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.  

 

Introducing Cable-Riffic!

Schnapps has been very busy helping me get ready for Christmas......wrapping, baking, cooking, decorating and all sorts of things have been going on here.  But, he put his paws down on Sunday and insisted on knitting a hat while watching football.  Cable-Riffic (thank you Teresita for the name!) is a fun hat to knit, but not difficult at all.

This hat is knit using super bulky yarn and if you use a thinner weight, the impact of the cable will not be as evident, so we suggest that you use super bulky yarn or two strands of worsted weight held together.

Schnapps and I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.   So many terrible things are going on in the world right now that it seems more important than ever to focus on doing good and spreading some love through the world.  

Thank you to everyone who has used one of our patterns to pass some love along.

Schnapps loves his pajamas!

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!

Cable-Riffic

You will need 6 weight yarn and size 13 circular (16 inch) needles and a cable needle

Abbreviations:

T2B:  slip next stitch on cable needle and hold at back, knit next stitch, then purl the stitch on the cable needle
T2F:  slip next stitch on cable needle and hold at front, purl next stitch, then knit the stitch on the cable needle C6B: slip next 3 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back, knit 3, then knit 3 from the cable needle.
p2tog:  purl 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Brim:
Row 1, 2, 3 & 4:  *k2, p2*; repeat around
Row 4:  purl all stitches

The pattern is worked over the first stitches.  All other stitches are purled for every row.

Work Pattern:
Row 1:  p4, k8, p4, purl to end
Row 2:  p3, T2B, k6, T2F, p3, purl to end
Row 3:  p3, k1, p1, k6, p1, k1, p3, purl to end
Row 4:  p2, T2B, p1, k6, p1, T2D, p2, purl to end
Row 5:  p2, k1, p2, k6, p2, k1, p2, purl to end
Row 6:  p1, T2B, p2, C6B, p2, T2F, p1, purl to end
Row 7:  p1, k1, p3, k6, p3, k1, p1, purl to end
Row 8: T2B, p3, k6, p3, T2F, purl to end
Row 9:  k1, p4, k6, p4, k1, purl to end
Row 10:  T2F, p3, k6, p3, T2B, purl to end
Row 11: p1, k1, p3, k6, p3, k1, p1, purl to end
Row 12:  p1, T2F, p2, C6B, P2, T2B, p1, purl to end
Row 13:  p2, k1, p2, k6, p2, k1, p2, purl to end
Row 14:  p2, T2F, p1, k6, p1, T2B, p2, purl to end
Row 15:  p3, k1, p1, k6, p1, k1, p3, purl to end
Row 16:  p3, T2F, k6, T2B, p3, purl to end
Row 17:  p4, k8, p4, purl to end

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1:   purl all stitches
Row 2: *p2 p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *p1, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *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 a warm hug!

This pattern is worked over the first SIXTEEN stitches of your cast on row.  To adjust the size, you would simply cast on fewer or more stitches.  Stay in multiples of 4 to keep the ribbed brim and crown decrease the same.

This hat fits an average adult head.  To make it smaller, cast on 36 or 40 stitches.  To make it larger cast on 48 or 52 stitches.  Decrease or increase in multiples of 4 to further adapt. 

The first 16 stitches will be used for the panel.  The rest will be purled in every row.

You could place 2 panels on 1 hat easily.  Instead of purling to the end, change that direction to purl 6, then repeat the row instructions.  This will give you 6 stitches between each repeat.

Thinner yarn won’t give the same effect, however, you could use 2 strands of worsted weight yarn held together as one and work as written. 

Boot Topper Patterns - for sale only!

Schnapps has gotten lots of requests for his boot topper patterns, so I finally helped him type them up today.  We put 4 different patterns in one e-book "Knitting with Schnapps:  Boot Toppers" that is selling for $6.50.  Each pattern has instructions for sport, worsted, chunky and super bulky weight yarn as well as how to adjust the size if needed.

