Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Introducing Pilasters!

Schnapps wanted to be sure to share one last pattern for 2016 with everyone.  It's hard to believe that there are only a few more days until we ring in 2017.  The years seem to go by more quickly all the time.   We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and we wish for nothing but great things for you in 2017!

Schnapps and I were disappointed this month......Lion Brand Yarn had contacted us in August and told us that they were doing a huge "Yarn Heroes Campaign" and they wanted to feature us in part of it.  Apparently, a person who worked for Lion Brand had been following this blog and had seen all the patterns that Schnapps shares.  They said that they were supporting several charity crafters and were looking to be partners by donating yarn on a regular basis and showcasing our work.  There followed months of answering questions and giving information......then a box of yarn was delivered to help us create more hats.......it was suggested that Schnapps get a "yarn hero" cape.....and then nothing happened. 
I like my cape!

I'm a Yarn Hero, no matter what!
It turns out that Lion Brand changed their minds and massively scaled back the Yarn Hero Campaign, leaving it with just professional bloggers sharing a pattern that can be used for charity crafting.  All the actual charity crafters were not going to be featured and the promise of yarn for the foreseeable future changed to a statement that we should submit an application if we want free yarn.  The original person who contacted us is no longer at Lion Brand.  It's disappointing for us to realize how close a major company was to really making a large difference in the charity crafting world, but not really surprising.  There are so many of you who do so much............but we do it to help others, not for recognition from companies.  

So, Schnapps is busy using the yarn that was originally sent and we are back to purchasing yarn when it's on sale to keep our charity work going.  Pilasters is his latest pattern and it's super simple and fast to knit. 


 Scrimmage Stitches is now for sale as well!  This e-book is a compilation of 15 hat patterns designed for Delaware Head Huggers. Along with 3 never before published patterns, there are 12 patterns found on the blog, Knitting with Schnapps. Patterns vary in complexity, so there is something for everyone. All patterns include information for knitting them in super-bulky, chunky, worsted and sport weight yarn. 100% of all sales go into supporting Delaware Head Huggers and helping to pay for shipping and supply costs.   The book can be purchased at our Ravelry and Craftsy stores or by using the link on the right hand side of this page.

Scrimmage Stitches patterns!
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!
 
  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org


 Pilasters

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

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 48 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
You are going to purl 3 stitches together, then without dropping them, knit the same 3 stitches together and purl the same 3 stitches together again.  After the second p3tog, you drop the stitches from the LH needle.

Row 1:  * (p3tog, k3tog, p3tog) in the same 3 stitches, k1*
Row 2:   knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 - 2  until piece is about 4.5 to 5 inches in length.  Feel free to adapt the length as you like, making it longer or shorter.
Work Hat:
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until the hat 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
Repeat Row 4 if desired if you use a thinner yarn.

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

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. 

Friday, December 16, 2016

Scrimmage Stitches!

Schnapps has put together the latest Football Sunday e-book. These hats were all made to be knit in a short amount of time - you've got plenty of time to whip up a couple before Christmas! 

Trying to keep up with the high demand for chemo caps means we look for cute, stylish patterns that work up quickly.   These patterns are all fairly simple, but interesting enough to keep you from getting bored.

 This e-book is a compilation of 15 hat patterns designed for Delaware Head Huggers. Along with 3 never before published patterns, there are 12 patterns found on the blog, Knitting with Schnapps. Patterns vary in complexity, so there is something for everyone. All patterns include information for knitting them in super-bulky, chunky, worsted and sport weight yarn. 100% of all sales go into supporting Delaware Head Huggers and helping to pay for shipping and supply costs. Delaware Head Huggers makes, collects and donates chemo caps to people throughout the USA undergoing cancer treatment. More info can be found at www.delawareheadhuggers.org




Here are the never before published patterns!
Illumination

Triple Ripples

Ribbed Tweed

The other patterns in this book are:

Love Under Wraps

Amethyst Array

Dandelion Twist

Pebbles on the Path

Ribbons and Bows

Pumpkin Spice

Licorice Twist

Twinkling

Urban Night

Tranquil Waves

Ribbon Candy

Zephyrean


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!
 
  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org

Monday, December 12, 2016

Introducing Amethyst Array!

Schnapps has been powering his little paws through lots of yarn!  He has been busy helping me get ready for Christmas also.  We've shipped out so many hats lately, but there is still such a need for more..........so, he grabs some yarn and whips up hats whenever he gets a chance to rest!  

This is a very busy time of year for many, but please try to take some time to do something for someone else.  And make sure, if you are using our patterns, that you make at least a couple of hats to donate to those in need.

