tall. It should fit a 4-5 lb baby.