Knitting with Schnapps

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Introducing Love Nubs!

Thank you Peggy for the name! This is Schnapps' latest hat and I went with this name not only because of the look of the hat, but also because we were working on this when Meagan's fundraiser was going on and I was thinking about her and sending her love with every stitch.

Schnapps and I ask all of you to keep Meagan and her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers each day. Please send some hugs, hope and love to them all.

We used Knit Picks Brava Bulky for this hat. It's the first time I used this yarn and I love it. Very soft and great to work with. It is very reasonably priced, delivery is fast and it comes in great colors too. This is Solstice Heather.

This pattern knits a fairly loose hat........it made a fairly large adult hat. If you want to make a tighter fit, just decrease stitches in multiples of two.

Love Nubs

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

Abbreviations:
kfb: knit into the front and back of each stitch
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Pattern:
Row 1: kfb each stitch (this will double your number of stitches
Row 2: *k2tog, p2tog*; repeat around (this will decrease to your cast on number of stitches)

Repeat Rows 1 - 2 until piece is 7 to 7.5 inches in length

Decrease Crown: switch to dpns when needed
Row 1: knit all stitches
Row 2: *k2tog, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: knit all stitches
Row 4: *k2tog, p2tog*; repeat around, end k1
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 pass along some love with a hug from Schnapps!

The pattern is worked over 2 stitches.

To make a smaller adult hat using 5-weight yarn and size 10.5 needles, cast on 58 stitches. Adjust in increments of 2 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 44 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 2 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 104 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Introducing the Megstrong Square and the Body Nuzzler Square

Schnapps has been busy working on some blanket squares for Meagan's blanket. He's got new hat ideas in mind, but is finishing up the squares first. He and I are apparently a bit challenged when it comes to getting things perfectly square and exactly 12 inches, but we're getting better!

These patterns can easily be used for whole blankets, throws, shawls or scarves or even wash cloths. We've included instructions for changing the size. The cast on number of stitches was for my 12 inch square. Check your gauge if making a square. Multiply the number of cast on stitches for the width you want. For example, if making a baby blanket that you want 36 inches wide, cast on 3 times the number of stitches I used. If you want a 60 inch wide throw, cast on 5 times the number, etc.

The first square was knit using Lion Brand Pound of Love in a pale yellow. I'm calling it the Megstrong Blanket Square.

The second square was knit using Caron Simply Soft in a pastel aqua. We had about 7 inches of it done before we realized that it was 13 inches wide, so we had to rip it all out and start over. This square is knit using the pattern from the Noggin Nuzzler Cap, so I'm calling it the Body Nuzzler Square.

Schnapps and I ask all of you to keep Meagan and her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers each day. Please send some hugs, hope and love to them all.

The Megstrong Blanket Square

This was knit using worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles. To get a 12 inch square, I cast on 56 stitches. The pattern must be multiples of 3 plus 2, so adjust accordingly.

yo = yarn over

Row 1: Knit all stitches

Row 2: k1, *p3tog but leave on needle, yo, then p3tog (the same 3 stitches) again*; repeat from * to * to last stitch, k1

Row 3: Knit all stitches

Row 4: Knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 to desired length, ending on any row but Row 2. Bind off all stitches knit wise.

The Body Nuzzler Square

This was knit using worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles. To get a 12 inch square I cast on 54 stitches. The pattern must be in multiples of 4 plus 2, so adjust accordingly.

Row 1: k2, *p2, k2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 2: p2, *k2, p2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 3: p2, *k2, p2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 4: k2, *p2, k2*; repeat from * to * across row

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 to desired length, ending on any row. Bind off in pattern.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Saturday, August 3, 2013

The Braided Hope Blanket Square or more!

Schnapps and I have been busy this week! We packed all the gorgeous MEGSTRONG items that we had and shipped them to NY for the fundraiser. There was over 26 pounds in those boxes! I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity and love from so many! THANK YOU each and every one of you who participated! We have toys, household items such as washcloths and potholders, jewelry, scarves, bookmarks and just so many beautiful items crafted with hugs, hope and love. All are posted on our Facebook page if you'd like to see them.


MEGSTRONG boxes headed to NY!

Then, the Amazing Miriam had a brilliant idea! She suggested making a blanket for Meagan. All these items will sell to help Meagan, but sometimes, you just need the warmth of a hug from a handmade blanket. So, some of us are making blanket squares that Miriam has so generously offered to put together into a blanket for Meagan. We're hoping to have the squares done and to Miriam by August 18th or so, which I know is short notice, but if anyone would like to participate, we're doing 12 inch squares, either knit or crochet, made from worsted weight, machine washable and dryable yarn in only pastel colors. Any pastel is fine, but please keep to pastels only so they coordinate well with each other. And please only use worsted weight yarn for continuity! Also, please use a 12 x 12 template to make sure it's the right size and send a very long tail or small ball of yarn in case Miriam needs to crochet a border. If you'd like to send a square, email me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org and I can send you Miriam's address, or you can just send the squares to me, as you do hats and blankets and I will forward them.

