Schnapps

Schnapps
Our mascot - ALWAYS!

Friday, July 15, 2022

Introducing Heartbeat!

 It took me a while to get this hat finished and off my needles....not because it was difficult to knit.....just because so many other things have been going on that cut into my knitting time.  But, it's completed and Sue has named it Heartbeat!  




This model is knit using worsted weight yarn - a soft cotton that will be great for all seasons.  Instructions are included for all yarn weights in the PDF so you can use whatever you have in your stash.  This is a great stash buster too!


Please help us spread the word about the need for chemo caps and join us in making a difference!

On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  All donations are used to help with shipping and supply costs.  Supplies include bags and tags for each individual hat as well as shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink, paper, etc. 

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns and an immediate link to purchase my latest pattern book.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback,  can be purchased on Amazon as well.

I also sell patterns and nature notecards and calendars and DEHH stickers in my Etsy store. All proceeds from those sales go right back into running DEHH.  

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  




Heartbeat PDF



Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Introducing Triangulated!

 It's been a long time since a new hat pattern went up!  I've been busy bagging and tagging hats - we are almost to 40,000 chemo caps delivered!  I've also been decorating the library for the Summer Reading Program and working on stories and crafts for the library as well.  But, Triangulated is finished and written up and I wanted to share it with you today.  There is a link to the free PDF at the bottom of this post.


This was knit with Lion Brand Nuboo yarn.  It's very silky and soft.....so it might slip a little while you are knitting, but it's worth it.  It has a beautiful shine to it and it's very breathable.

Please help us spread the word about the need for chemo caps and join us in making a difference!

On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  All donations are used to help with shipping and supply costs.  Supplies include bags and tags for each individual hat as well as shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink, paper, etc. 

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns and an immediate link to purchase my latest pattern book.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback,  can be purchased on Amazon as well.

I also sell patterns and nature notecards and calendars and DEHH stickers in my Etsy store. All proceeds from those sales go right back into running DEHH.  

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  

Please consider joining us in our mission to make a difference one hat at a time.  

TRIANGULATED PDF

Saturday, March 5, 2022

Introducing Drupelets!

 The world is a horrible, terrible place these days.  I can not understand how the world has gotten so far out of hand.  My heart hurts for us all.  I don't know that we will ever recover from this.  We need to do so much better for the next generations............and we all must work together to spread kindness and peace.

I'm having trouble focusing on much these days.........but I did finish a new hat pattern and wanted to share it.  I think it's really important that we all help as many people as we possibly can every day.  If you're like me, you are feeling completely helpless as you watch the news of more and more atrocities unfold each day.  I am trying to focus on what I can control and those I can help.  I hope you are doing the same.

This is Drupelets!  Knit with 6-weight Heartland Thick and Quick from Lion Brand.  It's very soft and the color is fantastic.  I included a short video on how to knit the Cross 2 Back stitch.  It's simple, I promise!  Instructions are included for all yarn weights though, so use what is in your stash to make a difference.  



On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  All donations are used to help with shipping and supply costs.  Supplies include bags and tags for each individual hat as well as shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink, paper, etc. 

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns and an immediate link to purchase my latest pattern book.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback,  can be purchased on Amazon as well.

I also sell patterns and nature notecards and calendars and DEHH stickers in my Etsy store. All proceeds from those sales go right back into running DEHH.  

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  

Please consider joining us in our mission to make a difference one hat at a time.  



How to Knit the C2B Stitch

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Introducing To Purl or Not......that's your option!

 I played around with this pattern until I had three variations.  When I asked the Facebook page which one was preferred they all had their fans, so I decided to share all 3 versions for you.

All of these models was knit using Lion Brand Hometown yarn, which is 6-weight.  There are instructions for all yarn weights included in the PDF, so you can use whatever is in your stash.  Feel free to experiment with different brim styles or to repeat the pattern band if you are using lighter weight yarn. I used solid colors to highlight the stitch definition on these, but mix brims and crowns with pattern bands or use variegated yarn if you like. Have fun with it and make some hats that can bring a smile to someone else. 

 These patterns use twisted stitches and I have again included the video tutorial to show how simple it is to do these.  Don't let the wording intimidate you - try it yourself.  They really are easy to do!

Version 1

Version 2

Version 3


On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  All donations are used to help with shipping and supply costs.  Supplies include bags and tags for each individual hat as well as shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink, paper, etc. 

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns and an immediate link to purchase my latest pattern book.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback,  can be purchased on Amazon as well.

I also sell patterns and nature notecards and calendars and DEHH stickers in my Etsy store. All proceeds from those sales go right back into running DEHH.  

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  

Please consider joining us in our mission to make a difference one hat at a time.  


 



How to work the RT Stitch Video


How to work the LT Stitch Video



Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Introducing Twisted Facets!

 It's only 12 days into 2022 and hats are in huge demand.  Luckily, many people have been busy knitting, crocheting and sewing and have been sending hats in.  But, we always need more!  

We are also trying to help Code Purple (a local non-profit that helps the homeless) by collecting blankets, scarves, socks, hats, etc to help keep people warm this winter.  

I've been playing around with twisted stitches, after taking Norah Gaughan's book "Twisted Stitch Sourcebook" out of the library.  I have a feeling I will be purchasing my own copy to have on hand always.  Twisted stitches aren't difficult to do, but the written directions may seem complicated.  No cable needles are required!

I'm including videos for how to do the LT and RT stitches in this blog and on YouTube to try to help. 

This model was knit using KnitPicks Brava bulky yarn.  I used a solid color to highlight the twisted stitches, but don't be afraid to work this pattern using a variegated or self striping yarn.  The PDF includes instructions for using all yarn weights, so just dig into your stash and get started.  



On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  All donations are used to help with shipping and supply costs.  Supplies include bags and tags for each individual hat as well as shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink, paper, etc. 

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns and an immediate link to purchase my latest pattern book.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback,  can be purchased on Amazon as well.

I also sell patterns and nature notecards and calendars and DEHH stickers in my Etsy store. All proceeds from those sales go right back into running DEHH.  

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  

Please consider joining us in our mission to make a difference one hat at a time.  


Twisted Facets PDF



How to work the RT stitch video


How to work the LT stitch video

Friday, December 31, 2021

Happy 2022! Start off the year with Tessellation!

 The last 2 years have been difficult for everyone, so I wanted to start 2022 off on a good note with a brand new hat pattern - Tessellation!  I hope that 2022 will be inspiring for all of us and that I'll have several new patterns to share with everyone.  

This is a fun pattern to knit!  You only use one color at a time, so it's very simple.  A great stash buster, this pattern can be customized for any color palette.  The PDF includes information for all yarn weights, so you really can just grab some yarn from your stash and get knitting!  

Please consider supporting our mission of making a difference one hat at a time in 2022!  


To date, Delaware Head Huggers has made and distributed 38,338 chemo caps and counting.  Every week more hats come in and ship out to those in need of them.  Covid slowed us down, but didn't stop us.  Last year, even without being able to operate for a large portion of the year, we got 1,768 chemo caps onto heads that were cold.  I've got a goal of 5,000 for 2022.  We almost did that the year right before Covid, so I'm thinking we can definitely manage that now.

On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  All donations are used to help with shipping and supply costs.  Supplies include bags and tags for each individual hat as well as shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink, paper, etc. 

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns and an immediate link to purchase my latest pattern book.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback,  can be purchased on Amazon as well.

I also sell patterns and nature notecards and calendars and DEHH stickers in my Etsy store. All proceeds from those sales go right back into running DEHH.  

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  



Tessellation PDF


Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Spread the Word and Support Delaware Head Huggers!

 The cooler weather has arrived and it's prime chemo cap season!  Delaware Head Huggers and cancer centers across the globe are in need of chemo caps.  There are so many ways you can help and so many people have asked me what they can do to support our mission that I thought I'd do a blog post listing all the places you can find us and how you can help in a way that works best for you.

It doesn't take much to help.  It can be as simple as commenting or sharing a social media post to raise awareness for the need of chemo caps.  It can be making hats, donating financially or just cheering us on.

Costs are higher than you may realize.  I shipped 2 large boxes of hats out this week, both to cancer centers close to me, and the postage was $62.  Shipping to other areas costs even more. Since we started, I have shipped out over 37,700 caps - to people all over the country.  My family and I do this because we feel it is important and we do it with love.  It's really a full time job for me, yet I don't get paid.  All hats ship completely free of charge to any center or individual who needs them.  

My patterns are mostly published free here and then PDF compilations are sold to those who want to support us.  I try hard to design hats for all tastes and to make the patterns easy to understand and follow.  It's important to have them adaptable for any yarn in your stash, so I add information for different yarn weights.  A lot of work goes into each pattern.  I have over 250 designs out there.  Many thousands of people have used them to spread love and kindness.

Necessary supplies include a tag for each hat.  


Since covid, each hat now gets bagged individually.

Shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink and paper are also all needed.  Not to mention YARN!

On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns and an immediate link to purchase my latest pattern book.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback,  can be purchased on Amazon as well.

I also sell patterns and nature notecards and calendars and DEHH stickers in my Etsy store. All proceeds from those sales go right back into running DEHH.  

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  


Do you have an extra skein of yarn in your stash? Just one?


Did you know that you can make a hat with that?


Did you know that each year about 650,000 people receive chemotherapy in the United States alone?


Did you know that many people lose their hair and feel terribly cold all the time from the effects of the chemotherapy drugs? 


Did you know that chemo caps are needed in all colors, styles and sizes?  For children and adults?  For men and women?  At all times of the year?


Did you know that people battling cancer spend so much money on treatment costs that it is often a financial hardship for them to purchase a hat?


Did you know that a handmade hat can bring comfort, security, warmth, beauty, hope, cheer and love to someone fighting cancer?


Do you know how important it is for cancer warriors to know that others are thinking of them and wishing them well?  


Do you really have anything better to do with that skein than make a chemo cap for someone?


Join us and spread hugs, hope and love......one hat at a time.






Tuesday, September 28, 2021

The 12 Weeks of Christmas 2021!


 Today is very warm here in Delaware, but it's time to kick off the 12 Weeks of Christmas! 

If you want to make this using lighter weight yarn, you might want to double the stripes.  You might want to work with just one color.  You might want to make each stripe a different color.  Have fun with it!  It's a simple pattern that gives a bit of texture and interest to the cap. 

Everyone is welcome to join us!  Hopefully you will be inspired to make a hat or two (or three or forty!) for a local cancer center or to send to us at Delaware Head Huggers.  Chemo caps are in huge demand right now and you can help!

Please consider donating if you are using my patterns.  I post these patterns, mostly free, so everyone can use them to help others.  Shipping and supply costs to run DEHH are high and every little bit helps.  

Join us on Facebook to see some fun fundraisers that we have going on - you can purchase DEHH stickers, nature notecards or calendars.  You can purchase pattern books or individual patterns of some of our designs.  Or you can simply use the donate button to the right on this page.

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers and how you can help!

Hopeful Ribbons is the first pattern.  This model was knit using Charisma yarn in 2 colors and size 11 needles, but of course, instructions are included for all yarn weights.

Hopeful Ribbons PDF


It's Electric is the second pattern.  It's named this because so many people thought it looked like lightning bolts.  The model was knit with worsted weight yarn, but the pattern includes information for all yarn weights.  Keep in mind that if you knit this using thicker yarn, the pattern will be fewer rows and will look different.  Not bad, just different!


It's Electric PDF



All Lanes Lead is the third pattern.  The slight twist in the pattern adds some interesting texture to this quick knit!  This will work wonderfully in any yarn weight and in any color.  Use a different yarn for the the brim than you do for the body and create a ton of color combinations.  





Embossed Alleys is the pattern for Week 4!  This is a super simple, really quick knit that you can make in any color.  It's suitable for men or women and will be a pattern you come back to often when you need a cute hat that you can make fast!  Of course the PDF included directions for all yarn weights, so dig into your stash and get knitting!  Don't forget to make one for your local cancer center too.  And don't forget to donate if you can to help with postage and supply costs!





Ebb & Flow is the pattern for Week 5!  Can you believe it's Week 5 already?  This is a pattern that uses some twisting of stitches to give it some interest and texture.  A cable needle is needed, but don't let that scare you away from the pattern.  It's a fairly simple knit that is very straight forward and even if you haven't ever done cables before, you can do this!  I like that it is suitable for men or women too.
The model is knit using Lion Brand Hometown USA, which is a 6-weight yarn that I love to use for winter chemo caps.  It washes great, is super soft and comes in tons of colors.  Of course, the PDF includes instructions for all yarn weights so you can use whatever you have in your stash or whatever you prefer to work with.  





Positive Energy is the pattern for  Week 6!  We're halfway through already.  
This is an extremely versatile, quick and simple knit, that uses only knit and purl stitches.  It works great for both men and women and can be adapted for any yarn in your stash.  The brim and crown can easily be made in a contrasting color to the body for a different look, opening up a world of color combination.  This model was made using worsted weight yarn, but there is a photo of chunky yarn in the PDF.  The pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights.  






Contained Curves is the pattern for Week 7!  Using simple cable stitches to add texture give this unisex hat lot of visual interest.  The model is knit using super bulky yarn, but would look equally nice in any yarn weight.  With just 4 rows to repeat, this is a great first project for those who are unfamiliar with using cable needles but want to give it a try.  You'll be glad you did!  Instructions are included for all yarn weights, so search your stash for that perfect skein and get knitting!  






Chevron Chic is the pattern for Week 8!  A chevron pattern makes this a timeless pattern visually interesting, yet still so simple to knit!  There are good reasons why chevron patterns are so popular - they are perfect for men and women, they allow for individuality while still maintaining a classic feel and they are just fun to knit.  Use an unexpected color combination to make this hat really pop!  The model is knit using chunky yarn, but the pattern includes details for all yarn weights.  



Cordillera is the pattern for Week 9.  This is a very simple pattern to follow - you repeat rows 4 or 5 times, making the hat practically fly off your needles.  The initial model was knit using 5 weight yarn. There were too many rows for the pattern to work exactly as written with 6 weight yarn, so I played around with it and adapted it so all yarn weights are included! Perfect in any color this addictive knit will become one of your go-to patterns!




Escalators is the pattern for  Week 10!  Extremely simple slipped stitches give the impression of floating staircases or ladders.  This adds lots of visual interest and texture and works well for variegated or self striping yarn too. Easily adapted for length and the pattern includes information for all yarn weights.  This quick knit makes a great gift for a friend as well as a terrific chemo cap.  It is suitable for men or women.  You can easily add a contrasting brim if you want.

* The first PDF of this pattern was missing the brim section.  The PDF has been updated and the same link works. *





 
Softened Swells is the pattern for  Week 11!  Though equally attractive in a solid color, a self striping or variegated yarn can add a little extra charm to this hat.  This pattern will work well with fuzzy yarns or smooth and anything in between. This is a simple 4 row repeat that is easy to memorize and flies off your needles.   The model was knit using 5-weight yarn, but of course the pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights.  




 Knotty Lines is the pattern for  Week 12!  The 12 Weeks of Christmas is finished, but there are more new patterns to come!  A very simple cable stitch adds some interest to the pattern.  The model has a contrasting brim, but you could easily knit this all in one color.  You could also knit the textured part as a band in the center of the hat - just knit an inch or so of stockinette before and after the pattern rows.  The model was knit using super bulky, 6-weight yarn, but the PDF has information for all yarn weights.  Experiment and have fun with it!  Coordinate colors or go monochrome - either will work well.  





 Watch our video to learn more about Delaware Head Huggers 
and what we do! 




Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our  Ravelry store.  

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon.  They can be purchased here

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.   

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!






Thursday, June 3, 2021

Introducing Volution, Walking Upwards and CAPtivating Comfort!

 It's been a long time coming, but I finally got the latest 20 patterns put together into an e-book of PDF files to make it simple and easy for you to have them at your fingertips!

CAPtivating Comfort is selling for $10 and includes TWENTY patterns, two of which have never been published before.  The new patterns are also available through Ravelry for $5 each if you only wish to get one.  You can purchase the book on Ravelry or through the link to the right on this page.  Individual patterns are also available on Ravelry.

All patterns have instructions for all yarn weights, making it a breeze to use what you have in your stash to make a hat!  Volution can easily be adapted to just one color too.  Walking Upwards is a slip stitch color work hat that uses only one color per row so it's great for beginner and expert color work knitters!

Don't forget to get your DEHH removable sticker too!



Volution


Walking Upwards



The entire pattern collection for CAPtivating Comfort!




Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our  Ravelry store.  

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon.  They can be purchased here

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.   

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!