Introducing Whirls of Hope!

It's the very end of 2015.  Schnapps wanted to end the year with a hat pattern for everyone.  He actually created 2 new hats this weekend...his little paws were busy.  He has many plans for lots of new patterns in the new year too. 

Whirls of Hope is free here and Twisted Joy is for sale in our Craftsy and Ravelry stores.  Both are knit with super bulky yarn, but have instructions for other yarn weights too.  

Whirls of Hope

Twisted Joy

Thank you to all who have supported and helped us this past year.  Each and every hat, blanket, bottle beanie, dollar donated and kind word truly is appreciated and truly makes a difference.  

We wanted to share some interesting facts with you as the year comes to a close.  We are hoping that 2016 brings happiness, health and kindness to everyone and that it allows us to help more people than ever before.   Join us as we try to make the world a little bit better.

Did you know?

2016 will mark the 7th year that Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids have been in existence.  Let’s all work together to make it the best year yet!

2015 was the year we collected the most blankets so far, with 399 coming in.  Can we pass 400 next year?

2010, our first year, still holds the record for chemo caps with 3,520.  In 2015, we received 3,424 chemo caps, but we also participated in tiny preemie items for Bayhealth and in Operation Bottle Beanies.  Let’s break all records in 2016!

Operation Bottle Beanies raised $480 in its first year so far.  We will be doing this again next year too.

If you want to help Delaware Head Huggers with shipping and supply costs, you can do so directly via PayPal to robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

 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 had a great Christmas!

Whirls of Hope

You will need about 70 yards of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 needles or some combination listed below.

 Abbreviations:

C2F: knit the second stitch, without dropping the first stitch, then knit the first and drop both from the left hand needle.

C2B: knit the second stitch through the back loop, without dropping the first stitch, then knit the first and drop both from the left hand needle.

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

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  for about 2  inches.

Work Pattern:

Row 1 : *C2F, C2B, k4*; repeat around
Rows 2, 4, 6 & 8:  knit all stitches
Row 3:   *C2B, C2F, k4*; repeat around
Row 5:   *k4, C2F, C2B*; repeat around
Row 7:   *k4, C2B, C2F*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece measures 7.5 to 8  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
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.

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 72.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 88.

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 112 stitches.

The pattern is worked over 8 stitches.