Introducing Drupelets!

 The world is a horrible, terrible place these days.  I can not understand how the world has gotten so far out of hand.  My heart hurts for us all.  I don't know that we will ever recover from this.  We need to do so much better for the next generations............and we all must work together to spread kindness and peace.

I'm having trouble focusing on much these days.........but I did finish a new hat pattern and wanted to share it.  I think it's really important that we all help as many people as we possibly can every day.  If you're like me, you are feeling completely helpless as you watch the news of more and more atrocities unfold each day.  I am trying to focus on what I can control and those I can help.  I hope you are doing the same.

This is Drupelets!  Knit with 6-weight Heartland Thick and Quick from Lion Brand.  It's very soft and the color is fantastic.  I included a short video on how to knit the Cross 2 Back stitch.  It's simple, I promise!  Instructions are included for all yarn weights though, so use what is in your stash to make a difference.  

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.  

Please consider joining us in our mission to make a difference one hat at a time.  

Drupelets PDF

How to Knit the C2B Stitch

Introducing To Purl or Not......that's your option!

 I played around with this pattern until I had three variations.  When I asked the Facebook page which one was preferred they all had their fans, so I decided to share all 3 versions for you.

All of these models was knit using Lion Brand Hometown yarn, which is 6-weight.  There are instructions for all yarn weights included in the PDF, so you can use whatever is in your stash.  Feel free to experiment with different brim styles or to repeat the pattern band if you are using lighter weight yarn. I used solid colors to highlight the stitch definition on these, but mix brims and crowns with pattern bands or use variegated yarn if you like. Have fun with it and make some hats that can bring a smile to someone else. 

 These patterns use twisted stitches and I have again included the video tutorial to show how simple it is to do these.  Don't let the wording intimidate you - try it yourself.  They really are easy to do!

Version 1

Version 2

Version 3

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.  

Please consider joining us in our mission to make a difference one hat at a time.  

 

  To Purl or Not...  PDF

How to work the RT Stitch Video

How to work the LT Stitch Video

Introducing Sea Urchin!

 It's mid-February and the weather is crazy throughout most of the country!  I hope you are all staying safe and warm and dry.

This latest pattern is called Sea Urchin (thank you Kathleen for the name suggestion!).  It will fly off your needles when worked using super bulky yarn, but with just 2 rows in the pattern, it will go quickly, no matter what yarn weight you use.  I used Lion Brand Hometown yarn and one skein was more than enough.  The pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights, so you can make this hat with whatever you have in your stash.  It will look great in any color too!

Covid is still running rampant and making life very difficult for so many.  Many hospitals aren't accepting chemo caps at this time.  As much as we all want to help, donating hats to places that aren't accepting them will only end up with hats being discarded.  Please check with any sites before you send or drop off items.  DEHH is again accepting some hats, but there are still NO library drop off sites open.  All hats at this time must be machine washable and need to be washed before being mailed to me.  

More info about that can be found on www.delawareheadhuggers.org

SEA URCHIN

You will need 6-weight yarn and size 13 needles or another combination listed below.

Abbreviations:

RC:  knit second stitch, but don’t drop off needles, then knit first stitch and drop both together

k1b: knit 1 stitch below

p2tog:  purl 2 stitches together 

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 49 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Row 1: *RC, p2, k1, p2*; repeat around

Row 2: * k2, p2, k1b, p2*; repeat around 

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed

Row 1:    *RC, p2tog, k1, p2*; repeat around

Row 2:   *k2, p1, k1b, p2tog*; repeat around

Row 3:   *k2tog, p1, k1, p1*; repeat around

Row 4:   *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 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 63.  

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 84.  

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 105 stitches.   

The pattern is worked over 7 stitches.  

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

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our Craftsy and Ravelry stores.  

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. 

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

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our Craftsy and Ravelry stores.  

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.

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.  

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

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our Craftsy and Ravelry stores.  

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!

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.