Introducing Gliding Hope!

Schnapps and I are gearing up for colder weather and getting boxes of chemo caps ready to ship out to hospitals and treatment centers soon.  His latest hat is made with KnitPicks Brava Bulky and is a toasty warm, super soft cap suitable for men and women!  Instructions for all yarn weights are below.  

We just keep getting busier and busier, which is a good thing, although we wish there were not so many in need.  We have a seemingly unending need for chemo caps and blankets for kids in crisis.  

All costs are paid for out of our pocket and shipping costs have sky rocketed lately.  We want to keep posting patterns for free to help the most amount of people possible, but some patterns will be purchase only to help defray our costs.  There is a donate now button on the right hand side of this page.  All pattern sales are also really donations, since 100% of pattern prices go directly back into the charities.  Purchasing from our Etsy store is another way to help us cover shipping and supply costs.  Whether you donate hats or blankets, send us good thoughts, tell people about us or donate financially, you are greatly appreciated!!

And don't forget about Operation Bottle Beanies!  We are collecting tiny hats that will be placed on jars and bottles at Fifer's Farm Store in the Fall. From olive oil bottles up to quart size mason jars and all sizes in between! These hats will be sold and 100% of that money will be donated to keep people in Delaware warm this winter.  Yes, it is just for Delaware right now, but Schnapps and I are dreaming big.......we hope that someday it reaches well beyond our tiny state.  

We need LOTS of tiny hats!  We need themed hats for Fall and Winter such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and more.  We need farm themed hats like bee hives, pumpkins, apples, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.  We need adorable hats of any theme or type!  Sizes vary since there are many different items sold in the store; apple butter, local honey,  jams, oils, pickles and so many other yummy things.  Please help us with this special project that is very important to Schnapps and me.

Hats can be sent directly to:

DEHH

202 Acorn Forest Drive

Felton, DE 19943

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Gliding Hope

You will need 5 weight yarn and size 10 US circular needles and dpns or some other combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 70 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim: 
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  purl all stitches
Repeat Row 1 for about 1.5 inches

Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 & 16:  knit all stitches
Row 3:  *k6, p1, k1, p1, k5*  ; repeat around
Row 4:  *k5, p2, k1, p2, k4*  ; repeat around
Row 5:  *k4, p3, k1, p3, k3*  ; repeat around
Row 6:  *k3, p4, k1, p4, k2*  ; repeat around
Row 11:  *k1, p1, k11, p1*  ; repeat around
Row 12:  *k1, p2, k9, p2*  ; repeat around
Row 13:  *k1, p3, k7, p3*  ; repeat around
Row 14:  *k1, p4, k5, p4*  ; repeat around
Repeat Rows 1 - 16 until piece measures 6.5 to 7.5 inches in length.  End on either Row 8 or Row 16.

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 may find themselves in need of some hope right now!

If using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 42 for a small adult hat or 56 for a larger adult hat. 

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 84. 

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 112 stitches. 

The pattern is worked over 14 stitches.

 

Introducing Zigzagged!

It's almost the end of July already!  Schnapps and I are impatiently awaiting colder weather and while we are doing that, we are busy knitting, working on Christmas presents and organizing Operation Bottle Beanies!  We have hundreds of hats ready to ship out in early September and have been keeping area hospitals supplied with cotton blend and other lightweight hats this summer.

Even though it is very hot, we know that soon enough there will be a huge need for lots of warm caps, so Schnapps designed this one yesterday. It's simple, quick and toasty warm.  Just what we'll need to be sending out soon.  The pattern is below.  If you want an easy to print PDF of the pattern, it is available at my Craftsy store for just $1.50.  ALL pattern sales are used to cover shipping and supply costs.  

Schnapps is always looking at all angles!

Operation Bottle Beanies is already underway! 

Don't forget about Operation Bottle Beanies!  We are collecting tiny hats that will be placed on jars and bottles at Fifer's Farm Store in the Fall. From olive oil bottles up to quart size mason jars and all sizes in between! These hats will be sold for $1 each and 100% of that money will be donated to keep people in Delaware warm this winter.  Yes, it is just for Delaware right now, but Schnapps and I are dreaming big.......we hope that someday it reaches well beyond our tiny state.  

We need LOTS of tiny hats!  We need themed hats for Fall and Winter such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and more.  We need farm themed hats like bee hives, pumpkins, apples, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.  We need adorable hats of any theme or type!  Sizes vary since there are many different items sold in the store; apple butter, local honey,  jams, oils, pickles and so many other yummy things. 

Hats can be sent directly to:

DEHH

202 Acorn Forest Drive

Felton, DE 19943

Our latest e-book is available also!

Patterns in Inspired Hope!

Our new e-book Inspired Hope is now for sale too.  The patterns and the e-book can be found in our Craftsy and Ravelry stores - the links are also on the right hand side of this page.  There is also a "buy now" button for Inspired Hope on the right hand side as well.  100% of the price goes right back into DEHH and KKforK.

 If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Zigzagged

Use 6-weight yarn and size 13 needles.

Abbreviations:
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
Row 2:  purl all stitches
Repeat Row 1 for about 2 inches

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 2: *k4, p1, k1, p4, k1, p1*; repeat around
Rows 3, 4, 15 & 16:  *k3, p1, k1, p4, k1, p1, k1*  ; repeat around
Rows 5, 6, 13 & 14:  *k2, p1, k1, p4, k1, p1, k2* ; repeat around
Rows 7, 8, 11 & 12:   *k1, p1, k1, p4, k1, p1, k3*; repeat around
Rows 9 & 10:  *p1, k1, p4, k1, p1, k4*; repeat around

Repeat Rows 1 - 16 until piece measures 6.5 to 7.5 inches in length.


Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: knit all stitches
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 may find themselves on a rough path right now!

 If using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 60.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 72.

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 108 stitches.

The pattern is worked over 12 stitches.

 

Operation Bottle Beanies!

Schnapps and I are very excited about our latest project, Operation Bottle Beanies!  This has been a dream for quite some time and now it's finally coming to fruition.  Fifer Orchards in Camden-Wyoming, Delaware is partnering with us in a brand new initiative to try to keep people warm this Winter. 

Sure, it's the end of June and temperatures are soaring.  But, before we know it, the cold weather will be back and so many people do not have the proper shelter or clothing to get through those chilly months.  We heard about The Big Knit in the UK - sponsored by Innocent Drinks a few years ago and the concept of Operation Bottle Beanie was born.  No one was willing to partner with me until I spoke to the great people at Fifer's! 

Operation Bottle Beanies is already underway! 

We are collecting tiny hats that will be placed on jars and bottles at Fifer's Farm Store in the Fall. From olive oil bottles up to quart size mason jars and all sizes in between! These hats will be sold for $1 each and 100% of that money will be donated to keep people in Delaware warm this winter.  Yes, it is just for Delaware right now, but Schnapps and I are dreaming big.......we hope that someday it reaches well beyond our tiny state.  

We need LOTS of tiny hats!  We need themed hats for Fall and Winter such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and more.  We need farm themed hats like bee hives, pumpkins, apples, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.  We need adorable hats of any theme or type!  Sizes vary since there are many different items sold in the store; apple butter, local honey,  jams, oils, pickles and so many other yummy things.  

This is a great way to use up that scrap yarn! All yarn types are welcome.  And it's a great summer knitting project, since these tiny beanies aren't too hot to hold on a sweltering day.  

Schnapps has been working on some bottle beanies too and we will try to put together some patterns for those who want them.  However, any type of hat pattern will work.  Wine bottle hat patterns would work or you can use slightly larger needles and a thicker yarn.  Preemie size hat patterns work for quart size jars and any regular hat pattern can be scaled smaller to fit. 

This is a way to use my knitting to make a difference in other ways as well.  I grew up in NYC and frequently saw homeless people with no place to go in the bad weather.  Sometimes I brought in extra blankets or clothes.  Frequently I stopped and got an extra coffee.  It seems to me that a country that has billions of dollars to give to to other countries should never have anyone without a safe place to live.  However, in reality, we have many.  I still struggle with the fact that I am just one person and I can't fix everything.  But, I am hoping that little by little, Schnapps and I will manage to make some positive differences in our community.  Please consider helping, even if you only have time to make one tiny bottle beanie.

Mom and I want to help everyone stay warm this Winter!

