Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Introducing Staggered Hope!

Schnapps and I hope that your 2014 is off to a good start. We've been busy getting things back to normal after the holidays. I love this time of year when things slow down a bit and life seems to get back on track after the rush of the holiday season. Schnapps and I both love cold weather and we've been able to get lots of good walks in and lots of knitting time too.


Naps every once in a while are great too!

This is Staggering Hope. Thank you Susan for helping with the name!! It is a simple pattern and I think the texture works for men and women. I recently spoke to a woman who received a couple of hats and she told me that the men are as excited about getting hats as the women - especially in this cold weather - and that they look through the hats for ones that are manly enough. Certainly, this hat can be worn by a woman also, but I wanted something for the men too.

We kicked off another year of the Finn Hat Project. Please help us collect more than 600 hats in 2014 for this remarkable program.

Yarn suggestions, mandatory colors and the patterns can be found here.

There are instructions for knitting in the round, knitting flat, loom knitting and 2 crochet patterns! EVERYONE can help! Spread the word about this special project and help a young child who is facing cancer treatment.

The Play Book Patterns!

Staggered Hope

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

Abbreviations:
ktbl: knit one stitch through the back loop
k2tbl: knit two stitches through the back loop
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 through 4: *p2, ktbl*; repeat around
Rows 5 through 8: *k2tbl, p1*; repeat around
Rows 9 through 12: *ktbl, p2*; repeat around,

Repeat Rows 1 - 12 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length. End with a Row 8.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *ktbl, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k2tog*; repeat around

If using lighter weight yarn, you might want to repeat Row 3 of the crown decrease for more rows.

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.

The pattern is worked over 3 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 60 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 72 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 102 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Friday, January 3, 2014

Introducing Swells of Hope!

We spent New Year's Day at my parents home and Schnapps whipped up this hat while we were visiting. It's a super simple 4 row repeat that creates a cute textured wave or swell.

Today is a snow day for us in Delaware, so we thought we'd get it up for everyone to share.

We are always 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. This is an ongoing project! In 2013 we collected 598 Finn Hats and I hope that we can beat that total in 2014! Please consider making a few ~ this is truly a wonderful cause!

Yarn suggestions, mandatory colors and the patterns can be found here.

The Play Book Patterns!


Schnapps sends tail wags to everyone!

Swells of Hope

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

Abbreviations:
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
s1: slip one stitch

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

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 2: knit all stitches
Row 3: holding yarn in back as if to knit throughout, *s1, k1*; repeat around
Row 4: holding yarn in front as if to purl throughout, *s1, p1*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length.
Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
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 it to someone special who needs a hug and some hope.

If using lighter weight yarn you might want to repeat Row 3 of the crown decrease a few more times before ending.

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 so the crown decrease stays the same.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 60 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 72 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 102 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Introducing Rugged Hope!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Schnapps and I wish you all nothing but happiness, good health and love in 2014. This is our last pattern of the year and we hope you like it. We were trying to come up with some different caps that men would like to wear and we think this will work for both men and women.

2013 was an incredible year for Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids. With the help of so many of you we are now at a tally of 12,962 hats and 1,246 blankets - in just 4 years! This year alone brought us 3,628 chemo caps, 598 Finn Hats and 327 blankets. Schnapps and I hope that 2014 is even better! We are making a difference, no matter how small, to many.

Please remember that the Finn Hat project is an ongoing project that continually needs caps of all sizes. This partnership with Kidshealth.org is an important one. The hat pattern is free and comes in both knit and crochet versions. Yarn suggestions, mandatory colors and the patterns can be found here. Spread the word about this special project and help a young child who is facing cancer treatment.

Thank you to all of you who have donated postage funds too. Your help is very much appreciated! Postage is high and seems to be going up every year, but hats are needed across the country and we will continue to send them!

In 2014, I hope you all find time to focus on making a difference to others. This doesn't take any money at all - help a neighbor, give a hug where one is needed, listen to a friend who needs to talk. If you can, make a hat or two or a hundred and donate them locally or send them to me and I will get them to people who need them. Make a blanket and give it to a local foster care agency or a local Emergency Room. Try to spend at least a few minutes every day doing something for those not in your immediate circle. If we all do that, the world will start to become a better place. More love is needed everywhere - right next door and across the world......do your part and Schnapps and I will do ours too.

Remember to tell people about us and let them know that we will send hats to any person or center in the United States. Just email me and we will get hats out right away.

The Play Book Patterns!

Rugged Hope

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

Abbreviations:
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 3: *k4, p2*; repeat around
Rows 2 & 4: *p2, k4*; repeat around
Rows 5, 6, 7 & 8: k2, *p2, k4*; repeat around, end k2
Rows 9 & 11: *p2, k4*; repeat around
Rows 10 & 12: *k4, p2*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 12 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length.
Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2tog*; 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 it to someone special who needs a good sturdy hug and some extra warmth.

The pattern is worked over 6 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 so the crown decrease stays the same.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 60 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 72 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 102 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Introducing Chubby Checks!

This hat was designed and knit on Christmas Eve, once all the wrapping and cooking and baking was done. It's now time for Schnapps and I to get back to making hats again and he whipped this one up in no time at all. Thank you Robin for the name!

This will probably be the last hat pattern of 2013. Although, if he comes up with anything else in the next few days, I'm sure he'll share the pattern.

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere. 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. 100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!

Chubby Checks

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

Abbreviations:
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one
k2tog: 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, 5 & 6: *p2, k2*; repeat around
Rows 3 & 4: knit all stitches
Rows 7 & 8: purl all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length, ending with a row 5.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *p2tog, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *p1, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *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 give it to someone special who needs some extra love.

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 64 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 76 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 108 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry, Merry Christmas!!

Schnapps and I would like to take a moment on this Christmas Eve 2013 to wish all of you a very merry Christmas. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, please accept our wishes for the kindness and joy of the 'Christmas Spirit' to find each and every one of you.

Christmas is our favorite time of year........but it is a busy time too. We have not made many hats lately due to catching up on last minute things here. Now that everything is ready, Schnapps and I plan on putting our feet and paws up this evening with a skein of yarn and casting on a hat - even if it's not a new pattern, it WILL be a hat.

Christmas brings out the best in people I think. They smile more easily, are a bit more generous with their time............... My wish is that this spirit can stay with everyone this year for the entire year. Schnapps and I try to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long and I hope you will too.

In Oklahoma today, a box of hats is being distributed to those spending Christmas Eve receiving their chemotherapy. Christie is having her treatment and we sent her a box of hats to share. Please try to keep in mind those who are going through a difficult time this season and all those who have lost someone they love. The holidays only tend to highlight the sadness for some and we sincerely hope that everyone can have some peace and happiness this year.

Sending you all hugs, hope and love! Robin & Schnapps

In case you are interested: here are some of the latest things we had been working on (a blanket, a scarf and a lace doily) which are now all wrapped and under the tree, ready to be given tomorrow.

It STILL isn't Christmas???????

Ready for Santa Paws to bring some presents!!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Introducing The People Heater!

A new hat from Schnapps is ready to share. Thank you Debra for the name.

I left out the Purple from the "Purple People Heater" since this would look nice in any color you choose! It would work with the pattern band as a coordinating stripe too. Have fun with it and enjoy! This worked up really quickly and easily. The model was made using Lion Brand Hometown USA, but as always, instructions for different yarn weights are included.

It's the holiday crunch time for me - time to finish those gifts, wrap, bake, and do all sorts of Christmas-type things. I hope that no matter what holiday you celebrate you are enjoying the season and finding time to spend with yarn!

Delaware Head Huggers recently passed 12,000 chemo caps! I am amazed, humbled and in awe of all of you who help. I can only imagine how many times that number is multiplied if we were to count how many of you donate locally as well. THANK YOU!

Kozy Kovers for Kids has passed 1,200 blankets! While it is extremely sad that there are that many children, just here in the Delaware area that are in need, it is a wonderful feeling to know that so many people care and are willing to help.

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere. 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. 100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!

The People Heater

You will need super bulky yarn and size US 13 circulars and dpns or some other combination of yarn and needles listed below.

Abbreviations:
s1: slip one stitch as if to knit with yarn in back
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 3 inches in length.

Work Pattern:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Row 2: purl all stitches
Row 3: *s1, k1*; repeat around
Row 4: *s1, p1*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 6 inches in length.

Work Crown:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
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 it to someone special who has a chilly head!

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 6 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 7 needles and cast on 84 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 7 needles and cast on 66 stitches. Adjust in increments of 8 stitches for individual sizes.

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

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Introducing Hope Caught!

Schnapps is keeping busy and I am trying to keep up with him. His latest hat uses a simple fisherman's rib pattern and would be a great hat for men or women. This toasty hat was knit using Lion Brand Hometown USA, but the instructions for all yarn weights are included. This is a super fast, two row pattern that is easy to memorize and practically flies off your needles.

Schnapps is excited that Christmas is almost here!

This is such a busy time of year for everyone, but I hope all of you find some time to pass a little love and kindness on to those who need it most.

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere. 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. 100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!

Hope Caught

You will need super bulky yarn and size US 13 circulars and dpns or some other combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
k1b: knit the stitch 1 row below the next stitch
p2b: purl the stitch 1 row below the next stitch
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 44 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Pattern: You might wish to knit a foundation row first.

Row 1: *k1b, p1*; repeat around
Row 2: *k1, p1b*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2tog, 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 it to someone special who needs some extra warmth and love.

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 so the crown decrease stays the same.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 60 stitches.

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 72 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 100 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Introducing Squared Away!

Schnapps' latest hat, knit during football and finished well before the game! Many great names were suggested, several which had Chains or Links in the name. Since we have several hats with similar names, I went with Squared Away. This hat uses the square rib pattern, so it's fitting.

The model was stitched using Lion Brand Hometown USA, but the pattern contains instructions for all yarn weights as well.

Schnapps hopes you like it!

The patterns in the photo below are the patterns found in The Play Book, an e-book of patterns that are not published elsewhere. 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. 100% of the cost of all my patterns is put right back into supplies and shipping for DEHH.

The Play Book Patterns!

Squared Away

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

Abbreviations:
p2b: purl the stitch 2 rows below the next stitch
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
p2tog: 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 & 3: *k1, p1*; repeat around
Row 4: *k1, p2b*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length.

Decrease Crown: use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2tog, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k2tog, 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 give it to someone special who needs some extra love.

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches, but use a multiple of 4 so the crown decrease stays the same.

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 80 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 108 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids