Introducing Whirligig!

Thank you Eileen for the name!  This pattern will look VERY different if worked in a thinner yarn, but I have included some modifications in case you want to try it.

I can't quite believe that it's the end of February already.  Or that this is Schnapps' first pattern of the year.  My Mom had a life threatening allergic reaction to her medication back on January 5th.  She was in ICU for a few days and, although she is home now, is still having some cardiac issues.  So, Schnapps and I have not been home much - we have been over helping Mom and Dad.  Please send some love Mom's way!  :)   

But, we did start a new project - Red Hats for Heart!  We collected baby and adult hats for the babies, parents and staff of A.I. duPont Hospital for Children's Cardiac Care Unit.  This will be an annual project for Delaware Head Huggers from now on. 

Many people tell me that they can't knit, crochet or sew, but want to help us.  You can always donate materials to someone you know who can make hats or blankets.  You can purchase patterns from Schnapps - from Ravelry or Craftsy.  Both links are on this page.  100% of pattern sales go right back into the charities.  You can donate postage costs by using the Donate button on this page.  You can help by simply spreading the word that we are here.  The more who know about us, the more we can help.

 

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!

Whirligig

 

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

Abbreviations:
T2L:  slip next stitch on cable needle and hold at front, purl next stitch, then knit the stitch on the cable needle
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 45 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim: 
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 for 2.5 to 3 inches.  (see info below for different yarn weights)

Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2, 13 & 14: purl all stitches
Rows 3, 4 & 10:  *p1, k1, p1*  ; repeat around
Rows 5 & 11:  *p1, T2L* ; repeat around
Rows 6 & 12:   *p2, k1*; repeat around
Row 7:  p2, T2L, *p1, T2L*; repeat from * to * around using the first stitch of the next round to complete the pattern.
Row 8:  beginning with the second stitch, since you used the first to complete the previous round, *p2, k1*; repeat from * to * around
Row 9:  *T2L, p1*; repeat around

Work Crown: 
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 for 1 inch  (see info below for different yarn weights)

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2 k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *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 needs a warm hug!

This pattern will look quite different if worked in a thinner yarn.  The pattern should be centered in the middle of the hat.  The pattern is in multiples of 3, so adapt accordingly.

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 57.  Work the brim for 3.5  to 4 inches and work the crown until the hat is about 7.5 - 8 inches.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 75.  Work the brim for 4 to 4.5 inches and work the crown until the hat is 8 - 8.5 inches.

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 105 stitches.  Work the brim for 4.5 to 5 inches and work the crown until the hat is 8.5 inches.

 

Introducing Neon Hope! And an Etsy Shop Too!

Schnapps and I scored a great deal on some Hometown USA this past week and we want some cheerful teen hats to sell at our craft fair and to donate, so he came up with this pattern.  He says he'll be experimenting with the brim in one color and the top in a contrasting color as well - I think that would look great.  Have fun with this pattern!

Neon Hope!

Sales of Winsome Warmth are doing well!  That is our latest e-book featuring 12 patterns, 4 of which are not published elsewhere.  can be purchased using the link to the right of this page or by going to my Ravelry or Craftsy stores.  Both stores are also linked to the right of the page. 

 

Hat patterns in Winsome Warmth!

 Schnapps and I are preparing for our first two craft fairs.  We're a bit nervous and not sure if what we are making will sell, but we are having a lot of fun coming up with ideas.  In honor of this, we have posted a few items in our Etsy shop for sale. More will be posted after the craft fair.  Remember that all sales benefit Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids, so please tell your friends about us as well.  And feel free to contact us about custom orders of different colors, items shown here that aren't in the store, etc.

Schnapps modeling our template for scrunchies!

Shawlettes/scarves

Boot toppers and scrunchies

Boot toppers

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.  

Neon Hope

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

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one


Cast on 40 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern:
Row 1 and all odd rows:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  *k2, p3*; repeat around
Row 4:  p1, *k2, p3*; repeat to end (last repeat will end with p2)
Row 6:  p2, *k2, p3*; repeat around (last repeat will end with p1)
Row 8:  *p3, k2*; repeat to end
Row 10:  k1, *p3, k2*; repeat to end (last repeat will end with k1)
Repeat Rows 1 - 10 if using worsted weight or sport weight yarn.

Work Top of Hat:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 6.5 to 7 inches.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2 k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *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 needs a warm hug!

The pattern is worked over 5 stitches.   As written, the pattern makes a young adult size hat.

To knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 45 stitches for an adult hat.  Use size 13 needles and cast on 35 for a child’s hat.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 75 stitches. 

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 4 stitches for individual sizes.

Introducing Inclusive Hope!

Well, Schnapps thinks that we need more hats that would be appropriate for men too!  You can always use more feminine colors and make a man's hat for a woman, but you can't always adapt a woman's pattern for a man.  So, Schnapps got out his needles this morning and came up with this.  I think it will work great for men and women and it has a lot of possible variations with color.  You can use a contrasting color for the brim, make the hat all one color or whatever strikes you as what you wish to do.  Have fun with it!

