Introducing Balance Beam!

It's finally September!  Hats are shipping out every week so patients are supplied when the weather turns colder.  We are in the midst of a heat wave right now, but Schnapps is planning ahead and working on warm, toasty hats.  He had a plan in mind when he started this hat and then realized that he miscalculated..........so he changed it up and ended with this.  It's made with Lion Brand Hometown USA, well less than one skein.  Info for other yarn weights is included also.

And don't forget about Operation Bottle Beanies!  We are collecting tiny hats that will be placed on jars and bottles at Fifer's Farm Store in the Fall. From olive oil bottles up to quart size mason jars and all sizes in between! These hats will be sold and 100% of that money will be donated to keep people in Delaware warm this winter.  Yes, it is just for Delaware right now, but Schnapps and I are dreaming big.......we hope that someday it reaches well beyond our tiny state.  

We need LOTS of tiny hats!  We need themed hats for Fall and Winter such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and more.  We need farm themed hats like bee hives, pumpkins, apples, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.  We need adorable hats of any theme or type!  Sizes vary since there are many different items sold in the store; apple butter, local honey,  jams, oils, pickles and so many other yummy things.  Please help us with this special project that is very important to Schnapps and me.

 

Hats can be sent directly to:

DEHH

202 Acorn Forest Drive

Felton, DE 19943

 

 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!

 

Balance Beam

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

Abbreviations:
ktbl:  knit through the back loop
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

Using Color A:  Cast on 49 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Color A
Row 1:  *p5, k2tbl*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 for  4.5 to 5 inches

Work Crown:  Color B
Row 1:  knit all stitches

Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 6.5 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 may find themselves performing a balancing act these days and could use some love!

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 70. 

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 91. 

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 105 stitches. 

For a child’s hat, use 4 weight yarn, size 7 needles and cast on 70 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 7.

The pattern is worked over 7 stitches.