Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, October 28, 2013

Introducing Footprints!

Football Sunday was yesterday and Schnapps was busy. He made this hat using Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn. Thank you Janie for the name!

He made a couple of plain knit hats this weekend too, using colorful and textured yarn, which he thinks is best used with a plain stitch pattern. Don't forget to get your copy of "The Play Book" too if you want all the 2013 Football Patterns!

This is a very busy time of year for Delaware Head Huggers! Hats are shipping out every week. So far, we have been able to get hats to everyone who has requested them. Keep them coming in because the cold weather isn't even here yet. And remember, if you or someone you know needs hats and live in the USA, let me know and I will gladly send hats.

Please also remember that the Finn Hat Project is still ongoing. So far, we have collected 544 Finn Hats, but we would like to have so many more than that ready for pre-school children who are facing cancer treatment. All information about this special, heart warming project can be found here.

Children wearing Finn Hats made by us!

Schnapps modeling one of his more colorful creations!

I stumbled across ladder yarn this weekend and had fun making a quick necklace too.

Footprints

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

Abbreviations:
sl2wyif: hold yarn in front as if to purl and slip 2 stitches knit-wise.
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 piece is about 2.5 to 3 inches in length.

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *k2, sl2wyif*; repeat around
Rows 2 & 4: knit all stitches
Row 3: *sl2wyif, k2*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: 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

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 4 stitches, but use a multiple of 8 to keep the crown decrease the same.

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 88 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.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Introducing Kickoff and The Play Book!

Football Season is well under way and Schnapps has been spending time designing patterns that are simple and quick and can be knit in less time than it takes to watch a game. So far, he's got 12 new patterns this season. In the Huddle is in the post prior to this one. Kickoff is posted here free.

Kickoff

The rest of the football hats are in the new e-book "The Play Book". This e-book features 10 never before published patterns and sells for just $5. This is our big fundraiser for the year to help cover the shipping and supply costs for Delaware Head Huggers.

Every pattern in this book contains information for all yarn weights as well as how to adjust the size. If you can, please purchase this book, help us continue to ship hats all over the country and use the patterns to make a difference locally as well.

The e-book can be purchased by using the link to the right on this page or by going to my Ravelry store. That link is also to the right of this page. The photos below show the patterns included.

Grid Iron

Touchdown

Safety

End Zone

Fair Catch

Line of Scrimmage

Extra Point

Spiral Pass

In the Huddle

Play Action

Onside Kick

Kickoff

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

Abbreviations:
s1pw: slip one stitch purlwise (yarn at back)
yo: yarn over
psso: pass slipped stitch over knit stitch and yo
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 48 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 about 1.5 to 2 inches in length

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 7: purl all stitches
Rows 2, 4 & 6: *p6, k2*; repeat around
Rows 3 & 5: *p6, s1pw, k1, yo, psso*; repeat around
Rows 8, 10 & 12: *p2, k2, p4*; repeat around
Rows 9 & 11: *p2, s1pw, k1, yo, psso, p4*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 12 until the piece is about 6.5 to 7 inches in length. End on Row 6 or Row 12.

Decrease Crown: switch to dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *p6, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *p5, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *p4, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: p3, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *p2, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *p1, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *p2tog*; 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 8 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 88 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.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Introducing In the Huddle!

Schnapps is hard at work at our new "Football Hats" e-book, but he wanted to share a pattern with all of you today. He knit this last night during the first half of Monday Night Football. It was all finished before half-time even started. You could easily make the pattern larger for a different look to the hat. This model with knit using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick, but instructions are included for all yarn weights too.

In the Huddle!

So far, Schnapps has 6 football hats ready to go in the new book. We've shown you 3 already and these are the latest 3:

The new book should be out soon! Details will be posted here as well as on our Facebook page and Twitter.

In The Huddle

You need: 6-weight, super-bulky yarn and size US 13 circulars and dpns or some combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:

T2B: slip next stitch to a cable needle and hold to the back. Knit the next stitch, then purl the stitch from the cable needle.

T2F: slip next stitch to a cable needle and hold to the front. Purl the next stitch, then knit the stitch from the cable needle.

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:

Row 1: *T2B, T2F*; repeat around
Row 2: knit all stitches
Row 3: *T2F, T2B*; repeat around
Row 4: knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 2 inches in length or longer if you want a larger patterned brim.

Work Stockinette:

Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until the piece is about 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
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 enjoy!

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches. Work in increments of 8 stitches to keep the crown decrease the same.

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 88 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.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Beanies, Caps & Hats!

Several people have asked about a new e-book with the latest pattern in it, so we finally got that all together and ready to go.

Beanies, Caps & Hats ($5) contains 23 patterns, 2 of which have been for purchase only. All but one pattern includes instructions for all yarn weights and for adjusting the size. The Navy Hug hat is designed for worsted weight yarn and we think that works best.

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.

Here are photos of the included patterns:

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Monday, September 23, 2013

Introducing Oceans of Hope!

Hi Everyone! It's been a while since a new pattern was put up. I apologize. I have been a bit under the weather and Schnapps is such a good nurse that he makes it his priority to take care of me rather than knit. He has managed to get a few plain hats done and he's started on a series for a new e-book of Football Hats. So, he's been busy, even if we haven't been posting much.

This hat was knit using 5-weight Yarn Bee First Love yarn in Misty. One skein is probably enough for 2 hats, although we haven't tried that yet. But we do have lots left over! Many people thought the pattern looked like waves or dolphins or the ocean, so Oceans of Hope is the name.

Our new fundraiser will be a new "Football Hats" e-book later in the football season. So far, we're in Week 3 and Schnapps has 3 new patterns that work up super fast and are very simple, so they are perfect for working on during the game. Here are some preliminary photos of those hats.

Oceans of Hope

You will need 5-weight yarn and size 10.5 circular needles and dpns or some combination of needles and yarn listed below.

Abbreviations:
yo: yarn over
skp: slip one stitch, knit the next stitch and pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the needle
k2tog: holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one
sk2p: slip one stitch, knit the next 2 stitches together and pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the needle

Cast on 68 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

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

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *k1, yo, k3, skp, p5, k2tog, k3, yo, k1*; repeat around
Row 2: *k6, p5, k6*; repeat around
Row 3: *k2, yo, k3, skp, p3, k2tog, k3, yo, k2*; repeat around
Row 4: *k7, p3, k7*; repeat around
Row 5: *k3, yo, k3, skp, p1, k2tog, k3, yo, k3*; repeat around
Row 6: *k8, p1, k8*; repeat around
Row 7: *k4, yo, k3, sk2p, k3, yo, k4*; repeat around
Row 8: knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece is about 7.5 inches in length

Decrease Crown:
Row 1: *k8, k2tog, k7*; 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 17 stitches.

To knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 51 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 85 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 68 stitches. Adjust in increments of 17 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 119 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Introducing Salt Water Taffy!

Schnapps and I were asked recently about making a lightweight, airy hat for someone who is undergoing chemo and feeling hot all the time. So, Schnapps put his thinking cap on and got knitting and this is what he came up with. We thought it looked like salt water taffy......just based on the colors.......I could just see all those pastel colored wrapped candies lined up in a box when I looked at it. And since it's a light weight hat and I associate salt water taffy with summertime, I thought it would work.

We used Sugar 'n Cream in Lava Lamp for this, again since it was made for someone who is feeling too warm all the time, but you could use any worsted weight yarn. I've included adaptations for different weights as well, but I'm not sure how often you'd want to make this pattern in a heavy weight yarn....... We used just about a yard or two of a second skein, so you might want to have 2 skeins on hand if you use Sugar 'n Cream. Otherwise, about 100 yards of any worsted weight yarn should work.

We wanted to tell you that at last count, we were up to 11,117 chemo caps and 524 Finn Hats! More come in every week!

Schnapps is all set for football season with plenty of yarn for hats!

Salt Water Taffy

You will need about 100 yards of worsted weight yarn and size US 8 circular needles and dpns or some other combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
yo: yarn over
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 80 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Stockinette:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures about 1.5 inches in length.

Work Pattern:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Row 2: purl all stitches
Row 3 : knit all stitches
Row 4 : *yo, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: knit all stitches
Row 6: purl all stitches
Row 7: knit all stitches
Row 8: *k2tog, yo*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece is about 6.5 to 7.5 inches in length or longer if you want a slouchier hat.

Decrease Crown: use dpns 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 give it to someone who could use a cap without needing the extra warmth.

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches. The crown decrease 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 5-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 9 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 112 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Friday, August 30, 2013

Introducing Benjamin's Flight!

Schnapps decided that we need some more unisex hats so the men aren't left out. So, this is what he came up with. Thank you Kelly and Jerald for the very meaningful name. Jerald is a young man who is a very talented knitter who makes hats for us and contributed beautiful items to the MEGSTRONG fundraiser. His mom, Kelly sent me this message when she saw the latest hat.

"Missionary friends of ours lost their 15yr old son to cancer on Sunday morning. Benjamin was one of the first people outside of family that Jerald ever knit a hat for and while they never met in person, Jerald considers him a friend. Benjamin wanted to be a Missionary Pilot when he grew up and also drawing from the idea of death being a journey/flight, I was thinking maybe Benjamin's flight"

Schnapps and I completely agree that this is a wonderful name for this cap. This one was knit using one skein of Lion Brand Hometown USA, but various yarn weight instructions are included below as well. This is a very simple pattern that will work well for both men and women. Experiment with colors and enjoy.

If you use this pattern, please take a few moments to send some thoughts to any family that is suffering from the loss of a loved one. Benjamin's family, just like Meagan's family need comfort and unfortunately, so many other families are dealing with the same type of grief. Be sure to be grateful for those you love and tell them how much they mean to you.


Schnapps was given a hard hat by the Kent County Public Library. He likes knit hats better!

Benjamin's Flight

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

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

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

Work Ribbed Brim:
Row 1: *k3 p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 2 inches in length.

Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2 & 4: knit all stitches
Row 3: *k1, p1*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until the piece is about 7 - 7.5 inches in length. Repeat more for a slouchier hat if you wish.

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. Send a special thought to any family that has lost a child to cancer.

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches. Work in increments of 10 stitches to keep the crown decrease the same.

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 90 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

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Meagan's Rainbow

Meagan Blackmore lost her battle with cancer on August 19, 2013, leaving behind a devastated family, heartbroken friends and a world that lost a beautiful light.

Please keep her family in your thoughts as they deal with this incredible loss.

To me, although Meagan had grown up to be a beautiful, giving, wonderful adult, I remember her as a sweet, adorable little girl who always had a smile on her face. The Rainbow Connection was the song I sang to her when I baby-sat for her and even as an adult, Meagan loved rainbows. I hope that Meagan has found that Rainbow Connection we sang about so often.

When my friend Carolyn died, her family sent out cards with a quote from the book “The Little Prince” that she had chosen. I tried hard to take some comfort from these words and am trying yet again. I now have 2 stars that are laughing to find each night.

"In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night . . . You--only you--will have stars that can laugh!" And when your sorrow is comforted (time soothes all sorrows) you will be content that you have known me. You will always be my friend."

Those of you who know me, know that when I am upset I tend to reach for yarn. Yesterday I cried too much about the unfairness of her life ending so soon to pick up my needles. Schnapps kept snuggling close and looking at me as if to tell me to get some yarn and see what happens. Today, with a hurting heart and tears streaming down my face, I knit this hat. I am calling it Meagan’s Rainbow in her honor.

If you use this pattern, please take the time to think of Meagan and her family. In Meagan’s honor, do something kind for someone else. She was a giving, loving person – help spread the light she gave so freely.

Meagan's Rainbow

You will need 5 weight yarn and size US 10.5 needles or some combination of needles and yarn listed below. I used Lion Brand Tweed Stripes because of the softness and beautiful colors. You could knit this in a solid color, but I think I will always make this in a multi-color yarn.

Abbreviations:
yo: yarn over
Sl1: slip one stitch as if to knit
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
psso: pass slipped stitch over

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

Work Brim:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until the piece is about 3 inches long

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *yo, k3, yo, k1*; repeat around
Row 2: knit all stitches
Row 3: *k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2*; repeat around
Row 4: knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 6 to 6.5 inches in length
Work Crown:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until the piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches long

Decrease Crown: switch to dpns 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 pass along some love in honor of Meagan!

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches. Work in increments of 8 stitches to 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 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 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 112 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids