Get Started on your Holiday Knitting!

The holiday season always manages to sneak up on me.  Especially when the summer months are as hot and humid as this year.  There are only about 4 months left until Christmas.  

My friends at LoveKnitting told me about their new calculator that helps you figure out how long it will take to finish a project.  This can be a handy tool when you're planning gifts for family and friends or just trying to figure out how many hours you will spend knitting that blanket.

  

Check it out here and be sure to take a look at some of their gorgeous patterns and yarn selections also.

It's time to stock up on the yarn and patterns you need and don't forget to get some extra to make some chemo caps for those undergoing treatment and some blankets for children in crisis or in foster care homes.  Many people could use some extra love around the holidays.

Remember that we have lots of patterns, e-books and paperback books available for you too.  All pattern sales help keep Delaware Head Huggers going by helping to cover shipping and supply costs.

The latest 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.

Photos of the hat and accessory patterns included in the other paperback books can be found in a previous blog post 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.  Our Etsy store is back up also, with a limited number of items and our digital books.

Follow along with us on Instagram now too!  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!

Latest Updates!

Schnapps and I are excited to tell everyone that we are now up to 15,101 chemo caps and counting!  Unfortunately, there are so many people who need hats that as many as we can make are being used and more are needed.  Please be sure that you help your local cancer center as much as possible, or send hats for us to distribute, especially with the cold weather approaching.  

Kozy Kovers for Kids is up to 1,549 blankets for foster care children and kids in crisis.  Together, we really are making a huge difference!

I know that many of you look to our patterns to make things for local charities and we think that is marvelous!  Please let us know the different places where you donate things made from our patterns - we love to hear about how something tiny, like a hat pattern, can ripple out and touch so many lives.

Schnapps and I will continue to do our part and make lots of hats and ship out all the hats that come in.  We will be posting new patterns in 2015, if not sooner,  I am sure.  He's got lots of ideas, but we've been busy.

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 Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Schnapps and his spooky cookie on Halloween!

For those of you who insist on being rude or combative or just plain ignorant, please know that you will be blocked and ignored.  I've noticed over the past few years that there is a certain type of person who gets angry when they hear of other people sharing with and giving to others.  I can't imagine having that mindset.  It must be awful for you and those who have to spend time around you.  Luckily though, I can block and ignore those of you who send me mean emails and post rude comments.  I do not owe anyone anything at all.  I am not hurting anyone with what I do and those of you who think it is unfair of me to stipulate that my patterns should not be used for personal financial gain need to look deep into yourself and figure out why it's so important to use a charity pattern for your own monetary gain.  

I will continue to do this because I enjoy doing it.  I will not stop simply because you have issues.  The fact that these people take the time to harass me shows me that they have way too much free time on their hands.  Imagine how great it would be if instead of being argumentative, they picked up some yarn and made a difference for someone.  Sadly, that type of person is only thinking about herself - not about others at all.   So, if you post something rude and find yourself blocked -you know why.  If you send me an irate email demanding that you be allowed to profit from my work, know that you will not get a response, you will be deleted and blocked from ever contacting me again. 

Schnapps and I get much happiness from creating and distributing chemo caps and blankets to those who need them and no one is going to take away our joy.  

We are also almost all set for our first craft fair this coming Saturday.  We've been making tons of things and hope to have a successful sale so that we can continue to focus on Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids full time.

Here are some pictures of some of the things we will be selling.  We have LOTS to bring and set up.  Luckily my Dad made us some displays to use too!

lots of snowmen ornaments!

tiny reindeer pins and magnets

reindeer ornaments

HATS!  of course!  :)

wreath ornaments

bookmarks and barrettes

fingerless mitts

boot toppers

The Braided Hope Blanket Square or more!

Schnapps and I have been busy this week!  We packed all the gorgeous MEGSTRONG items that we had and shipped them to NY for the fundraiser.  There was over 26 pounds in those boxes!  I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity and love from so many!  THANK YOU each and every one of you who participated!  We have toys, household items such as washcloths and potholders, jewelry, scarves, bookmarks and just so many beautiful items crafted with hugs, hope and love.  All are posted on our Facebook page if you'd like to see them.

MEGSTRONG boxes headed to NY!

Then, the Amazing Miriam had a brilliant idea!  She suggested making a blanket for Meagan.  All these items will sell to help Meagan, but sometimes, you just need the warmth of a hug from a handmade blanket.  So, some of us are making blanket squares that Miriam has so generously offered to put together into a blanket for Meagan.  We're hoping to have the squares done and to Miriam by August 18th or so, which I know is short notice, but if anyone would like to participate, we're doing 12 inch squares, either knit or crochet, made from worsted weight, machine washable and dryable yarn in only pastel colors.  Any pastel is fine, but please keep to pastels only so they coordinate well with each other.  And please only use worsted weight yarn for continuity! Also, please use a 12 x 12 template to make sure it's the right size and send a very long tail or small ball of yarn in case Miriam needs to crochet a border.  If you'd like to send a square, email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I can send you Miriam's address, or you can just send the squares to me, as you do hats and blankets and I will forward them.  

Since I really like the Braided Hope hat pattern, I wanted to do a Braided Hope blanket square.  This can easily be increased to do an entire blanket also.  It's a very easy pattern and no cables are involved at all.  My square seemed to be a perfect 12 inch square, but the ribbing pulls in on itself a bit after it is blocked making it slightly smaller.  Now, Miriam says that it should still work fine in the blanket, but keep it in mind if you are trying to make this to an exact size.  

Now we're working on a new pattern for another square!  We'll let you know how it turns out!

 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 Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too.  We love to hear from everyone!

Braided Hope Blanket

I used Vanna's Choice worsted weight yarn and size 9 needles.  If using other worsted weight and size 8 needles, you will need to add more stitches.  I cast on 50 - you need a multiple of 4 plus 2.

Row 1:  p2, *k2, p2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 2:  k2, *p2, k2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 3:  p2, *k2tog then without dropping the stitches off you left hand needle knit just the first stitch then drop both; p2*;  repeat from * to * across row

Row 4:   k2, *p2, k2*; repeat from * to * across row

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until desired length.  End on a Row 3 and bind off in pattern. 

If making this a blanket, cast on for the appropriate size.  For example, for a 36 inch blanket, cast on 150;  for a 48 inch blanket, cast on 202; for a 60 inch blanket cast on 250, etc.  If you are making a square and are concerned about the slight shrink due to the ribbing, you can always cast on an extra 4 stitches to begin with.  That should give you plenty of room for a bit of pulling.

If using other yarn, check your gauge and just remember that this pattern is a multiple of 4 plus 2 and have fun!

And yes, you could make this into a scarf by simply working the 50 stitches for however long you want your scarf to be!

It could even be a washcloth or a dishcloth! 

 

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Crossed Comfort Cap

This time when I knit the hat, I wrote down what I was doing, so that I can share the pattern here!  I've decided on the Crossed Comfort Cap since it uses the crossed stitch pattern and it is a comfy, cozy cap!  I love the visual texture of the stitch - it gives it a little something extra.  Both fit adults - the navy is knit on size 10 needles and fits more snugly.  The turquoise is worked on size 11 needles and is a bit roomier.  Either will work nicely as chemo caps or as winter caps for a loved one.

 I spend a lot of my time trying to make a difference and do some good.  I love to hear from people who read this blog and view the patterns.  By all means, if you find a mistake, point it out!  I'm more than capable of making mistakes and I need help finding them.  I always offer to email the patterns to anyone who has trouble printing them and I have done so literally hundreds of times.......and I have met some amazing people too.  I've met people who need caps sent to friends, people who are making a difference in their communities, in other countries and just wonderful people who say "hi".  I've answered all sorts of questions and I will always answer an email.  It makes my world a happier place to know that so many people are out there doing good things!

But, I've decided something too.......the rare few who post negative comments......will be deleted.  This blog is about bringing cheer and happiness to people......about making the world a better place in a tiny way.  If you have trouble printing the pattern email me.  If you have a question or find a mistake, comment here or email me - I'm grateful to hear from everyone and I will answer and correct any errors found.  But, if you're just cranky, irritated, lazy or rude and you comment here, I've given myself permission to delete your comments so that you don't taint the wonderful feeling that I want everyone to get when they read this.  There - off my soapbox now and on to the new pattern!

If you have any trouble printing this pattern it can be found as a PDF here. 

