Goal Met - Week 6!

I've been working on a blanket for Kozy Kovers for Kids, but I can't neglect Delaware Head Huggers, so I've been splitting my knitting time between the two.  I made 3 hats this week.....all on a loom.  The pink fuzzy one is a bit funkier than I usually make, but the yarn was donated, so I wanted to try it out.  Hopefully someone will find it to be the perfect accessory!

 

This week there was some major miscommunication with a hospital about them accepting hats, but luckily I was able to get that all straightened out and hats will be headed there shortly.  

Each individual hat is tagged with a card that states it is a gift from Delaware Head Huggers......I'm not sure how anyone would think another group made our hats...............but, as long as patients are getting the caps they need, it will all work out just fine!  Sometimes I think anyone who answers a telephone should have to take a basic courtesy class before being allowed to say "hello".  If people would just think before they spoke, so many unpleasant situations would just never happen!

On a much more positive note, this is an excerpt from an email I received from a center which had received hats recently:

I can’t tell you how much the patients appreciate these.  They are so touched when we offer it to them and they like to choose their own style.   The assortment is so nice,  one is lovelier than the next---so thanks again to you and all the busy hands that make these wonderful hats.  I hope the volunteers know how appreciated these little gifts are and that our patients are very grateful.  

 

Now that makes us all smile.  It's nice to know that we are able to make a difference.  I shipped a box of 110 hats out to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's pediatrics ward this week too.  Hopefully we will be able to send as many caps as they need.  Schnapps is ready to help by keeping watch as I tag each hat!

Hats of all sizes are needed!  Please join us if you are able!  I love to see how this organization grows all the time.

On the blanket side of life, I am putting together blankets for the local Emergency Department to have on hand to give to any child who is brought in suffering from abuse or neglect.  The staff say that the blankets are able to give a little security during a traumatic time.  Please join us here as well if you can.  Both websites have easy donation buttons and directions for where to drop items off if you live in Delaware and where to send them if you live in other states.  

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!

Introducing the Happy Hat!

I decided to put together a hat using the stamen stitch.  I like the symmetry of the stitch and the bit of a lacy look that you get from it, but it’s still a nice, warm cap.  I made this one using worsted weight yarn and size 11 needles.  I called it the Happy Hat, since I want all our hats to cheer up the people who receive them.   Feel free to use this pattern if you would like and feel free to join us at Delaware Head Huggers of Kozy Kovers for Kids!

The Happy Hat

You will need:

Size 11 knitting needles

Worsted or 4-weight yarn (Vanna’s Choice used, less than one skein)

PATTERN:

Cast on 55 stitches.

Work K3, P2 ribbing for 2 inches.  K3, P2 across each row.

(Feel free to use a different rib stitch if you prefer, or use a garter stitch pattern for the brim if you would like).

Begin Stamen Stitch Pattern:

Row 1:  Knit across

Row 2:  K1, K1, *slip 1 purl-wise (yarn at back), K1*; repeat from * to * to last stitch.  End with a K1

Row 3:  Knit across

Row 4:  *K1, slip 1 purl-wise (yarn at back)*; Repeat from * to * across the row

Continue pattern Rows 1 – 4 until the piece measures 8 inches.

Decrease the crown as follows:

Row 1:  *K3, K2tog*; Repeat from * to * across row

Row 2:  K1, *K1, slip 1 purl-wise* ; repeat from * to * across row, ending with a K1

Row 3:  *K2, K2tog*; Repeat from * to * across row

Row 4:  *K1, slip 1 purl-wise (yarn to the back)*; Repeat from * to * across row

Row 5:  *K1, K2tog*; Repeat from * to * across row

Row 6:  K1, *slip 1 purl-wise (yarn to the back), K1*; Repeat from * to *  to last stitch, K1

Row 7:  K2tog across row

Cut working yarn leaving a 12-inch tail.  Thread yarn through live stitches on the needle and cinch closed.  Sew seam, weave in loose ends and enjoy.  Or better yet, pass it along to someone who needs it.

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!

Week 5 - Goal Met!

Well, it’s Thursday and I’ve got 2 new hats finished and tagged, so Week 5's goal is met!  This was a great week for hats (89 new ones in!) and blankets (8 new ones!) and I am so excited about all we are able to do with these beautiful items. Our totals so far are:  5,869 hats and 656 blankets!  Growing every week!

Some little children got Kozy Kovers for Kids at their adoption ceremony and the staff said that the little ones loved the blankets and clutched them tight throughout.  We gave 24 more blankets to Delaware State social workers for Milford and I’m starting another batch for Pressley Ridge and one for Kind to Kids as well. 

