Knitting with Schnapps: 2018

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Introducing Colors of the Season!

It's almost Christmas and there are so many things to get done! But, chemo caps are still in huge demand and so I keep on knitting them! Thank goodness I have lots of help and we have already passed the 4,000 hat mark for this year!

Since everyone liked this hat and several people asked for the pattern, I'm adding it here rather than putting it only in the next book. There are two variations included.

Merry Christmas to all! Enjoy it and please, make one to donate to someone in need.

Variation 1

Variation 2

This was knit using LionBrand Hometown USA, but of course, directions include all yarn weights too. This pattern is a great stash buster too! Change the color scheme however you like. Use 2 colors, use 5 colors - there are almost endless possibilities. Match colors to the weather and knit one for every season! We'd love to see what you choose to knit this pattern.

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon. They can be purchased here.

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!

Our Etsy store is back up also, with a limited number of items and our digital books.

Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too and see all the gorgeous handmade blankets that are going to help children in crisis throughout our area. We welcome everyone to join us. Stop by and say hello.

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

If you want to donate to Delaware Head Huggers, you can use the donate button on the right hand side of the page. Every dollar truly does help us get hats out to those who need them most.

Colors of the Season

Knit using 4 colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 needles or another combination listed below.

VERSION 1: In the model Color A is white, Color B is green, Color C is black and Color D is gray.

Abbreviations:

S1: slip next stitch with yarn held in back

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: *k1, p1*; repeat around

Repeat Row 1 until your work measures 1.5 to 2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Foundation Row Using Color A: knit all

Work Body of Hat

Using Color B:

Row 1: *s1, k1*; repeat around

Row 2: *s1, p1*; repeat around

Row 3: knit all stitches

Row 4: purl all stitches

Switch to Color C:

Row 5: *k1, s1*; repeat around

Row 6: *p1, s1*; repeat around

Row 7: knit all stitches

Row 8: purl all stitches

Switch to Color D: Work Rows 1-4

Switch to Color A: Work Rows 5-8

Continue working pattern, switching colors on Rows 1 and 5 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length. End with a Row 3 or 7.

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

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.

VERSION 2: In the model Color A is gray, Color B is green, Color C is maroon and Color D is gray.

Abbreviations:

S1: slip next stitch with yarn held in back

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: *k1, p1*; repeat around

Repeat Row 1 until your work measures 1.5 to 2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Foundation Row Using Color B: knit all

Work Body of Hat

Using Color B:

Row 1: *s1, k1*; repeat around

Row 2: *s1, p1*; repeat around

Row 3: knit all stitches

Row 4: purl all stitches

Row 5: *k1, s1*; repeat around

Row 6: *p1, s1*; repeat around

Row 7: knit all stitches

Row 8: purl all stitches

Switch to Color C: Work Rows 1-4

Switch to Color D: Work Rows 1-4

Continue working Rows 1-4 of pattern, switching colors on Rows 1 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length. End with a Row 3.

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

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 100 stitches.

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but adjust in multiples of 4 to keep the crown decrease the same.

Feel free to use just fewer or more colors.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Introducing Corrugation!

It's the holiday season and that means chemo caps are in great demand! I know everyone is busy, but please try to make some hats to donate, either to us or to your local cancer center to help brighten someone else's holiday. Today is Giving Tuesday and I'm gifting all of you with this free pattern, so please, keep it going.

This hat is a very simple pattern that I like because it has so much texture. There are tons of color combinations possible or you could just use one color throughout. This would look great in a variegated yarn also. Of course, directions for all yarn weights are included below so you can just use your stash and make a hat! The brim is a great stash buster too.

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon. They can be purchased here.

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!

Our Etsy store is back up also, with a limited number of items and our digital books.

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

If you want to donate to Delaware Head Huggers, you can use the donate button on the right hand side of the page. Every dollar truly does help us get hats out to those who need them most.

Corrugation

Use 2 colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles.

In the model Color A is black, B is maroon.

Abbreviations:

kB1: knit next stitch through the back loop

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: *k1,p1*; repeat around

Repeat Row 1until your work measures 1.5 to 2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Work Body of Hat Using Color B:

Foundation Row: knit all stitches

Rows 1 - 6: *p3, kB1, p2*; repeat around

Row 7-12: *kB1, p5*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 through 12 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length. End with a Row 1 or a Row 7.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed

If ended on Row 1:

Row 1: *p3, kB1, p2tog*; repeat around

Row 2: *p2tog, p1, kB1, p1*; repeat around

Row 3: *p2tog, kB1, p1*; repeat around

Row 4: p1,*kB1, p2tog*; repeat to last 2 stitches, kB1, p1

Row 5: *p2tog*; repeat to last stitch, p1

If ended on Row 7:

Row 1: *kB1, p3, p2tog*; repeat around

Row 2: *kB1, p2, p2tog*; repeat around

Row 3: *kB1, p1, p2tog*; repeat around

Row 4: *kB1, p2tog*; repeat around

Row 5: *p2tog*; 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 66.

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 102 stitches.

If using lighter yarn, you might want to repeat Row 5 of the crown decrease until the top opening is small enough.

The pattern is worked over 6 stitches.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Introducing Harvesting Diamonds!

It's almost Thanksgiving! The weather is finally chilly here in Delaware and the need for hats is skyrocketing. It's hard to keep up with demand and we truly need all the hats we can get. I'm sure your local cancer centers need caps too. Please help out where you can! I know this time of year gets busy, but try to make a difference in your community in some way.

We've been taking lots of walks lately and nature keeps inspiring yarn choices and hat patterns!

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon. They can be purchased here.

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!

Our Etsy store is back up also, with a limited number of items and our digital books.

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Harvesting Diamonds

Use 2 colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles

In the model Color A is orange, B is brown.

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 and 2 until your work measures 1.5 to 2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Work Body of Hat Using Color B:

Foundation Row: knit all stitches

Row 1: *p1, k7*; repeat around

Rows 2 & 8: *k1, p1, k5, p1*; repeat around

Rows 3 & 7: *k2, p1, k3, p1, k1*; repeat around

Rows 4 & 6: *k3, p1, k1, p1, k2*; repeat around

Row 5: *k4, p1, k3*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 through 8 until piece is about 7 inches in length.

**End with a Row 1 for the top of the diamond.**

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

**If using super bulky or chunky yarn, start the crown decrease at Row 5 instead.**

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 104 stitches.

The pattern is worked over 8 stitches.

Feel free to use just 1 color.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Introducing Checkered Hues!

Chemo caps are needed desperately.....everywhere! So is kindness. I was going to keep this pattern for the next book that I am working on, but there is so much sadness and violence and hate in the world that I wanted to do my part to spread some love. Please take some time to spread this message - we need to set an example for others. We need to stop blaming others and start stepping up and doing good things. If you use this hat pattern, be sure to donate at least one hat to a cancer center, homeless shelter or hospital. If we all do something, we can make things better.

Check out our 12 Weeks of Christmas, featuring free patterns to help get you ready for the holidays!

This hat was knit using KnitPicks Brava Bulky, but there are instructions for all yarn weights listed below too. It's a great stash buster and just imagine all the possible color combinations..........experiment and enjoy!

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon. They can be purchased here.

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!

Our Etsy store is back up also, with a limited number of items and our digital books.

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Checkerboard Hues

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

In the model Color A is brown, B is orange and C is cream.

Abbreviations:

sl: slip one stitch purl wise with yarn held in back

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 64 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 2 - 2.5 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Work Body of Hat:

Row 1 - Color A: knit all stitches

Rows 2 & 3 - Color B: *k2, sl2*; repeat around

Row 4 - Color A: knit all stitches

Rows 2 & 3 - Color C: *sl2, k2*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 6 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed: Using Color A

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. You can start the crown decrease with Row 5 if you prefer.

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 4 stitches, but use a multiple of 8 to keep the crown decrease the same.

Experiment and enjoy!

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

The Twelve Weeks of Christmas 2018!

Yes, we're a week late with this, but we started it on our Facebook page and I figured it might be good to post here as well. I'm working on a new book, that will have detailed instructions for knitting a hat using any yarn you have in your stash! Join the discussion about what should be included on Facebook too!

I'll update this page weekly with a new PDF and a link to the original blog post. Remember to keep making chemo caps and blankets as you work on your holiday knitting too! Please share this photo with people you know. The need for chemo caps is huge! If we all help, we can really make a difference.

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon. They can be purchased here.

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!

Our Etsy store is back up also, with a limited number of items and our digital books.

Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too and see all the gorgeous handmade blankets that are going to help children in crisis throughout our area.

We welcome everyone to join us. Stop by and say hello.

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

The Twelve Weeks of Christmas 2018!

Week One

Wine Bottle Sleeve