Happy 2022! Start off the year with Tessellation!

 The last 2 years have been difficult for everyone, so I wanted to start 2022 off on a good note with a brand new hat pattern - Tessellation!  I hope that 2022 will be inspiring for all of us and that I'll have several new patterns to share with everyone.  

This is a fun pattern to knit!  You only use one color at a time, so it's very simple.  A great stash buster, this pattern can be customized for any color palette.  The PDF includes information for all yarn weights, so you really can just grab some yarn from your stash and get knitting!  

Please consider supporting our mission of making a difference one hat at a time in 2022!  

To date, Delaware Head Huggers has made and distributed 38,338 chemo caps and counting.  Every week more hats come in and ship out to those in need of them.  Covid slowed us down, but didn't stop us.  Last year, even without being able to operate for a large portion of the year, we got 1,768 chemo caps onto heads that were cold.  I've got a goal of 5,000 for 2022.  We almost did that the year right before Covid, so I'm thinking we can definitely manage that now.

On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  All donations are used to help with shipping and supply costs.  Supplies include bags and tags for each individual hat as well as shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink, paper, etc. 

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns and an immediate link to purchase my latest pattern book.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback,  can be purchased on Amazon as well.

I also sell patterns and nature notecards and calendars and DEHH stickers in my Etsy store. All proceeds from those sales go right back into running DEHH.  

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  

Tessellation PDF

Spread the Word and Support Delaware Head Huggers!

 The cooler weather has arrived and it's prime chemo cap season!  Delaware Head Huggers and cancer centers across the globe are in need of chemo caps.  There are so many ways you can help and so many people have asked me what they can do to support our mission that I thought I'd do a blog post listing all the places you can find us and how you can help in a way that works best for you.

It doesn't take much to help.  It can be as simple as commenting or sharing a social media post to raise awareness for the need of chemo caps.  It can be making hats, donating financially or just cheering us on.

Costs are higher than you may realize.  I shipped 2 large boxes of hats out this week, both to cancer centers close to me, and the postage was $62.  Shipping to other areas costs even more. Since we started, I have shipped out over 37,700 caps - to people all over the country.  My family and I do this because we feel it is important and we do it with love.  It's really a full time job for me, yet I don't get paid.  All hats ship completely free of charge to any center or individual who needs them.  

My patterns are mostly published free here and then PDF compilations are sold to those who want to support us.  I try hard to design hats for all tastes and to make the patterns easy to understand and follow.  It's important to have them adaptable for any yarn in your stash, so I add information for different yarn weights.  A lot of work goes into each pattern.  I have over 250 designs out there.  Many thousands of people have used them to spread love and kindness.

Necessary supplies include a tag for each hat.  

Since covid, each hat now gets bagged individually.

Shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink and paper are also all needed.  Not to mention YARN!

On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns and an immediate link to purchase my latest pattern book.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback,  can be purchased on Amazon as well.

I also sell patterns and nature notecards and calendars and DEHH stickers in my Etsy store. All proceeds from those sales go right back into running DEHH.  

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  

Do you have an extra skein of yarn in your stash? Just one?

Did you know that you can make a hat with that?

Did you know that each year about 650,000 people receive chemotherapy in the United States alone?

Did you know that many people lose their hair and feel terribly cold all the time from the effects of the chemotherapy drugs? 

Did you know that chemo caps are needed in all colors, styles and sizes?  For children and adults?  For men and women?  At all times of the year?

Did you know that people battling cancer spend so much money on treatment costs that it is often a financial hardship for them to purchase a hat?

Did you know that a handmade hat can bring comfort, security, warmth, beauty, hope, cheer and love to someone fighting cancer?

Do you know how important it is for cancer warriors to know that others are thinking of them and wishing them well?  

Do you really have anything better to do with that skein than make a chemo cap for someone?

Join us and spread hugs, hope and love......one hat at a time.

The 12 Weeks of Christmas 2021!

 Today is very warm here in Delaware, but it's time to kick off the 12 Weeks of Christmas! 

If you want to make this using lighter weight yarn, you might want to double the stripes.  You might want to work with just one color.  You might want to make each stripe a different color.  Have fun with it!  It's a simple pattern that gives a bit of texture and interest to the cap. 

Everyone is welcome to join us!  Hopefully you will be inspired to make a hat or two (or three or forty!) for a local cancer center or to send to us at Delaware Head Huggers.  Chemo caps are in huge demand right now and you can help!

Please consider donating if you are using my patterns.  I post these patterns, mostly free, so everyone can use them to help others.  Shipping and supply costs to run DEHH are high and every little bit helps.  

Join us on Facebook to see some fun fundraisers that we have going on - you can purchase DEHH stickers, nature notecards or calendars.  You can purchase pattern books or individual patterns of some of our designs.  Or you can simply use the donate button to the right on this page.

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers and how you can help!

Hopeful Ribbons is the first pattern.  This model was knit using Charisma yarn in 2 colors and size 11 needles, but of course, instructions are included for all yarn weights.

Hopeful Ribbons PDF

It's Electric is the second pattern.  It's named this because so many people thought it looked like lightning bolts.  The model was knit with worsted weight yarn, but the pattern includes information for all yarn weights.  Keep in mind that if you knit this using thicker yarn, the pattern will be fewer rows and will look different.  Not bad, just different!

It's Electric PDF

All Lanes Lead is the third pattern.  The slight twist in the pattern adds some interesting texture to this quick knit!  This will work wonderfully in any yarn weight and in any color.  Use a different yarn for the the brim than you do for the body and create a ton of color combinations.  

All Lanes Lead PDF

Embossed Alleys is the pattern for Week 4!  This is a super simple, really quick knit that you can make in any color.  It's suitable for men or women and will be a pattern you come back to often when you need a cute hat that you can make fast!  Of course the PDF included directions for all yarn weights, so dig into your stash and get knitting!  Don't forget to make one for your local cancer center too.  And don't forget to donate if you can to help with postage and supply costs!

Embossed Alleys PDF

Ebb & Flow is the pattern for Week 5!  Can you believe it's Week 5 already?  This is a pattern that uses some twisting of stitches to give it some interest and texture.  A cable needle is needed, but don't let that scare you away from the pattern.  It's a fairly simple knit that is very straight forward and even if you haven't ever done cables before, you can do this!  I like that it is suitable for men or women too.

The model is knit using Lion Brand Hometown USA, which is a 6-weight yarn that I love to use for winter chemo caps.  It washes great, is super soft and comes in tons of colors.  Of course, the PDF includes instructions for all yarn weights so you can use whatever you have in your stash or whatever you prefer to work with.  

Ebb & Flow PDF

Positive Energy is the pattern for  Week 6!  We're halfway through already.  

This is an extremely versatile, quick and simple knit, that uses only knit and purl stitches.  It works great for both men and women and can be adapted for any yarn in your stash.  The brim and crown can easily be made in a contrasting color to the body for a different look, opening up a world of color combination.  This model was made using worsted weight yarn, but there is a photo of chunky yarn in the PDF.  The pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights.  

Positive Energy PDF

Contained Curves is the pattern for Week 7!  Using simple cable stitches to add texture give this unisex hat lot of visual interest.  The model is knit using super bulky yarn, but would look equally nice in any yarn weight.  With just 4 rows to repeat, this is a great first project for those who are unfamiliar with using cable needles but want to give it a try.  You'll be glad you did!  Instructions are included for all yarn weights, so search your stash for that perfect skein and get knitting!  

Contained Curves PDF

Chevron Chic is the pattern for Week 8!  A chevron pattern makes this a timeless pattern visually interesting, yet still so simple to knit!  There are good reasons why chevron patterns are so popular - they are perfect for men and women, they allow for individuality while still maintaining a classic feel and they are just fun to knit.  Use an unexpected color combination to make this hat really pop!  The model is knit using chunky yarn, but the pattern includes details for all yarn weights.  

Chevron Chic PDF

Cordillera is the pattern for Week 9.  This is a very simple pattern to follow - you repeat rows 4 or 5 times, making the hat practically fly off your needles.  The initial model was knit using 5 weight yarn. There were too many rows for the pattern to work exactly as written with 6 weight yarn, so I played around with it and adapted it so all yarn weights are included! Perfect in any color this addictive knit will become one of your go-to patterns!

 Cordillera PDF

Escalators is the pattern for  Week 10!  Extremely simple slipped stitches give the impression of floating staircases or ladders.  This adds lots of visual interest and texture and works well for variegated or self striping yarn too. Easily adapted for length and the pattern includes information for all yarn weights.  This quick knit makes a great gift for a friend as well as a terrific chemo cap.  It is suitable for men or women.  You can easily add a contrasting brim if you want.

* The first PDF of this pattern was missing the brim section.  The PDF has been updated and the same link works. *

Escalators PDF

 

Softened Swells is the pattern for  Week 11!  Though equally attractive in a solid color, a self striping or variegated yarn can add a little extra charm to this hat.  This pattern will work well with fuzzy yarns or smooth and anything in between. This is a simple 4 row repeat that is easy to memorize and flies off your needles.   The model was knit using 5-weight yarn, but of course the pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights.  

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers and how you can help!

Softened Swells PDF

 Knotty Lines is the pattern for  Week 12!  The 12 Weeks of Christmas is finished, but there are more new patterns to come!  A very simple cable stitch adds some interest to the pattern.  The model has a contrasting brim, but you could easily knit this all in one color.  You could also knit the textured part as a band in the center of the hat - just knit an inch or so of stockinette before and after the pattern rows.  The model was knit using super bulky, 6-weight yarn, but the PDF has information for all yarn weights.  Experiment and have fun with it!  Coordinate colors or go monochrome - either will work well.  

Knotty Lines PDF

 Watch our video to learn more about Delaware Head Huggers 

and what we do! 

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

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our  Ravelry store.  

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.   

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

Introducing Volution, Walking Upwards and CAPtivating Comfort!

 It's been a long time coming, but I finally got the latest 20 patterns put together into an e-book of PDF files to make it simple and easy for you to have them at your fingertips!