Hats can be sent directly to:

DEHH

202 Acorn Forest Drive

Felton, DE 19943

Hats can also be dropped off at any of the library drop off sites for Delaware Head Huggers and Kozy Kovers for Kids.  The complete list of those may be found here.  

 If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Patterns in Inspired Hope!

Our new e-book Inspired Hope is now for sale too.  The patterns and the e-book can be found in our Craftsy and Ravelry stores - the links are also on the right hand side of this page.  There is also a "buy now" button for Inspired Hope on the right hand side as well.  100% of the price goes right back into DEHH and KKforK.

 

Introducing Inspired Hope - the e-book!

Schnapps has been hard at work designing hats that were inspired by Spring!  What better time to release the patterns than on the first day of Summer!

This e-book contains 8 patterns.  Six are never before published patterns with information about all yarn weights and sizing changes.  Two are the latest patterns published here, but in PDF form.  The new patterns are also sold separately.  The book is $15, which is only $2.50 for each new pattern.  Individual patterns will sell for $4 each.  The PDFs of the two free patterns posted here will also be sold separately on Craftsy for $1.50 each. 

Many people ask us why we don't start a Go Fund Me page or pay to become a non-profit.  We do this because we love to do it and we are uncomfortable asking people to give us money for nothing in return.  I have a very few, special people who do donate regularly.  The Fabulous Lynn covers the cost of shipping at least 2 big boxes of hats each month.  Some others send a few dollars when they can.  ALL is appreciated.  However, Schnapps and I feel more comfortable offering some patterns for sale instead of starting a fund raising page.  

We hope you enjoy the patterns and are willing to support us.  Schnapps worked long and hard on these patterns and pushed his little paws to create fun, interesting hats.  Just think of all the color combinations that are possible!

"Happy Summer Everyone!"

The patterns and the e-book can be found in our Craftsy and Ravelry stores - the links are also on the right hand side of this page.  There is also a "buy now" button for Inspired Hope on the right hand side as well.

Here are the patterns included:

Hope & Love (one view)

Hope & Love (second view)

Daffodil Dreams

At the Lake

Sidewalk Chalk

Creamsicle Swirl

Italian Ice

Promise

Sea & Sand

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Introducing Sea & Sand!

We can not believe it is already June!  Do you realize there are less than 30 weeks until Christmas?!  2015 is flying by, but Schnapps is busy knitting all the time.  We had some gifts that had to be made and we just had work done on our home which kept us busy so we were not posting new patterns.  Things are calming down now and we are going through our cotton and cotton blend yarn stash and making new hats!  Schnapps made this one yesterday and it just reminded me of the sea and the sand.

He used 2 strands of Knit Picks CotLin yarn worked as one throughout.  We love that yarn - it's cool and crisp and soft.  There are instructions for how to adjust this pattern for other yarn weights below.  You could certainly knit this in just one color also and other color combinations would look great as well.

Schnapps is working on putting together an e-book with new pattern PDFs soon.  Here are a couple of his other latest hats:

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

My happy boy! 

Schnapps and I made new house numbers recently and we have been working hard on our flower garden!  We both miss Winter though!  

Sea & Sand

 You will need 120 or so yards of a sport weight yarn and size 10.5 needles.  

Read below for information about 

 changing the sizing.

Abbreviations:
C2R:  next stitch to cable needle, held at back, slip 1 purlwise from LH needle (with yarn at back), then knit 1 from the cable needle
C2L: next stitch to cable needle at front, knit 1 from LH needle, the slip the stitch purwise from the cable needle (yarn at back)
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

Holding 2 strands of Color A together, cast on 65 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.


Work Brim Using Color A:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 3 to 3.5 inches long.


Switch to Color B:

Foundation Row:  knit all stitches

Row 1:  *k1, C2R, k2, C2R, k1, C2L, K3*; repeat around
Row 2 and all even rows:  knit all stitches
Row 3:   *k4, C2R, k1, C2L, k2*; repeat around
Row 5:    *k3, C2R, k1, C2L, k2, C2L, k1*; repeat around
Row 7:    *k2, C2R, k3, C2L, k4*; repeat around
Row 9:    knit all stitches

Repeat Pattern Rows 1 - 8 if needed. 

Switch to Color A:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 6.5 to 7 inches long.


Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed

Row 1: *k11,  k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k10, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k9, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k8,  k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k7, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *k6, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 8:  *k4, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 9:   *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 10: *k2, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 11: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 12:  *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!

