Schnapps

Schnapps
Our mascot - ALWAYS!

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Introducing Springtime Stripes! Stash Buster Extraordinaire!

Pollen, warm weather and wind are here in Delaware these days.  Schnapps has been busy gardening and cleaning and shipping out hats.  He managed to knit this hat in between working on other things though and thinks it's a great way to use up some left over yarn.  He designed this using just three shades, but you could easily swap out every stripe for a different color.  Imagine all the different color combinations that are possible!  We hope you enjoy the pattern and have fun personalizing it with your color choices.

This was knit using Knit Picks Comfy sport yarn, a wonderfully cool and soft cotton blend yarn that is perfect for the warmer weather.  Instructions are included for all yarn weights too so you really can use up your stash.





  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 a happy boy!


Springtime Stripes
You will need about 120 yards of sport weight yarn and size US 6 circular needles or some combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
S1wyif:  slip one stitch purl-wise, holding yarn in front, as if to purl

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 92 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 1.5 inches long

Work Pattern: 
Using Color B: 
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  purl all stitches

Using Color C:
Rows 3 & 5:  knit all
Row 4:  *p1, s1wyif*; repeat around
Row 6:   *s1wyif, p1; repeat around

Using Color B
Row 7:  knit all stitches
Row 8:  purl all stitches
Using Color A:
Rows  9 & 11:  knit all
Row 10:  *p1, s1wyif*; repeat around
Row 12:   *s1wyif, p1; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 12 throughout until piece is 6 to 6.5 inches long.  End with a Row 8.


Work Crown Using Just Color A:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 7 to 7.5 inches long.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2:   knit all stitches
Row 3:  *k1, k2tog; repeat around
Row 4:   knit all stitches
Row 5:  *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6:   knit all stitches
Row 7:  *k2tog*; repeat around, end with k1

Finish: Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure.  Weave in ends and think about other color combinations!

To use 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48 stitches. 

To use 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 64 stitches.

To use 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 80 stitches. 

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 to keep the brim and crown decrease the same. 

 

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Introducing Dandelion Twist! Schnapps' 225th pattern!

Well, Spring has sprung, but we are still having snow flurries and very cold temperatures here in Delaware, so it's been a good time to snuggle up and knit some hats.  This is Schnapps latest and he had been sitting out on the lawn, admiring the dandelions when he was inspired.  Thanks to Pat for suggesting to top it in the off white color to make it more dandelion-like.  



This would also look great in just 2 colors or in the solid color of your choice.  Have fun with color and play around with different combinations.  Neutrals will give it a completely different look while school colors or sport team colors would also be great.  Instructions are included for all yarn weights, so this could easily be made for every season.

All new patterns!

PDF's included!

Remember that Nature's Inspirations e-book is now for sale.  Please purchase some patterns to help support Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids.  There have been hundreds of thousands of downloads of our free patterns, which is wonderful!  Hopefully many are being made for those who need them.  Shipping costs are high and every dollar donated goes directly towards covering shipping and supply costs.  We put together e-books on occasion so that you can help out while still getting something for your money.

There are six never before published original patterns and nine Knitting with Schnapps patterns that are included in PDF form for free.  All patterns include instructions for different yarn weights and how to adjust for size.
The e-book is just $10, which we think is a good deal.   You can purchase it from the link on the right or from our Craftsy and Ravelry stores.  Check out our other e-books as well.  We have several!

  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 thanks everyone who supports and helps us!

Dandelion Twist
 
Use 3 colors of 5-weight yarn and size US 10.5 circular needles.

 Abbreviations:
ktbl:  knit through the back loop
C2B:  knit second stitch through the back loop, but don’t drop, then knit first stitch and drop both at the same time
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 60 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color A
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Row 2:   purl all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your work measures about  2 inches in length. 

Work Body of Hat Still Using Color A:
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1  until piece is about 3 inches in length.

Work Pattern of Hat Using Color B: 
Rows 1, 2, 5 & 6:  ktbl all stitches
Row 3:   *C2B, P2*; repeat around
Row 4:   *K2, P2*; repeat around

Row 7:    *P2, C2B*; repeat around
Row 8:    *P2, K2*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1-8 until your work measures about 6.0 to 6.5 inches in length.

Work Top of Hat Using Color C:
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1  until piece is about 7.5 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
Row 4:   * k2tog*; repeat around, ending with a k1

Finish: Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure.  Weave in ends and share.

 If using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 80.

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 100 stitches. 

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches.