Knitty: Summer 2006

Knitty: little purls of wisdom

© Knitty 2002-2006. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. This means you.

fetching carpathia perdita muff knucks reptilian rpm widdershins
baudelaire lickety split dancing lady tulip toes lacanau halfdome maze
crosspatchsock monkeyklein bottle swell julie manresa allete lilies
universal toe-up sock formula

by Sheryl Lange Sock monkeys. You either love 'em or hate 'em. I used to be part of the latter group, but a few years ago I had the opportunity to make about two dozen of them for a project. Since then, I've become slightly obsessed with sock monkeys. Everyone who sees this fast and easy to knit hat, loves it. From children, to college students to older folks. Make one, wear it, and feel the sweet monkey love.
models: Cassandra Banks photos: Sheryl Lange


SIZE
S[M, L] (Shown in size large)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Length: 7.5[8.5, 8.5] inches Circumference: 17[20,22] inches

MATERIALS
[MC] Idena Twins [100% acrylic; 72yd/66m per 50g ball]; Color: #312 Grey; 1 skein Plymouth Encore Chunky [75% acrylic/25% wool; 143yd/130m per 100g ball] [CC1] #208 White; approx. 11yd/10m required [CC2] #9601 Red; approx. 25yd/23m required [CC3] #217 Black; approx. 1 yd/0.9m required 1 16-inch US #10/6mm circular needle 1 set US #10/6mm double-point needles Stitch marker (and a spare to use as monkey's earring) 1.5 inch pompom maker Tapestry Needle

GAUGE
12 sts / 18 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here]
The brim is worked back and forth, then the work is joined and the body of the hat is worked in the round. The white patch on the brim is worked using the intarsia colorwork technique. The mouth is worked in duplicate stitch embroidery after the hat is complete. Instructions for working in intarsia can be found here. Instructions for duplicate stitch embroidery can be found here. 2x2 Rib (Worked over a multiple of 4 sts + 2): Row 1 [RS]: [K2, p2] to last 2 sts, k2. Row 2 [WS]: [P2, k2] to last 2 sts, p2. Repeat these 2 rows for 2x2 Rib.

DIRECTIONS
Brim Using circular needle and MC, loosely CO 46[54, 62] sts. Work 2 rows in 2x2 Rib. Work Intarsia Section for Mouth: Note: As written, one MC section of the intarsia portion is worked using the end from the outside of the ball of yarn, and the other MC section is worked using the end from the inside. If you do not wish to work this way, prepare a separate bobbin of MC before beginning this section. Row 1 [RS]: Work 14[18, 20] sts in patt as set, k18[18, 22], work to end in patt as set. Row 2 [WS]: Work 17[20, 23] sts in patt as set using MC, p12[14, 16] using CC1, work in MC to end, using other end of ball of yarn. Row 3 [RS]: Work 16[19, 22] sts in patt as set using MC, k14[16, 18] using CC1, work in MC to end. Row 4 [WS]: Work 16[19, 22] sts in patt as set using MC, p14[16, 18] using CC1, work in MC to end. Repeat Rows 3-4 once. Repeat Row 3 once more, then repeat Row 2 once. Break CC1. Repeat Row 1. Next Row [WS]: Work all sts in 2x2 Rib. Do not turn work. Place marker and join to begin working in the round. The WS of the brim will be showing as you work; when the hat is completed, the brim will be turned up so the RS shows. Work 9 rounds in 2x2 Rib as set. (There will be 4 purl sts together at the back of the hat; this will be hidden when the brim is turned up. Next Round: [K10[8, 14], kfb] 4[6, 4] times, k2[0, 2]. 50[60, 66] sts. Work 2.5[3.25, 3.25] inches in stockinette st. Shape Crown Size L Only: Next Round: [K9, k2tog] 6 times. 60 sts. All Sizes: Work Rounds 1-9 as follows, changing colors as indicated for your size: Round 1: [K8, k2tog] 5[6, 6] times. Round 2: [K7, k2tog] 5[6, 6] times. Size L Only: Break MC; continue using CC2 only. Round 3: [K6, k2tog] 5[6, 6] times. Sizes S and M Only: Break MC; continue using CC2 only. Round 4: [K5, k2tog] 5[6, 6] times. Round 5: [K4, k2tog] 5[6, 6] times. Round 6: [K3, k2tog] 5[6, 6] times. Round 7: [K2, k2tog] 5[6, 6] times. Round 8: [K1, k2tog] 5[6, 6] times. Round 9: [K2tog] 5[6, 6] times. Break yarn, draw through rem 5[6, 6]sts and pull tight.

FINISHING
Sew up back seam of brim; be sure seam allowances are on WS of brim, so they will be hidden when brim is folded up. Weave in ends. Use CC2 and pompom maker to make a 1.5-inch pompom, and attach to top of hat. Fold up brim. Using photos as guides, duplicate-stitch embroider eyes, mouth and nostrils. Ears Using CC1, with front of hat facing, pick up and k 7[9, 11] sts vertically along side of hat, beginning 1 row above folded-up brim. Use photo as a guide in determining ear placement. P 1 row. Next Row [RS]: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. P 1 row. Repeat these 2 rows 0[1, 2] times more. 5 sts remain. Size S Only: Next Row [RS]: K1, sl 1, k2tog, psso. 3 sts remain. P 1 row. All Sizes: BO rem sts. Weave in ends. Pierce one ear gently with a stitch marker.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Sheryl is constantly knitting or thinking about knitting amidst the chaos of balancing several non-knitting jobs and a home life consisting of an adorable talented husband, two fighting kids, and a crazy but loveable wiener dog.
Pattern & images © 2006 Sheryl Lange. Contact Sheryl