We checked prices for patterns and found that many patterns are $6 or up just for one pattern, so we think this is still a good deal.   Plus, all pattern sales are used to support Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids.  All support is most appreciated! 

They can be purchased from our Ravelry store

 or from our  Craftsy store or by using the links to the right of the page.

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!

Schnapp's Mobius Shawl!

Schnapps and I have been looking at some of the new cowls and shawls that are out this year.  We have never watched Outlander, but hear that many great knit designs are seen on that show.  All the patterns we saw called for yarn or needles that we didn't have readily available, so Schnapps spent his Football Sunday making this.  I wasn't sure that I would like it, but it is actually very comfortable and toasty warm and it looks cute too.  Wide enough to cover your shoulders, but not long enough to get in my way while you are knitting! 

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!

Since everyone else seemed to like it also, we figured we would share our pattern with you.  This is easily knit by a beginner.

Schnapps used Homespun Thick and Quick and this used less than one skein.  Using size 19 needles give the finished fabric an airy, flowing feel without sacrificing warmth.

Cast on 27 stitches.

Knit all stitches in every row until your piece is 31 to 33 inches in length.  This is the length that worked well for me.  If you have wider shoulders, just knit a few more rows and make it longer.

Bind off all stitches keeping tension even.

Place bind off and cast on rows together.  Flip one side over to form the twist and seam.

Fluff it out and arrange it - this honestly took me longer than it took Schnapps to knit the whole thing!

Slide it over your shoulders and stay warm.  Or, better yet, give it as a gift to someone special.

See?  Super simple and super quick!

Use needles that are a couple of sizes larger than what your yarn

calls for to keep the fabric draping nicely.

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 45.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 10 needles and cast on 60.

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 84 stitches.

This pattern can be worked over any number of stitches, so

adjust it to your preferences!

Enjoy!

Introducing Flame of Hope

Schnapps finished a new hat and we love it so much that we had to share it.  The color influenced a lot of name suggestions, but we think this would look just as impressive in any other color.

This is knit using super bulky yarn and we did not include variations for other yarn weights, because it would not look the same at all.  We did only the one pattern panel for a striking contrast to the reverse stockinette.  Since this panel is worked over the first 9 cast on stitches, you can still easily adapt the size by adjusting the number of cast on stitches.

***  You could use 2 strands of worsted weight or 4-weight yarn held together as one also. ***

Schnapps sends tail wags to all!

I want to just reinforce that you MUST link to this page if posting about this pattern elsewhere.  You are not allowed to copy the pattern and post it someplace else.  Please do not make us regret our decision to share this pattern.

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 are asking that anyone who uses this pattern please make a hat for someone battling cancer.  This time of year, the requests for hats is high and there are so many who really need a warm hat to help them through.  Obviously, we can't know for sure if you are following our wishes, but it seems like the least you can do if you are using this pattern to make gifts for friends or family.  If you don't know where to give you hats, feel free to send them to us at Delaware Head Huggers and we will get them to those who need them.

Flame of Hope 

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

Abbreviations:

kB1:      knit in the back loop
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 Brim:  

Row 1, 2 & 3:  *k2, p2*; repeat around
Row 4:  purl all stitches

The pattern is worked over the first stitches.  All other stitches are purled for every row.

Work Pattern:

Foundation Row:  p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, purl to end of row
Row 1:  p1, kB1, p2 (k1, kB1 four times) in next stitch, p2, kB1, p1, purl to end
Row 2:  p1, k1, p2, k8, p2, k1, p1, purl to end
Row 3:  p1, kB1, p2, k6, k2tog, p2, kB1, p1, purl to end
Row 4:  p1, k1, p2, k7, p2, k1, p1, purl to end
Row 5:  p1. kB1. p2, k5, k2tog, p2, kB1, p1, purl to end
Row 6:  p1, k1, p2, k6, p2, k1, p1, purl to end
Row 7:  p1, kB1, p2, k4, k2tog, p2, kB1, p1, purl to end
Row 8:  p1, k1, p2, k5, p2, k1, p1, purl to end
Row 9:  p1, kB1, p2, k3, k2tog, p2, kB1, p1, purl to end
Row 10:  p1, k1, p2, k4, p2, k1, p1, purl to end
Row 11:  p1, kB1, p2, k2, k2tog, p2, kB1, p1, purl to end
Row 12:  p1, k1, p2, k3, p2, k1, p1, purl to end
Row 13:  p1, kB1, p2, k1, k2tog, p2, kB1, p1, purl to end
Row 14:  p1, k1, p2, k2, p2, k1, p1, purl to end
Row 15:  p1, kB1, p2, k2tog, p2, kB1, p1, purl to end
Row 16:  p1, k1, p2, k1, p2, k1, p1, purl to end

