#OperationBottleBeanies Kick Off is Soon!

Operation Bottle Beanies is kicking off for 2019 September 19 – 21!  Once again, Fifer’s Orchard will be selling adorable, handmade little hats for jar and bottles, as well as handmade wash cloths to support Code Purple!  Please have your first round of items to me by September 15 and this will continue until almost Christmas, when Fifer’s closes for the Winter.


These are some from Kathy in CA from a previous year!

Those of you who know me know that I tend to steer clear of “official” non-profits because too often, the money donated goes towards advertising and marketing costs and to paying salaries instead of helping those in need.  Code Purple operates shelters when the temperatures drop below freezing.  Code Purple is run entirely by volunteers and through their unwavering, dedicated work, they help hundreds, if not thousands of people in Delaware stay warm throughout the Winter months. 
#OperationBottleBeanies is community service at is best.  We donate the hats and wash cloths and Fifer’s donates the room in their store and their staff time to sell them and the Code Purple volunteers use that money to purchase whatever supplies are needed to operate the shelters.  We all do a little and those who need it can be helped.  We are all doing this out of love and a shared concern for our community.

We need LOTS of hats!  From olive oil bottles to mason jars, Fifer’s has many different size containers that can wear hats!  They sell apple butter, honey, peanut butter, jams, pickles and so much more.  Themed hats for Fall and Winter and holidays are great, as are any that include bees, produce, animals…….the possibilities are almost endless!

Preemie size hats are about the size for quart jars.  There are lots of patterns for tiny hats online……….wine bottle hats, The Innocent Drink Big Knit project in the UK (which is our inspiration!) and most yarn companies have free patterns online.  We have some free patterns on this blog too.  These hats can be used to decorate the items, put on dolls, hung as ornaments….again, the possibilities are vast!  They make adorable tie-ons for packages!  AND they are helping people!




Washcloth patterns are very easy to come by and they are great ways to try out new stitch patterns too!  Again, the cuter the better……eye catching ones sell first.  Seasonal colors and designs are great!  Washcloths are big sellers too!  Everyone can use some new washcloths and they make great gifts too!

Join our Facebook page and see new ideas as we find them and all the beautiful things people create as they come in.

Of course, we are still collecting chemo caps in all sizes for people undergoing chemotherapy and blankets for children in foster care and those in crisis.  I know it’s asking a lot of people to support all these things at once, but however you can help, it will be greatly appreciated.  Make what you like to make.  Do whatever you can do without stressing yourself.  Every single item helps someone.  And if you can make hats, blankets and bottle beanies, then have it and we will get them where they need to go to help the most!

All items can be sent to DEHH at 202 Acorn Forest Drive, Felton, DE 19943.  If you usually donate by using a Library drop off, please just add your new items to that and I will get them!

#OperationBottleBeanies has been a dream of mine for years………..I’m very happy that it is back and I hope we can see it grow and help more people in the future years. 
If we each do a little bit, in our community, we truly do make a big difference.  Imagine if everyone helped…………..


Here's a list of some sites with free washcloth patterns:

Washcloth patterns from RedHeart

Washcloth patterns from LionBrand

Washcloth patterns from KnitPicks

Crochet washcloth patterns from Yarnspirations

Knit washcloth patterns from Yarnspirations

Introducing Crossroads!

Two new patterns today!  Schnapps has been busy....it's been so hot here that he's been hiding in the cool house playing with yarn.  Here is his original plan and this time he made sure to double check his math!  :)  Made with Lion Brand Hometown USA, this hat knits up super fast and is just a one row pattern!  I really like the way the crown decrease looks.  Other yarn weight instructions are included also.

It starts out like this:

and with just a few steps is finished!

Balance Beam utilizes a similar design for the brim and is also posted on this blog with info about all yarn weights.

All costs are paid for out of our pocket and shipping costs have sky rocketed lately.  We want to keep posting patterns for free to help the most amount of people possible, but some patterns will be purchase only to help defray our costs.  There is a donate now button on the right hand side of this page.  All pattern sales are also really donations, since 100% of pattern prices go directly back into the charities.  Purchasing from our Etsy store is another way to help us cover shipping and supply costs.  Whether you donate hats or blankets, send us good thoughts, tell people about us or donate financially, you are greatly appreciated!!

Hats can be sent directly to:

DEHH

202 Acorn Forest Drive

Felton, DE 19943

It's STILL hot!

 Crossroads

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

  

Abbreviations:

ktbl:  knit through the back loop
p2tog:  purl 2 stitches together as one
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one
k2togtbl:  knit 2 stitches together as one through the back loop

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


Work Pattern:
Row 1:  *p3, k2tbl*, repeat around

Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 7.5 to 8.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1:  *p1, p2tog, k2tbl*; repeat around
Row 2:   *p2tog, k2togtbl*; repeat around
Row 3:   *k2togtbl*; 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 give it to someone special!

Cinching:  Cut an 8 inch piece of yarn, either matching or contrasting for a different look and thread it through a yarn needle.  At about halfway up the length of the hat, bring the yarn needle up on the outer side of one knit section and then down on the outer side of the next knit section.  Wrap the yarn three times around, cinching the 2 knit sections together.  Take care not to cinch too tightly since that could distort the fit of the hat.  Tie off the yarn on the inside of the hat and weave in end.  Repeat for every 2 knit sections around the hat.

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 70. 

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 110. 

If making a child’s hat, use 4 weight yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 70 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 10.

The pattern is worked over 10 stitches.

Introducing Balance Beam!

It's finally September!  Hats are shipping out every week so patients are supplied when the weather turns colder.  We are in the midst of a heat wave right now, but Schnapps is planning ahead and working on warm, toasty hats.  He had a plan in mind when he started this hat and then realized that he miscalculated..........so he changed it up and ended with this.  It's made with Lion Brand Hometown USA, well less than one skein.  Info for other yarn weights is included also.

And don't forget about Operation Bottle Beanies!  We are collecting tiny hats that will be placed on jars and bottles at Fifer's Farm Store in the Fall. From olive oil bottles up to quart size mason jars and all sizes in between! These hats will be sold and 100% of that money will be donated to keep people in Delaware warm this winter.  Yes, it is just for Delaware right now, but Schnapps and I are dreaming big.......we hope that someday it reaches well beyond our tiny state.  

We need LOTS of tiny hats!  We need themed hats for Fall and Winter such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and more.  We need farm themed hats like bee hives, pumpkins, apples, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.  We need adorable hats of any theme or type!  Sizes vary since there are many different items sold in the store; apple butter, local honey,  jams, oils, pickles and so many other yummy things.  Please help us with this special project that is very important to Schnapps and me.

 

Hats can be sent directly to:

DEHH

202 Acorn Forest Drive

Felton, DE 19943

 

 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!

 

Balance Beam

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

Abbreviations:
ktbl:  knit through the back loop
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

Using Color A:  Cast on 49 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Color A
Row 1:  *p5, k2tbl*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 for  4.5 to 5 inches

Work Crown:  Color B
Row 1:  knit all stitches

Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 6.5 to 7.5 inches in length.


Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *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 give it to someone special who may find themselves performing a balancing act these days and could use some love!

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 70. 

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 91. 

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

For a child’s hat, use 4 weight yarn, size 7 needles and cast on 70 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 7.

The pattern is worked over 7 stitches.

 

Introducing Zigzagged!

It's almost the end of July already!  Schnapps and I are impatiently awaiting colder weather and while we are doing that, we are busy knitting, working on Christmas presents and organizing Operation Bottle Beanies!  We have hundreds of hats ready to ship out in early September and have been keeping area hospitals supplied with cotton blend and other lightweight hats this summer.

Even though it is very hot, we know that soon enough there will be a huge need for lots of warm caps, so Schnapps designed this one yesterday. It's simple, quick and toasty warm.  Just what we'll need to be sending out soon.  The pattern is below.  If you want an easy to print PDF of the pattern, it is available at my Craftsy store for just $1.50.  ALL pattern sales are used to cover shipping and supply costs.  

Schnapps is always looking at all angles!

Operation Bottle Beanies is already underway! 

Don't forget about Operation Bottle Beanies!  We are collecting tiny hats that will be placed on jars and bottles at Fifer's Farm Store in the Fall. From olive oil bottles up to quart size mason jars and all sizes in between! These hats will be sold for $1 each and 100% of that money will be donated to keep people in Delaware warm this winter.  Yes, it is just for Delaware right now, but Schnapps and I are dreaming big.......we hope that someday it reaches well beyond our tiny state.  

We need LOTS of tiny hats!  We need themed hats for Fall and Winter such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and more.  We need farm themed hats like bee hives, pumpkins, apples, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.  We need adorable hats of any theme or type!  Sizes vary since there are many different items sold in the store; apple butter, local honey,  jams, oils, pickles and so many other yummy things. 

Hats can be sent directly to:

DEHH

202 Acorn Forest Drive

Felton, DE 19943

Our latest e-book is available also!

Patterns in Inspired Hope!

Our new e-book Inspired Hope is now for sale too.  The patterns and the e-book can be found in our Craftsy and Ravelry stores - the links are also on the right hand side of this page.  There is also a "buy now" button for Inspired Hope on the right hand side as well.  100% of the price goes right back into DEHH and KKforK.

 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!

Zigzagged

Use 6-weight yarn and size 13 needles.

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Brim: 
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  purl all stitches
Repeat Row 1 for about 2 inches

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 2: *k4, p1, k1, p4, k1, p1*; repeat around
Rows 3, 4, 15 & 16:  *k3, p1, k1, p4, k1, p1, k1*  ; repeat around
Rows 5, 6, 13 & 14:  *k2, p1, k1, p4, k1, p1, k2* ; repeat around
Rows 7, 8, 11 & 12:   *k1, p1, k1, p4, k1, p1, k3*; repeat around
Rows 9 & 10:  *p1, k1, p4, k1, p1, k4*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 16 until piece measures 6.5 to 7.5 inches in length.


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: *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 give it to someone special who may find themselves on a rough path right now!

 If using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 60.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 72.

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 108 stitches.

The pattern is worked over 12 stitches.

 

Operation Bottle Beanies!

Schnapps and I are very excited about our latest project, Operation Bottle Beanies!  This has been a dream for quite some time and now it's finally coming to fruition.  Fifer Orchards in Camden-Wyoming, Delaware is partnering with us in a brand new initiative to try to keep people warm this Winter. 

Sure, it's the end of June and temperatures are soaring.  But, before we know it, the cold weather will be back and so many people do not have the proper shelter or clothing to get through those chilly months.  We heard about The Big Knit in the UK - sponsored by Innocent Drinks a few years ago and the concept of Operation Bottle Beanie was born.  No one was willing to partner with me until I spoke to the great people at Fifer's! 

Operation Bottle Beanies is already underway! 

We are collecting tiny hats that will be placed on jars and bottles at Fifer's Farm Store in the Fall. From olive oil bottles up to quart size mason jars and all sizes in between! These hats will be sold for $1 each and 100% of that money will be donated to keep people in Delaware warm this winter.  Yes, it is just for Delaware right now, but Schnapps and I are dreaming big.......we hope that someday it reaches well beyond our tiny state.  

We need LOTS of tiny hats!  We need themed hats for Fall and Winter such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and more.  We need farm themed hats like bee hives, pumpkins, apples, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.  We need adorable hats of any theme or type!  Sizes vary since there are many different items sold in the store; apple butter, local honey,  jams, oils, pickles and so many other yummy things.  

This is a great way to use up that scrap yarn! All yarn types are welcome.  And it's a great summer knitting project, since these tiny beanies aren't too hot to hold on a sweltering day.  

Schnapps has been working on some bottle beanies too and we will try to put together some patterns for those who want them.  However, any type of hat pattern will work.  Wine bottle hat patterns would work or you can use slightly larger needles and a thicker yarn.  Preemie size hat patterns work for quart size jars and any regular hat pattern can be scaled smaller to fit. 

This is a way to use my knitting to make a difference in other ways as well.  I grew up in NYC and frequently saw homeless people with no place to go in the bad weather.  Sometimes I brought in extra blankets or clothes.  Frequently I stopped and got an extra coffee.  It seems to me that a country that has billions of dollars to give to to other countries should never have anyone without a safe place to live.  However, in reality, we have many.  I still struggle with the fact that I am just one person and I can't fix everything.  But, I am hoping that little by little, Schnapps and I will manage to make some positive differences in our community.  Please consider helping, even if you only have time to make one tiny bottle beanie.

Mom and I want to help everyone stay warm this Winter!

Hats can be sent directly to:

DEHH

202 Acorn Forest Drive

Felton, DE 19943

Hats can also be dropped off at any of the library drop off sites for Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids.  The complete list of those may be found here.  

 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!

Patterns in Inspired Hope!

Our new e-book Inspired Hope is now for sale too.  The patterns and the e-book can be found in our Craftsy and Ravelry stores - the links are also on the right hand side of this page.  There is also a "buy now" button for Inspired Hope on the right hand side as well.  100% of the price goes right back into DEHH and KKforK.