Thursday, June 27, 2013

Introducing Berry Cozy!

Schnapps latest hat is finished and ready!  Thank you to Lynn, Shelly and Dawn for the name for this one!  If you want to knit it in a color that does not remind you of berries, feel free!  This was knit using chunky yarn and size 10.5 circulars, but there are instructions for all yarn weights.  It's a very simple pattern worked over 2 stitches.  Don't let all the words describing the stitches intimidate you - truly a super easy pattern.  Try it and you'll see.  I've got a couple of photos to help make it clearer than it reads too.

I am so grateful to all of you who are helping with the MEGSTRONG fundraiser, to those of you who are sending in hats and blankets for Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids, to those of you making hats for your local hospitals, all over the world, to those of you who offer so much encouragement and support to me and Schnapps and to all of you who are keeping everyone in need in their thoughts and prayers.  Together we really are making a difference in the world - even if sometimes it doesn't quite feel like it.

Someone asked me recently if I didn't feel that doing this was just pointless, since there is no way I can help everyone in need and shouldn't I just worry about myself.  I responded that if everyone would just do a tiny bit, we really could help just about everyone.  People need different things - some need chemo caps, some need money, some need thoughts and prayers, some just need to know that someone, somewhere cares.  

As far as worrying about myself - I fully believe that we all need to put our own needs first.  We have to focus on our health and well being to be of any use to anyone else.  But, that doesn't mean that we have to get greedy or that we have to ignore others.  Too many people these days focus just on themselves without stopping to think about how their actions affect others.  I will absolutely make sure my family has everything we need and that we are happy and comfortable.  That is my first priority in life.  We are very lucky.  We have a home, albeit small.  We have plenty of food for all of us.  Most importantly, we have each other.  We have so much that others do not and I think it is very important not to lose track of that and to always be grateful for what we do have.  I draw on that gratitude and appreciation to help others as well.  

When you really look at it, all we're doing is sharing some hat patterns and, honestly, why wouldn't we share them?  What good do they do if we just keep them to ourselves?  I'm not going to make a million dollars if I tried to sell them and I'm not going to lose my creativity by sharing them.  But, if I share them, others can make them and so many more people can have chemo caps and blankets and so many more knitters can get some new patterns to keep them interested.  Yes, we ship hats and blankets to those who need them, but that's another very small thing to do.  And knitting gives me enjoyment - so really, I'm helping myself probably more than anyone.

So, thank you to all of you who care about others!  We ARE making a difference!

Now, here's the latest pattern!  Schnapps sends love and kisses!

It was Schnapps' anniversary and my son's birthday!  He had fun!
  If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too.  We love to hear from everyone!

Berry Cozy


You will need 5-weight or chunky yarn and size 10.5 needles or some combination listed below.

 Abbreviations:
k2tog:  holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 60 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Stockinette:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 1 to 1.5 inches in length.

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *place the right hand needle between 1st and 2nd stitch on left hand needle and draw through a loop; keep loop on right hand needle and knit the 2 stitches from the left hand needle*; repeat around
Row 2:  *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3:  k1, *place the right hand needle between 1st and 2nd stitch on left hand needle and draw through a loop; keep loop on right hand needle and knit the 2 stitches from the left hand needle*; repeat to last stitch, then insert right hand needle behind last stitch, draw through a loop and knit the last stitch.
Row 4:  *k2tog, k1*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1- 4 until piece is 7.5 to 8 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:
Row 1:  *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2:  *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 worked over 2 stitches. 

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 2 stitches for individual sizes.

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

If using lighter weight yarn, you might want to increase the number of rows in the crown decrease.

inserting RH needle between 2 stitches

drawing through a loop and leaving it on the RH needle


All are welcome to join us in some way!  
If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some anywhere in the USA.



Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Introducing Steadfast Hope!

Schnapps had an idea for a new hat, so he sent me to the yarn stash to bring him a new skein.  Our latest attempt at using our stash is to just reach into the tub and pull out a skein and work the pattern with whatever we choose.  I think this worked out well.  Many people commented on it looking 'strong' or 'sturdy' and since we already have a pattern called Strength, we went with Steadfast Hope for the name.


Steadfast Hope!

 This is an exciting time for me too.  My Navy Hug pattern is published in Geri Krotow's new book NAVY ORDERS, which is out in July, 2013.  I highly recommend you picking up a copy and enjoying every word.  Stop by Geri's website too:  http://gerikrotow.com/

This hat was designed specifically for her book and the entire pattern is in the book.  If you would like the pattern in PDF format with photos of the hat, you can purchase it from my Craftsy and Ravelry stores or you can use the Buy Now button to the right.  The pattern is $2.00.

Navy Hug Hat!

Schnapps is always thinking of new patterns!

 If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too.  We love to hear from everyone!


 Steadfast Hope


You will need:  6-weight yarn and size 13 circular needles and dpns or some combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
ktbl:  knit through the back loop
k2tog:  holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one
k2togtbl:  knit 2 stitches together through the back loop as one

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


Work Ribbed Pattern:
Row 1:  *(ktbl, p1) x 3, ktbl, p3*; repeat across
Repeat Row 1  until piece is about 2.5 inches in length.

Work Body:
Row 1:  ktbl for all stitches
Row 2:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 -2 until the piece is about 6.5 inches (7.5 if using worsted or sport weight yarn) in length

Decrease Crown:  use dpns as needed
Row 1: *k8, k2togtbl*; repeat around
Row 2: *k7, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k6, k2togtbl*; repeat around
Row 4: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k4, k2togtbl*; repeat around
Row 6: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *k2, k2togtbl*; repeat around
Row 8: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 9: *k2togtbl*; 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 it to someone who needs some extra Hope!

 The pattern is worked over 10 stitches.  

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 60 stitches.  

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 80 stitches or size 7 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 110 stitches.  

If using a different weight, you might have to add more rows to the crown decrease.  Feel free to use dpns if you prefer!



All are welcome to join us in some way!  
If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some anywhere in the USA.



Sunday, June 16, 2013

Introducing Octavia, the Octa-Pinkie Octopus!

Normally, I am not a fan of knitting toys........I don't really know why, but it's just not my thing.  However, since we're sending lots of handmade things for the MEGSTRONG auction and sale in August, I figured I should try.  So far I've made and owl and a cat from other patterns and now I came up with this octopus. Thank you Lynn and Laurel for her name.  Of course, this octopus could be knit in any color or in several colors at once.  I used scraps of super bulky yarn that I had left over from hats for this one, but you could use any yarn you have on hand.  I'd go at least one needle size smaller than recommended for the yarn to make it a tight enough knit to stuff.  




If you're not aware, MEGSTRONG is a fundraising effort to help my friend Meagan pay for her treatment.  She was recently diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer and we are trying to help.  You can visit www.megstrong.com to find out more.

Please remember to buy your copy of the MEGSTRONG Trilogy if you can.  Three new hat patterns for only $5.00.  There is more information about MEGSTRONG here and you can purchase the e-book using the link to the right.  The book and the individual patterns are also for sale in my Craftsy and Ravelry stores accessed by clicking on the store name or by using the links to the right.




 If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too. 

Schnapps is busy helping MEGSTRONG!

Octavia the Octo-Pinkie Octopus



Abbreviations:
kfb:  knit into the front and back of stitch
k2tog:  holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 8 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.


Work Body
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  kfb all stitches
Row 3:  knit all stitches
Row 4:  *kfb all stitches
Rows 5 - 11:  knit all stitches
Row 12:  *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 13:  knit all stitches
Row 14:  *k2tog*; repeat around


Finish Body: Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure. This leaves the top open for stuffing.


Work Tentacles: Make 8

Cast on 19 stitches, then bind off all stitches.


Attach:
Attach 8 legs where you want them and stuff the body.   Stitch together the top, taking care to secure tightly.


Embroider face as desired.


If you wish to work this flat, simply purl all stitches for Rows 1,3,5,7,9,11 & 13 and work the rest as written.  Then seam the body before stuffing.


Options:  Attach the legs to the sides, rather than the bottom and you can create a spider.





Of course, this octopus or spider could be knit in any color or in several colors at once.  I used scraps of super bulky yarn that I had left over from hats for this one, but you could use any yarn you have on hand.  


I'd go at least one needle size smaller than recommended for the yarn to make it a tight enough knit to stuff. 



 


All are welcome to join us in some way!  
If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some anywhere in the USA.
 

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Introducing Soft Swirl!

First tropical storm of the year came through Delaware yesterday and Schnapps stayed inside and knit this hat.  It's a light, airy knit, even though the model was knit using 6-weight yarn.  Thank you Betty for the name and Tracey for having supplied the yarn!


This week Schnapps has also been working on some items for the MEGSTRONG fundraiser in August.  He came up with these two things so far:



 Please remember to buy your copy of the MEGSTRONG Trilogy if you can.  Three new hat patterns for only $5.00.  There is more information about MEGSTRONG here and you can purchase the e-book using the link to the right.  The book and the individual patterns are also for sale in my Craftsy and Ravelry stores accessed by clicking on the store name or by using the links to the right

MEGSTRONG hat patterns


If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too. 


Soft Swirl

  
You will need 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or another combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one

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

Foundation Rows:  knit all stitches for 3 rows

Work Pattern:
Row 1:  *k2tog but don’t drop stitches off yet, knit into the back of the 1st stitch, then drop both stitches, k2*; repeat across
Rows 2 & 4:  knit all stitches
Row 3:  *k2, k2tog but don’t drop stitches off yet, knit into the back of the 1st stitch, then drop both stitches; repeat across

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7 - 7.5 inches in length. 

