Introducing A Toast!

It's the last day of 2014!  Time seems to go faster every year.  Schnapps managed one more new pattern for the year and he wanted to name it "A Toast" since it's New Year's Eve!  It's knit using super bulky yarn, but the instructions include all yarn weights.

I've never been much for New Year's............to me it always seems like every other day.  Every day is a chance to start something wonderful.  A day full of potential.  A day that you can make a difference.  I hope that many of your resolutions include trying to make the world a kinder, more peaceful place.  

2014 was a very good year for us.  We are lucky enough to have had much more good than bad, many more smiles than tears this year.  I hope that 2015 will bring the same.

Delaware Head Huggers collected and distributed 3,399 chemo caps this year, bringing out total since 2010 to 15,763.  Sadly, that is not nearly enough to help everyone.  More hats are needed everywhere!  Donating locally is just as spectacular as sending your hats to us.

Kozy Kovers for Kids collected and distributed 369 blankets to foster care children and kids in crisis, bringing that total to 1,615 blankets since 2010.  Blankets are sadly also very much needed.  Many children are suffering and receiving a blanket helps in a small way.

Many people tell me that they can't knit, crochet or sew, but want to help us.  You can always donate materials to someone you know who can make hats or blankets.  You can purchase patterns from Schnapps - from Ravelry or Craftsy.  Both links are on this page.  100% of pattern sales go right back into the charities.  You can donate postage costs by using the Donate button on this page.  You can help by simply spreading the word that we are here.  The more who know about us, the more we can help.

Schnapps and I, and our whole family, wish you a 2015 full of happiness, health and peace.  

Join us in 2015 and help us make a difference!

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!

A Toast

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

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one
S1:  slip 1 stitch, purlwise with yarn in back

Cast on 44 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 2inches.

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 2:  knit all stitches
Row 3:  *S1, k1*; repeat around
Row 4:  *S1, p1*; repeat around
Rows 5 & 6:  knit all stitches
Row 7:  *k1, s1*; repeat around
Row 8:  *p1, S1*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until hat is about 8 to 8.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k1 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 a warm hug!

 The pattern is worked over 2 stitches.   Adapt in multiples of 4 to keep the crown decrease the same.

To knit this using chunky or 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 80 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 112 stitches.