This hat is knit using Lion Brand Hometown USA, but instructions are included for other yarn weights as well.  Various color combinations would work well as would just a single color. 


Schnapps also designed two other hats this weekend.  These patterns will be shared later......and all the PDF's will be shared in a fund raising e-book.





Schnapps in his new sweater that was made with Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn!
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!
 
  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org
 
Amethyst Array

You will need 2 different colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below. 
Abbreviations:
s1:  slip one stitch, holding yarn at back of work
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 48 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color A
Row 1:   *k2, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until your work measures 1.5 to  2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.  The brim can be folded over as above or left longer as on the next page.

Work Body of Hat:
Color A:  knit one row
Switch to Color B
Row 1:   *s1, k1*; repeat around
Row 2:   *s1, p1*; repeat
Row 3:   *k1, s1*; repeat around
Row 4:   *p1, s1*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 -4 until piece is about 6 to 6.5 inches in length.  End on a Row 2 or 4 and then knit one row still using Color B.

Work Crown:
Switch back to Color A
Row 1:    knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7 inches in length.

Crown Decrease:  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 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 share.

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 64. 

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 88. 

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 104 stitches.  

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches,  but the crown decrease is worked over 8 stitches. 

Feel free to use just 1 color. 

Experiment and enjoy!

 
 

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Introducing Tranquil Waves

Happy Giving Tuesday!  Schnapps insisted that we get this up today as a gift to everyone.  Please use this pattern to make a difference for someone.  And for your own enjoyment, of course!

This hat was knit using 3 colors of Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn, but instructions are below for other yarn weights as well.  Schnapps took 3 new skeins of yarn and created 3 hats using the same color combinations.  This pattern would be great for using up your yarn stash too.........and you could always use more colors than just three - play around with different combinations and see what results.

I think this pattern is a great unisex pattern.......and remember, many men undergo chemotherapy and get cold heads too.  Hats are shipping out again this week and more are needed always.  Help our your local cancer center if you can and drop off a few hats you make this holiday season.


Here are the other 2 hats Schnapps made with the remainder of these 3 skeins:



If you are have not purchased any patterns or any fundraiser items recently, please consider making a donation using the link on right side of this page to help us pay for postage and supply costs.   We are getting ready to ship out LOTS of hats to cancer centers for the Fall.  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org

Kisses to everyone!

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!
 
  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org
Tranquil Waves
You will need 3 different colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below. 
Abbreviations:
swyib:  slip stitches with yarn held in back of work
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 48 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 & 2 until your work measures about 1.5 to 2 inches in length, ending with a Row 1.

Work Body of Hat:

Switch to Color B

Row 1:  *s3wyib, k1*; repeat around
Row 2:  *k1, s1wyib, k2*; repeat around
Rows 3 & 4:  knit all stitches

Switch to Color C and work Rows 1-4 again

Switch to Color A and work Rows 1-4 again

Continue changing colors and working Rows 1-4 until your work measures about 6.5 to 7 inches in length, ending with a Row 4.  End on a repeat using Color A for continuity or any color for a different look.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed.  Use last color used for body of hat.


Row 1:     knit all stitches
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 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 share.


If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 64. 

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 88. 

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 104 stitches.  

Use 2 strands of 4- or 5-weight yarn or 3 strands of 3-weight yarn held together as one strand and work pattern as written if you want to use other yarn weights and have the hat look like the model

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches, but the crown decrease is worked over 8.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Introducing Ribbon Candy!

The wonderful people at Lion Brand Yarn sent us some Hometown USA to make more chemo caps with and Schnapps picked out 2 skeins and sat down last football Sunday to make a hat.  Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, we wanted to make sure we shared this pattern now, so you can knit one or two or three up over the long holiday weekend.  Be sure to donate one to brighten someone's day!



Ribbon Candy is eye catching in these bright colors, but I think it would look equally as nice in more muted tones too.  Experiment with colors and see what you come up with.  Send us some pictures of your creations please.  You could even make the brim a completely different color and add even more contrast.

As always, we have included instructions for other yarn weights.  I think all yarn weights could work equally as well for this pattern.........although giving extremely different looks.

The always cheerful hat designer!

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!
 