I cast on a blanket for Kozy Kovers for Kids, but I’ve just started it, so it’s got quite a ways to go.  I also knit 2 new hat patterns this week.  The first hat is here:

I should have used a lighter weight yarn.  I used a 6-weight and size 13 needles, but the pattern just isn’t defined enough.  It is supposed to have boxes easily visible….I thought I was imagining a nice masculine looking hat, but the yarn just isn’t working well.  I’ll try something else and see how that turns out.

Then I decided to put together a hat using the stamen stitch.  I like the symmetry of the stitch and the bit of a lacy look that you get from it, but it’s still a nice, warm cap.  I made this one using worsted weight yarn and size 11 needles.  I called it the Happy Hat, since I want all our hats to cheer up the people who receive them.  I'm posting the pattern in a separate post so it's easier to find.

 

Join us if you can - all are welcome!

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!

Week 4 - Hats & Afghan Finished!

Finally, I have finished the Winter Lace Afghan. This is a Lion Brand pattern and it was great to knit.  I really enjoyed it and the detail is fantastic.  Knit in Wool Ease Thick and Quick, it's extra toasty.  This is headed out early in the week to a special person. 

My washing machine broke this week and flooded my basement........tons of fun.  Luckily, ALL hats, blankets and yarn were safely in plastic tubs and nothing was damaged.  Can't say the same for the rest of my basement, but the important things were saved! 

Schnapps was busy helping me this week.......

 

He likes to be included!  Together we got 4 hats finished for Delaware Head Huggers!  I did 2 roll brim loom hats, 1 Carolyn Rose cap and 1 woven top loom knit hat. 

 

I've got several hats and blankets that need to be tagged this week.  Now that the basement is dried out and the new washing machine is churning out clean clothes again, I will be able to sit down and get to that.  As always, I am simply amazed at the gorgeous items that are donated each and every week!

I'll be working on meeting my goal of at least 2 hats this week and I'm hoping to cast on for a blanket for Kozy Kovers for Kids too!

Join us if you can - all are welcome!

Delaware Head Huggers  

www.delawareheadhuggers.org 

Delaware Head Huggers on Facebook

Kozy Kovers for Kids

www.kozykoversforkids.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids on Facebook

Happy Knitting!

Week 3 - Goal Met Again!

Well, even though I was a bit behind schedule this week, I have completed 2 hats for Delaware Head Huggers!  I have to tell you about this chance meeting in a doctor's office waiting room:  I was waiting for my Dad, knitting to pass the time, and a man told me that you can get hats like I was knitting at the hospital.  He told me how there is a group that does this wonderful thing of donating hats for patients undergoing chemo.  He's been going through chemo and even though they had a lot of pink and "girl" hats, they found him a nice masculine one to wear.  He was very impressed with this group........so I asked if it was Delaware Head Huggers, and it was!  So, I introduced myself and gave him a card so he can call me if he needs any other hats in masculine colors!  Made me feel wonderful to just randomly run into someone who we were helping.

And it made me think that I really have to at least split the hats I make between male and female designs and colors.  So frequently I knit something I think of as "pretty" that I forget that men need these caps too.  So, I am going to try to be sure at least half of what I make is suitable for men.  Because honestly, women might like to wear hats in more masculine colors, but not too many men want to wear pink hats!

With that in mind, and since the pink one (a Carolyn Rose cap) was the one I was knitting when I met this man, the second one I did this week is in navy and gray.

Other spectacular news is that Charity Chix of Pittsburgh has officially started their own Kozy Kovers for Kids chapter.  Now anyone in the Pittsburgh area can donate directly to them!  Contact info is on the website at www.kozykoversforkids.org

82 hats and 7 blankets came in this week!  It's amazing that so many people are willing to use their talents to help.  Remember to spread the word - we can use all the help we can get - from moral support, to supplies, to hats and blankets.

Delaware Head Huggers:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org
Email:  robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Head-Huggers/250229674280

Kozy Kovers for Kids:  www.kozykoversforkids.org   
Email:  info@kozykoversforkids.org
 FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kozy-Kovers-for-Kids/253991638070

I'm off to watch football and knit........my afghan is almost finished and I have at least 2 hats to make this week.

Happy Knitting!

2012 Week 2 - Goal Met!

Well, the second week of 2012 is drawing to a close and I managed to make 2 more hats this week.  Simple caps specially made for an individual who needs to keep her head warm in the cold weather. I shipped out a box of hats to her and a box of lighter weight hats to a little one in Hawaii who is undergoing treatment as well.

Delaware Head Huggers received about 51 hats this week!  So many people are willing to help that it's incredible.  I'm so lucky to have dedicated people who send in hats in groups of 15, 20 or even more at a time.  We're definitely making a difference.........I just wish we had enough hats to send to everyone who requests some.  I've got a waiting list, but we're getting there.  And I just might manage to get another hat finished this weekend............we'll see.

So many kind comments are still coming in about the Carolyn Rose cap pattern.  It makes me happy to see how much good is being done and how many people now know about the wonderful person I lost.  I hope to design some more hat patterns in the near future.........but right now I'm working fast to get as many chemo caps finished as possible to send to these people in need.

Kozy Kovers for Kids received 6 more blankets this week too!  Again, I am amazed at how generous people are with their time, talents and skills.  Beautiful blankets hopefully help these poor children.  Exciting news is that the Charity Chix of Pittsburgh, PA are teaming up with us to start the PA chapter of Kozy Kovers for Kids!!  They will be working with Pressley Ridge to start with and who knows where we can go from here..................  My dream is that someday every child in foster care, and any child who is suffering from abuse or neglect, will have a handmade blanket to show that someone cares.  I hope that it won't matter what state the child is in, we will be able to give them a hug and a blanket.

I'm still working on my afghan...........not very much has been done I'm sorry to say.  I keep focusing on hats and not spending enough time on the afghan.  Schnapps managed to sprain his toe playing ball this week - he's feeling just about all better now, but that definitely took time away from knitting.  He loves to snuggle while I knit, but he needed undivided snuggling for a few days.....  :)  But, I hope to spend at least a few hours this weekend adding more rows to it.  I adore the pattern and plan on making one for Kozy Kovers for Kids once I have finished this gift.

Spread the word if you would about Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids! 

Delaware Head Huggers:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org
Email:  robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Head-Huggers/250229674280

Kozy Kovers for Kids:  www.kozykoversforkids.org   
Email:  info@kozykoversforkids.org
 FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kozy-Kovers-for-Kids/253991638070

Week 1 - Goal Met!

Well, the first week of 2012 and I have met my goal of knitting at least 2 hats.  I've got a special order for someone that I am working on, so I am well on my way through hat number 4, but 3 are finished and ready for this week.  Simple, but effective chemo caps, they will help keep someone warm this winter.

This week has been slow for Delaware Head Huggers (www.delawareheadhuggers.org) and Kozy Kovers for Kids (www.kozykoversforkids.org), but I know that many hats and blankets are making their way to me.  My aunt in Virginia has shipped a box, Ann has dropped off hats and blankets at her local library and many more people are helping.  I hope that we are able to help more people in 2012 than we did in 2011.........a good goal, I think. 

Thank you again for all of you who have written about the Carolyn Rose cap.  I'm touched by everyone's kindness and by the sheer amount of people who are busy helping others.  I received a memorial card in the mail this week for Carolyn and this quote was on the front.  The simplicity and beauty of it made me cry.... I have to get a copy of the book to keep. "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. " - The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

What a wonderful thought - "you will content that you have known me".  I will miss her forever and I so wish that I had been able to talk to her and help her through things, but I will always be so grateful to have known her.  I'm trying to find comfort in that and to keep her spirit alive by doing good things.  I hope that any of you who have lost a loved one can find comfort in it as well.

Now I'm off to knit more hats - I've got someone waiting for some to be delivered this week and I do not want to let her down.

Happy Knitting Everyone.  Make beautiful things and share them!

Gratitude & New Year's Resolutions

First of all, I have to thank all of you who have come to see the Carolyn Rose Cap and who have contacted me.  It is amazing that so many of you have found the pattern already.  I am truly grateful for those of you who are paying it forward in Carolyn's name.  Please feel free to post comments or email me at any time.


One thing that keeps running through my mind is that I should have knit something for Carolyn - the fact that I can not now is upsetting.  I have learned that I should knit and give - whenever someone is special to me.  I won't just wait for a special occasion or a particular reason.............give to those you love and care about always.  I won't stop knitting presents - I love to see someone's face light up when they get a handmade gift, but I'll hopefully manage to give more "just because" presents, not just birthday and Christmas gifts.


With New Year's Eve creeping around the corner and the hustle and bustle of Christmas behind me, I have been thinking about what to set as goals for 2012.  My resolution is to knit more!  Who's with me on that?? I should probably resolve to get rid of some of my yarn stash too, but I know that I will still buy yarn............even if I have several tubs full of yarn already...........especially if it is on sale!


So, I think I should set a goal for myself - to knit at least 2 hats a week for Delaware Head Huggers.  I am pretty sure that I can manage that even on really busy weeks.  Knifty Knitter Looms are wonderful things - I love to hand knit too, but when pressed for time, a loom knit hat can be completed in less than an hour.  I'll have to keep track of how many hats I knit on needles and how many I loom knit in 2012............but either way, at least 2 a week should be making their way to patients.  And hats made for friends or family, if not chemo caps, will not count!


I would also like to make more blankets for Kozy Kovers for Kids.  I find that I focus on hats and do not make nearly as many blankets as I should.  Maybe a realistic goal is to make at least 2 blankets in 2012..............that sounds possible.


 Right now I am working on this afghan - it's a Lion Brand pattern - Winter Lace Afghan, pattern number 80115AD.  I just started it, so I have quite a ways to go, but it's a beautiful pattern.  This is a gift for someone, so it doesn't count as one of my 2 blankets for Kozy Kovers. 

I've got an embroidered baby blanket that I started years ago that I really should finish too.  I see many goals for myself in 2012!  I wonder how many I will manage to meet!


I also want to get more people involved with Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids.  I'll have to spend some time on marketing - the local papers are wonderful about running articles about the need for hats and blankets - I'll have to expand my reach a bit.  The more who know about us, the more we can help.  Tell people about us please - send them to our websites and our Facebook pages. And most of all, have them contact me if we can help them in some way.

Happy New Year Everyone.  I'm very grateful that I will be able to spend the holiday with my family and I hope each of you has a beautiful time as well.

Happy Knitting!  Make beautiful things and pass them on!!!

Delaware Head Huggers:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org 
Email:  robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Head-Huggers/250229674280

Kozy Kovers for Kids:  www.kozykoversforkids.org   
Email:  info@kozykoversforkids.org
 FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kozy-Kovers-for-Kids/253991638070

Introducing the Carolyn Rose cap!

 Carolyn Rose

This week I received the heartbreaking news that a very special woman in my life passed away on December 15, 2011. 

I first met Carolyn Rose in September of 1976, when I was one of the very fortunate students to have her as my second grade teacher.  As I moved through grammar school, Carolyn moved grades as well and she taught me in 5^th, 7^th and 8^th grades as well.  While I remember many things about being in her class, one that strikes me first is how much she encouraged us all to do our absolute best, in everything.  She was such a creative person and so very giving.  She always had time for each and every one of her students. I'll never forget that she gave up her lunch hours to teach students the needlework art of Bargello.  She inspired us all to make beautiful (at least to our own young minds) things on a regular basis.

After I graduated, Carolyn and I remained in touch. While we would only speak (or email most lately) a few times a year, creativity was always a main topic.  When I completed a large embroidered tablecloth as a gift, I sent Carolyn pictures and she frequently sent me patterns and magazines to help inspire my crafting as well.

Last time I saw Carolyn was a bit more than 2 years ago, when she came to Delaware and we met for the afternoon.  I was just struggling to learn to knit and of course, she was encouraging.  She could crochet, which I am hopeless at but someday hope to master.  When I started Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids, she was very supportive.  See, Carolyn, after years of teaching went on to work in Community Relations and charitable fundraising and made such a HUGE difference in the world.  She knew that this was a way I could nurture my creative side while giving back to many.

I did not know how sick was recently…..she was a very strong, independent person.  I wish I would have been able to speak to her again and I will miss her terribly.

I found myself crying and thinking about her and all the wonderful memories that I have of her and I decided that to honor her memory, I would design a “Carolyn Rose” hat using the Rose Stitch pattern.  Hopefully using my creativity to honor her is something she is smiling about in heaven. 

The pattern here is free – I will remember Carolyn and her wonderful kindness and giving nature always and I want those of you who didn’t know her to be aware of her and remember her as well.  I do ask if you use this pattern that you please do something for someone less fortunate.  If you are making this hat for Delaware Head Huggers (www.delawareheadhuggers.org) or some other organization, that’s wonderful.  If not, and you are making it for yourself or as a gift, that is wonderful too, but please then, do something………put some money in the collection box at church, volunteer some time at a hospital, just give a can of food to a local food bank or a hug to someone who needs one, but please, keep the kindness and love that inspired this hat – Carolyn’s spirit -  alive.

If anyone has trouble printing this pattern, try accessing the PDF here:  Carolyn Rose Cap, highlighting and copying it into a Word document.

For anyone who doesn't know how to knit a stitch in the row below, feel free to check out this video I made to explain it:   How to Knit a Stitch in the Row Below

The Carolyn Rose Cap pattern is now available for knitting in the round as well.  It can be found here.

 Carolyn Rose Cap

 

You will need:

Size 10.5 knitting needles

Bulky, or 5 weight yarn – about 100 yards – I used Deborah Norville’s Serenity Chunky and one skein was more than enough. This hat is toasty warm, but has a pretty lace-like pattern to it - a perfect chemo cap I think.  A solid color yarn will most likely showcase the lace more clearly.  I will post more pictures as I make different variations of this cap.

Pattern:

Cast on 55 stitches

Work in K3, P2 ribbing for 1 to 1.5 inches.  K3, P2 across for every row.

Knit in Rose Stitch, ending on a Row 4 until the piece measures about 8 inches in length.  This should be about 8 repeats.

Rose Stitch

Row 1:  K2, *P1, K1; repeat from * to next to last stitch.  End with another K1. (this row ends with 2 knit stitches)

Row 2:   K1, *K1 in stitch in row below, K1; repeat from * to end of row.

Row 3:  K1, *P1, K1; Repeat from * to end of row.

Row 4:  K2, *K1 in stitch in row below, K1; Repeat from * to next to last stitch and end with another K1.  (This row ends with 2 knit stitches)

Decrease crown as follows:

                        Row 1: K3, K2tog across row. This row will end with 44 stitches left.

                        Row 2:  Purl

                        Row 3: K2, K2tog across row. This row will end with 33 stitches left.

Row 4:  Purl

Row 5:  K1, K2tog across row.  This row will end with 22 stitches left.

Row 6:  Purl

Row 7: K2tog across row.  This row will end with 11 stitches left.

Cut working yarn, leaving a long tail.  Draw the yarn through the remaining live stitches
on your left hand needle and cinch closed.  Seam up the back and you are finished.

This pattern is easily adapted for other sizes or types of yarn.
Be sure to cast on in multiples of 5 and everything will stay the same. 

Use smaller needles and add more stitches.  Use lighter weight yarn and add more stitches.

Use heavier yarn and/or bigger needles and decrease the number of cast on stitches.

Adjust this for a child’s hat by beginning with 40 stitches if using the same yarn and needles.
Otherwise, adjust accordingly. 

Make beautiful hats and share them!

Merry Christmas and Happy Knitting!

Christmas is Coming!

My goodness - Christmas is just around the corner and I can't believe it.  If you can this season, please tell people about Delaware Head Huggers, where we give handmade hats to chemo patients of all ages and Kozy Kovers for Kids, where we give handmade blankets to foster care children and those children suffering from abuse or neglect.  Encourage all your friends to visit our websites or 'like' us on Facebook.

Delaware Head Huggers:  www.delawareheadhuggers.org  
Email:  robin@delawareheadhuggers.org

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Head-Huggers/250229674280

Kozy Kovers for Kids:  www.kozykoversforkids.org   
Email:  info@kozykoversforkids.org
 FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kozy-Kovers-for-Kids/253991638070

We need support in all ways - hats, blankets, monetary donations and moral support!  EVERYONE can help in some way - just by spreading the word about us.  And if anyone wants to donate hats or blankets closer to home and needs help getting started, just let me know!!  It doesn't matter where you are, you can make a difference too!

And please let people know that we happily ship chemo caps to any individuals who could use them.......just send me an email at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org or contact me through Facebook and we'll ship some right out.

I've got some gifts made........not as many as I had hoped, but there's always next year, right??  Hats for jars filled with candy, key chains, felted bags, bookmarks, 2 shawls, several washcloths and a few other little projects are complete......the rest will have to be finished after the holidays.

Like everyone else, I've been wrapping, shopping, cleaning and decorating.  And, MAKING HATS!  Delaware Head Huggers is in need of more and more hats every week.  Hopefully we see a big increase after the holidays, but I'm trying to get at least a few hats every week finished. Loom hats are super fast and I find I can stop to do whatever else needs to be done and pick right back up without losing my place in my pattern.

I've got an afghan started too - not sure when that will actually be finished, but it's started at least.

This time I year I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, baking and making chocolates, so I don't have as much time to knit and when I am knitting, I'm working with tried and true patterns, not experimenting.  Once all the hustle and bustle of the holidays has died down a bit, I hope to try out some other hat patterns that are floating around in my imagination.

If I don't post again before, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!  and HAPPY KNITTING!

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Well, I've been busy knitting, but wanted to take a few minutes out to stop and say THANK YOU to everyone who has helped Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids get off the ground.  It's been absolutely amazing working with everyone and seeing all the beautiful items all these talented people are willing to donate! I never imagined when I started this that there would be so many people wanting to help.  People have donated money for postage, materials to be used to create hats and blankets and moral support - all of which is needed, wanted and appreciated!

Every week, I am completely in awe at some of the beautiful items that come in......each made with so much love that you can see it in every stitch.  I've met so many inspiring people through these organizations........people suffering losses, grieving, injured and ill themselves, who somehow reach inside themselves to create gorgeous things for others.  AMAZING!!

Delaware Head Huggers is in need of hats - and I couldn't be happier.  I've been contacted by several hospitals and chemo centers that received hats last year asking for more.  We're managing to supply individuals who hear about us with hats as well!  Hats are constantly coming in and I am shipping them out as fast as they come in. As of 11/20, we have received 5.359 hats!  More are in at the library as I type this and even more are on their way. 

I've heard from patients, family members and health care providers telling how much a handmade hat means to a patient undergoing treatment.  It's a wonderful feeling to hear that our work is making a difference to people.

Kozy Kovers for Kids is also booming right now!  Our latest total was 577 blankets with more on the way.  We were able to donate many blankets to the State Police and local hospital for children suffering from abuse or neglect.  We have also sent many to foster care agencies to be given to children placed in foster homes, so that they at least have one item that is truly their own.

We will be working with Kind to Kids and their "My Blue Duffel" program.  The program supplies duffel bags so foster children do not have to use trash bags to transport their belongings. Kozy Kovers is going to try to donate as many blankets as needed so that each duffel bag comes with a blanket too!

I am truly thankful and grateful to everyone who has helped. We are a success because of each individual who contributes an item, a penny or a positive thought to us.

Please spread the word about us! 

Delaware Head Huggers is on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Head-Huggers/250229674280

and on the web at www.delawareheadhuggers.org

Kozy Kovers for Kids is also on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kozy-Kovers-for-Kids/253991638070

and online at www.kozykoversforkids.org

Visit, support us or just see what we're doing.  I bet you'll be inspired too!  I know I am!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Happy Knitting!

A Cowl for My Puppy (or yours…)

Schnapps loves to have a cowl on in the cold weather……he started with scarves (he was the only one willing to wear my first knitting attempt!)...... but the ends would unravel and drag on the ground, so I decided to try out a cowl.  He loves them and I can switch them out for different occasions without spending a ton of money on holiday collars.  This one takes about 30 – 45 minutes to make and can be adjusted for dogs of any size.  You MUST knit this loosely!!!  Especially when binding off……..you want it to have enough stretch to go comfortably over the dog’s head.

To be sure you are making the correct size, take your dog’s collar and hold it to a circle loom.  The collar should be the same size or slightly smaller than the inside of the loom.  I use the blue “preemie hat” loom for Schnapps. Larger dogs would need larger looms. But I think, using the Knifty Knitter set you could make a cowl even for a Saint Bernard!

Use two strands of worsted weight or bulky yarn held together as one.  You could also just use one strand of super bulky yarn. I like to use colors that are seasonal......this one is in fall shades, but he has an orange and black one for Halloween, a Christmas one, a red and white one for Valentine's Day, a green one for St. Patrick's Day and a blue one for 'everyday' use. 

Make a slipknot and attach it to your anchor peg.

E-wrap the entire loom.  Start with Peg 1 by bringing the yarn towards the inside of the loom and wrapping it around the peg in a counterclockwise direction.  Repeat for each peg.  There should be one loop on each peg when you are finished.

E-wrap the entire loom again, being sure that there are 2 loops on every peg when you are finished. 

Knit off each stitch by bringing the bottom loop up and over the top loop, taking the bottom loop off the loom.  When finished, there will be one loop on each peg again.

Repeat the above two rows, e-wrapping and knitting off until your piece is about 5 inches long.  Make this longer for larger dogs.

Bind off very loosely, using the basic bond off, as follows:

1.  Knit the first 2 stitches.

2.  Move the loop from peg 2 over to peg 1.  Knit off. 

3.  Move the loop from peg 1 over to the now empty peg 2. 

4. Knit the next peg

Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you have only one stitch left on the last peg. 

Cut your working yarn, leaving about 6 inches and e-wrap the last peg.  Knit off and pull the tail through the stitch.

Your cowl is complete!  

And yes, you could use the same pattern to make a cowl for a person - but I have not done so yet.

Since in the past some people have had trouble printing things from here, you can always email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I will send you the pattern.  You might want to try copying it and pasting it into a Word document also - that works for some people.

Visit www.delawareheadhuggers.org and www.kozykoversforkids.org to learn about the 2 charities I run from my home.  

Find us on Facebook too - 

Delaware Head Huggers:   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Head-Huggers/250229674280   

Kozy Kovers for Kids  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kozy-Kovers-for-Kids/253991638070

Happy Knitting!!

The Mistake - AKA The Design Element!

I've been busy making lots of hats for Delaware Head Huggers the past few weeks.  My supply was getting low and some centers requested more hats and I've been focused on hats and not much else.  But, this weekend, in between hats I stumbled upon:

heartbreak, disappointment, frustration!!!!  I finally got around to blocking my shawl...............and found THIS:

Apparently, about 8 inches in from the start, I reversed the entire pattern......I'm guessing by repeating a row or skipping one.  Either way, I'm so aggravated with myself.  This was supposed to be a gift, but now it will be my very own shawl...............since I will be able to hide the mistake when wearing it! Or as Jess at Lion Brand said on Facebook - "not a mistake - a design element!"  Either way, I can't give it as a gift now. 

There is perhaps a way to rip things out and work backwards to fix it, but it's beyond my abilities.  So, thankfully, I started Christmas knitting early and have time to make another one.  Of course, I'm out of that color yarn and I really don't feel like redoing that pattern again right now, so I'll be trying a different pattern and hopefully my results will be better......or at least all facing the same way! 

Oh well, since I was so frustrated I took my Schnapps to the park today for a nice long nature walk and he had a ball!  Maybe we'll go back tomorrow.  For now, I'm searching patterns to decide which shawl to knit next.

Happy Knitting!!! 

Star Stitch Football Game Hat!

Well, I was sitting watching football with my husband and son and I needed to knit something, so I came up with this hat.  I wanted something with quick results and this is certainly quick.  The fourth quarter is still going on and I'm finished.   This pattern should be knit loosely (which is sometimes a problem for me!) and the hat is big enough for a large adult.  There's a decent amount of stretch to it, but it fits nicely on smaller adult heads too. 

This pattern used well less than a skein of yarn.  I'd say probably about 60 yards would be fine, but I always make sure I have more - just in case.........

I recently came across the star stitch online and liked the way it looked.  So, I used that as inspiration and experimented.  I kind of like the finished result of this hat............

I knit the same pattern again - Sunday Night Football and was finished before halftime.........I did the 4 x 4 ribbing for about 4 inches on this one.  This time I used a variegated, boucle type yarn......Patons Melody, which I love, but I'm not sure it's right for this hat.................you just can't see the stitches as well as with the solid color yarn.  But, it's still a cozy and soft hat.

I used:

Blue Hat:  Lion Brand Hometown super bulky yarn  - one skein (81 yards) is more than enough (any super bulky or 6-weight yarn will do.)

Multi Color Hat:  Patons Melody super bulky yarn - one skein (72 yards) is more than enough. 

Size 13 straight needles

Stitch Explanations:

Make Star - Knit 3 stitches together, but don't take them off your left hand needle. Yarn Over and knit the same 3 stitches together again, this time completing the knit stitch and allowing the stitches to fall off the left hand needle.

4 x 4 Rib - *Knit 4, Purl 4, repeat from *

Star Stitch Hat Pattern

UPDATE TO PATTERN:  Someone pointed out that the first row could be viewed as needing 49 stitches.  Please just repeat K1, MS across the row!  Sorry for any confusion!!! 

Cast on 48 stitches

Work 4 by 4 rib for about 2 inches  (Make the ribbing longer or shorter if you like)

Begin Pattern:

Row 1:  Knit 1, Make Star, *Knit 1, Make Star repeat from *  (K1, MS, *K1, MS repeat from *)

Row 2:  Knit across

Continue alternating Rows 1 and 2 until the hat is about 7 inches long.  Make it longer if you prefer.

Decrease as follows:

Row 1:  Knit 2 together (K2tog) across the row - 24 stitches

Row 2:  *Knit 1, Make Star, repeat from *

Row 3:  Knit 2 together (K2tog) across the row - 12 stitches

Row 4:  Knit across

Row 5:  Knit 2 together (K2tog) across the row

Cut your working yarn and draw it through the remaining stitches on your needle.  Cinch the top of the hat.

Seam the side and enjoy!  Or in my case, tag it with a Delaware Head Huggers tag and ship off to a chemo center.  :)

PDF Version


Happy Knitting!

Stash busting key chains!

I've got lots of little bits of yarn around the house, so I was trying to decide what to do with some of it and this is what I came up with:

A keychain that is quick and easy to make.  I don't have any metal fasteners right now, but I think one would be helpful to hold the i-cord together so the ends can't catch on keys or other items in your purse.

This is just a simple i-cord about seven inches long, placed around the key chain ring. I used size 6 dpns and did a four stitch i-cord using Berroco Lumina in Infinity and Beyond.


The flower is a super easy pattern from  "For the Love of Yarn" found here:  http://www.fortheloveofyarn.com/Issues/Spring06/patterns/spring06_stashbust_knit.shtml

I used size 8 straight needles and a combination of Lumina and leftovers of a superwash merino from a shawl project for the flower.  Stitch the flower to the cord and you've got a cute key chain. These would make great gifts.  You can make the flower and the i-cord any size or color - I'm planning on experimenting and trying out other combinations.

Happy Knitting!

Christmas Hat for a Jar! and more!

I'm always looking for something different to make for Christmas gifts for co-workers, friends and family.  I've got some larger knitting items on my list of things to make before Santa arrives, but I've been thinking about putting a cute hat on a gift in a jar.  Hot cocoa mix is a terrific, simple thing to whip up and fill some Ball jars with.  Sure, you can decorate it by using Christmas ribbon or fabric, but I wanted something with yarn!

Since hats on dpns are not exactly something I have mastered, I decided to pull out my Knifty Knitter and try something.  This is what I ended up with, after about 20 minutes.  I think it works........

 

So, I couldn't stop at Christmas - I had to keep going.  Now I have this:

I used 2 strands of  Bernat Happy Holidays acrylic yarn held together as one and the blue Knifty Knitter loom for the Christmas hat.  I used various yarn remnants from my stash for the other hats, but all were made using the blue Knifty Knitter round loom and 2 strands of worsted weight yarn held together as one. I've got another set in progress with different colors, but the same basic idea.

Step 1:    Tie a slip knot and anchor yarn to the peg on the loom.

Step 2:    E-wrap every peg.

Step 3:    E-wrap every peg again, so that each peg has 2 loops on it.

Step 4:    Knit off each peg, lifting the bottom loop over the top loop, working around the loom.

Step 5:    Push the remaining loop down towards the bottom of the loom.

Step 6:    E-wrap every peg again.

Repeat Steps 4-6 until the hat is about 4 inches long. Do not e-wrap the loom again, leave just one loop on every peg.

Finishing:

Step 1:  Cut your working yarn leaving a 4-inch tail.

Step 2:  Cut another piece of yarn about 9 inches long and thread it onto a yarn needle. 

Step 3:  Working around the loom, run the yarn needle from the bottom of the loom, through the loops remaining and pull the loops off the loom onto the working yarn. Do this one peg at a time, taking care not to twist your working yarn. 

Step 4:  Turn the hat inside out and pull the two ends of the working yarn tight.  Tie to secure.

Step 5:  Turn right side out and add a tassel or a pom-pom if you'd like.

This could work for larger jars too - the hat is pretty stretchy.

Happy Knitting!   

Lacy Stole

I just realized how long it has been since I posted anything.  Been busy with www.delawareheadhuggers.org and www.kozykoversforkids.  We have collected and distributed more than 4,900 hats!  Last week I dropped about 100 off at the Helen Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Hospital and was so touched by the pianist playing inspirational music for everyone. I've decided that the person who donates hat number 5,000 will get a surprise gift too.

480 blankets and counting for Kozy Kovers and each week, more wonderful items come in.  Each and every hat and blanket gets a special tag stating that it is a gift. 

Tagging all those takes a while, but I LOVE getting to see all the beautiful creations that are coming in.  Check us out on Facebook or visit our websites to see what we're doing.

In between making hats.........  those are my latest 2, I've been working on a lacy shawl for a Christmas gift.  It's a Lion Brand free pattern and I am loving it.  I've got over 3 feet done so far and it's got about 3 more feet to go. 

I've also got a Christmas dishcloth going for those times when concentrating on the lace pattern is just too much......

I've got so many ideas for Christmas gifts and I know it's only August, but if I don't start now, they will never be finished!

Happy Knitting everyone!