Since I really like the Braided Hope hat pattern, I wanted to do a Braided Hope blanket square. This can easily be increased to do an entire blanket also. It's a very easy pattern and no cables are involved at all. My square seemed to be a perfect 12 inch square, but the ribbing pulls in on itself a bit after it is blocked making it slightly smaller. Now, Miriam says that it should still work fine in the blanket, but keep it in mind if you are trying to make this to an exact size.

Now we're working on a new pattern for another square! We'll let you know how it turns out!

Braided Hope Blanket

I used Vanna's Choice worsted weight yarn and size 9 needles. If using other worsted weight and size 8 needles, you will need to add more stitches. I cast on 50 - you need a multiple of 4 plus 2.

Row 1: p2, *k2, p2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 2: k2, *p2, k2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 3: p2, *k2tog then without dropping the stitches off you left hand needle knit just the first stitch then drop both; p2*; repeat from * to * across row

Row 4: k2, *p2, k2*; repeat from * to * across row

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until desired length. End on a Row 3 and bind off in pattern.

If making this a blanket, cast on for the appropriate size. For example, for a 36 inch blanket, cast on 150; for a 48 inch blanket, cast on 202; for a 60 inch blanket cast on 250, etc. If you are making a square and are concerned about the slight shrink due to the ribbing, you can always cast on an extra 4 stitches to begin with. That should give you plenty of room for a bit of pulling.

If using other yarn, check your gauge and just remember that this pattern is a multiple of 4 plus 2 and have fun!

And yes, you could make this into a scarf by simply working the 50 stitches for however long you want your scarf to be!

It could even be a washcloth or a dishcloth!

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Introducing Pistachio (or ANY flavor!) Schnapps!

Well, Schnapps sat me down today and told me that he is feeling a bit left out that none of his patterns have his name on them. So, this one is especially dedicated to the Miniature Schnauzer who has designed scores of hats for us! He hopes you don't mind and he encourages you to make one in every 'flavor' imaginable!! :)

This was knit using Lion Brand Baby's First yarn which is a super soft cotton/acrylic blend that is machine washable and dryable. One skein made the whole hat with quite a bit left over. We've included instructions for all yarn weights and I think this would look equally as nice in a variegated or striped yarn.

Hats and blankets keep pouring in! We're over 10,781 chemo caps, up to 494 Finn Hats and 1,087 blankets. I'm stocking up on warm hats now to have on hand to ship out for the cooler weather. And we've sent to many individuals as well as to many treatment centers that need caps. Just let us know if you know of a place that needs caps and we'll do our best to get some to them right away.


Schnapps got to go to the park on the one cool day we had in July!

Pistachio Schnapps

You will need 5 weight yarn and size 10.5 needles or another combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
p1tbl: purl one stitch through the back loop
k2tog: holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Brim:
Row 1: k2, p2
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 1.5 - 2 inches in length

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *p1tbl, k1*; repeat around
Row 2: knit all stitches
Row 3: *k1, p1tbl*; repeat around
Row 4: knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is 6.5 to 7 inches in length or longer if you want a slouchy hat

Decrease Crown: switch to dpns when needed
Row 1: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *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 and pass along some love with a hug from Schnapps!

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches.

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

To knit this using worsted weight yarn, use size 9 needles and cast on 80 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 120 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Introducing Fear Knot!

Schnapps' latest hat is done and ready to be shared. Thank you Annie for the name!

It's been so hot here that Schnapps thought maybe, just maybe, if he made a warm hat it would get cooler. Unfortunately, it didn't.

He hopes you like this one!

He's been busy though. After finishing Fear Knot he knit our older pattern, The Edge and realized that it would look great in team colors or school colors or any color combination at all! I think he's on to something!

He's now decided that a nice nap is called for and he's headed to one of his favorite spots! The air conditioning vent!

Fear Knot

You will need 6-weight yarn and size US 13 circular needles or another combination 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:
Row 1: *p2, (p1, k1) twice in the next stitch then one at a time pass the first, second and third stitches over the last stitch, p2, k3*; repeat around
Rows 2, 3 & 4: *p2, k1, p2, k3*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7 - 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:
Row 1: *p2tog, k1, p2tog, k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *p2tog, p1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *p2tog, k1*; 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 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.

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

Monday, July 15, 2013

Introducing Good Everlasting!

Schnapps was asked to knit a hat that could be named "Good Everlasting". It was also requested that the model be knit in a hot pink color. This is what he came up with and we hope that Tracey, who has sent us LOTS of yarn likes it.

This model was knit with Lion Brand Hometown USA, a super-bulky, 6-weight yarn, but the pattern includes details for all yarn weights.

Here at Delaware Head Huggers, we are up to 10,702 chemo caps and 480 Finn Hats! Kozy Kovers for Kids just tagged blanket number 1,082. I am amazed at how talented and generous everyone is and how supportive they are of these causes. THANK YOU!

Schnapps is wishing for cooler weather!

Good Everlasting

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

Abbreviations:
C2f: Cross 2 front: knit the second stitch, then the first stitch, dropping them both off the LH needle together
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: *C2f three times, k2*; repeat around
Rows 2 & 4: knit all stitches
Row 3: *knit third, then second, then first stitch, dropping them off the LH needle together twice, k2*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 7 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:
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 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.

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, July 10, 2013

Introducing Popsicle!

Schnapps knit this patriotic hat for the 4th of July. He used Sugar n' Cream Stripes and one ball makes a hat!

Then he knit it again in a different colorway to show just how very different the same pattern can look when knit with a different yarn. This too though is Sugar n' Cream Stripes, although I'm sure it would look nice in a solid color also. I did notice that Schnapps cheated a bit and cut the yarn for the very top in order to have the color he wanted at the tip, but it would be fine to just use the yarn as is.

The red, white and blue one reminded me of the rocket shaped ice pops and the peach colored one brought to mind a creamsicle to me, so I got Schnapps' permission to name this one myself and I went with Popsicle.

It's hot and humid in Delaware these days and Schnapps isn't venturing out of the house much at all. We've been busy working on MEGSTRONG items and tagging all the gorgeous hats and blankets that come in from all of you.


Some hair clips, eyeglass chains and an octopus for MEGSTRONG!

Even with this super hot weather, I'm making hats for the cold weather too. I'm starting to stock up on heavy weight hats to have ready to ship out in September (which will be here before you know it!). There are a LOT of sites depending on us to send hats to get their patients through the winter. Remember, we collect ALL hats, ALL the time so that we are ready to help anyone who needs them.


Schnapps is a patriotic Schnauzer for certain!

Popsicle

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

Abbreviations:
yo: yarn over
sk2psso: slip one stitch knitwise, knit the next 2 stitches, then pass the slipped stitch over both knit stitches
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 81 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 2.5 inches in length.

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *yo, sk2psso*; repeat around
Row 2 : knit all stitches
Row 3 : *sk2psso, yo*; repeat around
Row 4: knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece is about 5 inches in length.
Work Stockinette:
Row 1: knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures about 6.5 inches in length

Decrease Crown: use dpns when needed
Row 1: *k7, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k6, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 8: *k2tog*; repeat around

Finish: Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure. Weave in ends and give it to someone who could use a sweet treat!

he pattern is worked over 3 stitches. The crown decrease is worked over 9 stitches.

To knit this using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 45 stitches.

To knit this using 5-weight yarn, use size 10.5 needles and cast on 63 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 8 needles and cast on 63 stitches. Adjust in increments of 9 stitches for individual sizes.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 108 stitches.

Delaware Head Huggers

Kozy Kovers for Kids

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Introducing Balmy Breezes!

It's been hot and rainy here in Delaware and Schnapps is keeping busy knitting hats. This is his latest design - thank you C.A. for the name! The model was knit using Vanna's Choice and used well less than one skein. The pattern includes directions for all yarn weights though, so you can make it using whatever yarn you have in your stash at the moment.

Don't forget that we are still collecting Finn Hats for Kidshealth and the A.I DuPont Hospital for Children. These hats are really making a difference for pre-K children and their families. Click here for more information and for the free pattern.

A few people have asked me recently how much our chemo caps cost. I just wanted to share here what I also posted on our Facebook page:

Just to remind everyone - ALL hats from Delaware Head Huggers, whether they are ones that Schnapps and I make or ones you donate to us, are given to those who need them 100% free of charge. We ship to individuals or to treatment centers throughout the United States. All postage costs are paid by us (with help from many of your generous donations!) and no hats are sold, ever. If you know a person, center or hospital that needs hats, please let me know and I will send some out.

He couldn't resist modeling this one!

Balmy Breezes

You will need worsted weight yarn and size 9 circular needles and dpns or some other combination of needles and yarn listed below.

Abbreviations:
yo: yarn over
k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as one
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 72 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:
Row 1: *k2, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures about 1.5 inches in length. Make brim longer or shorter if you prefer

Work Pattern:
Row 1: *k3, yo, k1, yo twice, k1, yo twice, k1, yo, k2*; repeat around
Rows 2 & 6: purl all stitches, dropping extra loops
Rows 3 & 7: knit all stitches
Rows 4 & 8: purl all stitches
Row 5: *k1, yo twice, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1, yo twice*; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 8 until piece is about 7.5 inches in length or longer if you want a slouchy hat.

Decrease Crown: use dpns when needed
Row 1: *k6, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *p5, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *p3, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *p1, p2tog*; 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 some extra love!

The pattern is worked over 8 stitches.

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

To knit this using 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 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