  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org

Ribbon Candy



 You will need 2 different colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color B, cast on 48 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color B
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  purl all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until your work measures 2 to 2.5 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Work Body of Hat:
Rows 1, 2, 5, 6, 9& 10:  Color A:  knit all
Row 3:   Color B:  *k3, slip 1 purlwise with yarn at back)*; repeat around
Row 4:  Color B:   *p3, slip 1 knitwise with yarn at back*; repeat around
Row 7:  Color B:   *k1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn at back, k2*; repeat around
Row 8:  Color B:   *p1, , slip 1 knitwise with yarn at back, p2*; repeat around
Rows 3 and 10  if desired until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed Using Color A
Row 1:    knit all stitches
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 8:   *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 share.


 If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 60.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 88.  

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


Use 2 strands of 4- or 5-weight yarn or 3 strands of 3-weight yarn held together as one strand and work pattern as written if you want to use other yarn weights and have the hat look like the model

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches.

  

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

One Day! Two Skeins! Two Hats! Introducing Zephyrean & Twinkling!

It's November already!  We're not sure how that happened exactly, but now we are right in the midst of prime chemo cap season.  So, Schnapps has been busy knitting and designing.  Recently, we picked up some of our favorite Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn in a few different colors.  Schnapps chose 2 to work with this Football Sunday and these 2 hats were created.  We even have some yarn left over to use for a stripe or some trim on other hats!  Thank you AGAIN Lani for the name ideas!

We love working with super bulky, 6-weight yarn, but we have included instructions for other yarn weights as well, so you can put your stash to good use this year.  And remember, you can always hold 2 strands of thinner yarn together as one and work the pattern as written.  There are tons of color possibilities here.........experiment and have fun with it.  Be creative, but remember to be kind and donate at least one to your local cancer center, homeless shelter, VA hospital or send it to us and we will get it to someone who needs it.

Both patterns are on this page.......keep scrolling down to get all the details!


Zephyrean
Twinkling  






























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!
 
  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org
 
Schnapps does his best thinking in the fresh air! 
 
Zephyrean
You will need 2 different colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below.
 
Abbreviations:
S1:  slip one stitch, as if to purl, but with yarn to back of work
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 48 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 1.5 to  2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Work Body of Hat Still Using Color A:
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 3 to 3.5 inches in length.

Work Contrasting Band of Hat Using Color B:
Row 1:  *S1, k1, pass slipped stitch over the knit stitch, but instead of dropping it, knit into the back of the stitch*
Row 2:   *k2tog, then, without dropping stitches, knit into the first stitch again*
Repeat Rows 1 & 2  until piece is about 5 to 5.5 inches in length.

Work Body of Hat Still Using Color A:
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 6 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 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 share.
 
 
If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 64. 

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 88. 

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 104 stitches.  

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches. 

Feel free to use just 1 color or make the brim using Color B instead of Color A or use 3 colors and make the brim a different color.  


Twinkling
You will need 2 different colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below.
Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 48 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color A
Row 1: *k2, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until your work measures about 2 to 2.5 inches in length.

Begin Body of Hat Still Using Color A
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until your work measures about 3 inches in length

Work Body of Hat Using Colors A & B:
All stitches are knit stitches.  Letters refer to which color to use.

Rows 1 & 5 & 9:  *3A, 1B, 3A, 1B, 3A, 1B*; repeat around
Rows 2 & 8:   *2A, 1B, 1A, 1B, 3A, 1B, 1A, 1B, 1A*; repeat around
Rows 3 & 7:   *1A, 2B, 1A, 2B, 3A, 1B, 2A*; repeat around
Rows 4 & 6:   *3B, 1A, 3B, 1A, 1B, 1A, 1B, 1A*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 9  until piece is about 6 inches in length. 

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed Using Color A
Row 1:    knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length, then work rest of crown decrease

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 share.
 

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 60. 

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 84. 

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 96 stitches.  

The pattern is worked over 12 stitches. 

Use a different color for the brim if you like to add even more contrast!

Monday, October 17, 2016

Introducing Urban Night!

Schnapps latest hat is ready to be shared with everyone.  He's been busy making bottle beanies and scarves for Code Purple and taking care of shipping out LOTS of hats!  Seven giant boxes of hats shipped out in the past couple of weeks and a few huge bags of hats were dropped off also.  There is still a huge need for more though, so keep them coming to us or to your local cancer centers!
 
 

Thank you Lani for the name again......we would put you on the payroll as official hat namer, but we don't get paid, so we don't have a payroll.  You are greatly appreciated though!

This was knit using our favorite Hometown USA, but as always, there are instructions for different yarn weights listed below.  There are a ton of color possibilities for this pattern......that would suit men and women.  It's a great way for using up the leftover yarn from making other hats for us.....and we're pretty sure you have some left over yarn too.  Have fun and experiment with different colors.  Send us some photos of your choices so we can see all the creativity out there!  

Come on everyone!  Help 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!

If you are have not purchased any patterns or any fundraiser items recently, please consider making a donation using the link on right side of this page to help us pay for postage and supply costs.   We are getting ready to ship out LOTS of hats to cancer centers for the Fall.  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org
 
 
Urban Night

You will need 3 different colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 48 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 & 2 until your work measures about 1.5 to 2 inches in length.

Work Body of Hat Still Using Color A
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until your work measures about 3 to 3.5 inches in length

Work Body of Hat Using Colors B & C:
All stitches are knit stitches.  Letters refer to which color to use.

Row 1:  *3B, 3C*; repeat around
Rows 2 & 4:   *1C, 1B, 2C, 1B, 1C*; repeat around
Row 3:   *3C, 3B*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4  until piece is about 6 to 6.5 inches in length. 

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed Using Color A
Row 1:    knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length, then work rest of crown decrease

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 share.


 If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 60.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 84. 

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 96 stitches.  

Use 2 strands of 4- or 5-weight yarn or 3 strands of 3-weight yarn held together as one strand and work pattern as written if you want to use other yarn weights and have the hat look like the model

The pattern is worked over 6 stitches.  
 

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Second Annual Operation Bottle Beanies Kick Off!

Saturday, September 24 is the official kick off of the second annual Operation Bottle Beanies.  We will be at Fifer Orchards in Camden-Wyoming, Delaware for the first Saturday of Fall Fest.  Delaware Head Huggers will have a table where we will be selling bottle beanies and other handmade items, with a full 100% of the price being donated to Code Purple, a non-profit that works to operate shelters in Delaware when the temperatures drop below freezing.

This is such an easy way to help - stop by and purchase something!  That's all you have to do.  
If you live too far away to stop by, help out by making and donating some bottle beanies for others to purchase.  Fifer's will be selling bottle beanies from now until Christmas!

  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!



Check out these adorable bottle beanies that were donated by Kathy, all the way from California!

 Here are a few that Schnapps made this week too!



We're going to share simple instructions on how we made these, but let your imagination run wild!  Creativity is key with these - the cuter, the better! 

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.  
This is a great way to use up that scrap yarn! All yarn types are welcome.
 
 
To make a dog, make the basic bottle beanie pattern below, then embroider a nose and mouth, add some eyes and knit 2 ears. 
Ears:

Cast on 2 stitches
Row 1:  knit all
Row 2:  knit into the front and back of each stitch (4 stitches)
Row 3:  knit all
Repeat Row 3 until the ear is the length you wish
Then K2 together across the row (back to 2 stitches)
Cast off
Make a second ear to match and attach to the beanie


To make a monster, make the basic bottle beanie pattern below, then add an eyeball and an embroidered mouth!

Eyeball:  Cast on 2 stitches
Row 1:  knit all
Row 2:  purl all
Row 3:  knit into the front and back of each stitch (4 stitches)
Row 4:  purl all
Row 5:  knit all
Row 6:  purl all
Row 7:  K2 together across the row (back to 2 stitches
Row 8:  purl all
Row 9:  cast off

Stuff and seam together.....add some black yarn for a pupil and stitch it to your beanie.

Candy Corn:
Using yellow, 6 weight yarn, cast on 16 on size 13 dpns
Knit every row for an inch or two, then switch to orange yarn
Knit one row, then k3, k2tog for one row, then knit every row for another inch, then switch to white yarn
Knit one row,  then k2, k2tog for one row, then knit every row for about an inch, then k2tog for a row.  Leave a 6 inch tail, draw it through the stitches left on the needles, cinch and you're done!

Owl:

Using brown, 5-weight yarn, cast on 16 stitches on size 10.5 dpns and join in the round
Row 1:  knit all
Row 2:  purl all
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your owl is the length you want.  Cast off, seam the top, add some fringe at the corner, embroider a beak and glue on some eyes!

Basic Bottle Beanie:

Using 6 weight yarn and size 13 dpns, cast on 18 stitches, join in the round.
Knit every row until you reach your desired length
Decrease as follows:  k4, k2tog for one row; k3, k2tog for one row; k2, k2tog for one row; k1, k2tog for one row; k2tog for one row
Leave a tail and draw it through the remaining stitches, cinch and secure.


To use different yarn weights, you can either stick with the pattern and just make a smaller bottle beanie or you can adjust to casting on 24 stitches on size 10 dpns for 5 weight yarn and casting on 36 on size 7 dpns for 3 or 4 weight yarn.
 
Have fun and be creative!!!!!!!