Introducing Viridian Pathways!

Schnapps was busy on this penultimate Football Sunday of the season.  He worked up this hat first last week and then knit a variation of it this weekend.  We want to remind everyone that chemo caps are in desperate need all over the world.  Help out locally by knitting several and bringing them to your local cancer center.  Or, if you don't know where to bring them, send them to us and we'll get them to people who need them.  

The first version was knit using Hometown USA, a 6-weight yarn.  The second version was knit using KnitPicks Brava Bulky, a 5-weight yarn.  Instructions for all yarn weights are below.  

This pattern is simple and versatile - and only 2 rows to remember.  Just knit it as a brim and top it with a stockinette crown and you have an entirely different look.  You could add a stripe or two and use this as a great stash buster as well.

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!

 

 

Viridian Pathways

 

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

 

 
Abbreviations:
C3:  knit the 3rd stitch on the left hand needle, but don’t drop, then knit the first and second stitch and drop all.
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

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

Work Pattern:
Row 1:  *k3, p2*; repeat around
Row 2:   *C3, p2*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 2  until piece is anywhere from 7.0 to 7.5 inches in length.  End with a Row 1.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1:   *C3, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 2:    *k1, k2tog, p1*; repeat around
Row 3:   *k2tog, p1*; repeat around
Row 4:    *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5:  (optional)    *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 you prefer, use the pattern for just the brim of the hat, working it as long as you like, then switching to stockinette for the top of the hat.  **

 If using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 65.  

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 100 stitches.   
The pattern is worked over 5 stitches.  

Introducing Helicoid!

It snowed this weekend in Delaware and once we finished shoveling, we all curled up inside with cocoa to watch football.  Schnapps was extra busy knitting this weekend and he came up with a couple of new patterns.  The first one is Helicoid.  This was a big hit on our Facebook page.......Schnapps hopes you like it too.

Schnapps thinks this might be his new favorite pattern.....there are so many color combinations......next time he is planning on doing the brim in a contrasting color too and using 3 different colors.  This pattern is a great stash buster too.  A bonus?  It's super simple - just stockinette in alternating colors to make the spirals.  Of course, he included instructions for all yarn weights because we know every stash has different yarn!

This version was knit using Knit Picks Brava bulky, which is a terrific yarn.....soft and cuddly and machine washable with no wool to aggravate anyone's allergies or delicate skin.  

This version was knit with Lion Brand Hometown USA, another washable, non-wool yarn that we love to use for chemo caps.

 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!

 

Even though the deck is cleared of snow for him, he manages to find some flakes to stick to his face!

 Helicoid

 You will need 2 colors of 5-weight yarn and size US 10.5 circular needles or some other combination listed below. 

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 64 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 1.5 to  2 inches in length, ending with a Row 1.

Work Body of Hat:   Using Colors A & B
All stitches are knit stitches. 
Row 1:   *2a, 2b*; repeat around
Row 2:   *1a, 2b, 1a*; repeat
Row 3:   *2b, 2a*; repeat around
Row 4:   *1b, 2a, 1b*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 -4 until piece is about 6 to 6.5 inches in length. 

Work Crown:  Using Only Color A
Row 1:    knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7 inches in length.

Crown Decrease:  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 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48.

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 4 stitches,  but the crown decrease is worked over 8 stitches.

Feel free to use a third color and make the brim a contrast to the body.

Experiment and enjoy!

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.

A Shawl for All

Schnapps and I are working on items for our craft fair in November and we've been sharing photos on Facebook.  Many people are asking for the pattern for this triangle shawl, so I thought it would be easiest to post it here for all to see.

Before we do though, we have the very sad news to share that our friend Jennifer passed away on August 4, 2014.  She was a truly remarkable woman who was so full of happiness and life.  Please send some love to her family, especially her husband and please try to honor her by living a life that is happy and focused on helping others.

Jennifer just turned 30 in March and she just got married on July 6 - fulfilling her last wish.  She lived her life with strength, grace and dignity.  We met through DEHH and only knew each other online........I wish that I had been able to meet her in person.  I am honored that she considered me a friend.

Please take a few moments and read about her - she inspired so many.  http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/08/her_smile_lights_up_a_room_fli.html

If you are able to help her family at all, here is a link to a Fundrazr page.  

https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/dpzIc

   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.  

This is NOT an original pattern - this pattern can be found all over the place.  We're sharing our versions with you, but we did NOT design it.  

Knit using worsted weight yarn and size 17 needles to 70 stitches.

Knit using Moonlight Mohair yarn and size 17 needles to 75 stitches.

Knit using 5-weight yarn and size 19 needles to 60 stitches.

Knit using 5-weight yarn and size 17 needles to 80 stitches.

This pattern is exceptionally versatile.  And extremely simple.  Have fun with it!  This can also be used as a scarf or wrapped around a head.  :)

I used one skein of Lion Brand's Moonlight Mohair and I got 2 shawls out of one skein of Lion Brand's Homespun.  The worsted weight yarn I used wasn't labelled, so I am not sure what it was, but I would guess I had about 200 yards or so. 

Before you knit this, please be sure to read Jennifer's story and help if you can.  Take a moment to find happiness and to send some love to her husband, family and friends.

Cast on 3 stitches.

Row 1:  Knit front and back of first stitch, knit to last stitch, knit front and back of last stitch.

Repeat Row 1, increasing 2 stitches in every row for as long as you like.

Knit one row straight across without increasing. 

Cast off very loosely.  Go up a size in needles for casting off if it helps.

When using 17's, I've been going between 70 and 80.  Using 19's I went to 60 stitches.  Make it smaller or larger - whichever you like.  It's really that simple.