Crossed Comfort Hat

 

5-weight yarn:   (dark blue was Premier Serenity Chunky Tweed and the turquoise was Loops & Threads Charisma )

Size 10 or 11 circular knitting needles:  (the dark blue model was stitched with size 10 circular needles.  Size 11 circulars were used for the turquoise model)

Explanations:

            

Slip 1 purlwise:  Holding the working yarn as if you were going to purl the stitch, just slip the stitch from the left needle onto the right needle, without purling the stitch.

YO:  yarn over – wrap the working yarn around the needle, creating another stitch.

K2tog: knit two stitches together, decreasing the total number of stitches.

Cast on 56 stitches

Work in K2, P2 rib for 2 inches: 

Row 1:  K2, P2 across row

Repeat Row 1 until piece is desired length

Work in Crossed Stitch Pattern until piece is 8 inches in length:

           

Row 1:  * slip 1 purlwise, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over both stitches*; repeat from  * to * across row

Row 2:  Knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece is desired length

Decrease the crown:

Row 1:  * slip 1 purlwise, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over both stitches*; repeat from  * to * across row

Row 2:  *K5, K2tog* ; repeat from * to * across row (this row will then have 48 stitches)

Row 3:  * slip 1 purlwise, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over both stitches*; repeat from  * to * across row

Row 4:  *K4, K2tog* ; repeat from * to * across row (this row will then have 40 stitches)

Row 5:  * slip 1 purlwise, K1, yo, pass slipped stitch over both stitches*; repeat from  * to * across row

Row 6:  *K3, K2tog* ; repeat from * to * across row (this row will then have 32 stitches)

            Row 7:  K2tog across row

Finish:

Cut working yarn leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the end through the stitches left on your needle and cinch closed. 

Weave in ends.

Enjoy your hat or better yet, give it to someone undergoing chemo to help them get through their treatment.

Remember, all are welcome to join us in some way - we love to see new people and are grateful when more people hear about us.  So, spread the word!  And, as always, if you or anyone you know is in need of chemo caps, please feel free to contact me directly at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will be happy to ship some out. 

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Goal Met - Week 12

Once again, I met my goal of 2 hats for Delaware Head Huggers this week.  I really hope to be more productive as the year goes by, but at least I'm getting a couple done each week.   The red and gray hat is a loom knit and the navy blue one is a new pattern that I will be posting separately.

 I've had hats and blankets come in this week, as always and I am simply amazed at the lovely things that everyone makes in an attempt to help others.  More items came in this morning from the library and many more are on the way.  I absolutely love sitting and looking at all these beautiful items and realizing just how many people truly care!

I finally finished the blanket I've been working on for a while now.  It's a gift, but I loved the pattern:  Red Heart Playful Blanket, so I will be making another one for Kozy Kovers for Kids in the near future.

 I've got so many ideas for different hats and blankets and I've got a shawl pattern floating around in my head.  Hopefully I will find time to get everything I want to knit accomplished.  I'll be working on more hats as always next week.  I'm not sure if I will cast on another blanket or if I'll play around with some smaller projects, but whatever it is, I'll share it here too.

Remember, all are welcome to join us in some way - we love to see new people and are grateful when more people hear about us.  So, spread the word!  And, as always, if you or anyone you know is in need of chemo caps, please feel free to contact me directly at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will be happy to ship some out. 

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

2 Hats and a Blanket - Week 10 of 2012

Busy week, full of good things.  Thank goodness I managed to get my two hats knit.  They are just simple, comfy hats.  I managed to finish a couple of skeins of yarn from my stash while I was at it.

This was an amazing week for Delaware Head Huggers!  More than 200 hats came in to be tagged and shipped out, bringing our running total to 6,233!  I also dropped 100 hats off at Kent General Hospital and shipped out 3 boxes to various centers, delivering 285 hats this week.  :) 

Kozy Kovers for Kids has been having a fun week also.  I'm trying to get people from all 50 states and as many other countries as possible to "like" us on Facebook.  Lots of new people have stopped in to say hello and I hope they will consider making a blanket for a child in need.  I dropped about 40 blankets off at Kent General's Emergency Department to have on hand to give to children brought in suffering from abuse or neglect.  Sad to say, they won't last long, so we need more blankets!  We're also working with Kind to Kids (www.kindtokids.org) on their Blue Duffel Campaign.  We'd love to be able to put a blanket in each duffel bag.  So far, they have about 100 and they need about 700 more!  I'm sure they won't all be from us, but we will do what we can.

