Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Introducing Hope Under the Stars!

Schnapps and I would like to thank Barb for the yarn for this hat AND for the name! This was a busy week for us - we shipped out over 200 hats and are working hard to make more for the next batch.

This one was knit using Hometown USA super bulky yarn, but the pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights as well as how to change the size. You can use two different colors or just knit it all in one color - which ever you prefer. Have fun with different color combinations! I can imagine some nice bright color variations really cheering someone up when they get this hat.

Schnapps knows that this week we heard about lots of people who need hats, along with some hugs, hope and love. Please keep everyone who is battling cancer in your thoughts and prayers.

Hope Under the Stars

You will need 80 - 90 yards of super-bulky yarn and size US 13 circular knitting needles or some

appropriate combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations & Explanations:

Work Stockinette: knit every row

MS: Make Star: k3tog, without dropping stitches, k3tog through the back loop, then k3tog again.

k2tog: holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one

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

Using Color A: Work Stockinettte for 4 inches

Work Pattern:
Using B: Row 1: knit all stitches
Row 2: *MS, k1*; repeat around
Using A: Repeat Rows 1 & 2
Repeat Rows 1 - 2, alternating colors, ending with Color B until piece is 5.5 to 6 inches in length.

Using Color A: Work Stockinettte until piece is 7.5 to 8 inches in length
Decrease Crown:

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 this hat and some hugs, hope and love to someone!

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 68 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 92 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.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 116 stitches.

If using a different weight, you might have to add more rows to the crown decrease. Feel free to use dpns if you prefer!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

You can vote for this picture of Schnapps here.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Introducing In The Groove!

Schnapps finished this super simple and fast knit pattern this weekend. The original is on its way to a close friend's brother who just started his chemo treatments. I'm casting on this pattern in a 5-weight, variegated yarn soon to see how that comes out too. Thank you Mary Elizabeth for the name!

Delaware Head Huggers just tagged hat number 9,401 and we got more caps in today! Our Finn Hat total right now is 219 and more of them are coming in every week. It's wonderful to see so many people helping out!

Please remember that 100% of all pattern purchases at my Ravelry and my Craftsy stores go directly back to paying for supplies and shipping for both organizations.

The model was knit using one of my favorites - Lion Brand Hometown USA, but of course, the pattern has instructions for sport, worsted, chunky and super-bulky yarn. This is really an easy pattern, but I like the texture that the stitch gives the hat. Schnapps hopes you like it too. He worked hard on it!

Proud of his design!

In The Groove!

You will need 80 - 90 yards of super bulky yarn and size US 13 circular needles of some combination of yarn and needles listed below. I used an entire skein of Hometown USA and had only about 10 inches left over.

If you are using this pattern, please vote for Schnapps in the Cute Dog Contest. And please tell your friends to vote for him too! He works so hard creating patterns (this is number 100!) for all of us to share and this just takes a few seconds. I'm afraid if he doesn't win, he might put his knitting needles away and stop creating. Just click on the link or the photo and give him a vote please.

Abbreviations:

p2tog: holding working yarn as if to purl, purl 2 stitches together as one

k2tog: holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2 & 3: *p2, k1*; repeat around
Rows 4: *knit into the stitch 3 rows below, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k1, p2tog *; 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 this hat and some hugs, hope and love to someone!

The pattern is worked over 3 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 66 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 96 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 60 stitches. Adjust in increments of 3 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 120 stitches.

If using a different weight, you might have to add more rows to the crown decrease. If using an odd number of stitches and you have a left over stitch on a k2tog decrease row, just knit the extra stitch. Feel free to use dpns if you prefer!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Introducing Jury Duty Caps!

Well, my two weeks of jury service are finished. I only had to report for 4 morning sessions and I managed to complete 5 hats and finish 4 new patterns while at the courthouse. Thank goodness Delaware allows plastic knitting needles at jury duty!

Jurisprudence was published last week and has been a big hit. I'm glad so many of you liked it. I named the other three hats Civic Duty, Justice and Liberty to keep with the legislative theme! I am putting the pattern for Civic Duty here for free and I have put together a new e-book with all 4 Jury Duty Caps in it that is selling for only $2.00. I hope that you will purchase it and help support Delaware Head Huggers. And if not, I hope that at least you will get some enjoyment out of the two free patterns designed by Schnapps for me to knit while away from home.

Please vote for our mascot Schnapps! And tell your friends too! Click here ♥ http://bit.ly/134PASH ♥ to vote for your favorite. :)

Schnapps was NOT happy that I had to leave him!

You can purchase the e-book at my Ravelry or my Craftsy Stores which can be accessed by the links to the right on this page. A direct link to purchase Jury Duty Caps is here.

All four patterns have instructions for sport, worsted, chunky and super-bulky weight yarn as well as details for adjusting the size for children and adults. These are all simple patterns that can be completed in two hours or less if using chunky or super bulky yarn, a little longer if using lighter yarn.

Here are pictures of all four hats.

Jurisprudence

Civic Duty - pattern below!

Justice


Liberty

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page. 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.

Please vote for our mascot Schnapps! And tell your friends too! Click here ♥ http://bit.ly/134PASH ♥ to vote for your favorite. :)

Civic Duty

You will need: Super bulky, 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular knitting needles or some combination of needles and yarn listed below.

Abbreviations:

C2B: knit 2nd stitch through the back loop without dropping from LH needle, then knit first stitch as normal and drop both stitches from the LH needle.

C2F: knit 2nd stitch without dropping from LH needle, then knit first stitch and drop both stitches from 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 Brim:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until your piece is about 3.5 to 4 inches in length

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *C2B, C2F*; repeat around
Rows 2: knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until piece is 6 inches in length.

Work Crown:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 7 to 7.5 inches in length

Decrease Crown:
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: *k3, 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 give this hat as a hug to someone!

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches. To maintain the crown decreases, adapt in multiples of 8

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 72 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 96 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 64 stitches. Adjust in increments of 8 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 120 stitches.

If using a different weight, you might have to add more rows to the crown decrease. Feel free to use dpns if you prefer!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Introducing Jurisprudence!

Well, I have jury duty for 2 weeks. I had to report on Monday and thankfully, Delaware allows plastic knitting needles in the courthouse. I really don't want to think of how upset I would have been if they confiscated my Denise Interchangeables! :)

I went prepared with 2 knitting projects, a novel, word search book and a magazine! I found myself sitting between a lovely woman and an equally nice man who timed me while I knit to be sure I wasn't kidding about making a hat in less than 2 hours! This new pattern was worked and designed in the courthouse and so the name Jurisprudence was chosen. Thank you Marcia!! Schnapps has chosen the stitch pattern, yarn and basic plan for me before I left of course.

Jurisprudence!

If you haven't already joined us on Finn's Hat Project, please do! We are 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. We are hoping to have a few hundred hats in varying sizes for a launch party at the end of February. Take a look at the amazing video here.

The blog post, mandatory colors, yarn suggestions and pattern info can be found here:

So far we have collected 143 Finn Hats from all over the country. More came in today! Join us in this wonderful project!

A box of 86 Finn Hats getting packed and ready to go!

An amazing 57 Finn Hats came in just yesterday!

The pattern is posted as a PDF on Scribd.com

Jurisprudence

You will need size US 13 circular needles and super bulky yarn or some combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
k2tog: holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one
p2tog: holding working yarn as if to purl, purl 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 50 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.
Work Brim:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until your piece is about 3.5 to 4 inches in length

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *k2tog, leave on LH needle and working the same 2 stitches, p2tog*; repeat around
Rows 2 & 4: knit all stitches
Row 3: k1,*k2tog, leave on LH needle, p2tog,*; repeat around to last stitch, k1
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is 6 to 6.5 inches in length.

Work Crown:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 7 to 7.5 inches in length
Decrease Crown:

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 this hat as a hug to someone!The pattern is worked over 2 stitches. To maintain the crown decreases adapt in multiples of 10

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 70 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 100 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 120 stitches.

If using a different weight, you might have to add more rows to the crown decrease. Feel free to use dpns if you prefer!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Introducing Hats with Heart!

Several people have asked about a new e-book, so here it is! Hats with Heart is being published with 12 patterns, 4 of which sell separately also. The price is only $4.00. This book will be sold in both my Ravelry and my Craftsy stores. Both stores can be accessed by the links to the right. 100% of all sales goes directly back into Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids, so you are not only getting a great deal on patterns, you are making a difference to many people as well!

The latest hat Waves of Love (THANK YOU Nila for the name!) is included in this book. Here is a close up photo of Schnapps' latest creation.

Waves of Love!

Hats with Heart includes these 12 patterns with instructions for adjusting them for different yarn weights and sizes.

All the patterns in Hats with Heart!

Schnapps is beginning to make friends with the model head!

Thank you to everyone who will purchase a book and to all those who support us!

Hugs, hope and love!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, January 28, 2013

Introducing You're KNOT Alone!

Schnapps finished this hat and even though it's not using the knot stitch, we really liked the name. Thank you Laurel for the name suggestion!

Our Finn Hat project is ongoing also and I'm so excited to tell you that Finn Hats have already made it here from Florida, Rhode Island and Virginia! Can't wait to see how many states end up participating in this wonderful project. Is YOUR state represented???

We are 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. We are hoping to have a few hundred hats in varying sizes for a launch party at the end of February. Take a look at the amazing video here.

For more information about this fantastic project, check out the blog post or visit our website.

Join us as we make Finn Hats to help little ones understand their cancer treatment!

This latest hat is a incredibly versatile pattern. You can make the brim ribbed or rolled. You can do the clusters from the brim all the way to the top or leave the band of stockinette stitch. Play with it, have fun and enjoy!

The pattern is posted as a PDF on Scribd.com and you can always email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org with any questions or for a PDF of the pattern.

Schnapps knows that NO one should be alone when battling cancer!

You're KNOT Alone

You will need worsted weight yarn, size 9 needles and a cable needle or some combination of yarn and needles listed below. I used Vanna's Choice, which is a bit thicker than some worsted weight yarns. If using a thinner worsted weight yarn, you could cast on 80 stitches on size 8 needles.

Abbreviations:
MC: Make Cluster: slip 3 stitches to cable needle, wrap yarn counterclockwise 6 times, then knit stitches off cable needle
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

Cast on 72 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
Row 1: *k2, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 2 inches in length

Work stockinette for another inch until piece measures 3 inches in length. For a rolled brim, skip the ribbing and just work stockinette for 3 full inches.

Work Pattern:
Row 1, 2, 4, & 6: knit all stitches
Row 3: *k5, MC*; repeat around
Row 5: *k1, MC, k4*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 3 - 6 until the piece measures 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:
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

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

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but adjusting in multiples of 8 will keep the crown decrease the same.

To knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48 stitches.

To knit this using chunky weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 64 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 64 stitches. Adjust in increments of 8 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 120 stitches.

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

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, January 21, 2013

Introducing Cables of Comfort!

Thank you Janet for the name for this hat. You know that I love super bulky yarn, but this hat will look equally as nice, although very different when knit in sport weight yarn too! I used Lion Brand Hometown USA for this one and the hat is toasty warm!

The blog post, mandatory colors, yarn suggestions and pattern info can be found here:

Schnapps hopes you will join us!

The pattern is posted as a PDF on Scribd.com and you can always email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org with any questions or for a PDF of the pattern.

Cables of Comfort

You will need size US 13 circular needles and super bulky weight yarn (or another combination listed below) and a cable needle.

Abbreviations:

C4B: slip next 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back of work. Knit next 2 stitches, then knit stitches from the cable needle

C4F: slip next 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front of work. Knit next 2 stitches, then knit stitches from the cable needle

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together

p2tog: purl 2 stitches together

Cast on 54 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern:

Row 1, 2, 4 & 6: *p3, k6*; repeat around
Row 3: *p3, C4B, k2*; repeat around
Row 5: * p3, k2, C4F*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 3-6 until the piece measures between 7 and 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *p1, p2tog, k4, k2tog *; repeat around
Row 2: *p2, k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *p2, k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4 : *p2, k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *p2tog, 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.

The pattern is worked over 9 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 72 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 99 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 63 stitches. Adjust in increments of 6 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 126 stitches.

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

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Introducing Positive Waves!

It was National Hat Day yesterday and in honor of that Schnapps finished this pattern. Unfortunately, I didn't get it posted until today, so Happy Belated National Hat Day Everyone! Thank you Liz for the name for this one. It's super fast and simple!


Positive Waves in a solid color

The blog post, mandatory colors, yarn suggestions and pattern info can be found here:

One of the Finn Hats!

Schnapps loves children and hats! This is his kind of project!

Positive Waves was knit using super bulky yarn, but the pattern has instructions for other yarn weights too. Schnapps thought that doing the pattern band in a contrasting color might look nice too, so we tried that as well. Knit whichever one you like!

The pattern is posted as a PDF on Scribd.com and you can always email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org with any questions or for a PDF of the pattern.

Positive Waves in 2 colors

Positive Waves

You will need: Size US 13 circular needles and super bulky or 6-weight yarn or a combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
Cast on 48 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 4 inches in length

Work Band Pattern: change color here if desired
***if working a contrasting band pattern, knit one row of stitches before beginning pattern***

Row 1: *k2tog, but leave on LH needle and knit the first stitch again, dropping both stitches together, k1*; repeat around
Row 2: knit all stitches
Row 3: *k1, k2tog, but leave on LH needle and knit the first stitch again, dropping both stitches together*; repeat around
Row 4: knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 6 inches in length

Work Crown: if using a contrasting color for the band, switch back to the main color here.
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:
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 give this hat to someone who needs some positive thoughts!
The pattern is worked over 3 stitches, but to keep the crown decrease the same, adjust in multiples of 6.

To knit this using 5 -weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 66 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 96 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 120 stitches.

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

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids