Introducing Sloping Roads!

Well, Schnapps has been playing around with cables and coming up with some new designs.  This is one of them and several people asked for the pattern, so he kindly wanted to share.  This is knit using super bulky, 6-weight yarn, but we included info about changing the weight as well. 

Please remember that even though Spring is coming and warmer weather will be here, chemo caps are still needed.  Unfortunately, chemo caps are in demand year round and now is a great time for yarn sales for heavier weight yarn too.  The super warm hats like these I hold onto until the early Fall when they ship out to our regular centers.  So, please, keep those hats coming!

I've been asked a few times about whether or not I put any of my own money into the charities and what I do with monetary donations. First of all THANK YOU to everyone who has donated financially. Your help is very much appreciated and I promise is put to good use. Just to explain a bit about how Schnapps and I run Kozy Kovers for Kids and Delaware Head Huggers, here are photos of the tags placed on each and every blanket (over 1,670) and chemo cap (over 16,500). 

We purchase, hole punch and tag every item so that the recipient knows it is a gift and knows how to get in touch with me if they need more. Blanket tags have contact info on the back. (All Head Hugger organizations in the USA are supposed to do this) Hats are shipped to individuals and centers throughout the USA. A typical box of about 50 hats ships for anywhere from $12 - $30 depending on where it is going - the further away, the higher the cost. A box to an individual can ship for anywhere from $5 to $15 again, depending on location. We make MANY hats and blankets and we buy lots of yarn so we can do that. We also pay for both websites, shipping supplies, paper for letters, printer ink, envelopes, labels, etc. It all adds up to a substantial amount of money every year, but I promise, most of it is our own money.

We make a small amount of money from pattern sales.  Our patterns have been downloaded literally millions of times, but most are free.  We do this so that everyone can help those in need in their own communities too!

Schnapps got a Spring Hair Cut!

 
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!

Sloping Roads

 

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

 

 Abbreviations:
C5R:  slip next 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at back, k3 from LH needled,  then p2 from the cable needle
T5R:  slip next 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at back, k3 from LH needle, then p1, k1 from the cable needle
C3L: slip next stitch onto cable needle and hold at front, p2 from LH needle, then k1 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:  *k2, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 for about 2 inches.

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 2:  *k1, p1, k3, p7, k3, p7*; repeat around
Row 3:  *C5R, p5, T5R, p7*; repeat around
Row 4:  *k3, p7, k3, p1, k1, p7*; repeat around
Row 5:  *p8, C5R, p1, C3L, p5*; repeat around
Row 6:  *p8, k3, p5, k1, p5*; repeat around
Row 7:  *p6, C5R, p5, C3L, p3*; repeat around
Row 8: *p6, k3, p9, k1, p3*; repeat around
Row 9:  *p4, C5R, p9, C3L, p1*; repeat around
Row 10:  *p4, k3, p13, k1, p1*; repeat around
Row 11:   k1, *p1, C5R, p13, C3L*; repeat around, using first stitch from NEXT round to complete pattern row
Row 12:  *(k1), p7, k3, p7, k3, p1*; repeat around
** Remember, the FIRST k1 of Row 12 is already completed from previous round, **
Repeat Rows 3-12 as needed.  One repeat shown here for 6 weight yarn.

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!

 

 

 This pattern is worked over 22 stitches.

To knit this hat using 5-weight yarn and size 10 needles, cast on 66 stitches and work pattern as written.  You might want to make the brim a little longer or purl a few more rows for the crown decrease.

To knit using 4 weight yarn and size 7 needles, cast on 88 stitches and work pattern as written.  You could probably repeat the pattern two times for a total of three here.  Or you might want to make the brim a little longer or purl a few more rows for the crown decrease.

To knit using 3 weight yarn and size 5 needles, cast on 110 stitches and work pattern for at least 3 to 4 repeats.  You might also want to make the brim a little longer or purl a few more rows for the crown decrease.