I finished my first blanket of the year for Kozy Kovers too!  I love this pattern.  It's a Lion Brand free pattern - Child's Knitted Blanket - Jiffy Pattern #690. The eyelet design gives it a beautiful look, but the pattern is super simple and knits up quickly.  I didn't have any Jiffy on hand, so I used some stash yarn - but I love the finished look of this.  I'm sure I will be making others using the same pattern.

Now I'm working on another baby blanket, but this one is for a gift.  Then I'll get started on the next Kozy Kover.

Remember, all are welcome to join us in some way - we love to see new people and are grateful when more people hear about us.  So, spread the word!  Like us on Facebook, stop by the website, email me to just say HI.  And, as always, if you or anyone you know is in need of chemo caps, please feel free to contact me directly at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will be happy to ship some out. 

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!

50 States, the Hugs & Kisses Hat and Week 9 - Goal Met!

I'm trying to get at least one person from each state to like Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook. Come join us there and follow us as we deliver blankets to children during traumatic times.  We'd love to see you and your beautiful work too!

Well, I fell in love with a netting stitch that I saw and I had to make it into a hat.  So, last night, I curled up with some chunky yarn (Charisma), size 13 needles and this is the end result:

I like it.  I'm not entirely sure that it will make the perfect chemo cap, since it does have holes in it, but I'm sure it could work for warmer weather or for indoor wear.  It's cute and cozy and sort of looks like XOXOXOX's  (or so I have been told)

Today I decided to modify the pattern for knitting in the round too, since so many people have asked me to do that with my other patterns.  I used another chunky yarn (this time, Jiffy) and size 13 circulars - but you could certainly used DPNs if you prefer.  This was an easy adjustment.......just get rid of the edge stitches and change out purls for knits and you end up with this hat:

So, here it is Wednesday evening and I've already got my 2 hats for the week finished.  Now that leaves the rest of the week for me to work on my blanket for Kozy Kovers for Kids and probably to get at least one more hat finished.

I hope you like these!  The patterns are below and can also be found as a PDF. 

The Hugs & Kisses Hat

 

For Straight needles:

Chunky or 5-weight yarn

Size 13 needles

Abbreviations:

Yo – yarn over

Sk2psso – slip one stitch knitwise, knit next 2 stitches, pass slipped stitch over both knitted stitches

P2tog – purl 2 stitches together

Cast on 48 stitches

Knit 6 rows

Begin Netting Stitch Pattern:

            Row 1:  K1, K1, * yo, sk2psso *; repeat from * to * to last stitch, K1

            Row 2:  Purl all stitches

Row 3:  K1, * sk2psso, yo *; repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches.  K1, K1

Row 4:  Purl all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 – 4 of netting stitch pattern until piece measures about 8 inches.

Decrease crown:

            Row 1:  K1, K1, *yo, sk2psso*; repeat from * to * to last stitch, K1

            Row 2:  P1, * P1, P2tog*; repeat to last stitch, P1 (33 stitches)

Row 3:  K1, *sk2psso, yo*; repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches.  K2

Row 4:  P3, * P1, P2tog *; to last 3 stitches, P3 (24 stitches)

Row 5:  K1, K1, *yo, sk2psso*; repeat from * to * to last stitch, K1

Row 6:  P2tog across row (12 stitches)

Row 7:  K1, *sk2psso, yo*; repeat from * to * to last 2 stitches.  K2

Row 8:  P2tog across row (6 stitches)

Cut working yarn, leaving long tail. 

Draw end through the 6 stitches left on needle and cinch closed.

Seam the back, weave in all ends and enjoy!

 

For circular needles:

Chunky or 5-weight yarn

Size 13 needles

Abbreviations:

Yo – yarn over

Sk2psso – slip one stitch knitwise, knit next 2 stitches, pass slipped stitch over both knitted stitches

K2tog – knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 46 stitches

Join in the round

Row 1: Knit

Row 2:  Purl

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 three (3) times for garter stitch band

Work Netting Stitch:

            Row 1:  K1, * yo, sk2psso *; repeat from * to *

            Row 2:  Knit all stitches

Row 3:  * sk2psso, yo *; repeat from * to * to last stitch,  K1

Row 4:  Knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 – 4 of netting stitch until piece measures about 8 inches

Decrease crown:

            Row 1:   K1, * yo, sk2psso *; repeat from * to *            

            Row 2:  K1, * K1, K2tog *; repeat from * to * (31)

Row 3:  * sk2psso, yo *; repeat from * to * to last stitch,  K1

Row 4:  * K1, K2tog* ; repeat from * to * (16)

Row 5:   K1, * yo, sk2psso *; repeat from * to *

Row 6:  K2tog across row (8)

Cut working yarn.  Draw tail through 8 remaining stitches and cinch closed.  Weave in ends and enjoy!

Remember, all are welcome to join us in some way - we love to see new people and are grateful when more people hear about us.  So, spread the word!  And, as always, if you or anyone you know is in need of chemo caps, please feel free to contact me directly at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will be happy to ship some out. 

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Week 8 - Goal Met & a Blanket Bonanza!

I can hardly believe that this is already Week 8 of 2012!  Although it's already Saturday, I completed my second hat for the week!  I still haven't finished the blanket I'm working on, but it's getting there.  It's been a busy week with other commitments, but at least I'm getting some knitting done every day.

 

The most amazing thing this week was the 33 blankets that came in for Kozy Kovers for Kids!  My library called and said they had a lot of donations, but I was not expecting all this!

This brings the grand total for blankets to 693 with more coming in every week.  We'll be giving 40 or so to the local Emergency Department to have on hand for any little patients who come in suffering from abuse or neglect.  I only wish you could see all the details of these beautiful blankets.  Our Facebook page has more photos with more details!

Along with the enormous number of blankets, I received another 17 hats this week, bringing Delaware Head Huggers to a whopping 5,991 hats!  A few boxes will be shipping out this week, bringing warmth to those who need it.

Remember, all are welcome to join us in some way - we love to see new people and are grateful when more people hear about us.  So, spread the word!  And, as always, if you or anyone you know is in need of chemo caps, please feel free to contact me directly at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will be happy to ship some out. 

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!

Goal Met - Week 7! Fundraiser Begins!

Week 7 is not yet over, but I know I will be working on my blanket this weekend.  I did manage to finish 2 hats this week though.........the gray one is the Cozy Cobblestone Cap found in my previous post and the multicolored one is just a toasty loom knit one.  Amazingly, 70 more hats came in this week so far, bringing our total to a whopping 5,974!  We'll soon be over 6,000!  And they keep on coming in.  As always I am in awe of the talent of all donors and the beautiful items they so lovingly donate to Delaware Head Huggers!

We began our first impromptu fundraiser this week too.  Some craft items; mostly cross stitch, are posted on our Facebook page with prices starting at $1 and the highest being $5.  These are unopened kits and other items.  More to come too.  If you'd like to do some shopping, where ALL proceeds go to Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids, stop by the Craft Item Fundraiser.   All items were donated, so all money collected will be proceeds! We're PayPal friendly too!  The money goes towards postage costs and the cost of printing the tags needed for the hats and blankets.

I've got lots of ideas for new hat patterns and hopefully I will have another one or two to add soon.

In the meantime, please join us if you can.  We love to find new friends on Facebook, have new visitors to our website and have new crafters send in items.  Both websites have easy donation buttons and directions for where to drop items off if you live in Delaware and where to send them if you live in other states.  

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!

Goal Met - Week 6!

I've been working on a blanket for Kozy Kovers for Kids, but I can't neglect Delaware Head Huggers, so I've been splitting my knitting time between the two.  I made 3 hats this week.....all on a loom.  The pink fuzzy one is a bit funkier than I usually make, but the yarn was donated, so I wanted to try it out.  Hopefully someone will find it to be the perfect accessory!

 

This week there was some major miscommunication with a hospital about them accepting hats, but luckily I was able to get that all straightened out and hats will be headed there shortly.  

Each individual hat is tagged with a card that states it is a gift from Delaware Head Huggers......I'm not sure how anyone would think another group made our hats...............but, as long as patients are getting the caps they need, it will all work out just fine!  Sometimes I think anyone who answers a telephone should have to take a basic courtesy class before being allowed to say "hello".  If people would just think before they spoke, so many unpleasant situations would just never happen!

On a much more positive note, this is an excerpt from an email I received from a center which had received hats recently:

I can’t tell you how much the patients appreciate these.  They are so touched when we offer it to them and they like to choose their own style.   The assortment is so nice,  one is lovelier than the next---so thanks again to you and all the busy hands that make these wonderful hats.  I hope the volunteers know how appreciated these little gifts are and that our patients are very grateful.  

 

Now that makes us all smile.  It's nice to know that we are able to make a difference.  I shipped a box of 110 hats out to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's pediatrics ward this week too.  Hopefully we will be able to send as many caps as they need.  Schnapps is ready to help by keeping watch as I tag each hat!

Hats of all sizes are needed!  Please join us if you are able!  I love to see how this organization grows all the time.

On the blanket side of life, I am putting together blankets for the local Emergency Department to have on hand to give to any child who is brought in suffering from abuse or neglect.  The staff say that the blankets are able to give a little security during a traumatic time.  Please join us here as well if you can.  Both websites have easy donation buttons and directions for where to drop items off if you live in Delaware and where to send them if you live in other states.  

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!

Introducing the Happy Hat!

I decided to put together a hat using the stamen stitch.  I like the symmetry of the stitch and the bit of a lacy look that you get from it, but it’s still a nice, warm cap.  I made this one using worsted weight yarn and size 11 needles.  I called it the Happy Hat, since I want all our hats to cheer up the people who receive them.   Feel free to use this pattern if you would like and feel free to join us at Delaware Head Huggers of Kozy Kovers for Kids!

The Happy Hat

You will need:

Size 11 knitting needles

Worsted or 4-weight yarn (Vanna’s Choice used, less than one skein)

PATTERN:

Cast on 55 stitches.

Work K3, P2 ribbing for 2 inches.  K3, P2 across each row.

(Feel free to use a different rib stitch if you prefer, or use a garter stitch pattern for the brim if you would like).

Begin Stamen Stitch Pattern:

Row 1:  Knit across

Row 2:  K1, K1, *slip 1 purl-wise (yarn at back), K1*; repeat from * to * to last stitch.  End with a K1

Row 3:  Knit across

Row 4:  *K1, slip 1 purl-wise (yarn at back)*; Repeat from * to * across the row

Continue pattern Rows 1 – 4 until the piece measures 8 inches.

Decrease the crown as follows:

Row 1:  *K3, K2tog*; Repeat from * to * across row

Row 2:  K1, *K1, slip 1 purl-wise* ; repeat from * to * across row, ending with a K1

Row 3:  *K2, K2tog*; Repeat from * to * across row

Row 4:  *K1, slip 1 purl-wise (yarn to the back)*; Repeat from * to * across row

Row 5:  *K1, K2tog*; Repeat from * to * across row

Row 6:  K1, *slip 1 purl-wise (yarn to the back), K1*; Repeat from * to *  to last stitch, K1

Row 7:  K2tog across row

Cut working yarn leaving a 12-inch tail.  Thread yarn through live stitches on the needle and cinch closed.  Sew seam, weave in loose ends and enjoy.  Or better yet, pass it along to someone who needs it.

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!

Week 5 - Goal Met!

Well, it’s Thursday and I’ve got 2 new hats finished and tagged, so Week 5's goal is met!  This was a great week for hats (89 new ones in!) and blankets (8 new ones!) and I am so excited about all we are able to do with these beautiful items. Our totals so far are:  5,869 hats and 656 blankets!  Growing every week!

Some little children got Kozy Kovers for Kids at their adoption ceremony and the staff said that the little ones loved the blankets and clutched them tight throughout.  We gave 24 more blankets to Delaware State social workers for Milford and I’m starting another batch for Pressley Ridge and one for Kind to Kids as well. 

I cast on a blanket for Kozy Kovers for Kids, but I’ve just started it, so it’s got quite a ways to go.  I also knit 2 new hat patterns this week.  The first hat is here:

I should have used a lighter weight yarn.  I used a 6-weight and size 13 needles, but the pattern just isn’t defined enough.  It is supposed to have boxes easily visible….I thought I was imagining a nice masculine looking hat, but the yarn just isn’t working well.  I’ll try something else and see how that turns out.

Then I decided to put together a hat using the stamen stitch.  I like the symmetry of the stitch and the bit of a lacy look that you get from it, but it’s still a nice, warm cap.  I made this one using worsted weight yarn and size 11 needles.  I called it the Happy Hat, since I want all our hats to cheer up the people who receive them.  I'm posting the pattern in a separate post so it's easier to find.

 

Join us if you can - all are welcome!

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!