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k2tog, k2*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2tog, 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 worked over 4 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 68 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 88 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 116 stitches.

If using a different weight, you might have to add more rows to the crown decrease.  Feel free to use dpns if you prefer!


All are welcome to join us in some way!  
If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some anywhere in the USA.
 



Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Introducing the MEGSTRONG Trilogy!




 

These patterns were designed for Delaware Head Huggers in support of Meagan Blackmore. 

Meagan is battling stage 4 kidney cancer and all proceeds from these Megstrong patterns go to help pay for her treatment.  They are in my Craftsy and Ravelry stores accessed by clicking on the store name or by using the links to the right or you can directly purchase from this page using the BUY NOW link to the right.

I had the pleasure of babysitting Meagan when she was little.  I remember rubbing her back and singing The Rainbow Connection to her to get her to go to sleep.  Her and her sister Moe laughed at me when I cried while watching ET and her twin brothers Daniel and Timothy knew just how to make sure they would both be awake at the same time.  I loved them all, including their wonderful parents.  My family lived directly behind them in South Ozone Park, NY.  They were and will always be the very best neighbors that anyone could ever have.

I wish I had millions of dollars to give to her to ensure she got the best care possible.   I wish I knew people with millions of dollars, but I don't.  So, we did what we can do...........design some hats.  The patterns include instructions for sport, worsted, chunky and super-bulky weight yarn as well as how to adapt for different sizes.  We tried to be sure they would appeal to a wide range of tastes.  The models are all knit in green yarns because green is Meagan's favorite color.  AND it's the support ribbon color of kidney cancer as well.  Of course, these hats can be knit in any color you wish.

The patterns are available individually for $2 each and in the MEGSTRONG e-book that has all three patterns for $5.  I kept the prices down because I know many of us aren't in a financial position to make large donations.   I hope many of you will be able to help Meagan by purchasing these patterns.  I also hope that you use these patterns to make hats that will help many others as well.

Here is a close-up of each hat.

MEGSTRONG:  Inspiration

MEGSTRONG:  Hugs

MEGSTRONG:  Hope

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who is keeping Meagan in their thoughts and prayers.  Please keep sending good vibes and love to her whole family.
 

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Introducing Comfort Weave - a Unisex Hat!

Schnapps has been busy!  He's not a fan of this hot weather, so he's been hiding inside with yarn and needles.  He came up with this unisex hat and Janet came up with the name!  Thank you!

Schnapps and I also donated $60 to the West, Texas Disaster Relief Fund which was more than 100% of our pattern sales in May.  We are trying to help those who need it!

Knit using worsted weight yarn

Knit using chunky weight yarn

Right now Schnapps and I are busy working on a pattern or two that will be for sale only.  Meagan, a beautiful 30 year old friend of mine, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer.  I have known Meagan since she was an infant......I used to babysit her when we lived directly behind each other in South Ozone Park, NY.  She has a wonderful support group of family and friends who are arranging fundraisers to help her pay for her treatment.  Schnapps and I are also collecting handmade knit or crochet toys, stuffed animals, finger puppets, small household items and such to be sold at at least one of the events.  Our MEGSTONG hat will be up for sale and 100% of the price, as well as 100% of ALL pattern sales for the month of June, 2013 will be going to help fund Meagan's treatment.  I hope many of you will like the pattern and Schnapps is hoping to have at least one more ready this week.  Here is a picture of our first MEGSTRONG hat.  Green is Meagan's favorite color and also the kidney cancer support ribbon color, so the models will be knit in green, but this would look nice in any color at all.

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too. 


Comfort Weave
You will need 4 weight yarn and size US 9 circular needles and dpns or another combination listed below.

Abbreviations:

knit stockinette: knit all stitches in every row

k2tog:  holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 72 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Knit Stockinette until about 2 inches in length.

Work Pattern: 
Rows 1, 7, 12 & 18:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  *p4, k4*; repeat around
Row 3:  p3, *k4, p4*; repeat from * to *, end p1
Row 4:  p2, *k4, p4*; repeat from * to *, end p2
Row 5:  p1, *k4, p4*;  repeat from * to *, end p3
Row 6:  *k4, p4*; repeat around
Rows 8, 9, 10 & 11:  *p4, k4*; repeat around
Row 13:  *k4, p4*; repeat around
Row 14:  p1, *k4, p4*; repeat from * to *, end p3
Row 15:  p2, *k4, p4*; repeat from * to *, end p2
Row 16:  p3, *k4, p4*; repeat from * to *, end p1
Row 17:  *p4, k4*; repeat around
Rows 19, 20, 21 & 22:  *k4, p4*; repeat around

Knit Stockinette until about 7 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpns when needed
Row 1: *k6, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4:  *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5:  *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6:  *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7:  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 8 stitches. 

To  knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48 stitches.

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

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 64 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 8 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 112 stitches. 

All are welcome to join us in some way!  
If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some anywhere in the USA.