Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Introducing Inspiration!

Inspiration! Imagine my delight when this weekend I received a gift in the mail - from an anonymous sender! A skein of one of my favorite yarns, Lion Brand Hometown USA with the following note:

"Couldn't resist saying Thankx again for all you do. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you can find inspiration for your next hat! Name it "Inspiration"....

I managed to figure out that the gift was from the wonderful Barb! She is also the sender of the model head that is so helpful when photographing the hats. She made my whole weekend and Schnapps and I made this hat! Barb approved and we hope you will too!

The pattern includes instructions for sport, worsted, chunky and super bulky yarn.

This pattern is free to all, but, I ask that you keep Barb in your thoughts and prayers. She suffered a heart attack this morning and will be having bypass surgery tomorrow morning. She's a very special lady and we at Delaware Head Huggers can't wait until she is back with us every day. Send some extra love and hugs her way please!

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page and keep up with the latest DEHH information!

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


Schnapps is sending Barb LOTS of tail wags, hugs, kisses and love!

Inspiration

You will need: 50 - 65 yards of super bulky yarn and size US 13 circular needles

Abbreviations:
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 46 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern:

Row 1: knit all stitches
Row 2: *p1, k1*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until the piece is 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2tog*; repeat to last stitch, k1

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 this hat to someone who could use a warm hug!
The pattern is worked over 2 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 70 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 98 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 62 stitches. Adjust in increments of 2 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, always just knitting the last stitch if there is an odd number of stitches.

Very special thanks to Barb Hamblen for the yarn that was the inspiration for both the pattern and the name of this hat!

Hugs!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Friday, November 23, 2012

Happy Holiday Season! Wine Bottle Sleeve Pattern

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Schnapps and I have never worked with double pointed needles before and decided that we should try it. We did and found it very simple (yes, many people told me so!) and we designed this wine bottle sleeve for a Christmas gift. I'll probably make a few more to have on hand. You never know when you might need a quick hostess gift and this will just add something to that nice bottle of wine you bring to a party.

The pattern is free. It's our way of wishing you a happy start to the holiday season. I love this time of year.....the cold weather, the Christmas decorations (although, not just yet.....I hold off until December to decorate my house) and just the general spirit of giving. I love giving......it makes me happy.

Please remember that all pattern sales for the month of November will be donated to hurricane relief efforts. Any and all patterns, including e-books are included. You can access my Ravelry and Craftsy stores by just clicking on the links on the right. Now's a great time to get those latest patterns and be able to make a difference too!

You can certainly make this in any colors that you like. I happened to have some holiday yarn on hand and used that. If you have small amounts of several colors, you can make this striped. Have fun with it and enjoy!!

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

Wine Bottle Sleeve

You will need: worsted weight yarn and size US 7 dpns.

Abbreviations:
yo: yarn over
ssk: slip 2 stitches, one at a time as if to knit, then knit them together using the left hand needle
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 36 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches. I placed my marker between stitch 1 and 2 so it wouldn’t fall off the dpns.

Work Ribbing

Row 1: *k2, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until the piece is about 5.5 inches long.

Work Eyelet Row:

*k2, yo, p2, yo* repeat around (end row with a total of 54 stitches

Work Body:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 12.5 to 13 inches long.

Decrease for Bottom:

Row 1: *ssk, k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: knit all stitches
Row 3: *ssk, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: knit all stitches
Row 5: *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.

Work I-Cord (use 2 size 7 dpns)

Cast on 4 stitches. Without turning your work, slide the stitches to the other side of the needle and knit all stitches.

Continue to knit each row, without turning your work, but just sliding it to the opposite end of the dpn.

Continue until the cord is about 15 - 18 inches in length or as long as you wish to make it. Bind off and weave in ends. Thread through the eyelets and tie as a scarf.

Alternate finish: Use ribbon as the scarf. Simply thread through the eyelet row and tie.

If you wish to skip the scarf, simply skip knitting the eyelet row.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Introducing Rails of Strength!

Two hats already finished this week. I've got lots of gifts to work on this weekend, but I couldn't let a week go by without meeting my goal!

Rails of Strength is the latest pattern. Thank you Janie for the name! I'm doing something a bit different with this pattern post. I am giving the basics of the pattern here for free. But, instead of including the pattern adjustments for different yarn weights, I have that on a PDF that will be for sale for $2.00 with 100% of all sales in November going to hurricane relief efforts.

I am very hopeful that I will be able to work with the volunteer fire departments or another group to get a toy drive organized. So many children lost everything in the storm and I really want to help make the holidays a tiny bit better for some. If, for some reason, a toy drive is not organized, I will still be donating the money to hurricane relief. I just keep seeing all those little ones and wanting to help put a smile on their faces.

So, for those of you who don't need the pattern adjustments or who don't wish to pay for this pattern, it's below. Enjoy it and please, do something nice to someone else if you are knitting it. For those of you who do wish to purchase the PDF, it will be for sale in my Craftsy and Ravelry stores that can be accessed by simply clicking the buttons on the right of the blog. Thank you to all those who have purchased patterns already and to all those who will purchase still. It might only be a small difference, but we are making one!

This is Rails of Strength!

The second hat I knit this week was a super quick woven top hat made on the loom! The pattern is from the book "Learn New Stitches on Circle Looms" by Anne Bipes. I've made this several times and it's simple to make and toasty warm too!

I doubt that I will post again before Thanksgiving, so I want to wish ALL of you a very happy and wonderful holiday. Remember to be grateful for all you have and to try to help out someone who has less than you do. Schnapps and I are extremely grateful for all of you who support Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids. HUGS!!!!!

Hugs from my sweetie when he took a break from his knitting!

Now, here is the pattern for Rails of Strength!

Rails of Strength

You will need: 50 - 65 yards of super bulky or 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles

Abbreviations:

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

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

Pattern:

Row 1: *K1 ,then without dropping the stitch, purl that stitch and the next stitch together, K1*; repeat around

Row 2: Knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until your hat is between 7 and 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: k2tog around
Row 3: k2tog 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.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, November 19, 2012

Flowing Lace Scarf!

I began this scarf a while ago, for myself. Amazingly enough, I keep knitting hats and now I'm working on Christmas gifts and I've put it to the side to finish up later. It's just for me, so it can wait. BUT, I had shown this pattern on Facebook to Kozy Kovers for Kids and Delaware Head Huggers followers and they have been asking for the pattern.

Before I give any more details about the scarf, please keep a very special baby boy in your thoughts and prayers. The grand nephew of a supporter of Kozy Kovers for Kids and Delaware Head Huggers was born 2 months prematurely and can use some extra love and prayers.

This scarf pattern is for sale for $2.00. For all sales in November, 2012, 100% of the price (as well as all my other patterns) will be donated to hurricane relief. I'm hoping to work on a toy drive for the Volunteer Firemen to bring to NJ or NY prior to the holiday. I just keep thinking of all those little ones waiting for Santa. And all those parents and grandparents who lost everything. I hope to be able to help make a few holidays a little brighter. I'll keep everyone posted on what exactly we are doing as we firm things up.

The pattern includes the stitch multiples for adjusting the size. This can be made wide for a shawl or narrow for a thin scarf or anywhere in between.

The lace pattern made Schnapps a bit sleepy!

If you would like the pattern, just click on the links to the right for my Ravelry and Craftsy stores. The Flowing Lace Scarf pattern is in both places. Any questions just email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

It's about 8 inches wide. You determine the length!

Close up of the detail.

Thank you for all your support and help! And spread the word about us please. The more people who know about us, the more people we can help! A new hat pattern is coming soon too!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Friday, November 16, 2012

Introducing Trails of Love!

This super simple, super fast bulky knit hat just flew off Schnapps' needles this week. Thank you Delaware Head Hugger Facebook Fans for the name choice. If you're not a fan yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page and keep up with the latest DEHH information!

Schnapps and I noticed that many of our hat patterns are more feminine, so we made sure this pattern would work well for men too! I like it so much that I'll be making a couple as Christmas gifts too!

First Peek-a-Boo! Then he cast on this hat!

It's just a 2 row pattern that is very easy to memorize. I used Hometown USA yarn for this, but I have included instructions for different yarn types as well. The pattern will work with just about any type of yarn and can be made for just about anyone!

Thank you to everyone who has continued to purchase patterns! Craftsy was kind enough to interview me and spread the word about us too! You can check out the interview here.

This past Saturday there was a video shoot at the Kent County Public Library about Delaware Head Huggers too. Beth, Jerald and Emily came out to help and we were all interviewed by a very professional and nice team regarding the PNC grant. It won't be ready to view for a while, but I'll let you know when it's posted.

This week I was able to donate $75 to the Sean Casey Animal Rescue in NY. They are a wonderful rescue and have really stepped up to help animals who were displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Delaware Fire Stations are collecting food to help re-stock NY & NJ food banks, so I picked up this stuff today and will be dropping it off on Sunday. If you are in Delaware, please do what you can to help.

The pattern can be found as a PDF on Scribd.com .

Trails of Love

You will need: 55 - 60 yards of super bulky or 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles.

Abbreviations:

s1: slip one stitch as if to knit

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

p2tog: purl 2 stitches together

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

Work Pattern:

Row 1: *k1, s1, k1, p2*; repeat around

Row 2: *k3, p2*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until the piece is 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k2tog, k1, p2*; 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 this hat to someone who could use a warm hug!

The pattern is worked over 5 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 65 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 95 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches. Adjust in increments of 5 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 125 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

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Introducing Bubbles of Love!

This has been a busy week, but Schnapps and I managed to get a second hat finished........ thank you Joyce for the name!

If you haven't already, join our Facebook page to get new patterns as soon as they are finished and to see how we are trying to help the hurricane victims.

For the entire month of November, I will be donating 100% of ALL pattern sales to hurricane relief. So far, I've donated $200 worth of needed items to hurricane relief efforts. Our car was packed and we dropped items off at a local firehouse. They were transporting the things to NYC on Saturday. I'll be in touch to see what else is needed and will continue to support relief efforts. I have friends who still do not have power in NY and things are really grim. Please, help in any way that you can.

This was some of the latest supplies we were able to send to NY!


Schnapps donated too! He's worried about all those displaced pets!

I knit this hat using Wool Ease Thick & Quick, but any super bulky yarn would work well. I happened to have a skein left over from an afghan project and decided to put it to good use. I've included directions for changing yarn weights also.

The pattern can be found as a PDF on Scribd.com .

Bubbles of Love

You will need between 55 - 70 yards of super bulky or 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular knitting 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 Brim:

Row 1: *k2, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 3 inches in length

Work Pattern:

Row 1: knit into front and back of each stitch (this will double your number of stitches)
Row 2: *k2tog, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: knit into front and back of each stitch
Row 4: *p2tog, k2tog*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until the piece measures 7 to 7.5 inches in length or longer if you want a slouchy hat.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: knit all stitches
Row 2: *k2tog, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: knit all stitches
Row 4: *k2tog, p2tog*; 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 share the love!The pattern is worked over 4 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 64 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 92 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches. Adjust in increments of 4 stitches for individual sizes.

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

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Introducing Healing Paths!

Schnapps worked hard on this hat this week! He and I felt that we needed to add a new pattern to our store so that we can give even more to hurricane relief efforts. Thank you Jan for the name! The pattern has the pattern multiples as well as instructions for using worsted, chunky and sport weight yarn.

Last week, we used 100% of pattern sales, which was $80 to purchase baby supplies that were needed by a shelter in New Jersey. Those of you who aren't on the East Coast are probably not even aware of the complete destruction that happened in NY & NJ. Many people are still without power and a nor-easter is headed that way this week also. These people need HELP!

Some churches and organizations here in DE are working with shelters in NY & NJ and coordinating efforts to get the items that are most needed to the shelters. Baby items, food, warm clothing and pet food are just some of the many things that are necessary. All of us are digging through our closets to give whatever we can to those in need. Selling my patterns is another way I can help.

Schnapps is very worried about all the petss who lost their homes too!

I hope you all understand why I am doing this. Free patterns will still be posted, I promise. But for November, I will be splitting my patterns between free ones and sales to help. 100% of ALL my pattern sales from Craftsy and Ravelry for the entire month of November will be given to hurricane relief efforts. Please help if you can. You can get some new patterns and help us help those who really need it right now.

Schnapps wouldn't let us peek at this one until it was finished!

Please use the links on the right hand side of the blog to go to my Craftsy or my Ravelry Store. Healing Paths will be available there as well as all my other patterns, free and for sale. Join our Facebook page to see items as soon as they come off my needles and to help name them! You'll also see just where all our hats are being sent and you'll be able to see what I am donating on behalf of all of us to hurricane relief!

To find this pattern only click on the site name you wish to purchase from below:

Craftsy

Ravelry

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Introducing Cables of Strength!

A third hat pattern this week is off my needles and named! Thank you Linda for the name! This hat was knit using super bulky Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn, but can easily be adjusted for sport weight, worsted weight or chunky yarn too. The cable pattern is very simple and I like the way it looks with the thick yarn, but it will be equally as nice with other types.

With New York and New Jersey still struggling to recover from Hurricane Sandy, 100% of all pattern sales in the month of November will be donated to hurricane relief efforts. I will be using what has already come in this week to purchase supplies for a local "Stuff the Bus" campaign to get necessary items to shelters. Links to my pattern stores at Ravelry and Craftsy are on the right hand side of the page. Get a new pattern and help someone in need!

This pattern is free and I hope you like it.

The pattern can be found as a PDF on Scribd.com .


Schnapps cast on and then had to take a nap before he could finish!

Join our Facebook page to see items as soon as they come off my needles and to help name them! You'll also see just where all our hats are being sent and you'll be able to see what I am donating on behalf of all of us to hurricane relief!

Cables of Strength

You need: 60 - 75 yards of super bulky weight yarn and size 13 needles and a cable needle.

Abbreviations:

C4B: slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold to the back of work. Knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

C4F: slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold to the front of work. Knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 56 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim: knit all stitches for 5 rows.

Pattern:

Rows 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, & 8: knit all stitches

Row 3: *k1, C4B, k2*; repeat around

Row 7: *k3, C4F*; repeat around

Knit Rows 1 - 8 two times.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1 & 2: knit all stitches

Row 3: *K5, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 4: *K4, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 5: *K3, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 6: *K2, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 7: *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.

The pattern is worked over 7 stitches. This will fit a large adult. To make a smaller adult hat, cast on 49 stitches.
Use chunky or 5 weight yarn and size 10.5 needles and cast on 70 stitches and work as written.
Hold 2 strands of worsted weight yarn together as one and work as written. Use one strand of worsted yarn and size 7 needles and cast on 98 stitches.
Hold 3 strands of sport weight yarn together as one and work as written. Use one strand and size 5 needles and cast on 119 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids