Schnapps

Schnapps
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Wednesday, October 8, 2025

The 12 Weeks of Hat Patterns 2025!

 I've got 12 new hat patterns to share this year in the countdown to the end of 2025!  Similar to the past few sets of patterns each hat will be named the same, but in different languages.  Each pattern will be added to this blog post to make it simple to find them all.  They will also be on my Ravelry page.

This set is going to be named "Friend"

I hope you will join along and try out some new patterns while making hats for those undergoing chemotherapy.  These patterns will all have instructions for all yarn weights, so you can use whatever you have in your stash to make a great hat! 

They will be uploaded as FREE PDF's for everyone, so that you can help your local cancer center or DEHH.  Please consider donating to DEHH if you are using my patterns for your own use.  

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.  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.

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.  

Week One:  Ven  

Ven is the Danish word for friend.  This model was knit using KnitPicks Comfy Aran weight yarn, which is super soft and washable - both great points for chemo caps!  This is a super simple pattern - just knits and purls.  The texture the stitches create add some interest and the pattern is suitable for men and women.  

Ven PDF


Week Two:  Amico 

Amico is the Italian word for friend.  This model was also created using KnitPicks Comfy Aran weight yarn, which is super soft and washable - both great points for chemo caps!  While the pattern might look intimidating to novice knitters, it's actually very simple.  You only work with one color at a time, alternating every two rows.  The color combinations are endless - make one for everyone you know and use their favorite colors!  Just be sure to make a few for your local cancer center or for DEHH too.


Amico PDF


Week 3:  Rafiki


Rafiki is the Swahili word for friend.  This model was created using Mill House super bulky yarn which is warm and cozy and very soft.  I purchased this at KnitPicks online, but they have since stopped carrying it.  Luckily I had several skeins in my stash!  This is a great pattern for knitting during football or while watching television or chatting with friends.  It's a simple four row repeat that showcases the stitch definition of the yarn with its texture.  Perfect for men or women, knit one in any color you choose!  Knit it a bit longer and the wearer can just cuff the brim for some added warmth around the ears.  Using 6-weight yarn will make this hat fly off your needles, but the instructions, of course, include info for all yarn weights so you can use whatever is in your stash.  Remember, just one skein can make a hat, which can make a big difference to someone battling cancer.  And if you're using the pattern for personal use, consider making a donation to DEHH to help us continue our mission.


 
Week Four:  Ami

Ami is the French word for friend.  This model was designed using 6-weight yarn and it works up in a flash.  The pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights though. It's a simple pattern, easy to memorize and it's perfect for knitting while watching television or listening to an audio book!  This design will work well for men or women and looks great in any color.  For a fun variation, you can knit a couple of inches of garter stitch for a brim in a contrasting color and then work the pattern.  The color possibilities are endless!  So, grab a skein from your stash and get knitting - there are so many people who need hats!   If you're using this pattern (or any of my free patterns) for personal use, consider making a monetary donation to DEHH to help us continue our mission.



Week Five:  Hoaloha
Hoaloha is the Hawaiian word for friend.  This model was created using 6-weight, super bulky yarn but the pattern has instructions for all yarn weights.  You can certainly knit the brim in the same color as the body of the hat too.  I just liked the contrast.  A simple slipped stitch in some rows gives interest to this hat.  A row of purl stitches every few rows adds some extra texture too.  Easy enough for everyone - grab your needles and yarn and get knitting!  The need for chemo caps is only increasing - donate locally or send some to me to get to those centers that need them.




Week Six:  Cara

Cara is the Irish word for friend.  We are already halfway through the 12 Weeks!  This cute, fast knit ribbed pattern was designed with Meridian Mill House Super Bulky yarn - a new favorite of mine.  It's a super soft acrylic that washes great and comes in a great size skein of 90 yards!  This pattern will work for both men and women and is an easy to remember 2-row repeat so it's a great hat for knitting while watching football!  Or anytime. Right now, I have several cancer centers on a waiting list for hats.  Chemo cap demand is huge!  Please make some hats and share them locally or send them to me to get to those who need them.  If you're using these patterns for personal use, please consider donating financially to help with our shipping and supply costs!




Week Seven:  Vriend

Vriend is the Dutch word for friend!  This is another easy to remember pattern that works up quickly no matter what yarn you use.  The model was designed using Meridian Mill House's Super Bulky Heathers, but the instructions include info for all yarn weights.  This pattern has more purls than knits, giving it a great texture.  It looks great in any color, so it will work equally well for men and women.  Grab a skein and make a hat!  They are desperately needed, especially with winter on its way.



Week Eight:  Ystävä

Ystävä is the Finnish word for friend!  The garter stitch brim blends right into the body of the hat, giving this hat some serious texture and visual interest. I designed it with a contrasting brim, but it will work equally well if you knit it all in one color.  This model was knit using Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn, which is super-bulky, but instructions are included for all weights.  Make one in your favorite team colors, school colors or just a combination that strikes your eye.  Make a few to donate too - they are so needed right now.  Please consider donating for postage and supply costs if you are using these patterns for personal use.  Shipping is costly and there are many centers on a waiting list at this time.


    

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Introducing Ciepło!

This latest hat is named Ciepło, which means warmth in Polish.  It's a super simple, quick knit that will work equally well for men and women.  Make it in any color you like and of course, you can use whatever is in your stash because directions are included for all yarn weights.

Sadly, there is still a huge need for chemo caps! Please consider making some for your local cancer center or sending some to DEHH so I can get them to those who need them.  Hats are still being shipped out on a regular basis and will be throughout the Summer.  Air conditioning means that many cancer warriors are cold even in the hot weather, so we don't slow down shipments.

Cotton, bamboo and cotton blend yarns are great for this time of year too.  This version of this pattern was knit using KnitPicks Comfy Bulky, a super soft cotton blend that works up nicely.  

Don't forget to grab a copy of Gifts from the Heart so you have more great looking and simple hat patterns in your toolbox!  And go to my Ravelry page for even more!  Any hat pattern works - crochet, knit or sewn.  We need them all.

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.  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.

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.  



Ciepło PDF

If you're downloading this pattern, please consider supporting DEHH by making a monetary donation, buying some patterns, sending hats or spreading the word about us!

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Introducing Chaleur

 Sadly, the need for chemo caps is as great as ever.  Though these hats seem to be such a small thing, they have a big impact on the people who receive them.  Please consider making some and donating them to your local cancer center or sending them to DEHH to distribute to those in need. 2025 has been a very busy year so far, but hats are being shipped out regularly!  Chemo caps are truly needed - everywhere!


This latest hat is named Chauler, which means warmth in French.  It's a quick knit that is very versatile.  You can knit it all in one color.  You can change the brim.  You can use any color combination you'd like.  And of course, you can use whatever is in your stash because directions are included for all yarn weights.

2025 is a very busy year so far, but hats are still being shipped out on a regular basis. 

Don't forget to grab a copy of Gifts from the Heart so you have more great looking and simple hat patterns in your toolbox!  And go to my Ravelry page for even more!  Any hat pattern works - crochet, knit or sewn.  We need them all.

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.  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.

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.  



Chaleur PDF

Monday, January 13, 2025

Introducing Cluthar!

 2025 is underway and the need for chemo caps is huge!  I've got hospitals and cancer centers on a waiting list so I am knitting as fast as I can and I hope you are too!

We were recently featured in the Delaware News Journal - it's a quick read but gives some insight into what these hats mean to others.



This latest hat is named Cluthar which is the Irish word for warmth.  I knit the models using 6-weight, super bulky yarn, but of course have included all yarn weights for your convenience.

Do NOT be intimidated by the pattern.  It truly is very simple.  Once you do the first repeat, you can easily see where to make the next loop.  Try it and I bet you'll really enjoy the pattern!  

Don't forget to grab a copy of Gifts from the Heart so you have more great looking and simple hat patterns in your toolbox!  And go to my Ravelry page for even more!  Any hat pattern works - crochet, knit or sewn.  We need them all.

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.  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.

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.