Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Week 30!! Goal Met

It's the end of July - week 30 of 2012 already! Time is flying by. Once again I have completed two hats for the week.....and it's only Wednesday, so there could be another one done before the week is over!

Requests for caps are coming in every week and luckily I have been able to fulfill all wishes. Thankfully, many wonderful people give freely of their time and talents and keep sending me hats so I am able to send them where they are needed most.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you or someone you know is in need of some chemo caps. You can email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will send some out.

Remember that all my patterns are also on Ravelry, where I am deheadhuggers. My ebook Chemo Caps to Share is for sale for $3.00 and it includes 24 of my past patterns. You can purchase it right here or on Ravelry or Etsy or Craftsy.

The first hat this week was the Armor of Hope Chemo Cap. The pattern for that is in the previous post.

The second is not officially named yet. It will be part of the ebook that should hopefully be out soon! I had started a different pattern and it just wasn't working, so I let Schnapps work on his idea for a while and decided that I should always listen to him!

Sticking his tongue out at me because HIS design was better than mine!

This was a fun and simple cable pattern that I enjoyed working on.

I've started working on Christmas gifts too............that time flying thing is making me realize that I have to get started. I'm hoping to have 10 patterns for an ebook within the next week or two and then slow down on the new patterns a bit. We'll see how that goes. I have so many ideas for hats in my head that I just keep working on them.

Stop by our websites or join us on Facebook. We love to meet new friends and we have lots of great patterns and photos to share.

Happy Knitting!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, July 23, 2012

Introducing the Armor of Hope Chemo Cap!

Thank you Gaynell and Mike for the name!

I used ribbon yarn this time......first time I've worked with it and I was amazed at how soft it was. I like that this pattern showcases the sheen of the yarn. I used Sundance Plaza yarn, but any 5-weight yarn would work well with this pattern. The pattern can easily be adapted for different weight yarns and different sizes. Just work with increases or decreases of 8 stitches at a time.

Enjoy this pattern. Please stop by our Facebook page and like us. Follow along as we make a difference and learn about new hat patterns as soon as Schnapps and I finish them.

Schnapps enjoying a treat after another successful pattern!

ARMOR OF HOPE

You need: 100 yards of 5-weight yarn and size 10 circular needles

Abbreviations:

yo - yarn over

k2tog - knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 64 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
Row 1: *k2, p2*; repeat from * around
Repeat Row 1 seven more times for a total of 8 rows

Work Pattern:

Row 1: Knit all stitches
Row 2: *k2, yo, k2, pass yo over the 2 knit stitches*; repeat from * around
Row 3: Knit all stitches
Row 4: *yo, k2, pass yo over the 2 knit stitches, k2*; repeat from * around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until the piece measures 7 inches in length. End on a Row 4.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k6, k2tog*; repeat from * around
Row 2: *k5, k2tog*; repeat from * around
Row 3: *k4, k2tog*; repeat from * around
Row 4: *k3, k2tog*; repeat from * around
Row 5: *k2, k2tog*; repeat from * 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 enjoy.

This pattern is easily adjusted for different sizes. If you use a multiple of 8, you can keep the same crown decreases.

Happy Knitting!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Introducing ZipLine: A Hat

Thank you Minetta for the name!

ZipLine: A Hat!

This pattern is quick and easy and can easily be adjusted for just about any size. The hat I made was done over 50 stitches and fits my head snugly, but comfortably. I only posted the pattern in the round. The one knit flat was terrible to seam........I don't think you want to try, but if you do, let me know.

You can add or decrease 10 or 20 stitches and still work the pattern exactly the same. Have fun with the colors. If you decide to only use 2 colors, just substitute Color A wherever Color C is used.

Enjoy this pattern. Please stop by our Facebook page and like us. Follow along as we make a difference and learn about new hat patterns as soon as Schnapps and I finish them.

Schnapps worked hard on this one!

The pattern may also be found on Scribd.com as a PDF .

