Introducing Love Lines!

 The Covid-19 pandemic is still raging on.  We all need to focus energy and time on spreading kindness and taking care of those around us.  

This is a new pattern, created with 6-weight yarn, but instructions are included for all yarn weight.  I used Lion Brand Hometown USA, one of my favorite super bulky yarns to get a soft, cozy hat.

Thank you Virginia for the name!  I really enjoyed this quick knit and have already made a few.  A great stash buster when you make a contrasting brim, you could, of course, knit this all in one color.

DEHH’s main goal is to spread kindness. We try to help those going through an absolutely awful time by doing something small. We use the talents we have to give others some comfort. To show people that someone cares. We don't care what political party, race, religion or gender anyone is - we try to help. Just like we accept hats from anyone who wants to make a difference.

I've noticed an increasingly vicious tone to so many social media comments and posts. Public health agencies having to put up with horrible treatment for simply doing their job and posting updates. Attacking people on both sides of the political spectrum simply for their political beliefs.

Keep in mind that each of us is responsible for the things we say, how we act and what we do. No one can blame anyone else for our actions. If we want change, we have to live it ourselves.

I, for one, am so very sick and tired of hearing everyone argue, be mean spirited and unkind and complain. Everyone, please think before you speak or post on social media. I limit the time spent on any online platform because the vitriol and rhetoric are depressing and in complete contrast to how I want to spend my life.

I don't want to know anyone's political views. Just like I don't share mine. Attacking others for differing viewpoints isn't productive, ever. Making inflammatory statements isn't helpful. Being angry that covid is still around and saying things like "only old or vulnerable people die, who cares anymore......let us go back to normal" is frankly, horrible.

Each and every person who has died, no matter their age, whether from covid, cancer or any other cause, leaves behind people who are devastated. Each of those lives was valued. Each should be mourned, not dismissed.

There is so much negativity in the world today - because so many people embrace the negatives.Try to make a conscious effort to focus on the positive and find the beauty in each day. Please, be kind, every day, to everyone.....not just those who agree with your views.

Love Lines

Knit using 2 colors of 6-weight yarn and size 13 needles.

Less than 80 yards total were used for the models

Abbreviations:

C4B:  Place the next 2 stitches on a cable needle and hold to the back of your work.  Knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

C4F: Place the next 2 stitches on a cable needle and hold to the front of your work.  Knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

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:

Rows 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 & 8:   knit all stitches

Row 3:   *k2, C4B*; repeat around

Row 7:   *C4F, k2*; repeat around 

Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.  End with a Row 4 or a Row 8.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed

Row 1:    knit all stitches

Row 2:    *k4, k2tog *; repeat around

Row 3:    *k3, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 4:     *k2, k2tog *; repeat around

Row 5:     *k2, k2tog *; repeat around 

Row 6:     *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 102 stitches.   

The pattern is worked over 6 stitches.  

Feel free to use just 1 color.  

Experiment and enjoy!

Introducing Viridian Pathways!

Schnapps was busy on this penultimate Football Sunday of the season.  He worked up this hat first last week and then knit a variation of it this weekend.  We want to remind everyone that chemo caps are in desperate need all over the world.  Help out locally by knitting several and bringing them to your local cancer center.  Or, if you don't know where to bring them, send them to us and we'll get them to people who need them.  

The first version was knit using Hometown USA, a 6-weight yarn.  The second version was knit using KnitPicks Brava Bulky, a 5-weight yarn.  Instructions for all yarn weights are below.  

This pattern is simple and versatile - and only 2 rows to remember.  Just knit it as a brim and top it with a stockinette crown and you have an entirely different look.  You could add a stripe or two and use this as a great stash buster as well.

Scrimmage Stitches is now for sale as well!  This e-book is a compilation of 15 hat patterns designed for Delaware Head Huggers. Along with 3 never before published patterns, there are 12 patterns found on the blog, Knitting with Schnapps. Patterns vary in complexity, so there is something for everyone. All patterns include information for knitting them in super-bulky, chunky, worsted and sport weight yarn. 100% of all sales go into supporting Delaware Head Huggers and helping to pay for shipping and supply costs.   The book can be purchased at our Ravelry and Craftsy stores or by using the link on the right hand side of this page.

Scrimmage Stitches patterns!

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!

 

 

Viridian Pathways

 

You will need 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below. 

 

 
Abbreviations:
C3:  knit the 3rd stitch on the left hand needle, but don’t drop, then knit the first and second stitch and drop all.
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 50 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern:
Row 1:  *k3, p2*; repeat around
Row 2:   *C3, p2*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 2  until piece is anywhere from 7.0 to 7.5 inches in length.  End with a Row 1.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1:   *C3, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 2:    *k1, k2tog, p1*; repeat around
Row 3:   *k2tog, p1*; repeat around
Row 4:    *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5:  (optional)    *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 you prefer, use the pattern for just the brim of the hat, working it as long as you like, then switching to stockinette for the top of the hat.  **

 If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 65.  

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 90.  

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 100 stitches.   
The pattern is worked over 5 stitches.  

Introducing Helicoid!

It snowed this weekend in Delaware and once we finished shoveling, we all curled up inside with cocoa to watch football.  Schnapps was extra busy knitting this weekend and he came up with a couple of new patterns.  The first one is Helicoid.  This was a big hit on our Facebook page.......Schnapps hopes you like it too.

Schnapps thinks this might be his new favorite pattern.....there are so many color combinations......next time he is planning on doing the brim in a contrasting color too and using 3 different colors.  This pattern is a great stash buster too.  A bonus?  It's super simple - just stockinette in alternating colors to make the spirals.  Of course, he included instructions for all yarn weights because we know every stash has different yarn!

This version was knit using Knit Picks Brava bulky, which is a terrific yarn.....soft and cuddly and machine washable with no wool to aggravate anyone's allergies or delicate skin.  

This version was knit with Lion Brand Hometown USA, another washable, non-wool yarn that we love to use for chemo caps.

 Scrimmage Stitches is now for sale as well!  This e-book is a compilation of 15 hat patterns designed for Delaware Head Huggers. Along with 3 never before published patterns, there are 12 patterns found on the blog, Knitting with Schnapps. Patterns vary in complexity, so there is something for everyone. All patterns include information for knitting them in super-bulky, chunky, worsted and sport weight yarn. 100% of all sales go into supporting Delaware Head Huggers and helping to pay for shipping and supply costs.   The book can be purchased at our Ravelry and Craftsy stores or by using the link on the right hand side of this page.

Scrimmage Stitches patterns!

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!

 

Even though the deck is cleared of snow for him, he manages to find some flakes to stick to his face!

 Helicoid

 You will need 2 colors of 5-weight yarn and size US 10.5 circular needles or some other combination listed below. 

Abbreviations:
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:   knit all stitches
Row 2:    purl all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until your work measures 1.5 to  2 inches in length, ending with a Row 1.

Work Body of Hat:   Using Colors A & B
All stitches are knit stitches. 
Row 1:   *2a, 2b*; repeat around
Row 2:   *1a, 2b, 1a*; repeat
Row 3:   *2b, 2a*; repeat around
Row 4:   *1b, 2a, 1b*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 -4 until piece is about 6 to 6.5 inches in length. 

Work Crown:  Using Only Color A
Row 1:    knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7 inches in length.

Crown Decrease:  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

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 4 stitches,  but the crown decrease is worked over 8 stitches.

Feel free to use a third color and make the brim a contrast to the body.

Experiment and enjoy!

Introducing Pilasters!

Schnapps wanted to be sure to share one last pattern for 2016 with everyone.  It's hard to believe that there are only a few more days until we ring in 2017.  The years seem to go by more quickly all the time.   We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and we wish for nothing but great things for you in 2017!

Schnapps and I were disappointed this month......Lion Brand Yarn had contacted us in August and told us that they were doing a huge "Yarn Heroes Campaign" and they wanted to feature us in part of it.  Apparently, a person who worked for Lion Brand had been following this blog and had seen all the patterns that Schnapps shares.  They said that they were supporting several charity crafters and were looking to be partners by donating yarn on a regular basis and showcasing our work.  There followed months of answering questions and giving information......then a box of yarn was delivered to help us create more hats.......it was suggested that Schnapps get a "yarn hero" cape.....and then nothing happened. 

I like my cape!

I'm a Yarn Hero, no matter what!

It turns out that Lion Brand changed their minds and massively scaled back the Yarn Hero Campaign, leaving it with just professional bloggers sharing a pattern that can be used for charity crafting.  All the actual charity crafters were not going to be featured and the promise of yarn for the foreseeable future changed to a statement that we should submit an application if we want free yarn.  The original person who contacted us is no longer at Lion Brand.  It's disappointing for us to realize how close a major company was to really making a large difference in the charity crafting world, but not really surprising.  There are so many of you who do so much............but we do it to help others, not for recognition from companies.  

So, Schnapps is busy using the yarn that was originally sent and we are back to purchasing yarn when it's on sale to keep our charity work going.  Pilasters is his latest pattern and it's super simple and fast to knit. 

 Scrimmage Stitches is now for sale as well!  This e-book is a compilation of 15 hat patterns designed for Delaware Head Huggers. Along with 3 never before published patterns, there are 12 patterns found on the blog, Knitting with Schnapps. Patterns vary in complexity, so there is something for everyone. All patterns include information for knitting them in super-bulky, chunky, worsted and sport weight yarn. 100% of all sales go into supporting Delaware Head Huggers and helping to pay for shipping and supply costs.   The book can be purchased at our Ravelry and Craftsy stores or by using the link on the right hand side of this page.

