Introducing Cluthar!

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

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

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

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

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

On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  All donations are used to help with shipping and supply costs.  Supplies include bags and tags for each individual hat as well as shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink, paper, etc. 

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback, can be purchased on Amazon as well.

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  

Cluthar PDF

Introducing Gifts from the Heart!

 It's almost October already!  I'm not sure where 2024 is going, but it's going quickly!  I have been busy working on new patterns though.  My latests e-book, Gifts from the Heart contains 10 patterns, all named gift in various languages.  Chemo caps are needed everywhere and they are truly gifts from the heart!

Each pattern is great for knitting while watching football!  And you've got plenty of time to make all of these as holiday gifts for friends and family too.  Just please remember to donate some to your local cancer center or to DEHH!

I'm fairly certain that I will get pushback from people who demand all my patterns be free and immediate.  I'd just like to ask you all to think about the amount of time that goes into creating patterns and the amount of time and money that goes into running Delaware Head Huggers.  Sadly, most people who are demanding access to patterns are those who don't donate chemo caps.  If you use any of my patterns for your own purposes, please consider donating to DEHH.

Bronntanas has already been published on this blog.  The remaining nine patterns are all brand new.  All e-book sale profits go right back into running Delaware Head Huggers.  I've priced Gifts from the Heart at only $10 - which I think is very reasonable.  Each pattern will also be available individually for those of you who only want one.  They will be priced at $2.50 each. Most independent patterns are priced much higher.  Please remember that Ravelry and Etsy take a portion of the sales.

I will share these patterns eventually on this blog, but not as PDF's.  

Here are photos of the 10 patterns included.  

Agasallo

Bronntanas

Cadeau

Darilo

Donum

Kado

Koha

Lahja

Makana

Nunana

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 my Etsy shop.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback, can be purchased on Amazon as well.

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  

Introducing Memeluk! Week 7 of the 12 Weeks of Hat Patterns 2023

It's already Week 7 of the 12 Weeks of Hat Patterns!  Memeluk is the Indonesian word for hug.  

The model is knit using Lion Brand Hometown USA, a 6-weight, bulky yarn, but the pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights and this hat will work up nicely no matter what yarn weight you use.  Try it using a variegated yarn or a self striping yarn and see what a great looking hat you end up with.  This is a very simple pattern - easy to remember and fun to knit.  Make a few and donate them this winter.

Each Wednesday until the week before Christmas I'll be posting a brand new pattern, with instructions in all yarn weights.  Feel free to use the patterns to make gifts for friends and family, but also, please try to make some to donate.  Donate locally if you can - every place needs chemo caps.  Or send them to me and I will get them to people who need them.  Together, we really are making a difference. Just be sure to check in every week to see the latest pattern.

Did you knit an Abbraccio from Week 1 yet?  What colors did you use?

Did you knit a Knuffel from Week 2 ?

Did you knit a Drukkie from Week 3?

Did you knit an Amplexus from Week 4?

Did you knit an Awhi from Week 5?

Did you knit a Barróg from Week 6?

Chemo caps are in high demand right now, so please consider helping out.  Those of you who use my patterns, but don't donate chemo caps, please consider donating financially to help defray shipping and supply costs.  Annual expenses covered by my family to run DEHH run in the thousands.  All hats are always shipping completely free of charge to centers and individuals. 

On the right side of the blog there is a "Donate Now" button that allows you to donate via PayPal.  All donations are used to help with shipping and supply costs.  Supplies include bags and tags for each individual hat as well as shipping boxes, packing tape, printer ink, paper, etc. 

There is also a link to my Ravelry patterns.  All pattern sales are put right back into shipping and supply costs.  

Pattern books, both e-book and paperback, can be purchased on Amazon as well.

If you want to help support us in other ways, please join our Facebook page and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Visit our Website.  Follow us on Instagram or Twitter.  Share, comment and like posts to spread the word about the need for chemo caps.  Tell your friends about us.  You never know who else may want to get involved.

Remember, just ONE skein of yarn is needed to make a difference in someone's life.  I bet you have a skein of yarn lying in your stash that you could use to help someone through a difficult time.  

Memeluk PDF

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 Vertices

Sadly, the United States and the whole world is still battling Covid-19.  So many lives have been lost and so many things have been changed, probably forever.  Now, more than ever, it is important for us to be kind, spread love and help each other.  Delaware Head Huggers has cautiously restarted operations with several new guidelines.  More information about that can be found at our website.  I have already shipped out 4 boxes of hats and will have more on the way soon.

Vertices is the latest hat that I have knit.  I used KnitPicks Brava Sport in 3 colors for this model.  A vast variety of colors could be used.  You could certainly use just 2 colors and keep the brim and crown one of the pattern colors if you'd like.  Instructions for other yarn weights are included as well.  This model is a full 3 repeats of the pattern.  Using thicker yarn will decrease the number of repeats, of course, so it will look different, but still great.

Today is 2 years since we lost our Schnapps.  This year, I am sharing this pattern in his honor.  Last year, in his honor, I wrote Stash Hats, which covers all the basics that you need to get started on knitting hats using whatever yarn is in your stash.  Schnapps would want everyone to keep making a difference for those fighting cancer!  More info about this book, and the patterns in it, can be found here.  All pattern sales are put back into shipping and supply costs for Delaware Head Huggers.  

Vertices

You need 3 colors of 3-weight yarn and size 5 needles or another combination listed below.

Abbreviations:

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color C, cast on 126 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color C

Row 1:  knit all stitches

Row 2:  purl all stitches 

Repeat Rows 1-2 until your work measures about 2 inches in length.  

Work Pattern:  all stitches are knit stitches.  The numbers and letter refer to color:  In the model Color A is pink and B is teal.  

Row 1:  *2B, 3A, 2B, 3A, 1B, 3A *; repeat around 

Row 2:  *1A, 2B, 1A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 2A*; repeat around 

Row 3:   *2A, 3B, 3A, 2B, 1A, 2B, 1A*; repeat around

Row 4:   *2A, 3B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 2B*; repeat around

Row 5:  *1A, 2B, 1A, 2B, 2A, 2B, 1A, 2B, 1A*; repeat around

Row 6:   *2B, 3A, 2B, 2A, 3B, 2A*; repeat around 

Row 7:   *1A, 2B, 1A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 2A*; repeat around 

Row 8:   *2A, 3B, 3A, 2B, 1A, 2B, 1A*; repeat around 

Row 9:   *3A, 1B, 3A, 2B, 3A, 2B*; repeat around 

Row 10:  *1B, 5A, 2B, 5A, 1B*; repeat around 

Repeat Rows 1 -10 until piece is about 7 to 7.5  inches in length.

Work Crown:  Using Color C:  use dpn’s when needed 

Row 1:    knit all stitches

Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 8 - 8.5 inches in length.

Work Crown Decrease in Color C:  

Row 1:     *k12, k2tog *; repeat around

Row 2:     *k11, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 3:     *k10, k2tog*; repeat around 

Row 4:     *k9, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 5:     *k8, k2tog*; repeat around 

Row 6:     *k7, k2tog *; repeat around

Row 7:     *k6, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 8:     *k5, k2tog*; repeat around 

Row 9:     *k4, k2tog *; repeat around

Row 10:   *k3, k2tog *; repeat around

Row 11:   *k2, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 12:   *k1, k2tog*; repeat around 

Row 13:   *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 56.

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

  

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 98.   

This  pattern is worked over 14 stitches.  Adjust accordingly for size differences. 

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 Follow us on Pinterest or to find our  Ravelry store.  

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!  

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.

Introducing Pinball!

All of us, all over the world are still battling COVID-19.  So many lives have been lost since I posted the last pattern on April 1, 2020.  I hope that all of you are safe and healthy and that your families are too.  Delaware Head Hugger operations are still suspended for the foreseeable future.  Hopefully, someday, we will be able to get back to normal.  Stay safe and be well!

To navigate through scary times, I find distractions are helpful.  I've been spending a lot of time in my yard watching the birds and bees and butterflies and some time knitting as well.  This is a hat pattern that I originally made a year or so ago and then promptly lost my pattern notes.  So, I decided to work it out again and share it with everyone.  To show how if at first you don't succeed, this pattern was worked out 3 different times before I got it the way I wanted it to look.  To me, it looks like a pinball machine a bit and I know I feel like life has become a pinball machine, so I thought the name fit.

The first try, I wasn't paying attention and had a partial pattern repeat on the bottom of the hat.

On the second try I had a partial pattern repeat on the bottom and at the top of the hat!  Now, neither of these ruins the hat, so if you want to knit it this way, it works fine.  But, it wasn't what I had planned - I just wasn't paying attention.

Finally, I did it the way I had envisioned!  This used 5-weight yarn and size 11 needles, because that's what I had ready to go in my stash.  Instructions for all yarn weights are included.

Pinball

You will need 5-weight yarn in 2 colors and size 11 needles.

Abbreviations:

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 63 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 2.5 inches, or longer if you prefer, in length.  

Work Pattern:  all stitches are knit stitches.  The numbers and letter refer to color:  In the models Color A is gray and B is turquoise.   Color A is seafoam and B is pink.  Color A is brown and B is cream.

First Repeat Only IF you want to prevent the start of the partial pattern as seen on the seafoam/pink hat and the brown/cream hat.

Row 1:  *1B, 8A*; repeat around

Row 2:  *1B, 1A, 1B, 6A*; repeat around

Then work rows 3-6 and repeat 1-6, as below, as needed.

Row 1:  *1B, 4A, 3B, 1A*; repeat around 

Row 2:  *1B ,1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2A; repeat around 

Row 3:   *1B, 1A, 2B, 5A*; repeat around

Row 4:   *1B, 1A, 3B, 4A*; repeat around

Row 5:   *1B, 2A, 2B, 2A, 1B, 1A*; repeat around

Row 6:   *1B, 5A, 2B, 1A*; repeat around 

Repeat Rows 1 - 6 until piece is about 7 inches in length.  

End with a Row 4 and work Rows 5 & 6 as below.

Last Repeat Only IF you want to avoid the partial pattern at the top of the seafoam/pink version.  If not, just work the last 2 rows as written.

Row 5:  *1B, 2A, 2B, 4A*; repeat around

Row 6:  *1B, 8A*; repeat around

Work Crown:  Using Color A:  

Row 1:    knit all stitches

Repeat Row 1 until piece is 7.5 - 8 inches in length.

Work Decrease in Color A:  use dpn’s when needed

Row 1:     *k7, k2tog*; repeat around

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 8:      *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 15 needles and cast on 45.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 81. 

  

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 6 needles and cast on 108.   

If using 2-weight yarn, use size 4 needles and cast on 144.  

This  pattern is worked over 9 stitches.  

Adjust accordingly for size differences.

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 Follow us on Pinterest or visit our  Ravelry store.  

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!  

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!