Schnapps and I are busy knitting many things - we've signed up for a craft fair in November and we have two patterns put aside for a new e-book fundraiser.  I am not going back to the non-profit that I worked at last year so I can dedicate more time to Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids.  However, shipping and supply costs are expensive and I have to try to cover some of the costs.   My husband is extremely supportive and helpful, but costs pile up quickly.  A huge, heartfelt thank you to those of you who donate towards shipping costs regularly.  You have no idea how much you help!  Those of you who would like to donate, may do so by using the donate link on the right.  I can not cash checks made out to Delaware Head Huggers, so please do not send them, as I then have to pay to mail them back to you.  They need to be made out to me personally.

We are still making hats all the time though - even if we're using older patterns sometimes.

These are our 2 new patterns to be published later!

Please remember to help out your local cancer centers by dropping off some chemo caps for patients and please try to make the world a little bit better, wherever you are.

  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.  

Schnapps is always hard at work!

Inclusive Hope

You will need 6 weight yarn in one or two colors and size 13 needles or another combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one.

Using Color A, cast on 50 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches. 

Work Brim:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  purl all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until piece is 1 inch in length.

Work Bottom Band:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 2.5 to 3 inches in length.

Using Color B, work  Pattern Band:
**knit all stitches for one row before starting pattern**
Rows 1, 3 & 5:  *p5, k5*; repeat around
Rows 2, 4, 7 & 9:  knit all stitches
Rows 6, 8 and 10:  *k5, p5*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 10 until piece is about 6 inches in length, ending on a Row 5 or 10
Work Top Band:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 7 - 7.5  inches in length.

Decrease Crown: Switch to dpns when needed
Row 1: *k3, k2tog *; repeat around
Row 2: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k1, k2tog*; 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 give this hat along with some hugs, hope and love, to someone!


If using a different weight, you might have to add more rows to the crown decrease. 

You could also knit the brim in Color B for more contrast or knit the entire hat in one color.

The pattern is worked over 10 stitches.  

Using 6-weight yarn and casting on 50 stitches makes a large adult hat.  40 stitches would make a small one. 

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10 needles and cast on 60 stitches. 

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 80 stitches. 

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 10 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 100 stitches. 

Introducing Swells of Hope!

We spent New Year's Day at my parents home and Schnapps whipped up this hat while we were visiting.  It's a super simple 4 row repeat that creates a cute textured wave or swell.

Today is a snow day for us in Delaware, so we thought we'd get it up for everyone to share.

We are always collecting hats for Kidshealth.org which is part of the A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington Delaware.  They have produced a video that helps pre-school age children understand what to expect from their cancer treatment.  This is an ongoing project!  In 2013 we collected 598 Finn Hats and I hope that we can beat that total in 2014!  Please consider making a few ~ this is truly a wonderful cause!

Yarn suggestions, mandatory colors and the patterns can be found here.  

   There are instructions for knitting in the round, knitting flat, loom knitting and 2 crochet patterns!  EVERYONE can help!  Spread the word about this special project and help a young child who is facing cancer treatment.

 

 

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere.  The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store or my Craftsy store.  Those links are also to the right of this page and are where all my patterns can be found.   100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH and KKforK.

 

The Play Book 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.  We love to hear from everyone!

 

Schnapps sends tail wags to everyone!

 

 

  

Swells of Hope

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

 

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

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

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 2:  knit all stitches
Row 3:  holding yarn in back as if to knit throughout, *s1, k1*; repeat around
Row 4:   holding yarn in front as if to purl throughout, *s1, p1*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4  until piece is about  7.5  to 8 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


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 needs a hug and some hope.

If using lighter weight yarn you might want to repeat Row 3 of the crown decrease a few more times before ending.

 

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 so the crown decrease stays the same.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 60 stitches. 

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 72 stitches. 

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 6 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 102 stitches. 
 

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

 

 

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Introducing Rugged Hope!

Happy New Year Everyone!  

Schnapps and I wish you all nothing but happiness, good health and love in 2014.  This is our last pattern of the year and we hope you like it.  We were trying to come up with some different caps that men would like to wear and we think this will work for both men and women. 

2013 was an incredible year for Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids.  With the help of so many of you we are now at a tally of 12,962 hats and 1,246 blankets - in just 4 years!  This year alone brought us 3,628 chemo caps, 598 Finn Hats and 327 blankets.  Schnapps and I hope that 2014 is even better!  We are making a difference, no matter how small, to many.

Please remember that the Finn Hat project is an ongoing project that continually needs caps of all sizes.  This partnership with Kidshealth.org is an important one.  The hat pattern is free and comes in both knit and crochet versions.  Yarn suggestions, mandatory colors and the patterns can be found here.  Spread the word about this special project and help a young child who is facing cancer treatment.

Thank you to all of you who have donated postage funds too.  Your help is very much appreciated!  Postage is high and seems to be going up every year, but hats are needed across the country and we will continue to send them!

In 2014, I hope you all find time to focus on making a difference to others.  This doesn't take any money at all - help a neighbor, give a hug where one is needed, listen to a friend who needs to talk.  If you can, make a hat or two or a hundred and donate them locally or send them to me and I will get them to people who need them.  Make a blanket and give it to a local foster care agency or a local Emergency Room.  Try to spend at least a few minutes every day doing something for those not in your immediate circle.  If we all do that, the world will start to become a better place.  More love is needed everywhere - right next door and across the world......do your part and Schnapps and I will do ours too.

Remember to tell people about us and let them know that we will send hats to any person or center in the United States.  Just email me and we will get hats out right away.

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere.  The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store or my Craftsy store.  Those links are also to the right of this page and are where all my patterns can be found.   100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH and KKforK.

 

The Play Book 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.  We love to hear from everyone!

 

Rugged Hope

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

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 3:  *k4, p2*; repeat around
Rows 2 & 4:  *p2, k4*; repeat around
Rows 5, 6, 7 & 8:  k2, *p2, k4*; repeat around, end k2
Rows 9 & 11:  *p2, k4*; repeat around
Rows 10 & 12:  *k4, p2*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 12  until piece is about  7.5  to 8 inches in length. 
Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *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 needs a good sturdy hug and some extra warmth.

The pattern is worked over 6 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 so the crown decrease stays the same.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 60 stitches. 

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 72 stitches. 

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 6 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 102 stitches.  

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

 

 

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

 

Introducing Let There Be Rows: A One Row Hat!

Well, it's Sunday and the first hat for the week is already off my needles and ready to go.

Thank you Minetta for the name!  

This weekend I also managed to figure out how to post a link to my Ravelry page with all my patterns on this blog.  I realize that doesn't seem like such a major accomplishment, but it took me quite some time to get it right!  You can just click the link to have access to all of my patterns, free and otherwise.

This is a quick and very easy pattern - it's just one row!  I knit this with Hometown USA from Lion Brand, but any 6-weight yarn would do wonderfully.  Or you can adapt the pattern - just use multiples of 3 stitches.  I think it will look very different, but equally nice knit in a worsted weight yarn on size 7 needles.

Schnapps hopes you like this one!

 The pattern may also be found on Scribd.com as a PDF . 

Let There Be Rows

 You will need 6-weight yarn - between 75 - 80 yards and size US 13 circular needles (16" in length)


Abbreviations:

LT:  Left twist - skip the first stitch and knit the second stitch through the back loop, then knit the first stitch as usual and slip both stitches off the LH needle.

k2tog - knit 2 stitches together as one


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

Work Pattern:

Row 1: *LT, p1*; repeat around

Repeat Row 1 until piece is 7.5 inches long (or longer if desired)

Decrease Crown:

Row 1:  *k2tog, p1*; repeat around

Row 2:  *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 enjoy.

This pattern uses a multiple of 3.  The model fit my head comfortably, but was snug on my husband, so add stitches if making for a man.  You can use worsted weight yarn and size 7 needles and just double the number of cast on stitches.  Or 5-weight yarn and size 10.5 needles and start with 72 stitches.  Or make it for a child and go smaller!  It’s very adaptable!!

Remember, all are welcome to join us in some way - we love to see new people and are grateful when more people hear about us.  So, spread the word!  And, as always, if you or anyone you know is in need of chemo caps, please feel free to contact me directly at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will be happy to ship some out.  If there is a chemo center that is near and dear to your heart and you think they could use some hats, let me know and I will ship a box off to them.  This is what we do!!

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Not Quite What I Had Planned...........

Well, I was just playing around with some chunky weight yarn and size 11 needles last night and I came up with this -

Not quite what I was going for, but I guess it works for a child's hat.  Just in case anyone is interested, here is how I think I got to this point..............

Using chunky yarn and size 11 needles, cast on 44 stitches.

Knit 4 rows.

Knit seed stitch for 12 rows - odd number rows, K1, P1 across and even number rows, P1, K1 across. (total 16 rows)

Knit 4 rows (total 20 rows)

Knit seed stitch for 6 more rows - odd number rows, K1, P1 across and even number rows, P1, K1 across. (total 26 rows)

Decrease for crown:

Row 27 - K2tog across

Row 28 - Purl across

Row 29 - K2tog across

Row 30 - Purl across

Row 31 - K2tog across

Row 32 - Purl across

Cut an 8 inch tail and thread that through the live stitches still left on your right hand needle. Cinch together for the top and sew the seam up the back.

You could knit fewer or more decrease rows to minimize or maximize the "stem" look that I managed..........

Back to the knitting needles for me! Who knows what the next one will look like!?