Thursday, December 27, 2012

Introducing Band of Courage!

Here is Schnapps' latest creation.  Thank you Debbie for the name!  This model was knit using Hometown USA and size 13 needles, but the pattern includes instructions for other yarn weights as well.  This hat will work great as a chemo cap, but it's also a nice hat for anyone.




Now that the holidays are almost over and things are calming down, I hope that you find some time to make some hats for Delaware Head Huggers or for your local cancer treatment center.  It's such a simple way to help someone and it truly makes a difference.

Schnapps was all Christmas-ed out, but happy!  :)
 If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  It's amazing how close we have all become through these pages and we welcome everyone to join us too. 

This pattern is in PDF form here or you can email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will send you a copy.



Band of Courage


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

Abbreviations:
k1tbl:  knit 1 stitch through the back loop
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

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

Work Brim:

Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 3 inches in length


Work Pattern:

Row 1: *k1tbl, p1*; repeat around
Row 2:  purl all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until the piece measures about 6 inches in length.

Work Crown:
Row 1:  knit all stitches

Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7.5 to 8  inches in length.



Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k4, k2tog *; repeat around
Row 2: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4:  *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
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 and give this hat to someone special!

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but to keep the crown decrease the same, adjust in multiples of 6.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 66 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 96 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 6 stitches for individual sizes.

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

If using a different weight, you might have to add more rows to the crown decrease.  Feel free to improvise as you wish!
 

Remember, all are welcome to join us in some way - we love to see new people and are grateful when more people hear about us.  So, spread the word!  And, as always, if you or anyone you know is in need of chemo caps, please feel free to contact me directly at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will be happy to ship some out.  If there is a chemo center that is near and dear to your heart and you think they could use some hats, let me know and I will ship a box off to them.  This is what we do!!


Delaware Head Huggers  

Kozy Kovers for Kids





4 comments:

  1. I love Schnapps and it is a great name for your site

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  2. I am having chemotherapy and am definitely going to make this for myself, and others, I hope, if all goes well

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  3. Lovely hat, I plan on making a few versions of this beautiful for a young mother undergoing chemo. Thanks for your generosity.

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  4. Thank you. I knit for two groups: veterans at VA facilities, and prayers shawls for those undergoing health issues. For the latter will use basic pattern and incorporate the stitch pattern of the shawl.

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