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed

Row 1:   purl all stitches
Row 2: *p2 p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *p1, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *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 a warm hug!

 This pattern is worked over the first NINE stitches of your cast on row.  To adjust the size, you would simply cast on fewer or more stitches.  Stay in multiples of 4 to keep the ribbed brim and crown decrease the same.

This hat fits an average adult head.  To make it smaller, cast on 36 or 40 stitches.  To make it larger cast on 48 or 52 stitches.  Decrease or increase in multiples of 4 to further adapt. 

The first 9 stitches will be used for the panel.  The rest will be purled in every row.

Latest Updates!

Schnapps and I are excited to tell everyone that we are now up to 15,101 chemo caps and counting!  Unfortunately, there are so many people who need hats that as many as we can make are being used and more are needed.  Please be sure that you help your local cancer center as much as possible, or send hats for us to distribute, especially with the cold weather approaching.  

Kozy Kovers for Kids is up to 1,549 blankets for foster care children and kids in crisis.  Together, we really are making a huge difference!

I know that many of you look to our patterns to make things for local charities and we think that is marvelous!  Please let us know the different places where you donate things made from our patterns - we love to hear about how something tiny, like a hat pattern, can ripple out and touch so many lives.

Schnapps and I will continue to do our part and make lots of hats and ship out all the hats that come in.  We will be posting new patterns in 2015, if not sooner,  I am sure.  He's got lots of ideas, but we've been busy.

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 and his spooky cookie on Halloween!

For those of you who insist on being rude or combative or just plain ignorant, please know that you will be blocked and ignored.  I've noticed over the past few years that there is a certain type of person who gets angry when they hear of other people sharing with and giving to others.  I can't imagine having that mindset.  It must be awful for you and those who have to spend time around you.  Luckily though, I can block and ignore those of you who send me mean emails and post rude comments.  I do not owe anyone anything at all.  I am not hurting anyone with what I do and those of you who think it is unfair of me to stipulate that my patterns should not be used for personal financial gain need to look deep into yourself and figure out why it's so important to use a charity pattern for your own monetary gain.  

I will continue to do this because I enjoy doing it.  I will not stop simply because you have issues.  The fact that these people take the time to harass me shows me that they have way too much free time on their hands.  Imagine how great it would be if instead of being argumentative, they picked up some yarn and made a difference for someone.  Sadly, that type of person is only thinking about herself - not about others at all.   So, if you post something rude and find yourself blocked -you know why.  If you send me an irate email demanding that you be allowed to profit from my work, know that you will not get a response, you will be deleted and blocked from ever contacting me again. 

Schnapps and I get much happiness from creating and distributing chemo caps and blankets to those who need them and no one is going to take away our joy.  

We are also almost all set for our first craft fair this coming Saturday.  We've been making tons of things and hope to have a successful sale so that we can continue to focus on Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids full time.

Here are some pictures of some of the things we will be selling.  We have LOTS to bring and set up.  Luckily my Dad made us some displays to use too!

lots of snowmen ornaments!

tiny reindeer pins and magnets

reindeer ornaments

HATS!  of course!  :)

wreath ornaments

bookmarks and barrettes

fingerless mitts

boot toppers

Copyright Issues

Schnapps and I are very upset to say that we have found some of our patterns posted in other places.  While it is terrible enough for someone to post our patterns without a link to this blog, some of these are actually being posted without mentioning us at all.  You are not allowed to do that.

You are also not allowed to sell anything that you have made from my patterns.  They are for personal and charitable use ONLY.

Besides the legal issues, how about the ethical and moral issues?  How dare you steal someone else's work and try to pass it off as your own?  

Those of you who follow me here and on Facebook know that Schnapps and I love doing what we are doing.  We have met tons of lovely people and we know that we have made a difference to people world-wide.  We also know that most people are honest, kind and appreciate our help.

Unfortunately, running Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids has also shown me the bad in many people.  I get messages and comments complaining about the color of my blog, the font choice, the fact that there are photos of Schnapps on the pages.  I get emails demanding that I change patterns from straight needles to circular or from circular to straight.   Demands for printer friendly access to save you time so you don't have to cut and paste something.  Comments about how you dislike a particular pattern.  These are free patterns.  Take them or leave them.  It doesn't matter to us - we are going to make these hats and blankets whether you want the patterns or not.

Some people are just rude and inconsiderate.  Some are just miserable and want to make everyone else unhappy too.  Some, probably could benefit from some professional help.

Our initial thought was to take this blog down.  However, that would hurt those who are using our patterns to do good.  So, for now, we are keeping it active.  However, if we find continue to find our ideas and patterns posted elsewhere, we might shut it down.  

Schnapps and I will be continuing to make and tag and deliver chemo caps all over the country.  We will continue to make and deliver blankets all over Delaware also.  We will continue to meet lovely people who want to make a difference in the world and we will continue to help those who need some help.

But, we will be taking a hiatus from posting free patterns.  We have over 180 patterns on Ravelry at this time.  Any new patterns that are posted will be for purchase only.

Thank you to those of you who have pointed out the problems when you have seen patterns of ours posted without credit.  Thank you to those of you who have posted on those sites trying to give us credit.  I have contacted some sites about having posts from other people taken down because they have 'stolen' my pattern.  I shouldn't have to do that.  Common sense would tell you not to pass off the work of someone else as your own.  You learn that in kindergarten.

These patterns were given freely to all to use to help make the world a better place.  Let's try to focus on doing that and not on being mean, spiteful, full of complaints and lazy.  From now on, Schnapps and I will be deleting all those with negative comments and issues.  If you are here simply to get as many patterns as possible or to be as negative as possible, you don't really belong here. 

Join us in making a difference or leave our page please.

Introducing Diamonds of Hope!

Schnapps and I are keeping busy getting ready for the craft fairs and tagging and sending out hats and blankets.  This is Schnapps' latest hat pattern and it seemed to be a big hit on our Facebook Page so we thought we'd share the pattern.  This two toned hat is knit with super bulky yarn, but we included directions for all weights.  If you use lighter yarn you might want to double the pattern band, which will definitely change the look of this pattern.  You might just want to go with 2 strands of worsted weight yarn held together to keep the effect.  This would look great in team colors or in just about any color combination.

Many of you use Schnapps patterns and we are so glad that you do.  We're asking though that if you are using our free patterns for something other than charity that you consider making a few hats for your local cancer center or buying a few patterns or making a donation to help support Delaware Head Huggers.  We put our hearts into running these charities and every little bit of help truly goes a long way.  All our pattern sales go directly towards shipping and supply costs.

Winsome Warmth is our latest e-book featuring 12 patterns, 4 of which are not published elsewhere.  can be purchased using the link to the right of this page or by going to my Ravelry or Craftsy stores.  Both stores are also linked to the right of the page. 

 

 

  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 getting a blow dry after his bath!

 

 

Diamonds of  Hope

 

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

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

Using main color, cast on 45 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  purl all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until piece is 1.5 inches long.

Work Bottom:
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 2.5 inches long.

Switch to Secondary color and knit all stitches for 2 rows.

Work Pattern:
Row 1 & 9:  *p1, k8*; repeat around
Row 2 & 8:  *p2, k6, p1*; repeat around
Row 3 & 7:   *p3, k4, p2*; repeat around
Rows 4 & 6:   *p4, k2, p3*; repeat around
Row 5:   purl all stitches
Repeat Rows 2 - 9 if using worsted weight or sport weight yarn. 
Knit all stitches for one row before changing back to your main color to work the top of the hat.

Work Top of Hat:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 6.5 to 7 inches.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k7, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k6 k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k3 k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *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 give it to someone special!

The pattern is worked over 9 stitches.   As written, the pattern makes an adult size hat.  Reduce cast on to 36 stitches to make a youth hat.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 63 stitches for an adult hat. 

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 54 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 9 stitches for individual sizes.

 

Introducing Neon Hope! And an Etsy Shop Too!

Schnapps and I scored a great deal on some Hometown USA this past week and we want some cheerful teen hats to sell at our craft fair and to donate, so he came up with this pattern.  He says he'll be experimenting with the brim in one color and the top in a contrasting color as well - I think that would look great.  Have fun with this pattern!

Neon Hope!

Sales of Winsome Warmth are doing well!  That is our latest e-book featuring 12 patterns, 4 of which are not published elsewhere.  can be purchased using the link to the right of this page or by going to my Ravelry or Craftsy stores.  Both stores are also linked to the right of the page. 

 

Hat patterns in Winsome Warmth!

 Schnapps and I are preparing for our first two craft fairs.  We're a bit nervous and not sure if what we are making will sell, but we are having a lot of fun coming up with ideas.  In honor of this, we have posted a few items in our Etsy shop for sale. More will be posted after the craft fair.  Remember that all sales benefit Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids, so please tell your friends about us as well.  And feel free to contact us about custom orders of different colors, items shown here that aren't in the store, etc.

Schnapps modeling our template for scrunchies!

Shawlettes/scarves

Boot toppers and scrunchies

Boot toppers

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.  

Neon Hope

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

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one


Cast on 40 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern:
Row 1 and all odd rows:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  *k2, p3*; repeat around
Row 4:  p1, *k2, p3*; repeat to end (last repeat will end with p2)
Row 6:  p2, *k2, p3*; repeat around (last repeat will end with p1)
Row 8:  *p3, k2*; repeat to end
Row 10:  k1, *p3, k2*; repeat to end (last repeat will end with k1)
Repeat Rows 1 - 10 if using worsted weight or sport weight yarn.

Work Top of Hat:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 6.5 to 7 inches.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2 k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *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 5 stitches.   As written, the pattern makes a young adult size hat.

To knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 45 stitches for an adult hat.  Use size 13 needles and cast on 35 for a child’s hat.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 75 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.

Introducing Winsome Warmth - A Dozen Hat Patterns!

Schnapps and I finally completed putting together the latest e-book. Thank you to those of you who have been asking about it!

Winsome Warmth - A Dozen Hat Patterns is now available.  This book contains 4 never before published patterns as well as 8 blog patterns in easy to access PDF form. The e-book is selling for $6.50.  100% of all pattern sales is used to support Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids.  The money is used to pay for shipping costs and supplies.  

The new e-book can be purchased using the link to the right of this page or by going to my Ravelry or Craftsy stores.  Both stores are also linked to the right of the page.

Thank you to all who support us in any way!

Winsome Warmth Patterns!

Four Never Before Published Patterns:   

These patterns are also available separately for $2.00 each.  They can be found in my Ravelry and Craftsy stores.

Rick-Racked

Steps of Hope

Inspired Hope

Bee in a Bonnet

f 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.  

Introducing Hopeful Trails!

Schnapps has been busy knitting things for the craft fair, but his true calling is making hats, so he's been making several in between other items.  Some will be sold, but many will be sent off with the other chemo caps that we ship.  Colder weather is coming, so please, think about making and donating some chemo caps - to us or to your local cancer center - there is a huge need!

I will be posting more patterns for sale soon - patterns are a fund raiser for us - remember that all hats are shipped completely free of charge by me.  The pattern sales are used to help cover postage and supply costs. Please help if you can.  There are links to my Ravely and Craftsy stores as well as a Donate here button to the right as well.  Every little bit truly does help.

We are in need of hats of all colors, sizes and styles.  The requirements are that the hats are new and handmade – no store bought items are accepted.  Hats should be free of pet hair, come from a smoke free environment and if laundered, should be washed with unscented detergents.  Absolutely no scented dryer sheets should be used please.  People undergoing chemotherapy are very sensitive to scented items and we don’t want to make them ill.  These guidelines are universal - and if you donate directly to centers, they do not have the ability to wash the hats, so they may be given away or thrown out so that they don't make the patients sick.

Someone on Facebook had a problem with the request of not using scented dryer sheets and told me that I should be more than happy to wash every single hat that comes in.  Please realize that so far, more than 14,250 chemo caps have gone through my home.  I do not have the time nor the resources to wash each hat.  If they are heavily scented they can not be sent out to people who need them.  I know that everyone wants their hats to be loved and used.  Most people aren't aware of the chemical sensitivities of others, so I just wanted to pass along the info.

 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 keeping busy!

 

 Hopeful Trails

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

Abbreviations:
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:

Row 1:  *k3, p1*; repeat around

Row 2:  p1, *k1, p3*; repeat from * to * around.  You will end with p2.

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until piece is 7 to 7.5 inches in length.


Decrease Crown:
Row 1: *k2tog, k1, p1 *; repeat around
Row 2: *k1, 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 along with some hugs, hope and love, to someone!

 

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10 needles and cast on 60 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 100 stitches.  

  

A Shawl for All

Schnapps and I are working on items for our craft fair in November and we've been sharing photos on Facebook.  Many people are asking for the pattern for this triangle shawl, so I thought it would be easiest to post it here for all to see.

Before we do though, we have the very sad news to share that our friend Jennifer passed away on August 4, 2014.  She was a truly remarkable woman who was so full of happiness and life.  Please send some love to her family, especially her husband and please try to honor her by living a life that is happy and focused on helping others.

Jennifer just turned 30 in March and she just got married on July 6 - fulfilling her last wish.  She lived her life with strength, grace and dignity.  We met through DEHH and only knew each other online........I wish that I had been able to meet her in person.  I am honored that she considered me a friend.

Please take a few moments and read about her - she inspired so many.  http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/08/her_smile_lights_up_a_room_fli.html

If you are able to help her family at all, here is a link to a Fundrazr page.  

https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/dpzIc

   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.  

This is NOT an original pattern - this pattern can be found all over the place.  We're sharing our versions with you, but we did NOT design it.  

Knit using worsted weight yarn and size 17 needles to 70 stitches.

Knit using Moonlight Mohair yarn and size 17 needles to 75 stitches.

Knit using 5-weight yarn and size 19 needles to 60 stitches.

Knit using 5-weight yarn and size 17 needles to 80 stitches.

This pattern is exceptionally versatile.  And extremely simple.  Have fun with it!  This can also be used as a scarf or wrapped around a head.  :)

I used one skein of Lion Brand's Moonlight Mohair and I got 2 shawls out of one skein of Lion Brand's Homespun.  The worsted weight yarn I used wasn't labelled, so I am not sure what it was, but I would guess I had about 200 yards or so. 

Before you knit this, please be sure to read Jennifer's story and help if you can.  Take a moment to find happiness and to send some love to her husband, family and friends.

Cast on 3 stitches.

Row 1:  Knit front and back of first stitch, knit to last stitch, knit front and back of last stitch.

Repeat Row 1, increasing 2 stitches in every row for as long as you like.

Knit one row straight across without increasing. 

Cast off very loosely.  Go up a size in needles for casting off if it helps.

When using 17's, I've been going between 70 and 80.  Using 19's I went to 60 stitches.  Make it smaller or larger - whichever you like.  It's really that simple.