ZipLine: A Hat

You will need bulky or 5-weight yarn in 2 or 3 colors. I used Charisma - well less than one skein of each.

Size US 11 circular needles

Abbreviations:

Sl1 - slip one stitch as if to knit

SSK - slip 2 stitches as if to knit, one at a time to the right needle, then knit together with left needle.

Cast on 50 stitches with color C, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
Row 1: Knit all stitches
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 once more

Work Pattern:

Foundation Row: Use Color A: knit all stitches

Use Color B:

Row 1: *Sl1, K1*; repeat from * around
Row 2: *Sl1, P1*; repeat from * around

Use Color A:

Row 3: *K1, Sl1*; repeat from * around
Row 4: *P1, Sl1*; repeat from * around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 with same colors until the piece measures approximately 7.5 - 8 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:
Use Color C:

Row 1:   Knit all stitches
Row 2: *K8, SSK*; repeat from * around
Row 3:   Knit all stitches
Row 4: *K7, SSK*; repeat from * around
Row 5: Knit all stitches
Row 6: *K6, SSK*; repeat from * around
Row 7:    Knit all stitches
Row 8: *K5, SSK*; repeat from * around
Row 9:    Knit all stitches
Row 10: *K4, SSK*; repeat from * 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 enjoy.

Schnapps says, "Have fun with it!"

Happy Knitting Everyone!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Week 29 - Goal Met!

It's only Tuesday and I have already finished 3 hats!

The e-book is selling well! Thank you to all who have purchased a copy of "Chemo Caps to Share" - you can purchase it by using the link to the left or on Ravelry, Etsy or Craftsy.

This first hat is a redo of a pattern I came up with a couple of weeks ago...........I wasn't sure of something in my notes, so I knit it again. This pattern will be part of the fundraiser ebook out in the Fall.


The S-ential Hat

Then I had to try this pattern.......first time I knit it flat. I don't recommend that at all! It's a great pattern and I have visions of washcloths that will be adorable, but it's awful to seam.

So, I tried again and knit it in the round...using different colors. Much easier to finish and just as cute. I will post the pattern in a separate post as soon as it gets a name!

The heat isn't letting up this year. It's brutally hot here, but I'm thinking of all the treatment centers that will be calling for hats in September, so I'm knitting away. Join us if you can!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Friday, July 13, 2012

Week 28 and Goal Met!

Week 28 and 2 new hat patterns are finished!

New pattern being modeled by Schnapps - he thinks it is a keeper!

It's been a week filled with patterns and interesting things, but I managed to get my second hat of the week finished! Earlier in the week I posted the pattern for Love Bumps, but the new pattern will be held back for the Delaware Head Hugger fundraiser in the fall.


Love Bumps! The pattern is in a previous post.

New pattern! Lying flat.

On a head.

If you didn't see the previous post, I have put together the 24 patterns for chemo caps from this blog and made them into an e-book that is selling for only $3.00. There is a buy now link on the right hand side of the blog that will take you right to it. I will be placing any new free patterns into a book as well and I will publish that when there are at least 20 patterns. That way those of you who have trouble printing the patterns or those who just like to have everything in one place will be able to download it for pennies a pattern.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Introducing "Chemo Caps to Share"

Several people have requested that I put all my free patterns into an ebook to make it easier to download. Since many people do not like copying and pasting the patterns, this is an option perhaps.

I now have "Chemo Caps to Share" an ebook featuring 24 patterns on 31 pages for sale on Ravelry for just $3.00.

You may use the link to the right to go straight to Ravelry and purchase a copy of your own.

100% of any proceeds will go directly towards paying for shipping and supplies for Delaware Head Huggers!

A new ebook with all new, never before seen patterns will be published in the fall.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all! robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

Happy Knitting!

Introducing the Love Bumps Beanie!

The Love Bumps Beanie is here! Thank you Gaynell for the name.

This comfy textured hat uses a gathered stitch to create the 'bumps'. The pattern itself is very simple. It might take a few tries to master the gathering stitch, but it's well worth the effort. I tried to explain it clearly........I hope I did!

Schnapps needed a chilly washcloth on his head after figuring this one out!

To work the gathered stitch, you hold your working yarn as if to knit, then bring your right hand needle through the 3 strands on the wrong side of the piece that were created when you slipped stitches. You then knit the next stitch on your left hand needle as usual. Then bring the new stitch, on your right hand needle through the 3 strands, dropping them off the needle. It sounds way more complicated than it is. Try it and you'll see!

The pink needle is showing the 3 strands you will work with.

This shows the needle going through the three strands.

The needle now comes back to knit the nest stitch on the left hand needle, with the 3 strands still on the right hand needle too.

I knit this hat using Elsebeth Lavold's Calm Wool, which is a lovely yarn that knits up nicely, but any worsted weight yarn would do.

The pattern is free, although I do ask that if you have a moment, you stop by our Facebook page and like us. Follow along as we make a difference and learn about new hat patterns as soon as they come off my needles.

The pattern may also be found on Scribd.com as a PDF . If you are printing this, use print preview to determine the pages you wish to print or copy and paste it into a Word document to ensure that you print only what you want. Don't hesitate to send me an email letting me know of any person or treatment center in need of caps. If you are knitting any of my patterns, feel free to let me know how they come out and who you are making them for. I have met so many wonderful, talented people since I began this organization and I love to hear from new people all the time!

Here is the pattern! I hope you like it.

Love Bumps

Abbreviations:

Sl3 = slip 3 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit

G1 = Gather Stitch: With yarn behind work, as if to knit, bring the right hand needle through the 3 strands on the wrong side of the work created when stitches were slipped. (see photo below) Knit the next stitch and then draw the new stitch though the three strands.

K2tog = knit 2 stitches together as one.

Cast on 72 stitches on size 10 circular needles, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Knit Brim: Row 1: K3, P3 around.
Repeat Row 1 seven times for a total of 8 rows.

Work Pattern:
Row 1:                      Knit all stitches
Rows 2, 3 & 4:         Sl3, K3 around
Rows 5, 6 & 7:          Knit all stitches
Row 8:                       G1, K5 around
Row 9:                       Knit all stitches
Rows 10, 11 & 12:    K3, Sl3 around
Rows 13, 14 & 15:    Knit all stitches
Row 16:                     K3, *G1, K5* to last 3; end with G1, K2

Repeat Rows 1 - 16 two more times for a total of 48 rows.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1:       Knit all stitches
Row 2:       K4, K2tog around
Row 3:        K3, K2tog around
Row 4:        K2, k2tog around

Finish: Cut working yarn, leaving a tail. Draw the tail through the stitches left on your needle. Cinch tightly, secure and weave in ends. Spread some love and share!

Happy Knitting!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Introducing the Kounterfeit Kabled Kover!

This is blanket #4 this year for Kozy Kovers for Kids! That was my goal, so I am very excited to meet that in July! I'm hoping to get another one or two finished this year in between hats also. We're in the midst of an awful heat wave, so I made this a small blanket - about 32 x 32, but feel free to make it any size you like!

This blanket pattern is infinitely adjustable! It's a multiple of 4 + 2 and you can just knit as few or as many rows as you would like to get your desired length! Super simple and great for working on while watching TV or chatting with a friend. I knit it using 2 different colors of Lion Brand's Pound of Love and used less than half a pound of each.

The pattern is free, but please, consider taking some time and knitting a blanket for a child in need. If you are too far to get it to us, just donate it to your local foster care agency or to your local emergency room or police station. And stop by our Facebook page and join us! See what we're doing to help children in Delaware and beyond!

The pattern is on Scribd as a PDF . You can reach me at info@kozykoversforkids.org or robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

A close up of the stitch detail.

Kounterfeit Kabled Kover

Yarn: 2 colors of worsted weight yarn - amount depends on size

Needles: Size US 15 - 29” circular needles

Explanation: K2togK: Knit 2 stitches together, but don’t slip off left hand needle. Insert right hand needle between the 2 stitches and knit the 1st stitch again, then slip both stitches off needle.

Cast on 90 stitches holding one strand of each color together as one. Do not join - circulars are used to accommodate the large number of stitches.

Row 1: P2, *K2, P2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 2: K2, *P2, K2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 3: P2, *K2togK, P2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 4: K2, *P2, K2*; repeat from * to * across row

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is desired length. Bind off in pattern. Weave in ends and enjoy.

Happy Knitting!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Goal Met - Week 27!

We're in the middle of an awful heat wave here in Delaware, but so many people are in need of chemo caps that we haven't slowed down at all. Latest tally is 7,033 and counting.

This week brought lots of requests for hats and we shipped hats out to lots of individuals. I made 6 hats this week and am almost finished with my blanket.

This is the first hat I made, which will be part of the calendar/e-book project for later in the year.

These 5 were knit for Molly in Delaware who is going through chemo and likes these hats the best.

Kozy Kovers for Kids just hit 810 blankets with more coming in each week too! It's amazing how generous everyone is with their talents and time!

My blanket is almost finished......it's going to be a baby blanket, although the pattern would work no matter what size. I just can't stand it on my legs in this heat!

Stay cool everyone!

Happy Knitting!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Introducing the Noggin Nuzzler!

Here is the second pattern from last week. This was knit using Vanna's Choice yarn - about 100 yards and size 9 circular needles. It's just a 4 row repeat pattern that is extremely simple! Yet, the hat looks cute, has interesting texture and works wonderfully as a chemo cap. This could be worked in any worsted weight yarn. I'm planning on making on in cotton too!

As always, the pattern is free, but I ask that you send a special thought or prayer to Nicole in MA. She is a young lady who had her first child in February. Her transplant was put on hold and she is facing another battle through yet another very aggressive round of chemo. Please keep her and her entire family in your thoughts.

NOGGIN NUZZLER

Abbreviations:

K2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one.

You Need:

Worsted, or 4- weight yarn – about 100 yards

Size 9 circular knitting needles

Cast on 68 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:

Row 1: Knit all stitches

Row 2: Purl all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 three more times for a total of 8 rows of garter stitch

Work Pattern:

Rows 1 & 2: *K2, P2*; repeat from * to * around row

Rows 3 & 4: *P2, K2*; repeat from * to * around row

Repeat Rows 1 – 4 until the piece measures approximately 7 inches. You can make it longer if you would like a larger hat.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *K12, K2tog*; repeat from * to * to last 12 stitches, K10, K2tog

Row 2: *K7, K2tog*; repeat from * to * around row

Row 3: *K6, K2tog*; repeat from * to * around row

Row 4: *K5, K2tog*; repeat from * to * around row

Row 5: *K4, K2tog*; repeat from * to * around row

Row 6: *K3, K2tog*; repeat from * to * around row

Finish: Cut your working yarn, leaving a tail. Draw the tail through the stitches remaining on the needle, cinch closed and secure. Weave in your ends and pass it along to someone who’s noggin needs a nuzzle!

Happy Knitting!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Introducing the Pinwheel Panache Chemo Cap!

Here is the latest pattern. Thank you Geri for naming this hat! This pattern is posted in gratitude for all the prayers and thoughts that helped my friend Karen get good news from the doctor this week and Ryan do well in his battle against leukemia. I was going to keep this for the calendar, but had to post to say THANK YOU! Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers that they continue to do well!

This is a long pattern and it is a bit complicated. The stitches are all simple though, so don't be intimidated. It is knit flat and seamed for those of you who prefer that method of hat making! Just pay close attention to your stitches and you will be fine! Do what Schnapps did and take a break frequently to go play in the hose!

Cool off and take a break and then go back and knit some more!

I knit this using Louisa Harding's Kashmir Baby, but any sport, or 3-weight yarn would do. Something smooth will show off the stitch definition best.


