Schnapps

Schnapps
Our mascot - ALWAYS!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Introducing Squared Away!

Schnapps' latest hat, knit during football and finished well before the game!  Many great names were suggested, several which had Chains or Links in the name.  Since we have several hats with similar names, I went with Squared Away.  This hat uses the square rib pattern, so it's fitting.

The model was stitched using Lion Brand Hometown USA, but the pattern contains instructions for all yarn weights as well.  

Schnapps hopes you like it!
The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere.  The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store or my Craftsy store.  Those links are also to the right of this page.   100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.
The Play Book Patterns!
If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too.  We love to hear from everyone!
Squared Away
You will need super bulky yarn and size US 13 circular needles and dpns or another combination of yarn and needles listed below.
Abbreviations:
p2b:  purl the stitch 2 rows below the next stitch
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one
p2tog:  purl 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 48 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.


Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2 & 3:  *k1, p1*; repeat around
Row 4:  *k1, p2b*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4  until piece is about  7.5  to 8 inches in length. 

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2tog, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2tog, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k2tog*; repeat around


Finish: Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure.  Weave in ends and give it to someone special who needs some extra love.
 
The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 so the crown decrease stays the same.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 68 stitches. 

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 80 stitches. 

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 64 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 4 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 108 stitches.   
 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Thankful Tree!

This is a completely non-yarn related project, but I wanted to share it anyway.  Those of you who know me personally know that I really do try to find the good in every situation and to focus on the positive instead of the negative.  I think it is truly important for everyone to remember that there are things to be thankful for every day.  It might be harder to realize them some days and there might not be as many at certain times, but there is always at least one thing for which you can be thankful.  Too often, we focus on what we want or what we do not like, instead of being grateful for what we already have.

I'm trying to pass that along to the students at my job.  I thought a good way to do that might be to make a "Thankful Tree" to post on my door that we could all fill in.  I've seen them before and thought it would be a great project for school.

I cut just a basic tree shape from a roll of brown paper.  My husband suggested adding the hole and the raccoons, which I think add a very cute touch.  I cut out bunches of leaves from construction paper so everyone can write what they are thankful for on one, (or two or five!) and add it to the tree.  I hung it on my door this morning when I got in and put a few leaves on it.

First thing this morning!
Throughout the day, students and staff stopped by to pick up leaves and write what they were most thankful for on them.  Each leaf was added to the tree and by lunchtime I realized that I am going to need more leaves.  I'm hoping that people will add to it all month..........maybe even adding a leaf or two every day as new things to be thankful for come to mind.

By lunchtime!
I know that I will smile every time I see this because it shows that people are thinking about the good and focusing on being grateful.  I'm making it a personal goal to add at least one leaf every day I'm at work.  This was such a simple project, but it has a lot of meaning.  I hope everyone who walks past my door, even when I am not there, takes a few minutes to think about life and to find the good.






Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Introducing Lateral Pass!

Schnapps is still busy making "Football Hats" and I am trying to keep up with him.  I'm a few behind, but finally got this one ready!  He used Lion Brand Hometown USA for the model, but as always, directions for all yarn weights are included.


Hats are coming in every week and shipping out just as quickly!  There is a huge need right now for chemo caps, especially for adults, so if you have some spare time, please consider making some and donating them locally or to DEHH.  

Schnapps says "THANK YOU" to all our supporters!


The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere.  The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store or my Craftsy store.  Those links are also to the right of this page.   100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!
If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too.  We love to hear from everyone!


Lateral Pass

You will need 6 weight yarn and size US 13 circulars and dpns or another combination listed below.


 Abbreviations:
skpsso:  hold yarn in front as if to purl and slip 2 stitches knit-wise.
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one


Cast on 48 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 2.5 to 3 inches in length.

Work Pattern:
Row 1:  *skpsso, but before dropping the slipped stitch, knit into the back of it*; repeat around
Row 2:  *k2tog, but before dropping the stitches, knit the first stitch again*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 2  until piece is about  7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k6, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around

Finish: Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure.  Weave in ends and give it to someone special who needs a warm hug!


The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 8 to keep the crown decrease the same. 

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 72 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 88 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 64 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 8 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 120 stitches.