Scrimmage Stitches patterns!

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!

 

  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 Pilasters

You will need 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below. 

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 48 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
You are going to purl 3 stitches together, then without dropping them, knit the same 3 stitches together and purl the same 3 stitches together again.  After the second p3tog, you drop the stitches from the LH needle.

Row 1:  * (p3tog, k3tog, p3tog) in the same 3 stitches, k1*
Row 2:   knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 - 2  until piece is about 4.5 to 5 inches in length.  Feel free to adapt the length as you like, making it longer or shorter.
Work Hat:
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until the hat is about 7.5 inches in length.

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
Repeat Row 4 if desired if you use a thinner yarn.

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 100 stitches.  

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches. 

Introducing Amethyst Array!

Schnapps has been powering his little paws through lots of yarn!  He has been busy helping me get ready for Christmas also.  We've shipped out so many hats lately, but there is still such a need for more..........so, he grabs some yarn and whips up hats whenever he gets a chance to rest!  

This is a very busy time of year for many, but please try to take some time to do something for someone else.  And make sure, if you are using our patterns, that you make at least a couple of hats to donate to those in need.

This hat is knit using Lion Brand Hometown USA, but instructions are included for other yarn weights as well.  Various color combinations would work well as would just a single color. 

Schnapps also designed two other hats this weekend.  These patterns will be shared later......and all the PDF's will be shared in a fund raising e-book.

Schnapps in his new sweater that was made with Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn!

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!

 

  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 

Amethyst Array

You will need 2 different colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below. 

Abbreviations:
s1:  slip one stitch, holding yarn at back of work
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:   *k2, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until your work measures 1.5 to  2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.  The brim can be folded over as above or left longer as on the next page.

Work Body of Hat:
Color A:  knit one row
Switch to Color B
Row 1:   *s1, k1*; repeat around
Row 2:   *s1, p1*; repeat
Row 3:   *k1, s1*; repeat around
Row 4:   *p1, s1*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 -4 until piece is about 6 to 6.5 inches in length.  End on a Row 2 or 4 and then knit one row still using Color B.

Work Crown:
Switch back to Color A
Row 1:    knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7 inches in length.

Crown Decrease:  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

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 88. 

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 104 stitches.  

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches,  but the crown decrease is worked over 8 stitches. 

Feel free to use just 1 color. 

Experiment and enjoy!

 

 

Introducing Tranquil Waves

Happy Giving Tuesday!  Schnapps insisted that we get this up today as a gift to everyone.  Please use this pattern to make a difference for someone.  And for your own enjoyment, of course!

This hat was knit using 3 colors of Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn, but instructions are below for other yarn weights as well.  Schnapps took 3 new skeins of yarn and created 3 hats using the same color combinations.  This pattern would be great for using up your yarn stash too.........and you could always use more colors than just three - play around with different combinations and see what results.

I think this pattern is a great unisex pattern.......and remember, many men undergo chemotherapy and get cold heads too.  Hats are shipping out again this week and more are needed always.  Help our your local cancer center if you can and drop off a few hats you make this holiday season.

Here are the other 2 hats Schnapps made with the remainder of these 3 skeins:

If you are have not purchased any patterns or any fundraiser items recently, please consider making a donation using the link on right side of this page to help us pay for postage and supply costs.   We are getting ready to ship out LOTS of hats to cancer centers for the Fall.  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org

Kisses to everyone!

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!

 

  You can see where our hats go by visiting our website:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org

Tranquil Waves

You will need 3 different colors of 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some other combination listed below. 

Abbreviations:
swyib:  slip stitches with yarn held in back of work
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 & 2 until your work measures about 1.5 to 2 inches in length, ending with a Row 1.

Work Body of Hat:

Switch to Color B

Row 1:  *s3wyib, k1*; repeat around
Row 2:  *k1, s1wyib, k2*; repeat around
Rows 3 & 4:  knit all stitches

Switch to Color C and work Rows 1-4 again

Switch to Color A and work Rows 1-4 again

Continue changing colors and working Rows 1-4 until your work measures about 6.5 to 7 inches in length, ending with a Row 4.  End on a repeat using Color A for continuity or any color for a different look.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed.  Use last color used for body of hat.


Row 1:     knit all stitches
Row 2:   *k6, k2tog *; repeat around
Row 3:   *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4:   *k4, k2tog *; repeat around
Row 5:   *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6:   *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7:   *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6:    *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 64. 

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.  

Use 2 strands of 4- or 5-weight yarn or 3 strands of 3-weight yarn held together as one strand and work pattern as written if you want to use other yarn weights and have the hat look like the model

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches, but the crown decrease is worked over 8.