#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 Love Swirls!

New year, new hat patterns.  Schnapps spent his New Year's Eve and Day working on this new hat.  We are sharing it with you now so that if you are in the path of this big snow storm headed for the East Coast and you have some yarn on hand (and really, who doesn't have at least SOME yarn, right?), then you can make one or two or more of these while you are snowed in.

In 2017 we passed 25,300 chemo caps shipped to centers and individuals throughout the USA.  We are hoping that 2018 allows us to help even more people.  Please consider making chemo caps and donating them locally or sending them to us if you use our patterns for any reason.  There is a true need for them, all year long, but especially in the cold weather.

Thank you Teresita for the name of this hat!  This one was knit using Knit Picks Brava Bulky yarn, but of course, Schnapps included instructions for all yarn weights.  Keep in mind that if you are using super bulky yarn, you will only be able to do one pattern repeat on the body of your hat.  Since this is stranded color work, just be careful to not pull your stitches too tight too!  All sorts of color combinations would be great with this pattern.

Santa Paws came and Schnapps found presents on Christmas morning!

Schnapps and I got some great knitting gifts this year, including Andrea Rangel's AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary............this hat is just the first of many projects inspired by that book I am sure.

Remember,  we have three books published on Amazon in paperback and Kindle versions.  Paperbacks are printed in full color on 8.5 x 11 paper and will be delivered right to your door.  These could be good gift ideas for knitters you love.

Just go to Amazon.com and search "Knitting with Schnapps" or "Agar-Celli" to find them, or click here.  Sales of course go towards helping us cover shipping and supply costs for shipping hats out across the country.  

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!

Love Swirls

You will need size 10 US circular needles and 5 weight yarn or some other variation listed below.

Abbreviations:

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 72 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 2 to

3 inches in length.  End with a Row 1.

Work Body of Hat:  all stitches are knit stitches.  The numbers and letter refer to color:

Row 1:   *2a, 3b, 1a*; repeat around

Row 2:  *1a, 1b, 3a, 1b*; repeat around 

Row 3:  *1a, 1b, 1a, 1b, 1a, 1b*; repeat around 

Row 4:   *1a, 1b, 2a, 1b, 1a*; repeat around 

Row 5:   *2a, 1b, 3a*; repeat around

Row 6:    *1a, 1b, 1a, 1b, 2a*; repeat around 

Row 7:  *1b, 3a, 1b, 1a*; repeat around 

Row 8:   *2a, 1b, 2a, 1b*; repeat around 

Row 9:   *1a, 1b, 1a, 1b, 1a, 1b*; repeat around 

Row 10:   *1a, 1b, 3a, 1b*; repeat around 

Row 11:   *2a, 3b, 1a*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 11  until piece is about 6.5 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed

Row 1:   *k4, k2tog *; repeat around

Row 2:   *k3, k2tog *; repeat around

Row 3:    *k2, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 4:    *k1, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 5:    *k2tog *; repeat around

 Finish: Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure.  Weave in ends and share.

If using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48.   You can only do one pattern repeat in the body in this weight yarn.   

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.   

This  pattern is worked over 6 stitches.  Adjust accordingly for size differences.

Introducing Reticulated Hope!

2017 is here and I just know great things will happen!  

We ended 2016 with a grand total of 22,297 chemo caps (3,110 in 2016) and 2,287 blankets for foster children and kids in crisis (272 in 2016).  When Schnapps and I started this back in 2010 we never dreamed that it would grow so much.  Thank you to everyone who helps and to all of you who use our patterns to help your local communities.  We hope that we can all challenge and inspire each other to keep creating comforting, beautiful things to spread some happiness.

Schnapps played around with some 6-weight yarn this weekend during football and came up with this pattern.  Amazing how a different yarn gives the same pattern an entirely different look, isn't it?  You could do the brim one color and the crown another too.  Remember, be creative and experiment........worst that happens is you rip out something and start over........most times you come up with something wonderful!

Very simple and super quick to knit, especially in super bulky yarn, the pattern includes info for other yarn weights as always.  

 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!

 

Missing the excitement of the holidays.....but ready for some snuggle time!

 

Reticulated Hope

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

 

Abbreviations:
s1:  slip one stitch
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

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

Work Brim:
Rows 1 & 2:   knit all stitches
Row 3:  *s1 knitwise, k1*; repeat around
Row 4:   *s1 purlwise with yarn in back, p1*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4  until piece is anywhere from 3 to 6.5 inches in length, depending on what you like best.

Work Crown:
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:   *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 vary in multiples of 8 to keep the crown decrease the same. 

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 Ribbons & Bows!

Schnapps has been busy helping me get blankets ready for Camp Connect, a camp that reunites foster care siblings placed in separate foster home for a week of fun and bonding.  He helped make bracelets for Code Purple to have at the Firefly Music Festival this weekend.  He helped me put together a new fund raiser.  He's been very helpful in dealing with some extremely rude people who have tried to bully us in the past two weeks and he made this hat a while ago and just got around to telling me the pattern.  As always, all yarn weights are listed.  The model was knit using 3 colors of 5-weight, chunky yarn and size 10.5 circular needles.

 

FUNDRAISER INFO!

 

 

All orders need to be paid prior to July 1 either via PayPal (robin@delawareheadhuggers.org) or by personal check made out to Robin Agar.  There is a donate now button on the right side of this blog which you can use if you want.  Please email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org telling me what you are ordering as well as what size and color if you are ordering shirts.  Include your full mailing address please so I have all the information that I need in one email.

If you are sending a check, please include a list of what you are ordering along with your mailing address.  Mail to:  Robin Agar, 202 Acorn Forest Drive, Felton, DE 19943.  

I hope that some of you will be able to help.....and enjoy some cute merchandise too!

Two Tone Tote  (19" x 15" x 6"):  $30

Plain Tote  (19" x 15" x 6") :  $27

Long Sleeve Tee:  Black:  $36     White:  $31  Available in S, M, L, XL (add $2 for XXL and XXXL)

Short Sleeve Tee:  White:  $26   Black:  $32   Gray:  $31 
Available in S, M, L, XL (add $2 for XXL and XXXL)

Pen Design:  With another item:  $5.  $7 if shipped separately

 

 

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!

 

Ribbons & Bows

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

  

Abbreviations:

s5: slip 5 stitches purlwise, holding yarn in front
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 60 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color A
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until your work measures about 3 inches in length. 

Work Pattern Band of Hat

**  Knit one row in Color B to set up pattern. **
Color B  
Rows 1, 3 & 5:  *s5, k5*  repeat around
Rows 2 & 4:    knit all stitches

Color C
Row 6:   *k2, insert R needle under the 3 strands and knit the next stitch, k7*; repeat around
Rows 7, 9 & 11:   *k5, s5*; repeat around 
Rows 8 & 10:   knit all stitches

Color B
Row 12:   *k7, insert R needle under the 3 strands and knit the next stitch, k2*; repeat around
Repeat as desired ending on a Row 5 or 11.  Work Row 6 or 12 with Color A to work top of hat.  Model was knit repeating Rows 1-5 in Color B and working Row 6 in Color A.

Work Top of Hat Using Color A:
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1  until piece is about 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1:   *k8, k2tog *; repeat around
Row 2:   *k7, k2tog *; repeat around
Row 3:   *k6, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4:   *k5, k2tog *; repeat around
Row 5:   *k4, k2tog *; repeat around
Row 6:   *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7:   * k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 8:   *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 9:   * k2, 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 50. 

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 a multiple of 10 stitches.  Adjust by multiples of 10 to keep the crown decrease the same.


Experiment with many colors and enjoy!