Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Friday, September 21, 2012

Introducing the Circles of Hope Hat

This hat came about because Schnapps and I had small amounts of bulky yarn left over from our past several hat patterns.......not enough for a new hat, but too much to just discard. So, Circles of Hope was created.

In other exciting news this week, I managed to figure out how to add a link to my Craftsy store to my blog! Sorry I'm behind the times, but now it's up and working!

This hat could certainly be knit in just one color. It would be much more sedate, but still nice and toasty. These colors are probably for a woman, but in different colors this pattern would work well for a man. There is nothing feminine about the stitch, so make one for anyone you think might want one!

I used the left over Lion Brand Hometown USA, but any 6-weight yarn would work. Or double up some worsted weight yarn and try that. Vary the width of the stripes if you like and the hat will look like a whole different pattern. Have fun with it. It's a very easy hat...........definitely suitable for being worked on during football!

Schnapps hopes you like it! He worked hard on it once again.

The pattern may also be found on Scribd.com as a PDF and, as always, you can email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will email you a copy.

Circles of Hope

You need: 6-weight yarn, about 80 yards total and size US 13 circular knitting needles

Abbreviations:

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 45 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern:

Rows 1 *k1, without slipping stitch off left hand needle, purl that stitch and the next stitch together, then slip both off the left hand needle, k1*; repeat around
Row 2: knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 2, ending with a Row 1 until the piece measures between 7 and 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:
Row 1: *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 enjoy.

Switch colors as you like, always beginning a new color on a Row 2. I did 4 repeats of the first color and then 3 repeats of each other color. This hat will look completely different, but just as nice, knit in just one color!

The pattern is in multiples of 3, so adjust accordingly. The hat is stretchy and should fit most adults. If you don’t have any bulky weight yarn, use 2 strands of worsted weight yarn held together as one.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Introducing the Showers of Lace Scarf!

This one seemed to be on my needles forever, but that's because I kept stopping to work on hats. Yesterday I finally sat down and finished it.......well, it still needs to be blocked of course........but I promised to share the pattern as soon as I finished!

It's not a hard pattern by any means, but I did find that I had to work on this when things were quiet......I would get too distracted and lose my place in the midst of all the yarn overs!

Still in progress!

Schnapps is looking for inspiration for our next project!

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

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. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!

Our Etsy store is back up also, with a limited number of items and our digital books.

Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too and see all the gorgeous handmade blankets that are going to help children in crisis throughout our area.

We welcome everyone to join us. Stop by and say hello.

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

Showers of Lace Scarf

This was knit with Paton's Lace but you can use any 2-weight yarn and size 7 straight needles.

Abbreviations:

yo: yarn over

k3tog: knit 3 stitches together as one

sk2po: slip one, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over

Cast on 37 stitches

Pattern:

Row 1: p1, *k4, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, p1, yo, k1, yo, sk2po, k4, p1* repeat from *

Rows 2, 4 & 6: *k1, p8* repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Row 3: p1, *k2, k3tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, p1, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, sk2po, k2, p1* repeat from *

Row 5: p1, *k3tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p1, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, sk2po, p1*; repeat from *

Repeat Rows 1 - 6 until the piece is desired length.

Finish: Bind off all stitches knit wise.

This pattern is in multiples of 18 +1. To make the piece wider, add stitches in increments of 18.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, September 17, 2012

Introducing Braided Hope: A Hat Full of Hope for Everyone!

Another Football Sunday and another hat off my needles! Thank you Annie for the name! I'm all out of super bulky yarn now.......I've got to get to the store and pick up some more for these super fast knit caps.

Schnapps suggested taking the brim from this hat:

and making it into a bulky knit........and it worked.

The blue hat above is my Mountains of Hope pattern that can be found in my Ravelry store or along with 10 other never before published patterns in the e-book CAP-turing Hope. Remember that 100% of all proceeds from the sale of my e-books and patterns goes directly into covering shipping and supply costs for Delaware Head Huggers!

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

BRAIDED HOPE

You need: one skein of Lion Brand Hometown USA and size US 13 needles

Abbreviations:

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

p2tog: purl 2 stitches together

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

Work Pattern:

Rows 1, 2 & 4: *p2, k2*; repeat around

Row 3: *p2, k2tog but do not drop stitches off left hand needle, knit the first stitch again, then drop both*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until the piece measures
between 7 and 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *p2, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 2: *p2tog, k1*; 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 enjoy.

The pattern is in multiples of 4, so adjust accordingly. The hat is stretchy and should fit most adults. If you don’t have any bulky weight yarn, use 2 strands of worsted weight yarn held together as one.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Friday, September 14, 2012

Between the Lines: A Bookmark or A Scarf...or even a Washcloth!!

Can you believe that this is my 100th post? And it's not a hat pattern! Thank you all for reading along with me as I post these patterns and keep track of Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids! I truly appreciate all your support and help! Schnapps sends kisses to all!

I needed something simple and easy to do while football was on last night and I hadn't worked out my next hat pattern yet, so I tried this with the tiny bit of leftover Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran yarn that I had from making the Embrace of Waves Cap.

Just an easy to memorize 2-row repeat, I think this pattern would work equally as well for a scarf too..........you could use bulky yarn, size US 13 needles and work the pattern the same or you could double the stitches and use size 8 needles........play around with it! I also think it would be a cute washcloth........I know I'll be pulling out some 100% cotton yarn and trying it soon.

Take note of the book here. This is Geri Krotow's book NAVY RULES! I highly recommend it to all. Read it now and join me in anticipating Geri's next book, due out next summer! The new book will be about some of the same characters and will contain a Delaware Head Huggers pattern too!

The pattern may also be found on Scribd.com as a PDF and, as always, you can email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will email you a copy.

Between The Lines

To put the size in perspective this is a hardcover book

This is a paperback book.

You will need: worsted weight yarn and size US 5 knitting needles (or any combination that works for you and the yarn you are using!)

Abbreviations:

yo: yarn over

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 12 stitches.

Work Edge:

Knit every stitch for 2 rows.

Pattern:

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

Row 2: k1, *yo, p2tog* repeat from * to last stitch, k1

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until the piece is desired length.

Work Edge Again

Knit every stitch for 2 rows.

Finish: Bind off all stitches knit wise.

This pattern is in multiples of 2 with 1 edge stitches on each side. To make the piece wider, add stitches in increments of 2, always keeping one stitch on either end as a knit stitch edge.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Introducing Karmic Kuddles: A Kozy Kap for All!

This is the latest hat for Delaware Head Huggers - thank you Jennifer for the name. I made this hat in the cheerful yellow because I just needed something happy yesterday. I posted this on Facebook already, but I'm going to post it here also, for those who are not on Facebook:

"I receive and personally answer literally hundreds of emails and personal messages each week. Most are requests for hats, people looking for PDFs of patterns, questions about patterns......etc. I love to answer everyone and help in any way that I can. Although so many wonderful people contribute gorgeous handmade hats to our cause, I run the 'stuff' of Delaware

Head Huggers all by myself. Well, no, Schnapps is a big help! :) I design and knit hats, post patterns, tag all the hats that come in and ship all the hats out myself. I also finance this basically myself with the help of donations from a few others. I enjoy hearing from everyone and if you catch a mistake in a pattern or notice something wrong, please let me know. However, I am now giving myself permission to ignore any negative messages. Please do not waste my time sending me a message telling me that you do not like a particular pattern (you don't have to!) or you think that cables will hurt someone's head and I should know better than to use them. I will not respond. I will continue to respond to everyone looking for hats, patterns or help in any way that I can give it. Hugs! xoxoxo"

So many of you are so kind and so supportive that I hate to even post that, but unfortunately, some people seem to find it necessary to just be mean. We'll just focus on the positive here, thank you! :)

This hat was knit using Hometown USA, but any bulky yarn will work. Or double up some worsted weight if you would rather. It's a super simple pattern - just a 2 row repeat that is easy to memorize and quick to knit. I hope you enjoy it.

Schnapps and I went to visit my parents today and Schnapps is certain that the new couch in the sun room is just for him!

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

Karmic Kuddles

You will need 75 - 80 yards of bulky, or 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular knitting needles

Abbreviations:

s1pw: slip 1 stitch purl wise - holding yarn in back, as if to knit

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

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

Work Pattern:

Row 1: *k1, s1pw, k1, yo, pass slipped stitch over the k1 and the yo, k1*; repeat around

Row 2: knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until the piece measures
7.5 inches in length. End on a Row 2.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 2: *k1, k2tog*; 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 enjoy.

The pattern is in multiples of 4, so adjust accordingly if you wish.

Feel free to use 2 strands of worsted weight yarn held together as one instead of 6-weight yarn.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, September 10, 2012

Introducing Wiggle Warm: A Hat for One and All!

This is the latest hat design for Delaware Head Huggers! Thank you Elissa for the name! It's another Football Game type hat that can be knit in no time and will suit anyone, depending on the color yarn you choose to use. I used Lion Brand Hometown USA for this, but if you don't have bulky yarn around, just hold 2 strands of worsted weight yarn (different colors if you like) together and that will work fine.

Schnapps, of course, hopes you like it!

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

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. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!

Our Etsy store is back up also, with a limited number of items and our digital books.

Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too and see all the gorgeous handmade blankets that are going to help children in crisis throughout our area.

We welcome everyone to join us. Stop by and say hello.

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

WIGGLE WARM!

You Need: Bulky or 6-weight yarn (about 75-80 yards) and size US 13 circular needles
Abbreviations:

C2F: place 1 stitch on a cable needle and hold in front of work. Knit next stitch, then knit the stitch from the cable needle.

C2B: place 1 stitch on a cable needle and hold in back of work. Knit next stitch, then knit the stitch from the cable needle.

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

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

Work Pattern:

Rows 1 & 3: *k2, p1*; repeat around
Row 2: *C2F, p1*; repeat around
Row 4: *C2B, p1*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until the piece measures
between 7 and 7.5 inches in length. Approximately 6 or 7 times depending on how tightly you knit.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k2tog, p1*; repeat around
Row 2: *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 enjoy.

The pattern is in multiples of 3, so adjust accordingly. The hat is stretchy and should fit most adults. If you don’t have any bulky weight yarn, use 2 strands of worsted weight yarn held together as one.

The pattern is worked over 3 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10 needles and cast on 66 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 93 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches. Adjust in increments of 3 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 126 stitches.

If using thinner yarn, you might want to add a few more rows to the crown decrease. You can repeat Row 2 as many times as you think is best.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Introducing An Embrace of Waves Hat!

Once again I have met my goal of at least 2 hats each week. Delaware Head Huggers latest total of hats is 7,683! More come in every week and more and more people are hearing about us and joining us. And more people are able to come to us for help too. I'm very proud to say that we have been able to help everyone and every center who has contacted us for caps. And been able to send to those who didn't even know we existed too!

Many people ask how they can help us. You are always welcome to send hats to us, but giving to your local center is just as wonderful. There are people everywhere in need of chemo caps! Those of you who wish to help otherwise can purchase my ebooks (100% of proceeds go right back into Delaware Head Huggers) or donate using the Donate button on this blog. Trust me, every dollar helps and it is ALL put to very good use shipping out caps and purchasing supplies. But, what is most important is that you help someone who needs some extra care and love.

Often people tell me that they are making the hats for relatives as gifts, not as chemo caps.......sometimes people ask if that is ok with me. OF COURSE it is! I am absolutely delighted that anyone likes these designs enough to want to knit them. I never imagined when I sat down with a "How to Knit" book less than 3 years ago that I would be doing this now.

This latest hat is knit using worsted weight yarn and size 7 knitting needles. It does have cables, but they are simple, so don't be afraid to try it. I find that cables tend to make the hat a bit snugger than if there were no cables, so keep that in mind when you are knitting it.

The model was knit with a 90 stitch cast on. This made quite a snug fitting hat for me, so you might want to go up to 105 stitches if you want a looser cap.

I hope you like this one. Schnapps was quite happy with it.

The pattern may also be found on Scribd.com as a PDF . Always feel free to send me an email just to say HI also. I love to hear from everyone.

An Embrace of Waves

You need: Worsted, or 4-weight yarn, size US 7 circular knitting needles and a cable needle.

Abbreviations:

C10F: Cable 10 front - place 5 stitches on a cable needle and hold in front of work. Knit next 5 stitches, then knit the 5 from the cable needle.

C10B: Cable 10 back - place 5 stitches on a cable needle and hold in back of work. Knit next 5 stitches, then knit the 5 from the cable needle.

ssk: slip 2 stitches, one at a time, knitwise to right hand needle. Knit them together with your left hand needle.

Cast on 90 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
Rows 1 & 3: Knit all stitches
Rows 2 & 4: Purl all stitches
Rows 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9: Knit all stitches
Row 10: Purl all stitches

Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 & 12: knit all stitches
Row 3: *k5, C10F*; repeat around
Row 9: *C10B, k5*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 12 four times.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k13, ssk*; repeat around
Row 2: *k12, ssk*; repeat around
Row 3: *k11, ssk*; repeat around
Row 4: *k10, ssk*; repeat around
Row 5: *k9, ssk*; repeat around
Row 6: *k8, ssk*; repeat around
Row 5: *k7, ssk*; repeat around
Row 6: *k6, ssk*; 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 enjoy.

The pattern is in multiples of 15, so adjust accordingly.
A 90 stitch cast on made a very snug fitting hat for me. Cast on 105 or 120 for a looser fitting cap.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Football Season Begins! Let's Knit Football Game Caps!

I don't know about you, but I'm a big football fan. I love spending Sunday afternoons with my son and my husband and Schnapps watching the games and knitting. The only problem is the pattern I am working on has got to be simple enough to knit while watching the game. And, I like to be able to finish a hat before the end of the game.......maybe even by halftime.

*** If you don't have any heavy weight yarn on hand, just grab two strands of worsted weight yarn, hold them together as one and have at it! Just remember that you will need more total yardage this way. Use 2 different colors for a different effect. Have fun with it and enjoy knitting these patterns! ***

The most recent "Journey to the Top" hat is a super simple quick knit, as are a lot of my other patterns. Each of these pictured are quick and easy, using heavy weight yarn, larger needles and have easy to memorize patterns. I have put them all together in an ebook: Football Game Caps for $1.25. It can be found in my Craftsy store and in Ravelry in my store also.

The only pattern that is not in my other ebooks is the latest, Journey to the Top, so please do not purchase this ebook if you have already purchased the others. I don't want you to duplicate your patterns. However, if you haven't bought the other books and want easy access to patterns that you can complete in a football game, this is the book for you.

Try to take at least one day this football season to make a cap to donate to someone who truly needs it. We all get so caught up in our daily lives and doing all that needs to be done for ourselves that sometimes we forget that there are a lot of people out there who really could use our help, hugs and love! You are always welcome to send hats to Delaware Head Huggers, or just donate them locally and make a difference, one hat at a time!

Happy Football Season! Enjoy!!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids