The beginning of the Chinese Zodiac is the rat. I have made mine in white but you could use beige or brown
 
The Years of the Rat include 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032.
 
Yarn colours required - MC: Orange, CC: White, CC: Pink CC: Black