Introducing Twisted Facets!

 It's only 12 days into 2022 and hats are in huge demand.  Luckily, many people have been busy knitting, crocheting and sewing and have been sending hats in.  But, we always need more!  

We are also trying to help Code Purple (a local non-profit that helps the homeless) by collecting blankets, scarves, socks, hats, etc to help keep people warm this winter.  

I've been playing around with twisted stitches, after taking Norah Gaughan's book "Twisted Stitch Sourcebook" out of the library.  I have a feeling I will be purchasing my own copy to have on hand always.  Twisted stitches aren't difficult to do, but the written directions may seem complicated.  No cable needles are required!

I'm including videos for how to do the LT and RT stitches in this blog and on YouTube to try to help. 

This model was knit using KnitPicks Brava bulky yarn.  I used a solid color to highlight the twisted stitches, but don't be afraid to work this pattern using a variegated or self striping yarn.  The PDF includes instructions for using all yarn weights, so just dig into your stash and get started.  

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.  

Twisted Facets PDF

How to work the RT stitch video

How to work the LT stitch video

Happy 2022! Start off the year with Tessellation!

 The last 2 years have been difficult for everyone, so I wanted to start 2022 off on a good note with a brand new hat pattern - Tessellation!  I hope that 2022 will be inspiring for all of us and that I'll have several new patterns to share with everyone.  

This is a fun pattern to knit!  You only use one color at a time, so it's very simple.  A great stash buster, this pattern can be customized for any color palette.  The PDF includes information for all yarn weights, so you really can just grab some yarn from your stash and get knitting!  

Please consider supporting our mission of making a difference one hat at a time in 2022!  

To date, Delaware Head Huggers has made and distributed 38,338 chemo caps and counting.  Every week more hats come in and ship out to those in need of them.  Covid slowed us down, but didn't stop us.  Last year, even without being able to operate for a large portion of the year, we got 1,768 chemo caps onto heads that were cold.  I've got a goal of 5,000 for 2022.  We almost did that the year right before Covid, so I'm thinking we can definitely manage that now.

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.  

Tessellation PDF

The 12 Weeks of Christmas 2021!

 Today is very warm here in Delaware, but it's time to kick off the 12 Weeks of Christmas! 

If you want to make this using lighter weight yarn, you might want to double the stripes.  You might want to work with just one color.  You might want to make each stripe a different color.  Have fun with it!  It's a simple pattern that gives a bit of texture and interest to the cap. 

Everyone is welcome to join us!  Hopefully you will be inspired to make a hat or two (or three or forty!) for a local cancer center or to send to us at Delaware Head Huggers.  Chemo caps are in huge demand right now and you can help!

Please consider donating if you are using my patterns.  I post these patterns, mostly free, so everyone can use them to help others.  Shipping and supply costs to run DEHH are high and every little bit helps.  

Join us on Facebook to see some fun fundraisers that we have going on - you can purchase DEHH stickers, nature notecards or calendars.  You can purchase pattern books or individual patterns of some of our designs.  Or you can simply use the donate button to the right on this page.

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers and how you can help!

Hopeful Ribbons is the first pattern.  This model was knit using Charisma yarn in 2 colors and size 11 needles, but of course, instructions are included for all yarn weights.

Hopeful Ribbons PDF

It's Electric is the second pattern.  It's named this because so many people thought it looked like lightning bolts.  The model was knit with worsted weight yarn, but the pattern includes information for all yarn weights.  Keep in mind that if you knit this using thicker yarn, the pattern will be fewer rows and will look different.  Not bad, just different!

It's Electric PDF

All Lanes Lead is the third pattern.  The slight twist in the pattern adds some interesting texture to this quick knit!  This will work wonderfully in any yarn weight and in any color.  Use a different yarn for the the brim than you do for the body and create a ton of color combinations.  

All Lanes Lead PDF

Embossed Alleys is the pattern for Week 4!  This is a super simple, really quick knit that you can make in any color.  It's suitable for men or women and will be a pattern you come back to often when you need a cute hat that you can make fast!  Of course the PDF included directions for all yarn weights, so dig into your stash and get knitting!  Don't forget to make one for your local cancer center too.  And don't forget to donate if you can to help with postage and supply costs!

Embossed Alleys PDF

Ebb & Flow is the pattern for Week 5!  Can you believe it's Week 5 already?  This is a pattern that uses some twisting of stitches to give it some interest and texture.  A cable needle is needed, but don't let that scare you away from the pattern.  It's a fairly simple knit that is very straight forward and even if you haven't ever done cables before, you can do this!  I like that it is suitable for men or women too.

The model is knit using Lion Brand Hometown USA, which is a 6-weight yarn that I love to use for winter chemo caps.  It washes great, is super soft and comes in tons of colors.  Of course, the PDF includes instructions for all yarn weights so you can use whatever you have in your stash or whatever you prefer to work with.  

Ebb & Flow PDF

Positive Energy is the pattern for  Week 6!  We're halfway through already.  

This is an extremely versatile, quick and simple knit, that uses only knit and purl stitches.  It works great for both men and women and can be adapted for any yarn in your stash.  The brim and crown can easily be made in a contrasting color to the body for a different look, opening up a world of color combination.  This model was made using worsted weight yarn, but there is a photo of chunky yarn in the PDF.  The pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights.  

Positive Energy PDF

Contained Curves is the pattern for Week 7!  Using simple cable stitches to add texture give this unisex hat lot of visual interest.  The model is knit using super bulky yarn, but would look equally nice in any yarn weight.  With just 4 rows to repeat, this is a great first project for those who are unfamiliar with using cable needles but want to give it a try.  You'll be glad you did!  Instructions are included for all yarn weights, so search your stash for that perfect skein and get knitting!  

Contained Curves PDF

Chevron Chic is the pattern for Week 8!  A chevron pattern makes this a timeless pattern visually interesting, yet still so simple to knit!  There are good reasons why chevron patterns are so popular - they are perfect for men and women, they allow for individuality while still maintaining a classic feel and they are just fun to knit.  Use an unexpected color combination to make this hat really pop!  The model is knit using chunky yarn, but the pattern includes details for all yarn weights.  

Chevron Chic PDF

Cordillera is the pattern for Week 9.  This is a very simple pattern to follow - you repeat rows 4 or 5 times, making the hat practically fly off your needles.  The initial model was knit using 5 weight yarn. There were too many rows for the pattern to work exactly as written with 6 weight yarn, so I played around with it and adapted it so all yarn weights are included! Perfect in any color this addictive knit will become one of your go-to patterns!

 Cordillera PDF

Escalators is the pattern for  Week 10!  Extremely simple slipped stitches give the impression of floating staircases or ladders.  This adds lots of visual interest and texture and works well for variegated or self striping yarn too. Easily adapted for length and the pattern includes information for all yarn weights.  This quick knit makes a great gift for a friend as well as a terrific chemo cap.  It is suitable for men or women.  You can easily add a contrasting brim if you want.

* The first PDF of this pattern was missing the brim section.  The PDF has been updated and the same link works. *

Escalators PDF

 

Softened Swells is the pattern for  Week 11!  Though equally attractive in a solid color, a self striping or variegated yarn can add a little extra charm to this hat.  This pattern will work well with fuzzy yarns or smooth and anything in between. This is a simple 4 row repeat that is easy to memorize and flies off your needles.   The model was knit using 5-weight yarn, but of course the pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights.  

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers and how you can help!

Softened Swells PDF

 Knotty Lines is the pattern for  Week 12!  The 12 Weeks of Christmas is finished, but there are more new patterns to come!  A very simple cable stitch adds some interest to the pattern.  The model has a contrasting brim, but you could easily knit this all in one color.  You could also knit the textured part as a band in the center of the hat - just knit an inch or so of stockinette before and after the pattern rows.  The model was knit using super bulky, 6-weight yarn, but the PDF has information for all yarn weights.  Experiment and have fun with it!  Coordinate colors or go monochrome - either will work well.  

Knotty Lines PDF

 Watch our video to learn more about Delaware Head Huggers 

and what we do! 

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.   

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Introducing Sea Urchin!

 It's mid-February and the weather is crazy throughout most of the country!  I hope you are all staying safe and warm and dry.

This latest pattern is called Sea Urchin (thank you Kathleen for the name suggestion!).  It will fly off your needles when worked using super bulky yarn, but with just 2 rows in the pattern, it will go quickly, no matter what yarn weight you use.  I used Lion Brand Hometown yarn and one skein was more than enough.  The pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights, so you can make this hat with whatever you have in your stash.  It will look great in any color too!

Covid is still running rampant and making life very difficult for so many.  Many hospitals aren't accepting chemo caps at this time.  As much as we all want to help, donating hats to places that aren't accepting them will only end up with hats being discarded.  Please check with any sites before you send or drop off items.  DEHH is again accepting some hats, but there are still NO library drop off sites open.  All hats at this time must be machine washable and need to be washed before being mailed to me.  

More info about that can be found on www.delawareheadhuggers.org

SEA URCHIN

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

Abbreviations:

RC:  knit second stitch, but don’t drop off needles, then knit first stitch and drop both together

k1b: knit 1 stitch below

p2tog:  purl 2 stitches together 

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 49 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Row 1: *RC, p2, k1, p2*; repeat around

Row 2: * k2, p2, k1b, p2*; repeat around 

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed

Row 1:    *RC, p2tog, k1, p2*; repeat around

Row 2:   *k2, p1, k1b, p2tog*; repeat around

Row 3:   *k2tog, p1, k1, p1*; repeat around

Row 4:   *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 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 63.  

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 84.  

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

The pattern is worked over 7 stitches.  

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 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.