It has been months since we have posted. I was sick for about a month, then my mom fell and broke her hip. Things were just about getting back to normal when Schnapps became extremely ill. He collapsed and was rushed to the vet, who thankfully saved his life. They diagnosed a serious heart condition and we have to watch Schnapps closely and pamper him extra and give him tons of love.
Schnapps 13th birthday was Friday, April 21. He took ill on Sunday and the emergency vet incorrectly said that he was stable and fine. He collapsed again during the night and we rushed him to our vet on Monday. He stayed there all day, getting IV fluids and medication and having tests done. So far, he is responding to his new medication and doing well. He is tired and needs lots of rest and we will not leave him alone anywhere. He means the world to us and he deserves the best care we can give him. Please send some hugs, hope and love his way.
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| Schnapps celebrating his 13th birthday! |
While we have been snuggling and resting, he has directed a hat pattern to me. I named it Gratitude because I am so thankful that he is here with me. This was knit in Cotton Ease, using size 8 needles, but he gave me the instructions for all yarn weights, because he is wonderful. We hope you enjoy the pattern and that you make some to give to those in need.
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!
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| Schnapps resting comfortably this week. GRATITUDE |
You will need 4-weight yarn and size US 8 circular needles or some other combination listed below.
Abbreviations:
s2wyib: slip 2 stitches purlwise, holding yarn in back
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
Cast on 72 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.
Work Brim:
Row 1: *k3, p3*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 2 inches in length.
Work Body:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 2.5 - 3 inches in length.
Work Pattern:
Row 1 & 7: knit all stitches
Rows 2,4,6: *sl2wyib, p4*; repeat around
Rows 3,5: *sl2 wyib, k4*; repeat around
Rows 8, 10, 12: *p3. sl2wyib, p1*; repeat around
Rows 9 & 11: *k3, sl2 wyib, k1*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 12 until piece is about 6.5 inches in length.
Work Crown:
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: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *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 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48.
If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 66.
If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 102 stitches.
The pattern is worked over 6 stitches.