CAPtivating Comfort is selling for $10 and includes TWENTY patterns, two of which have never been published before.  The new patterns are also available through Ravelry for $5 each if you only wish to get one.  You can purchase the book on Ravelry or through the link to the right on this page.  Individual patterns are also available on Ravelry.

All patterns have instructions for all yarn weights, making it a breeze to use what you have in your stash to make a hat!  Volution can easily be adapted to just one color too.  Walking Upwards is a slip stitch color work hat that uses only one color per row so it's great for beginner and expert color work knitters!

Don't forget to get your DEHH removable sticker too!

Volution

Walking Upwards

The entire pattern collection for CAPtivating Comfort!

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

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our  Ravelry store.  

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.   

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

DEHH Stickers! Show Your Support!

Let's spread the word about Delaware Head Huggers and raise awareness for the need for chemo caps! These are removable stickers that can be placed on vehicles, water bottles, computers, notebooks, etc. Made in the USA! If you've ever used one of our patterns, consider buying a sticker and supporting our mission!

Only $5 each, which includes shipping and all proceeds will go towards shipping and supply costs to keep sending chemo caps to centers and individuals who need them!

DEHH stickers are already in Delaware, California, Kentucky, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, New York, Florida and more! They are on vehicles, clipboards, water bottles and other items!

Once you get your sticker, let us know where you are displaying it. Send us a photo!

There are a few ways you can purchase one!

You can send a check to Robin Agar, 202 Acorn Forest Dr., Felton, DE 19943 and include a note that says it's a sticker purchase and include the address where you want the sticker shipped.

You can also send me an email with your address and pay through PayPal. My PayPal address is: robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

You can also use the "Donate Now" link right here on the right hand side of the page on this blog. Be sure to send an email too with the shipping address or include your address in the notes of the donation!

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

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our  Ravelry store.  

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.   

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

Introducing Contiguous Color!

 This latest hat pattern is fun to knit, works up quickly and can be customized to whatever yarn you have on hand in your stash!  Chemo caps are in high demand.  They always are!  Please consider making some for your local cancer center even if you are using this pattern for another purpose.

When All Free Knitting approached me about helping them celebrate their 10th birthday with a new pattern, I was excited!  Contiguous Color appears, in full, on their website as well as here. Be sure to drop by All Free Knitting and wish them a Happy Birthday!

I worked up three new patterns and a vote put to our Facebook members had this design winning.  Join us on FB to see all new patterns as soon as they come off the needles!  This model was knit using chunky 5-weight yarn, but, of course, the pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights!  Imagine all the color combinations you could use for this one!

We are still accepting and shipping out hats to those undergoing chemotherapy.  Recently boxes have been shipped to Montana, Delaware, Florida and more!  All hats are shipped completely free of charge.  If you are able to help us out, please do!

Postage costs keep rising! (A typical box to a center with about 70 -100 hats in it runs between $28 - $50 depending on where it is going) The website renewal is this month (many people who need hats find us through that, so I don't want to cancel it at this time) and I will be ordering more tags and shipping supplies in the next couple of weeks.  

Most of my patterns are posted free for everyone to use so that everyone can make hats to help others. Periodically I put some patterns into e-books or paperbacks for sale to help raise funds to defray operating costs. Every pattern purchase helps me keep shipping hats to those who need them. 

I will be putting together a new ebook soon and I will be working on more notecards too. Hopefully a nature calendar for 2022 also!

For those interested in donating: We always needs hats, moral support, encouragement and funds!

There is a donate button on the Delaware Head Huggers website and right here on this page. Anyone who wishes to donate by check can send a check to Robin Agar, 202 Acorn Forest Dr., Felton, DE 19943 - I don't have a business account, so I can't cash checks made out to DEHH.

Together we are making a difference, one hat at a time, with hugs, hope and love! Thank you! 

Contiguous Color

You will need size 10, 16 inch circular needles and 2 colors of 5-weight yarn or another combination below.

Abbreviations:

sl:  slip one stitch, knit wise

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color B, cast on 72 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 and 2 until your work measures 1.5 to  2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Work Body of Hat:

Set Up Row:   Color A:  knit all

Rows 1 & 2:   Color B:  *k2, s1, k3, s2* repeat around

Rows 3 & 4:   Color A:  *(k1, s1)x3, k2*; repeat around

Rows 5 & 6:   Color B:  *s1, k3, s1, k2, s1* repeat around

Rows 7 & 8:   Color A:  *k2, s1, k3, s1, k1*; repeat around

Rows 9 & 10:  Color B:  *s1, k2, s2, k3* repeat around

Rows 11 & 12:  Color A:  *k1, s1, k3, s1, k1, s1*; repeat around

Rows 13 & 14:  Color B:  *k2, s2, k2, s1, k1* repeat around

Rows 15 & 16:  Color A:  *(s1, k3)x2*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 16 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Work Crown:  Color B  

Row 1:    knit all stitches 

Repeat Row 1  until your work measures about 8 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Crown Decrease:  Color B :  use dons 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 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48.  

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 8 stitches.  

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

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our  Ravelry store.  

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.   

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.