PINWHEEL PANACHE!

Here it is flat too, but you can't see the detail as much.

THERE WAS A TYPO IN THE ORIGINAL PATTERN. I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR ANY PROBLEMS THAT CAUSED!!! HERE IS THE CORRECTED PATTERN:

You'll need about 150 yards of sport weight yarn and size 7 knitting needles

Abbreviations:

k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together

skpsso: Slip one stitch knit wise, knit next stitch, pass slipped stitch over the knit stitch.

k1bl: Knit 1 stitch through the back loop

p1bl: Purl 1 stitch through the back loop

yo: yarn over

Cast on 107 stitches.

Work Brim:

Row 1: k1, *p2, k1, p1, k1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 2: k1, *p3, k2*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 four more times. The last Row 2 should be worked as: k1, *p3, k2*; repeat to last 3 stitches, k1, k2tog.

Work Pattern:

Row 1: k1, *skpsso, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1BL, p1, yo, k2tog, yo*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 2: k1, * p3, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 3: k1, *skpsso, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, yo, k2tog, yo, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 4: k1, *k1, p3, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 5: k1, *skpsso, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, yo, k2tog, yo, p2*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 6: k1, *k2, p3, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 7: k1, *skpsso, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, yo, k2tog, yo, p3*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 8: k1, *k3, p3, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 9: k1, *skpsso, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, yo, k2tog, yo, p4*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 10: k1, *k4, p3, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 11: k1 *skpsso, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, yo, k2tog, yo, p5*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 12: k1, *k5, p3, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 13: k1, *skpsso, p1, k1bl, p1, yo, k2tog, yo, p6*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 14: k1, *k6, p3, k1, p1bl, k1, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 15: k1, *skpsso, k1bl, p1, yo, k2tog, yo, p7*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 16: k1, *k7, p3, k1, p1bl, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 17: k1, *skpsso, p1, yo, k2tog, yo, p8*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 18: k1, *k8, p3, k1, p1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 19: k1, *skpsso, k1bl, yo, k2tog, yo, p8*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 20: k1, *k9, p4*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 21: k1, *yo, skpsso, yo, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 22: k1, *p1, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p3*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 23: k1, *p1, yo, skpsso, yo, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 24: k1, * p1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p3, k1*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 25: k1, *p2, yo, skpsso, yo, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 26: k1, *p1, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p3, k2*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 27: k1, *p3, yo, skpsso, yo, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 28: k1, *p1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p3, k3*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 29: k1, *p4, yo, skpsso, yo, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, p1, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 30: k1, * p1, k1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p3, k4*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 31: k1, *p5, yo, skpsso, yo, p1, k1bl, p1, k1bl, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 32: k1, *p1, p1bl, k1, p1bl, k1, p3, k5*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 33: k1, *p6, yo, skpsso, yo, p1, k1bl, p1, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 34: k1, *p1, k1, p1bl, k1, p3, k6*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 35: k1, *p7, yo, skpsso, yo, p1, k1bl, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 36: k1, *p1, p1bl, k1, p3, k7*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 37: k1, *p8, yo, skpsso, yo, p1, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 38: k1, *p1, k1, p3, k8*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 39: k1, * p9, yo, skpsso, yo, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 40: k1, *p4, k9*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Crown Decrease:

Row 1: k1, *k6, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 2: k1, purl to last stitch, k1

Row 3: k1, *k5, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 4: k1, purl to last stitch, k1

Row 5: k1, *k4, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 6: k1, purl to last stitch, k1

Row 7: k1, *k3, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 8: k1, purl to last stitch, k1

Row 9: k1, *k2, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 10: k1, purl to last stitch, k1

Row 11: k1, *k2, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 12: k1, purl to last stitch, k1

Row 13: k1, *k1, k2tog*; repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Finish:

Cut working yarn leaving a long tail. Draw tail through stitches remaining on your needle, cinch closed and secure. Seam your hat and give it to someone who needs it!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids