Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Introducing Chubby Checks!

This hat was designed and knit on Christmas Eve, once all the wrapping and cooking and baking was done. It's now time for Schnapps and I to get back to making hats again and he whipped this one up in no time at all. Thank you Robin for the name!

This will probably be the last hat pattern of 2013. Although, if he comes up with anything else in the next few days, I'm sure he'll share the pattern.

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere. The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store or my Craftsy store. Those links are also to the right of this page. 100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!

Chubby Checks

You will need super-bulky, 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles and dpns or some other combination of needles and yarn listed below.

Abbreviations:
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2, 5 & 6: *p2, k2*; repeat around
Rows 3 & 4: knit all stitches
Rows 7 & 8: purl all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length, ending with a row 5.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *p2tog, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *p1, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *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 give it to someone special who needs some extra 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 76 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 64 stitches. Adjust in increments of 4 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 108 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry, Merry Christmas!!

Schnapps and I would like to take a moment on this Christmas Eve 2013 to wish all of you a very merry Christmas. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, please accept our wishes for the kindness and joy of the 'Christmas Spirit' to find each and every one of you.

Christmas is our favorite time of year........but it is a busy time too. We have not made many hats lately due to catching up on last minute things here. Now that everything is ready, Schnapps and I plan on putting our feet and paws up this evening with a skein of yarn and casting on a hat - even if it's not a new pattern, it WILL be a hat.

Christmas brings out the best in people I think. They smile more easily, are a bit more generous with their time............... My wish is that this spirit can stay with everyone this year for the entire year. Schnapps and I try to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long and I hope you will too.

In Oklahoma today, a box of hats is being distributed to those spending Christmas Eve receiving their chemotherapy. Christie is having her treatment and we sent her a box of hats to share. Please try to keep in mind those who are going through a difficult time this season and all those who have lost someone they love. The holidays only tend to highlight the sadness for some and we sincerely hope that everyone can have some peace and happiness this year.

Sending you all hugs, hope and love! Robin & Schnapps

In case you are interested: here are some of the latest things we had been working on (a blanket, a scarf and a lace doily) which are now all wrapped and under the tree, ready to be given tomorrow.

It STILL isn't Christmas???????

Ready for Santa Paws to bring some presents!!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Introducing The People Heater!

A new hat from Schnapps is ready to share. Thank you Debra for the name.

I left out the Purple from the "Purple People Heater" since this would look nice in any color you choose! It would work with the pattern band as a coordinating stripe too. Have fun with it and enjoy! This worked up really quickly and easily. The model was made using Lion Brand Hometown USA, but as always, instructions for different yarn weights are included.

It's the holiday crunch time for me - time to finish those gifts, wrap, bake, and do all sorts of Christmas-type things. I hope that no matter what holiday you celebrate you are enjoying the season and finding time to spend with yarn!

Delaware Head Huggers recently passed 12,000 chemo caps! I am amazed, humbled and in awe of all of you who help. I can only imagine how many times that number is multiplied if we were to count how many of you donate locally as well. THANK YOU!

Kozy Kovers for Kids has passed 1,200 blankets! While it is extremely sad that there are that many children, just here in the Delaware area that are in need, it is a wonderful feeling to know that so many people care and are willing to help.

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere. The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store or my Craftsy store. Those links are also to the right of this page. 100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!

The People Heater

You will need super bulky yarn and size US 13 circulars and dpns or some other combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
s1: slip one stitch as if to knit with yarn in back
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

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: knit all stitches
Row 2: purl all stitches
Row 3: *s1, k1*; repeat around
Row 4: *s1, p1*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is 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: use dpn’s when needed
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 it to someone special who has a chilly head!

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 6 to keep the crown decrease the same.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 72 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 84 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 7 needles and cast on 66 stitches. Adjust in increments of 8 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 114 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Introducing Hope Caught!

Schnapps is keeping busy and I am trying to keep up with him. His latest hat uses a simple fisherman's rib pattern and would be a great hat for men or women. This toasty hat was knit using Lion Brand Hometown USA, but the instructions for all yarn weights are included. This is a super fast, two row pattern that is easy to memorize and practically flies off your needles.

Schnapps is excited that Christmas is almost here!

This is such a busy time of year for everyone, but I hope all of you find some time to pass a little love and kindness on to those who need it most.

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere. The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store or my Craftsy store. Those links are also to the right of this page. 100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!

Hope Caught

You will need super bulky yarn and size US 13 circulars and dpns or some other combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
k1b: knit the stitch 1 row below the next stitch
p2b: purl the stitch 1 row below the next stitch
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 44 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern: You might wish to knit a foundation row first.

Row 1: *k1b, p1*; repeat around
Row 2: *k1, p1b*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2tog, p2tog*; 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 give it to someone special who needs some extra warmth and love.

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 so the crown decrease stays the same.

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 72 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 100 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Introducing Squared Away!

Schnapps' latest hat, knit during football and finished well before the game! Many great names were suggested, several which had Chains or Links in the name. Since we have several hats with similar names, I went with Squared Away. This hat uses the square rib pattern, so it's fitting.

The model was stitched using Lion Brand Hometown USA, but the pattern contains instructions for all yarn weights as well.

Schnapps hopes you like it!

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere. The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store or my Craftsy store. Those links are also to the right of this page. 100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!

Squared Away

You will need super bulky yarn and size US 13 circular needles and dpns or another combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
p2b: purl the stitch 2 rows below the next stitch
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2 & 3: *k1, p1*; repeat around
Row 4: *k1, p2b*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2tog, p2tog*; 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 it to someone special who needs some extra love.

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 so the crown decrease stays the same.

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 80 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 64 stitches. Adjust in increments of 4 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 108 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Thankful Tree!

This is a completely non-yarn related project, but I wanted to share it anyway. Those of you who know me personally know that I really do try to find the good in every situation and to focus on the positive instead of the negative. I think it is truly important for everyone to remember that there are things to be thankful for every day. It might be harder to realize them some days and there might not be as many at certain times, but there is always at least one thing for which you can be thankful. Too often, we focus on what we want or what we do not like, instead of being grateful for what we already have.

I'm trying to pass that along to the students at my job. I thought a good way to do that might be to make a "Thankful Tree" to post on my door that we could all fill in. I've seen them before and thought it would be a great project for school.

I cut just a basic tree shape from a roll of brown paper. My husband suggested adding the hole and the raccoons, which I think add a very cute touch. I cut out bunches of leaves from construction paper so everyone can write what they are thankful for on one, (or two or five!) and add it to the tree. I hung it on my door this morning when I got in and put a few leaves on it.

First thing this morning!

Throughout the day, students and staff stopped by to pick up leaves and write what they were most thankful for on them. Each leaf was added to the tree and by lunchtime I realized that I am going to need more leaves. I'm hoping that people will add to it all month..........maybe even adding a leaf or two every day as new things to be thankful for come to mind.

By lunchtime!

I know that I will smile every time I see this because it shows that people are thinking about the good and focusing on being grateful. I'm making it a personal goal to add at least one leaf every day I'm at work. This was such a simple project, but it has a lot of meaning. I hope everyone who walks past my door, even when I am not there, takes a few minutes to think about life and to find the good.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Introducing Lateral Pass!

Schnapps is still busy making "Football Hats" and I am trying to keep up with him. I'm a few behind, but finally got this one ready! He used Lion Brand Hometown USA for the model, but as always, directions for all yarn weights are included.

Hats are coming in every week and shipping out just as quickly! There is a huge need right now for chemo caps, especially for adults, so if you have some spare time, please consider making some and donating them locally or to DEHH.

Schnapps says "THANK YOU" to all our supporters!

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere. The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store or my Craftsy store. Those links are also to the right of this page. 100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!

Lateral Pass

You will need 6 weight yarn and size US 13 circulars and dpns or another combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
skpsso: hold yarn in front as if to purl and slip 2 stitches knit-wise.
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

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 2.5 to 3 inches in length.

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *skpsso, but before dropping the slipped stitch, knit into the back of it*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2tog, but before dropping the stitches, knit the first stitch again*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until piece is about 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s 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

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 special who needs a warm hug!

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 8 to keep the crown decrease the same.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 72 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 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 120 stitches.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Introducing Latte of Love!

Schnapps' latest is ready - just in time for Halloween! Thank you Lynn for the name. I usually try to stay away from any name that specifies the color, but this just fit so well. Of course, the hat would be lovely in any color you choose to use! This was knit using Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick, which is a super bulky yarn, but the instructions for all yarn weights are included.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased The Play Book or any of my patterns. Hats are continuing to ship to wherever they are needed most.

I can't believe that tomorrow is November 1st already. This year is flying by. Christmas gifts need to be made and yet, every time Schnapps gets some yarn, he's making a hat. There is a huge need this time of year especially for chemo caps of all sorts. Please be sure to make a few to drop off at your local center or to send to me even as you craft your holiday gifts or make that special something for yourself. It means the world to so many.

Happy Halloween from Schnapps and me!

Latte of Love

You will need 6 weight yarn and size US 13 circulars and dpn's or some other combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
twist: knit 1 through the back loop of the stitch below, then knit the stitch above (2 stitches made)

Cast on 49 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 3: knit all stitches
Row 2: *k2tog, k2, twist, k2*; repeat around
Row 4: *k2, twist, k2, k2tog
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *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 it to someone special who needs hugs, hope and a little or a lot of love!

The pattern is worked over 7 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 84 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 63 stitches. Adjust in increments of 7 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 119 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, October 28, 2013

Introducing Footprints!

Football Sunday was yesterday and Schnapps was busy. He made this hat using Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn. Thank you Janie for the name!

He made a couple of plain knit hats this weekend too, using colorful and textured yarn, which he thinks is best used with a plain stitch pattern. Don't forget to get your copy of "The Play Book" too if you want all the 2013 Football Patterns!

This is a very busy time of year for Delaware Head Huggers! Hats are shipping out every week. So far, we have been able to get hats to everyone who has requested them. Keep them coming in because the cold weather isn't even here yet. And remember, if you or someone you know needs hats and live in the USA, let me know and I will gladly send hats.

Please also remember that the Finn Hat Project is still ongoing. So far, we have collected 544 Finn Hats, but we would like to have so many more than that ready for pre-school children who are facing cancer treatment. All information about this special, heart warming project can be found here.

Children wearing Finn Hats made by us!

Schnapps modeling one of his more colorful creations!

I stumbled across ladder yarn this weekend and had fun making a quick necklace too.

Footprints

You will need 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles and dpn's or some other combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
sl2wyif: hold yarn in front as if to purl and slip 2 stitches knit-wise.
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

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 2.5 to 3 inches in length.

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *k2, sl2wyif*; repeat around
Rows 2 & 4: knit all stitches
Row 3: *sl2wyif, k2*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s 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

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 special who needs a warm hug!

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches, but use a multiple of 8 to keep the crown decrease the same.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 72 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 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 120 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Introducing Kickoff and The Play Book!

Football Season is well under way and Schnapps has been spending time designing patterns that are simple and quick and can be knit in less time than it takes to watch a game. So far, he's got 12 new patterns this season. In the Huddle is in the post prior to this one. Kickoff is posted here free.

Kickoff

The rest of the football hats are in the new e-book "The Play Book". This e-book features 10 never before published patterns and sells for just $5. This is our big fundraiser for the year to help cover the shipping and supply costs for Delaware Head Huggers.

Every pattern in this book contains information for all yarn weights as well as how to adjust the size. If you can, please purchase this book, help us continue to ship hats all over the country and use the patterns to make a difference locally as well.

The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store. That link is also to the right of this page. The photos below show the patterns included.

Grid Iron

Touchdown

Safety

End Zone

Fair Catch

Line of Scrimmage

Extra Point

Spiral Pass

In the Huddle

Play Action

Onside Kick

Kickoff

You will need 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles and dpn's or some other combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
s1pw: slip one stitch purlwise (yarn at back)
yo: yarn over
psso: pass slipped stitch over knit stitch and yo
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one

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 is about 1.5 to 2 inches in length

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 7: purl all stitches
Rows 2, 4 & 6: *p6, k2*; repeat around
Rows 3 & 5: *p6, s1pw, k1, yo, psso*; repeat around
Rows 8, 10 & 12: *p2, k2, p4*; repeat around
Rows 9 & 11: *p2, s1pw, k1, yo, psso, p4*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 12 until the piece is about 6.5 to 7 inches in length. End on Row 6 or Row 12.

Decrease Crown: switch to dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *p6, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *p5, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *p4, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: p3, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *p2, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *p1, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *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 enjoy!

The pattern is worked over 8 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 72 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 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 120 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids