Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Thankful Tree!

This is a completely non-yarn related project, but I wanted to share it anyway. Those of you who know me personally know that I really do try to find the good in every situation and to focus on the positive instead of the negative. I think it is truly important for everyone to remember that there are things to be thankful for every day. It might be harder to realize them some days and there might not be as many at certain times, but there is always at least one thing for which you can be thankful. Too often, we focus on what we want or what we do not like, instead of being grateful for what we already have.

I'm trying to pass that along to the students at my job. I thought a good way to do that might be to make a "Thankful Tree" to post on my door that we could all fill in. I've seen them before and thought it would be a great project for school.

I cut just a basic tree shape from a roll of brown paper. My husband suggested adding the hole and the raccoons, which I think add a very cute touch. I cut out bunches of leaves from construction paper so everyone can write what they are thankful for on one, (or two or five!) and add it to the tree. I hung it on my door this morning when I got in and put a few leaves on it.

First thing this morning!

Throughout the day, students and staff stopped by to pick up leaves and write what they were most thankful for on them. Each leaf was added to the tree and by lunchtime I realized that I am going to need more leaves. I'm hoping that people will add to it all month..........maybe even adding a leaf or two every day as new things to be thankful for come to mind.

By lunchtime!

I know that I will smile every time I see this because it shows that people are thinking about the good and focusing on being grateful. I'm making it a personal goal to add at least one leaf every day I'm at work. This was such a simple project, but it has a lot of meaning. I hope everyone who walks past my door, even when I am not there, takes a few minutes to think about life and to find the good.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Introducing Lateral Pass!

Schnapps is still busy making "Football Hats" and I am trying to keep up with him. I'm a few behind, but finally got this one ready! He used Lion Brand Hometown USA for the model, but as always, directions for all yarn weights are included.

Hats are coming in every week and shipping out just as quickly! There is a huge need right now for chemo caps, especially for adults, so if you have some spare time, please consider making some and donating them locally or to DEHH.

Schnapps says "THANK YOU" to all our supporters!

The Play Book Patterns!

Lateral Pass

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

Abbreviations:
skpsso: 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: *skpsso, but before dropping the slipped stitch, knit into the back of it*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2tog, but before dropping the stitches, knit the first stitch again*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until piece is about 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 2 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.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Introducing Latte of Love!

Schnapps' latest is ready - just in time for Halloween! Thank you Lynn for the name. I usually try to stay away from any name that specifies the color, but this just fit so well. Of course, the hat would be lovely in any color you choose to use! This was knit using Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick, which is a super bulky yarn, but the instructions for all yarn weights are included.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased The Play Book or any of my patterns. Hats are continuing to ship to wherever they are needed most.

I can't believe that tomorrow is November 1st already. This year is flying by. Christmas gifts need to be made and yet, every time Schnapps gets some yarn, he's making a hat. There is a huge need this time of year especially for chemo caps of all sorts. Please be sure to make a few to drop off at your local center or to send to me even as you craft your holiday gifts or make that special something for yourself. It means the world to so many.

Happy Halloween from Schnapps and me!

Latte of Love

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

Abbreviations:
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
twist: knit 1 through the back loop of the stitch below, then knit the stitch above (2 stitches made)

Cast on 49 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 3: knit all stitches
Row 2: *k2tog, k2, twist, k2*; repeat around
Row 4: *k2, twist, k2, k2tog
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k1, 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. Weave in ends and give it to someone special who needs hugs, hope and a little or a lot of love!

The pattern is worked over 7 stitches.

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 84 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 63 stitches. Adjust in increments of 7 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

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