Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

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! :)

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!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas to All!

I'm stunned about the latest senseless violence; this time directed at volunteer first responders, volunteer firefighters in Webster, NY. My thoughts and prayers are with all affected by this tragedy. Too much evil is in our world. I can't make it all go away and I can't make sense of any of it. All I can do is try to influence the world around me and make it kinder and more loving. I hope that everyone will take steps this year to do the same.

Gun control, violent video games, movie violence - all are hot topics of discussion right now. Personally, I will not have a gun in my home and I do not watch violent movies or television shows. I get no enjoyment from them at all. My son was not allowed to play the violent video games when he was younger, again, for personal reasons. No one issue creates the monsters that we have walking among us these days. It's a combination of things, along with a desensitization to violence and a lack of concern and consideration for others. Too many people these days seem to be only concerned with themselves. Whether it's blasting music that wakes up your entire neighborhood or pushing in front of someone else on line or allowing your child to bully another - there is an incredible lack of empathy and compassion in people these days. I think if we all took steps to try to do one nice thing a day for someone else and taught our children to do the same, it would soon become a habit and the world might be able to get at least part way back on track.

It's Christmas Eve already. Schnapps is excited and patiently waiting for Santa Paws to arrive. All the presents are wrapped, cookies are baked, decorations are up and we are ready to celebrate. But, in the back of my mind will be all those who have suffered from the senseless actions of others. I wish I could hug them all. Hugs, hope and love are headed out from our family to you and your family with wishes for a beautiful Christmas and a 2013 that is filled with kindness, happiness, health and love for each other. It starts with each of us. Please join me in attempting to make the world a better place in the upcoming year. Let's all start right now.

Merry Christmas to all from Schnapps and my entire family to all of you! Hugs, hope and love!!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Bubbles of Love Scarf

Before I talk about the latest pattern I want to share something I had posted on Facebook. I know now all of you follow us there and this is important to me. If you don't want to read it, feel free to skip to the pattern below.

"It has been a week that has made me question the world we live in, the motives of others and my ability to keep doing what I do. Some days there is an overwhelming sadness at all the people who are in need of help. And it seems that sometimes, the more you give of yourself, the more some people will try to hurt you. That is saddening also. And, I think it is one of the key things that is wrong in our world. So many people, instead of celebrating the kindness of others, try to find a way to express their own shame at being selfish by lashing out at others. Perhaps those people should find a way to give rather than hurt.

Those of you here know that DEHH and Kozy Kovers for Kids are not about me........they are about helping others and trying to find a way to make the world a more peaceful, kinder place. We spend literally thousands of dollars every year on supplies and postage and many hours making these organizations work. Schnapps does the knitting and designing and we both give most of what we do for free - neither of us are looking for any credit or attention other than to point out that the organizations are here and you are welcome to donate.

After a week of soul searching I know that my efforts have truly helped many thousands of people. Not only who we have donated to directly, but so many of you donate locally as well. We are all here to make a difference to someone. If you are not completely on board with that or if you question my motives in any way, please feel free to stop following us. We will still send hats to your friends and relatives in need. That's what we do and who we are and we will continue to do so as long as we can. No matter how many people try to discourage us.

I will not step off my soapbox, grab my Schnauzer, cuddle up and knit a hat for someone. Hugs, hope and love! ♥"

I find it difficult to accept that some people are truly ignorant enough to accuse those who do nice things of trying to gain attention for themselves. I tend to believe that it is just mean-spirited people who are ashamed at themselves for not doing anything for anyone else and so they lash out. No matter what their reasoning, we all have to just ignore their nonsense and continue doing good things for those who need them.

I know that we all want to help Sandy Hook somehow. However, this tragedy is nothing like Hurricane Sandy. We could help the hurricane victims by sending money and material things. They had lost material things. The people of Newtown, CT lost innocence and irreplaceable loved ones. Nothing that we can do can reverse that. Kudos to everyone who has stepped in to help. There have been lovely stories about comfort dogs, prayer shawls, teddy bears, scarves, knit monsters, etc. All these will hopefully bring some comfort to those who are grieving. I want to wait a while and once the initial media attention dies down, then hopefully we can do something to help them. Right now, they must be overwhelmed with packages, notes and items. Once things settle for them and they can see what they need, then perhaps we can help also. In the meantime, you can always donate to local charities in honor of all the victims and their loved ones. Put your heart, soul and love into what you are making and then pass it along to someone who needs it right now.

Now, I made a Bubbles of Love hat for my Mom for Christmas and she wanted a scarf to wear to protect her face from the wind when she goes for her walks. I used the pattern to make this wide, bulky scarf/cowl. I made it wide enough so that it can be folded in half for extra warmth, but then tugged up over her face when it's windy too. However, the pattern lends itself to any yarn and to any size you wish. Experiment and enjoy!

Bubbles of Love Scarf

Use any weight yarn and corresponding needles. I used super bulky yarn and size 15 needles.

Pattern is multiples of 4, so cast on a multiple of 4, plus 2 edge stitches for each side.

Cast on your desired number of stitches. I cast on 18. (place stitch markers after the first 2 stitches and before the last 2 stitches to make it easy to remember your edge stitches.

Row 1: k2, knit in the front and back of each stitch to last 2 stitches, k2

Row 2: k2, *k2tog, p2tog*; repeat across row to last 2 stitches, k2

Row 3: k2, knit in the front and back of each stitch to last 2 stitches, k2

Row 4: k2, *p2tog, k2tog*; repeat across row to last 2 stitches, k2

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until desired length. Bind off, weave in ends and enjoy.

That's it! Simple and entirely adaptable!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Sandy Hook: Through the Tears Pattern

I am absolutely heartbroken. I can not begin to comprehend the sheer evil that lurks in our society. Evil that allows innocent people to be killed at the whim of lunatics. Yesterday, December 14, 2012, the lives of so many in Connecticut were devastated. So many lost loved ones. Families destroyed. Lives irrevocably changed. The ones who survived will forever be haunted by the events.

We, as a society, need to do something to stop this madness. Innocent people, at the movies, in school, shopping at the mall, at a political rally, just living their lives, are dying. There has to be something that we can do to identify the problem and stop it. This should be a priority for all. Not a political issue, not a socio-economic issue, but an issue that affects us ALL. And we all need to look deep inside ourselves to find what we can do to make the world a better place on a daily basis.

This week has been a very sad one for me. Today is the one year anniversary of the passing of Carolyn Fostel. She truly loved children and I can only hope that she is in heaven helping these littlest angels today. Ryan, a man who lost his wife in a car accident several months ago, lost his battle with cancer this week, leaving behind 2 small children. Friends of mine lost their beloved Mom and Grandmother, Mary Jane. Then there was the mall shooting in Oregon and this massacre in Connecticut. As a mother, my heart aches for all. This is a true, physical ache and I can only imagine the grief, horror and sadness that all those affected so much more personally this week are feeling.

I was out shopping yesterday and didn't hear about Newtown until I got home in the early afternoon. I cried most of the day and finally picked up my knitting to try to find some comfort. I had already started this hat, which is why it is red and not school colors for Sandy Hook. I imagine that this hat would look very nice with a solid band and a contrasting body. I don't know if we will be able to help Sandy Hook at all.......I will be paying close attention over the coming days and weeks to see if perhaps sending hats in school colors might be welcomed or if there is some other way we can help them. I will keep everyone posted. *** Apparently the info I received about the colors being yellow and blue is wrong. Their colors are green and white. I apologize!! ***

In the meantime, thanks to Carin for the name. It was truly knit through my tears and I know many of us will be grieving for a long time to come. I hope you can find some comfort from this pattern as well. And always remember to hug those you love each and every day and be grateful for every minute you have with them. Life is precious.

Of course, being so sad, I was looking to Schnapps for some extra love yesterday. I truly believe that he understands on some level just how big a tragedy occurred. He loves children and he seems genuinely sad today. He kept coming over and nosing the hat and giving me kisses.

Schnapps sends kisses and love to all those who are saddened.

I have posted it as a PDF and you can always email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will send you a copy. Please, if you email, try to remember that I have many patterns. Please let me know which one you want or I can't send it to you.

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page. It's amazing how close we have all become through this page and we welcome everyone to join us too.

Sandy Hook: Through the Tears

You will need about 100 yards of chunky weight yarn and size 10.5 circular needles. Alternate needle sizes and yarn weights are given below.

Abbreviations:

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
Cast on 70 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Stockinette Brim:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until the piece is about 3.5 inches in length.

Work Band Pattern:

Row 1: *slip one stitch knitwise, k1*; repeat around
Row 2: *slip one stitch purlwise with yarn held in back, p1*; repeat around
Row 3: *k1, slip one stitch knitwise*; repeat around
Row 4: *p1, slip one stitch purlwise with yarn held in back*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until the piece measures about 5.5 inches in length. Repeat more if you want the band to be larger

Work Stockinette again:
Row 1: knit all stitches

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

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k8, k2tog,*; repeat around
Row 2: *k7, k2tog,*; repeat around
Row 3: *k6, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k5, k2tog,*; repeat around
Row 5: *k4, k2tog,*; repeat around
Row 6: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *k2, 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 2 stitches. Keep the pattern in increments of 10 for the crown decrease to work as written.

To knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 50 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 90 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches. Adjust in increments of 10 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 130 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Introducing the Trails of Love Scarf!

Well, Schnapps and I made a scarf to go along with the Trails of Love hat.

Here is the pattern in case you are interested.

You will need 100 - 120 yards of super bulky or 6-weight yarn and size US 13 needles.

Abbreviations:

s1pw: slip one stitch

Cast on 17 stitches.

Work Pattern:

Row 1: p2, *k1, s1pw, k1, p2*; repeat from * to *
Row 2: k2, *k3, p2*; repeat from * to *

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

Bind off in pattern.

This is an easy pattern that works up quickly using the super bulky yarn. If you want to use different weight yarn, the pattern is in multiples of 5, plus 2 end stitches.

I would suggest:

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 22 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 37 stitches.

To make it wider, just add increments of 5.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Introducing Hope Bubbles Up!

Here is the latest hat to come off Schnapps' needles. Hope Bubbles Up! Thank you Penny for the name. Another super-fast and super simple pattern, it flies off your needles using super bulky yarn. There are instructions for varying the yarn weight as well, so this can be a great stash buster.

Happy First Night of Hanukkah!!!

I'm in full holiday rush mode and I'm sure many of you are as well. Trying to finish all the holiday gifts while still getting at least 2 hats done each week for Delaware Head Huggers. I can't believe that this year is almost over already.

Are you ready for the holidays? Santa Paws is going to bring me something, I just know it!

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! You'll see patterns as soon as they are finished and get to help choose the names. Not to mention, there are lots of photos of Schnapps on there too!

Taking a nap while wearing his latest creation!

This pattern can also be found as a PDF on Scribd.com. If you have any difficulties printing it, feel free to email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will send you a copy.

Hope Bubbles Up!

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

Abbreviations:

yo: yarn over
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:

Row 1: *k2, p1*; repeat around
Row 2: *yo, p2, slip the yo over the 2 purled stitches, k1*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until the piece measures between 7 and 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k2tog, p1, *; repeat around
Row 2: *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 3 stitches.

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. Just repeat Rows 2 & 3 of the decrease as desired.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, December 3, 2012

Introducing Caring Caps!

Happy December to Everyone! We're all in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and I hope you are enjoying it!

I finished the latest hat yesterday. Thank you Teri for the name. Through Thick & Thin is knit with super bulky yarn, but the pattern has instructions for varying yarn weights as well. This pattern is for sale in my Ravelry and Craftsy stores for $1.00 There are links to both stores on the right hand side of this blog.


Through Thick & Thin!

I have also finished putting together a new e-book titled Caring Caps! Many people have told me that they enjoy the e-books since they have all the patterns in one place in an easy to read format. Caring Caps includes Through Thick and Thin and Rails of Strength, both patterns that are sold individually as well. The e-book is selling for $4.00 and is also in both my pattern stores.

Please know that a full 100% of the price goes towards supporting Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids. 100% of my November sales went to hurricane relief efforts and between sales and what I added to it, over $400 was donated to help those who need it most. I will be sending more to help hurricane victims as well in the coming months. Our Facebook pages have details and specifics about our donations. I greatly appreciate all your help and support!

The following patterns are included in Caring Caps:

Karmic Kuddles Hat (this has been published before, but it goes with the arm warmers)

Karmic Kuddles Arm Warmers

Inspiration

Rails of Strength (also sold separately)

Cables of Strength

Entwined with Hope

Trails of Love

Bubbles of Love

Twists & Twirls

Waterfalls of Hope

Under Hope's Cover

Through Thick & Thin


Wine Bottle Cover

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Arm Warmers too!

I had to try making a set of arm warmers and I like the way these turned out. Schnapps made the pattern to go along with the Karmic Kuddles hat. Using super bulky Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn, each warmer took less than an hour to make. That means you could make a set of warmers and the hat in about 3 hours total. Using only 2 skeins of yarn! One skein was actually plenty to make 3 warmers. We won't talk about the mistake that was the first one...... :)


Toasty warm!

I am happy to announce that this week almost 40 blankets will be given to foster children at a Christmas party at Wesley College and Bayhealth's Emergency Departments were given more blankets last week and the Dover Police Department were also given some to have on hand for children in crisis. Hats have been shipped to many centers also. We ARE making a difference!

This week I will be donating to a wonderful group in NYC that is bringing Christmas to children who lost everything in the hurricane. This time of year we all get so caught up in making the holidays special for ourselves that we frequently about others. Please try to make a difference to someone this season, in some way, especially if you have ever used any of my free patterns. I give them to all so that together we can make a difference for so many.

Schnapps thought they would make great paw warmers for when he comes in from a walk!

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!

Karmic Kuddles Arm Warmers

You will need: 50 yards of super bulky yarn and size US 13 double pointed needles

Abbreviations:

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

Cast on 16 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Pattern:

Row 1: k6, (k1, s1pw, k1, yo, pass slipped stitch over the k1 and the yo, k1), k6

Row 2: knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until the piece measures
2 inches in length. Then work the thumb opening:

 Row 1: k6, (k1, s1pw, k1, yo, pass slipped stitch over the k1 and the yo, k1), k6

Row 2: k12, bind off 2, knit 2

Row 3: k6, (k1, s1pw, k1, yo, pass slipped stitch over the k1 and the yo, k1), k2, cast on 2 using backwards loop method, k2

Row 4: knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 of original pattern until the piece measures about 9 inches in length or however long you would like.

Finish: Bind off all stitches knitwise. Weave in ends.

Knit other arm by repeating the same pattern including the thumb opening Row 1.

Change for Thumb Opening:

    Row 2: k2, bind off 2, k12

    Row 3: k2, cast on 2 using backward loop method, k2,     (k1, s1pw, k1, yo, pass slipped stitch over the k1 and the yo, k1), k6

    Row 4: knit all stitches

The pattern design is in multiples of 4, so adjust accordingly. Design stitches are in the brackets ( ).

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids