Schnapps

Schnapps
Our mascot - ALWAYS!

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Schnapps-isms: Wise Words & Knitting Patterns

Schnapps was a very wise, kind and talented boy.  His last 5 hat patterns have been put into a book that includes several pages of photos and 'Schnapps-isms'.  He taught us so much in the short time he was here and we will always strive to match his happiness, bravery, generosity and creativity.

No one could ever replace Schnapps and he will ALWAYS be our mascot and design inspiration.  He will live on in the hearts of all of us and I've been told that his legacy will inspire generations to come.  We all must keep making a difference, with hugs, hope and love.

An early reviewer said: 

"Robin Agar-Celli and her beloved Schnapps have brought together the essence of excellence in day to day living and lovingly designed knitted hats. The wonderful photos in this Kindle version bring back warm memories of a special canine buddy and highlight the inspirational philosophy of Robin Agar-Celli and the Delaware Head Huggers. The hat patterns are clearly written with an attractive presentation. Directions for multiple yarn weights add versatility to each pattern. This is a very nice addition to my library."


Each pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights.





The book is called "Schnapps-isms:  Wise Words and Knitting Patterns and it is available as a paperback or a Kindle e-book from Amazon.  It can be purchased here.  Other pattern books are available there as well.

Since not everyone may want to have all the photos, we have also put the e-book, with patterns only in our Ravelry store.  It can be found here.  Schnapps-isms is also available, patterns only in our Craftsy store, found here.

The patterns included are:

Legacy



A-Maze


Space Invaders


Jacks


Love Swirls




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  me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Monday, July 9, 2018

Legacy

We lost our beloved Schnapps on June 21, 2018.  Our hearts are broken.  We are just so very sad and hurting so much right now.  He was the absolute best and he brought out the best in everyone else too.  I'm not quite sure how we will navigate through our days without him.......it's incredibly difficult and full of tears.  We are trying to hold onto our happy memories......because Schnapps was the happiest boy ever and he brought us so much joy, every single day. 




I'm truly not sure where Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids will go from here.  Schnapps was the inspiration, creative force and love behind all that.  Right now, I am continuing.  That might change in the future.  I am truly lost without my boy.  

This was the last hat that we knit together.......honestly I am finding it difficult to pick up my knitting at all without him sitting by my side.  I know that he would want me to share this pattern though.  We were working on another book to publish..........but I wanted to put this one here for everyone.  I will add it to a book if that happens in the future.


This was knit using KnitPicks Comfy Sport yarn and size 4 needles.  Instructions for other variations are, of course, included too.  

Remember,  we have three books published on Amazon in paperback and Kindle versions.  Paperbacks are printed in full color on 8.5 x 11 paper and will be delivered right to your door.  These could be good gift ideas for knitters you love.

Just go to Amazon.com and search "Knitting with Schnapps" or "Agar-Celli" to find them, or click here.  Sales of course go towards helping us cover shipping and supply costs for shipping hats out across the country.  

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 me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too.  Please understand that things are not running as quickly or as smoothly as they did.



Legacy

You will need 2 colors of 2-weight yarn and size US 4 needles, or some other combination listed below.  

Abbreviations:

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color B, cast on 120 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 about 3 inches, or longer if you prefer, in length.  

Work Pattern:  all stitches are knit stitches.  The numbers and letter refer to color:

Row 1:   *2A, 3B, 2A, 1B*; repeat around
Row 2:  *1A, 1B, 4A, 1B, 1A*; repeat around 
Row 3:  *1B, 2A, 3B, 2A*; repeat around 
Row 4:   *2A, 1B, 4A, 1B*; repeat around 
Row 5:   *2A, 1B, 4A, 1B*; repeat around
Row 6:   *1B, 2A, 3B, 2A*; repeat around 
Row 7:   *1A, 1B, 4A, 1B, 1A*; repeat around 
Row 8:   *2A, 3B, 2A, 1B*; repeat around 
Row 9:   *1B, 4A, 1B, 2A*; repeat around 
Row 10:  *1B, 4A, 1B, 2A*; repeat around 

Repeat Rows 1 -10 until piece is about 7 to 7.5  inches in length.

Work Crown:  Using Color A use dpn’s when needed 
Row 1:    knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 7.5 to 8 inches in length.

Work Crown Decrease: 

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

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 72 
  
If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 96.   

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 6 needles and cast on 112.  

This  pattern is worked over 8 stitches.  Adjust accordingly for size differences.