Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Introducing Schnapps' Centenary Cap: Graceful Clouds!

This is Schnapps' 100th hat pattern! It just might have been the most difficult to name as well. Thank you to Elissa and everyone for their suggestions........many wanted Schnapps' name to be in the name, but many thought it looked like clouds or waves too. Schnapps will just have to get his name in the title of another pattern. I'm sure he's got more ideas to share.

I used 2 skeins pf Louisa Harding's Kashmir Aran yarn that I had in my stash, but you could use any worsted weight yarn for this. I've included instructions for other yarn weights as well.

Sunday was Schnapps' 9th birthday! He got lots of presents and went to the park. Yesterday he picked up his needles and got to work on this pattern. He hopes that everyone likes it.

The Birthday Boy unwrapping some gifts!

Graceful Clouds

You will need worsted weight yarn and size US 8 circular needles and dpns or some combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:

yo: yarn over

ssk: slip 2 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit, to the right hand needle, then knit them together with your left hand needle.

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

Cast on 84 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 measures about 1 inch in length.

Work Pattern:

Row 1: *p1, k5*; repeat around
Row 2: *k5, p1*; repeat around
Row 3: *yo, p1, k1, ssk, k2*; repeat around
Row 4: *k4, p1, k1*; repeat around
Row 5: *yo, p2, k1, ssk, k1*; repeat around
Row 6: *k3, p2, k1*; repeat around
Row 7: *yo, p3, k1, skk*; repeat around
Row 8: *k2, p3, k1*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece is about 7 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpns when needed

Row 1: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k3, 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 enjoy!

The pattern is worked over 6 stitches.

As written this fits an average to large adult. To make this for a smaller adult, cast on 72 stitches.

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

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 66 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 114 stitches.


All are welcome to join us in some way! If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some out to anywhere in the USA. Delaware Head Huggers www.delawareheadhuggers.org Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook Kozy Kovers for Kids www.kozykoversforkids.org Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Introducing Double Hugs!

Our hearts break for the people affected by the terrorism at the Boston Marathon. Trying to understand senseless violence is impossible.....and so very frustrating, but all I can do is send all my love, thoughts and prayers to all. As an American, I want quick answers and swift justice..............and for our country to be a safe place for all of us............ As a person, my heart breaks for all the loss and pain and I struggle to grasp how this type of evil can be among us.

Schnapps knew something was wrong and was extra close all afternoon as we watched events unfold. The world needs to become a more peaceful place for us all. I wish I could make it so, but unfortunately evil people exist who try to make us all live in fear. We can't give in to that and must continue to try to spread love throughout the world, especially to those closest to us. I am reminded once again to treasure every moment, to hug those I love and to make every day count.

I'm not sure we even realized we were knitting yesterday, but this morning, there was this hat. And we realized that it is reversible too. I prefer it inside out, but it might look much different in a different yarn weight. I used Charisma (another gift from Needha) for this, but the pattern has instructions for varying weights as well.

Schnapps sends love and hugs to all.

Double Hugs

You will need about 100 yards of 5-weight yarn and size US 10.5 circular needles or some combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
Cross3: knit into the front of the third stitch and do not slip off LH needle. Knit first stitch and slip off as usual, then knit second stitch and slip second and third stitch off LH needle together

k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 64 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Stockinette Stitch
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 1 to 1.5 inches in length

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 3: *Cross3, p5*; repeat across
Rows 2 & 4: *k3, p5*l repeat across
Rows 5 & 7: *p3, Cross3, p2*, repeat across
Rows 6 & 8: *p3, k3, p2*; repeat across

Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece is 6.5 to 7 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. Weave in ends and choose which side you prefer!

The pattern is worked over 8 stitches.

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

All are welcome to join us in some way!

If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some out to anywhere in the USA.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Introducing Gift of Hope!

This is Schnapps' latest creation! Knit with beautiful yarn that was a gift from Needha in Texas! Which is why the hat is named Gift of Hope! This yarn is Michael's Dewdrops and it's lovely to work with. I have never seen it before, but it's beautiful. Very soft and the sequins add a little bling, but don't overpower - and they are soft as well. It's a 6-weight, super bulky yarn, but it has a lighter, almost airy feel to it. Of course, any super bulky yarn would work and I have included instructions for different yarn weights as well. This pattern is similar to Braided Hope, but it does have another curve to the pattern, adding a bit more texture.

Gift of Hope

You will need 60 - 72 yards of super bulky yarn and size US 13 circular needles or some combination listed below.

Abbreviations:

Cross2B: knit into the back of the second stitch, then knit the first stitch and slip both off the needle at the same time.

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

Work Pattern:

Rows 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 & 8: *k2, p2*; repeat across

Row 3: *Cross2B, p2*; repeat across

Row 7: *k2tog, but don’t slip off the needle, then knit the first stitch, slipping both off the needle at the same time, p2*; repeat across

Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece is about 7 - 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:
Row 1: *k2tog, p2*; repeat around

Row 2: *k1, p2tog*; 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 enjoy!

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 88 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!

All are welcome to join us in some way!

If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some out to anywhere in the USA.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Help Wherever You Can! It's NOT a contest!

Happy Sunday Everyone! Schnapps was busy getting a haircut and bath yesterday, so we don't have any new hat patterns just yet. He'll be knitting later today, I'm sure!

I am sharing this post that I put on Facebook yesterday because I know that several of you follow here but are not on Facebook. In the past couple of weeks, I have had several people write to me and request free PDF's of patterns (which is great!) and then tell me how I should be donating my hats to large non-profit chemo cap groups. I would hope that anyone who is requesting a pattern would at least take a minute to read the blog post that goes along with the pattern. Every blog posts mentions Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids. I guess that some people just don't pay attention. I do not ever want to limit my patterns to certain groups. I am hoping that by putting my feelings out there for all to read people will stop telling me what I should be doing. I run these two organizations by myself and will continue to do so in the way that I feel benefits the most people. I am hoping that by posting this I will not have to continue to waste my time responding to those who seem to think that they know what is best for me.

Here is the post:

Just wanted to make sure that everyone, especially all the new comers to this page understand. My goal is to help everyone make chemo caps for WHOMEVER needs them. I have corresponded with people in Australia, England, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, Mexico, Italy and several other countries who are making hats from my patterns and distributing them locally. Some of the most supportive members of this page use my patterns and donate locally. THAT IS FABULOUS! If your local center is in need - HELP them! If you contribute to a large non-profit, that is also wonderful! Hats are getting to those who need them. I am here, accepting hats, for those of you who wish to send them to me - for whatever your reasons - be it that one of the non-profits didn't recognize your donation or criticized it, be it that you don't know where else to donate your hats, or be it just because you feel like it. There are always people in need of hats and I will continue to send them out as soon as they come in. I also know that many people use my patterns to make hats for other causes and reasons (including gifts for perfectly healthy friend). That, too, is wonderful! I'm happy to know that my patterns are being used all around the world for so many different reasons.

I do not tell anyone what to do with their finished hats and I am asking for the same courtesy. Everyone has their favorite charity - I personally almost always choose to donate to a grass roots, local movement that doesn't get mired in administrative red tape and salary concerns....I like 100% of my donations to go directly to a cause. That does not mean that donating to a different type of cause is invalid in any way. If everyone just HELPED someone, in some way, rather than trying to tell others what to do with their time, talents and money, perhaps more would be done. I share my patterns to encourage sharing and comfort. Please do not try to make that into a contest with other groups and please do not try to steer my efforts into something that you think is more valid than what I am doing. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and simply make a stand to make things for others and make the world a bit nicer, happier and more comforting! Schnapps and I send HUGS to all! ♥

Schnapps and I hope that everyone will go about making a difference in the way that means the most to them. I fully encourage people to donate wherever and whenever they can. That is important to me and Schnapps and why we do things the way we do. YOU should do good where you believe it best. There are so many in this world who need so much. Please don't try to turn doing nice things into something petty or controversial.

Spreading some happiness and love is also important to us. So, please help us make a difference, one head at a time, with hugs, hope and love. Help anyone in any way you wish - if you are making someone smile for any reason, you are helping fulfill our mission!

Hugs, hope and love and smiles to all!

Robin & Schnapps

Friday, April 5, 2013

Introducing Notes of Love!

Schnapps was just starting a new hat when the inspiration for this hat struck him and he switched tracks. I saw a felted bag that had a music staff that I thought was adorable and Schnapps just had to adapt it to a hat pattern! The music notes are back-stitched on after knitting, so you can use any combination of notes you choose. He was going to try to fit the Winne the Pooh theme song on there, but decided that it was better to just have random notes.

This hat was knit using worsted weight yarn that I had in my stash. I have no idea what kind it was, but you could use any main color and black and white. Experiment with it and have fun! Let's bring songs to everyone with this hat.


The handsome model!

Notes of Love

You need worsted weight yarn and size US 9 circular needles and dpns.

Abbreviations:
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 80 stitches and join in the round, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Hat:
With Color A:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 3 inches in length.

Work Music Staff:
With Black: knit all stitches for one row

With White:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 three (3) times for a total of four (4) rows
With Black:
Row 5: knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 - 5 three (3) more times for a total of four (4) repeats. End on Row 5.

Work Crown:
With Color A:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 3 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: switch to dpns 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: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 9: *k2tog*; repeat around

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

Using Black, stitch music notes as desired, using two strands of yarn and a backstitch technique. The following graph is just a suggestion - use whichever combination and type of notes you choose. Have fun with it and be creative!

You can adjust this hat in increments of 10 and have the crown decrease remain the same. Cast on 50 or 60 stitches to make a child size hat. Cast on 90 to make a larger adult hat. You can also change the crown decrease and use any number of cast on stitches that you wish.

All are welcome to join us in some way!

If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some out to anywhere in the USA.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, April 1, 2013

Head Hugs! An E-book!

I've been asked several times recently when I will put the latest patterns together into an e-book! Here it is! Head Hugs has 13 hat patterns, each with instructions for super-bulky, chunky, worsted and sport weight yarn as well as instructions for changing the size.

As always, 100% of the price goes directly back to Delaware Head Huggers to pay for postage and supplies. The book is $4.00, which is less than 31 cents per pattern.

The e-book is available in my Ravelry and Craftsy stores which may be reached by using the tabs on the right hand side of the page or you can use the Buy Now tab on the right and purchase it directly.

The following patterns are included:

Chained Hearts

Downy Hug

Flirty Sherbert

Hope Squared

Hope Under the Stars

In the Groove

Laugh

Live

Love

Ripples of Kindness

Swirls of Hope

Twist of Fate

Vines of Hope

Here is a photo of all the included patterns:

Introducing Swirls of Hope!

Happy April Everyone! Please remember that chemo caps are needed no matter what the weather. They are just as important in the summer as they are in the winter. I accept all different weights and styles of hats all year long. In the warmer weather, you can frequently find heavy, bulky yarns on sale. And since hats are small projects, they aren't too hot to work on when the temperature gets higher. By the end of September I need to have between 15 and 20 boxes of warm hats ready to ship out to my "regular" hospitals and centers for the winter months. That's not counting all the new places we are trying to help or all the places that need hats in between winters, so please, knit, crochet or sew whatever type of hat you wish. There IS a head that will be waiting for it.

Schnapps worked out this latest pattern first using a beautiful turquoise colored Louisa Harding's Baby Kashmir yarn and holding 2 strands together as one throughout. Many wanted to name it Sea Breeze. Then, on Easter, he worked it up in a soft pink yarn (Patons Beehive Baby Chunky) and suddenly Sea Breeze didn't seem to fit as well. This is why I always try to steer clear of names based on colors........changing the color or just the type of yarn can make a huge difference. So, Schnapps decided to go with Carolyn's suggestion of Swirls of Hope. Thank you Carolyn!!

Remember, the Finn Hat Project is an ongoing project that we do along with our regular chemo caps! 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. 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 320 Finn Hats from all over the country AND Canada! Join us please!

Schnapps likes the color!

Swirls of Hope

You will need 200 - 260 yards of sport weight yarn and size US 10.5 circular needles and dpns or some combination of yarn and needles below.

Abbreviations:

yo: yarn over

ssk: slip 2 stitches, one at a time as if to knit, then knit them together with the left hand needle.

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

Using 2 strands of sport weight yarn held together as one, cast on 72 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Lace Pattern:

Rows 1, 3, 4, 6, 8: knit all stitches
Row 2: purl all stitches
Row 5: *k1, yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo*; repeat around
Row 7: *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 5-8 only until the piece is between 3 and 3.5 inches in length.

Work Hat Body:

Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until the piece is about 7 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: switch to dpns when needed

Row 1: *k7, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k6, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 8: *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!

The pattern is worked over 9 stitches.

To knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 45 stitches. Begin the crown decrease at 5 inches.

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

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 90 stitches. Begin the crown decrease at 7.5 inches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 63 stitches. Adjust in increments of 9 stitches for individual sizes. Begin crown decreases between 6.5 and 7 inches, depending on desired length of finished hat.

To knit this using one strand of sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 126 stitches. Begin crown decrease at 7.5 to 8 inches.

All are welcome to join us in some way!

If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some out to anywhere in the USA.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Introducing Hope Squared!

This is the latest hat by Schnapps. As he was working on it, we noticed that it could be reversible. Then we thought that it would look cute with the brim rolled also. So, this extremely simple 2 row pattern that only uses knit and purl stitches makes one hat that can be worn four different ways!

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

So far we have collected 277 Finn Hats from all over the country! Join us please!

Hope Squared

Abbreviations:
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: *k2, p1, k1*; repeat across
Row 2: *k3, p1*; repeat across

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until piece is 6.5 to 7 inches in length for a hat without a brim. Repeat until 7.5 to 8 inches in length for a longer cap or to wear with a brim.
Decrease Crown:

Row 1: *k2tog, p1, k1*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2tog, k1, p1*; repeat around
Row 3: *k2tog*; repeat to last stitch, k1
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 to someone who could use a little extra hope and some flexibility today!

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 64 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!

All are welcome to join us in some way!

If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some out to anywhere in the USA.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, March 25, 2013

Introducing Downy Hug!

Schnapps' latest hat! I let Paul name it this time! This is knit using a fairly heavy 4-weight yarn and size 10 needles, but other yarn weights would work just as well.

Schnapps used Lion Brand Organic Cotton and it was so very soft and fluffy feeling! Just one skein was needed for the blue cap. The maroon cap was knit using Sublime luxurious woolly merino and again, just one ball was needed. It too is super soft!

More and more people are joining us on Facebook and here and I just wanted to let everyone know that I accept hats of all colors, styles and sizes. There is a head for every hat! The only real requirements are that the hats be handmade and labeled in some way if they contain wool. That is so I can tag them as containing wool for those with animal fiber allergies. If you are sending hats in, please include your name and email address or mailing address if you would rather so I can let you know when the hats get here. All the hats that come in are photographed and put on our Facebook page for everyone to enjoy. If you have any questions at all, feel free to email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

"I think this color looks good on me!"

Downy Hug

You will need 85 - 100 yards of heavy worsted weight yarn and size US 10 circular needles and dpns or some combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
skpsso: slip one stitch, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off your needle
yo: yarn over
k2tog: holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 70 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Stockinette Stitch
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 3 to 3.5 inches in length

Work Pattern:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Row 2: *skpsso, yo*; repeat across
Row 3: knit all stitches
Row 4: *yo, k2tog*; repeat across
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is 6 to 6.5 inches in length.
Work Stockinette Stitch
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7.5 inches in length

Decrease Crown:

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: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 9: *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 to someone who could use an extra soft hug!

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches. To keep the crown decrease the same adjust in multiples of 10.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 80 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!

All are welcome to join us in some way!

If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some out to anywhere in the USA.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Friday, March 22, 2013

Schnapps Withdrew from the Contest!

THANK YOU to everyone who voted for Schnapps in the contest that has been running the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it was brought to my attention that many people were cheating and using browser add-ons and proxies to give themselves hundreds of votes in short periods of time. This was not done for Schnapps, but we do not want to be affiliated with anything fraudulent.

I did contact the Facebook page which was running the contest (I Love Funny Dogs) and the company that licenses the software for the contest (Woobox). Each tried to blame the other and told me that there was nothing that could be done to stop the fraud.

A friend of mine showed me how easy it actually was to cheat - IF you had hours of time and nothing better to do with your life! I was appalled at how simple it was and how lax the companies are about it. I could have decided to cheat too, but that's not the way I do things. I couldn't keep asking people to vote honestly, knowing that we would never win since others were cheating. I asked at that time to be withdrawn from the contest, since I do not want to be associated with cheating or fraud in any way. Schnapps is our mascot. We're all about good things and honesty.......not sneaking around to win dog treats and an iPad. Somethings are just not worth it!

The Facebook page finally, after I contacted them several times, got back to me, telling me that they know there is cheating going on, but they don't know what to do about it. They asked why I wanted to be withdrawn, since if they got rid of the cheaters, Schnapps would be in first place. That's not why I reported the fraud and I certainly don't want us to be a part of something that allows cheating. I am not able to stop someone else from cheating for Schnapps (although I know that none of you would - it's just the principle of it) and so I stuck to my decision to take him out. At this point, even a win would feel tainted to me.

I do hope you all understand my point of view on this. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience I caused. I know that many of you went out of your way to vote for him and I hope you know that we both appreciate the time you took. He'll keep creating patterns to share to show his gratitude also!

I bought him a special bag of treats yesterday to make up for his not being able to win. In my book, he's #1 all the way and he knows that. Those who cheat to win aren't really winning at all. Schnapps is a true winner to me. AND he can knit!!!

So hugs and tail wags from us. Thank you again, so much for all your support!

Schnapps and his heart shaped tongue will not take part in anything fraudulent!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Introducing Flirty Sherbert!

Well, Spring Fever must officially be here, even though we had snow flurries today. Schnapps made this ruffled hat and even modeled it! Thank you to Ann for suggesting that Sherbert be part of the name and Elissa for suggesting Flirty be part too!!

It's too frilly for me to wear, but Schnapps was a good sport and tried it on!

I used worsted weight yarn and size 8 straight needles and size 9 circulars for this, but you could certainly use all one size needle. The pattern has various combinations of needles and yarn weight for adult and child sizes. The most important thing with this pattern is to start your ruffles with four times the number of stitches you will need for your hat.

The ruffles are knit on straight needles and then joined in the round. If you wanted to continue to knit this hat flat, you could just knit stockinette by knitting the even rows and purling the odd rows instead of joining in the round.

The color possibilities are endless! I used a pink for Ruffle 2 and a novelty yarn for Ruffle 1 and then a lavender for the body. You could do this all in one color or use any combination of one, two or three colors. Have fun with it and experiment. I have included the instructions for other yarn weights too. Remember you MUST start your ruffles with four times the number of stitches that you need for your hat. It's important!

Flirty Sherbert

You will need 3 size 8 straight needles for the ruffles and a size 9 circular needle for the hat body and worsted weight yarn in 3 colors.

Abbreviations:
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

Make Ruffles: You need 3 size 8 straight needles

Ruffle 1:
Cast on 280 stitches
Row 1: *k2, then pass the first stitch over the second and off the right hand needle*; repeat across
Row 2: *p2tog*; repeat across
Row 3: knit all stitches
Row 4: purl all stitches
Set Needle Aside

Ruffle 2:
work the same as Ruffle 1, but repeat Rows 3 and 4 three times for a total of 10 rows.

Join Ruffles: Place Ruffle 1 over Ruffle 2 and use your size 9 circular needles to join the 2 rows of stitches that are on the 2 needles together.

Place a marker and taking care not to twist stitches, join in the round.

Work Hat:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: switch to dpns 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: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 9: *k2tog*; repeat around

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

Stitch the sides of the ruffles together.

Weave in ends and enjoy!

The pattern is worked over any number of stitches. Use a multiple of 10 to maintain the crown decrease.

RUFFLES: You must start with four times the number of stitches you need for your hat. So for 70 stitches, I began with 280. If you need 80 stitches, begin with 320. 60 stitches, begin with 240. 90 stitches, begin with 360. Adjust accordingly, but always start with four times the number of stitches you want for your hat.

I used size 9 needles to get an airy look for the body of the hat. You could easily use size 8 needles throughout. Just start with 80 stitches

To knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 50 stitches. Ruffles would start with 200 stitches. Begin the crown decrease at 6 inches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 60 stitches. Ruffles would start with 240 stitches

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 7 needles and cast on 60 stitches. Begin crown decreases between 6.5 and 7 inches, depending on desired length of finished hat. Ruffles would start with 240 stitches. Always adjust in multiples of 10, being sure to adjust number of cast on stitches for the ruffles too.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 130 stitches. Begin crown decrease at 7.5 to 8 inches. Ruffles would start with 520 stitches.

All are welcome to join us in some way!

If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some out to anywhere in the USA.

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