This hat was worked using 2 strands of 3 weight yarn held together as one.  This could easily be changed to one strand of 5-weight yarn.

To use 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 52 stitches.  You might prefer to start your crown decrease at 7.5 to 8  inches and begin with decrease Row 10.

To use 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 78 stitches.  Repeat pattern rows if desired.

To use one strand of 3 weight yarn, use size 5 needles, cast on 104 stitches and repeat pattern rows if desired.

The pattern is worked over 13 stitches. 

Introducing A Promise!

Schnapps has been hard at work these days, making hats, shipping hats, starting new initiatives with our local farm and of course, being cute.  Stay tuned for more info about "Operation Bottle Beanies"!  We will be making tiny hats to go on bottles and jars at our local farm in the Fall.  These will be sold for $1 each and ALL the money will go towards keeping people in Delaware warm this winter!  We are trying to find new ways to help those in our community! 

This is Schnapps' latest hat pattern and he wanted to share it with everyone.  It was knit with Louisa Harding's Baby Kashmir, which is very soft and cuddly.  We used size 7 needles, but I think a thicker worsted weight on size 8 needles would work fine as well.  The pattern is a 27 stitch repeat, so you are limited with how you can change this, but we are experimenting a bit and will post any updates to the pattern. 

This pattern, due to the even row instructions can be knit both flat or in the round.  We worked it in the round since we don't like to seam.  IF you decide to work it flat, you should add one selvedge stitch on each side to give you an easy seam.  

This is a smaller cap - which was what we were aiming for.  If you want it to be larger, you can add some stitches, in multiples of 3 between each 27 row repeat, so if you wanted to go up a bit in size, instead of casting on 81, which is 27 x 3, you would cast on 90, which is 30 x 3 and so on.  Just purl the extra stitches in all rows.  If you are a newer knitter, stick to the way the pattern is written for at least one go.  Then you will have more of an idea of how the repeats work.    

Schnapps had a great Easter!

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

A Promise

You will need 110 or so yards of a worsted weight yarn and size 7 knitting needles.  Read above post for information about changing the sizing.

Abbreviations:

LC:  next 3 to cable needle held to front, p1, then k3 from cable needle
RC: next 1 to cable needles held at back, k3, then p1 from cable needle
M1: pick up horizontal strand between last worked stitch and next stitch and purl
s2kp:  slip 2 stitches together, knit next stitch, then pass both slipped stitches over the knit stitch.
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 81 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:

Row 1:  *p2, k1*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 1.5 inches long.


Work Pattern: Repeat from * to * for each row.

*** FOR ALL EVEN ROWS:  Work stitches as they appear - knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches.***

Row 1:  *k3, p1, (k1, p2) x6, k1, p1, k3*
Row 3:   *LC, (k1, p2) x6, k1, RC*
Row 5:    *p1, LC, (p2, k1) x5, p2, RC, p1*
Row 7:    *p2, LC, p1, (k1, p2) x4, k1, p1, RC, p2*
Row 9:    *p3, LC, (k1, p2) x4, k1, RC, p3*
Row 11:  *p4, LC, (p2, k1) x3, p2, RC, p4*
Row 13:   *p5, LC, p1, (k1, p2) x2, k1, p1, RC, p5*
Row 15:   *p6, LC, (k1, p2) x2, k1, RC, p6*
Row 17:  *p7, LC, p2, k1, p2, RC, p7*
Row 19:   *p8, LC, p1, k1, p1, RC, p8*
Row 21:   *p9, LC, k1, RC, p9*
Row 23:   *p10, M1, k2, s2kp, k2, M1, p10*
Row 25:   *p11, M1, k1, s2kp, k1, M1, p11*
Row 27:   *p12, M!, s2kp, M1, p12*
Row 28:   purl all stitches

Repeat Row 28 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed

Row 1: *p7, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *p6, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *p5, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *p4, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *p3, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *p2, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *p1, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 8:  *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!

 

Introducing Frothy Hope!

Spring is here, even if it was in the 20's last night in Delaware!  That means it's time to break out some lighter weight yarn and come up with some new designs.  Schnapps came up with this frothy, foamy pattern last week and we wanted to share it.  

This was knit with Caron Simply Soft, but you could use any worsted or sport weight yarn.  Heavier yarns won't really work for this pattern, since it is a 20 row design.  It's an easy pattern to make though, don't let the number of rows intimidate you.

 

 As you can see, Schnapps has added to his super-hero t-shirt collection.  He has Superman and now he has Batman also, so when we go out, we're Batman & Robin.  :)

Please keep spreading the word about Delaware Head Huggers and  Kozy Kovers for Kids and let us know if you know anyone who needs chemo caps! 

I'm Batman!  Mom's Robin - together we are a great team!

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Frothy Hope

  

You will need 4- weight yarn and size 7 circular needles or some combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
yo:  yarn over
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one
k2togtbl:  knit 2 stitches together through the back loop
ssk:  slip, slip, knit
k3tog:  knit 3 stitches together as one

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

Work Brim:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  purl all stitches
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until piece is 1.5 inches long.

Work Bottom:
Row 1:   knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is 3 inches long.

Work Pattern: Repeat from * to * for each row.

Row 1:  *k1, p4, yo, k1, yo, p4*
Row 2:  *yo, k3, yo, p4, k1, p4*
Row 3:   *k1, p4, yo, k5, yo, p4*
Row 4:   *yo, k7, yo, p4, k1, p4*
Row 5:    *k1, p4, yo, k9, yo, p4*
Row 6:  *k2tog, k7, k2togtbl, p4, k1, p4*
Row 7:  *k1, p4, ssk, k5, k2tog, p4*
Row 8:   *k2tog, k3, k2togtbl, p4, k1, p4*
Row 9:   *k1, p4, ssk, k1, k2tog, p4*
Row 10:  *k3tog, p4, k1, p4*
Row 11:  *yo, k1, yo, p4, k1, p4*
Row 12:  *k1, p4, yo, k3, yo, p4*
Row 13:   *yo, k5, yo, p4, k1, p4*
Row 14:   *k1, p4, yo, k7, yo, p4*
Row 15:   *yo, k9, yo, p4, k1, p4*
Row 16:   *k1, p4, k2tog, k7, k2togtbl, p4*
Row 17:  *ssk, k5, k2tog, p4, k1, p4*
Row 18:   *k1, p4, k2tog, k3, k2togtbl, p4*
Row 19:   *ssk, k1, k2tog, p4, k1, p4*
Row 20:   *k1, p4, k3tog, p4*

Top of Hat:
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 6.5 to 7 inches.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k8, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k7 k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k6, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *k5, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 5: *k4 k2tog*; repeat around
Row 6: *k3, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 7: *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 special!
 

 The pattern is worked over 10 stitches.   As written, the pattern makes an adult size hat.  Because of the 20 row repeat, this pattern won’t work for super bulky or chunky weight yarn.

To knit this using sport weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 100 stitches.

To make it child size, use worsted yarn, size 7 needles and cast on 60 stitches.  Adjust in increments of 10 stitches for individual sizes.

Introducing Sloping Roads!

Well, Schnapps has been playing around with cables and coming up with some new designs.  This is one of them and several people asked for the pattern, so he kindly wanted to share.  This is knit using super bulky, 6-weight yarn, but we included info about changing the weight as well. 

Please remember that even though Spring is coming and warmer weather will be here, chemo caps are still needed.  Unfortunately, chemo caps are in demand year round and now is a great time for yarn sales for heavier weight yarn too.  The super warm hats like these I hold onto until the early Fall when they ship out to our regular centers.  So, please, keep those hats coming!

I've been asked a few times about whether or not I put any of my own money into the charities and what I do with monetary donations. First of all THANK YOU to everyone who has donated financially. Your help is very much appreciated and I promise is put to good use. Just to explain a bit about how Schnapps and I run Kozy Kovers for Kids and Delaware Head Huggers, here are photos of the tags placed on each and every blanket (over 1,670) and chemo cap (over 16,500). 

We purchase, hole punch and tag every item so that the recipient knows it is a gift and knows how to get in touch with me if they need more. Blanket tags have contact info on the back. (All Head Hugger organizations in the USA are supposed to do this) Hats are shipped to individuals and centers throughout the USA. A typical box of about 50 hats ships for anywhere from $12 - $30 depending on where it is going - the further away, the higher the cost. A box to an individual can ship for anywhere from $5 to $15 again, depending on location. We make MANY hats and blankets and we buy lots of yarn so we can do that. We also pay for both websites, shipping supplies, paper for letters, printer ink, envelopes, labels, etc. It all adds up to a substantial amount of money every year, but I promise, most of it is our own money.

We make a small amount of money from pattern sales.  Our patterns have been downloaded literally millions of times, but most are free.  We do this so that everyone can help those in need in their own communities too!

Schnapps got a Spring Hair Cut!

 
If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Sloping Roads

 

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

 

 Abbreviations:
C5R:  slip next 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at back, k3 from LH needled,  then p2 from the cable needle
T5R:  slip next 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at back, k3 from LH needle, then p1, k1 from the cable needle
C3L: slip next stitch onto cable needle and hold at front, p2 from LH needle, then k1 from the cable needle.
p2tog:  purl 2 stitches together as one

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

Work Brim:
Row 1:  *k2, p2*; repeat around
Repeat Row 1 for about 2 inches.

Work Pattern:
Rows 1 & 2:  *k1, p1, k3, p7, k3, p7*; repeat around
Row 3:  *C5R, p5, T5R, p7*; repeat around
Row 4:  *k3, p7, k3, p1, k1, p7*; repeat around
Row 5:  *p8, C5R, p1, C3L, p5*; repeat around
Row 6:  *p8, k3, p5, k1, p5*; repeat around
Row 7:  *p6, C5R, p5, C3L, p3*; repeat around
Row 8: *p6, k3, p9, k1, p3*; repeat around
Row 9:  *p4, C5R, p9, C3L, p1*; repeat around
Row 10:  *p4, k3, p13, k1, p1*; repeat around
Row 11:   k1, *p1, C5R, p13, C3L*; repeat around, using first stitch from NEXT round to complete pattern row
Row 12:  *(k1), p7, k3, p7, k3, p1*; repeat around
** Remember, the FIRST k1 of Row 12 is already completed from previous round, **
Repeat Rows 3-12 as needed.  One repeat shown here for 6 weight yarn.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1:   purl all stitches
Row 2: *p2 p2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *p1, p2tog*; repeat around
Row 4: *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!

 

 

 This pattern is worked over 22 stitches.

To knit this hat using 5-weight yarn and size 10 needles, cast on 66 stitches and work pattern as written.  You might want to make the brim a little longer or purl a few more rows for the crown decrease.

To knit using 4 weight yarn and size 7 needles, cast on 88 stitches and work pattern as written.  You could probably repeat the pattern two times for a total of three here.  Or you might want to make the brim a little longer or purl a few more rows for the crown decrease.

To knit using 3 weight yarn and size 5 needles, cast on 110 stitches and work pattern for at least 3 to 4 repeats.  You might also want to make the brim a little longer or purl a few more rows for the crown decrease.

Introducing Whirligig!

Thank you Eileen for the name!  This pattern will look VERY different if worked in a thinner yarn, but I have included some modifications in case you want to try it.

I can't quite believe that it's the end of February already.  Or that this is Schnapps' first pattern of the year.  My Mom had a life threatening allergic reaction to her medication back on January 5th.  She was in ICU for a few days and, although she is home now, is still having some cardiac issues.  So, Schnapps and I have not been home much - we have been over helping Mom and Dad.  Please send some love Mom's way!  :)   

But, we did start a new project - Red Hats for Heart!  We collected baby and adult hats for the babies, parents and staff of A.I. duPont Hospital for Children's Cardiac Care Unit.  This will be an annual project for Delaware Head Huggers from now on. 

Many people tell me that they can't knit, crochet or sew, but want to help us.  You can always donate materials to someone you know who can make hats or blankets.  You can purchase patterns from Schnapps - from Ravelry or Craftsy.  Both links are on this page.  100% of pattern sales go right back into the charities.  You can donate postage costs by using the Donate button on this page.  You can help by simply spreading the word that we are here.  The more who know about us, the more we can help.

 

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Whirligig

 

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

Abbreviations:
T2L:  slip next stitch on cable needle and hold at front, purl next stitch, then knit the stitch on the cable needle
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 45 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim: 
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 for 2.5 to 3 inches.  (see info below for different yarn weights)

Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2, 13 & 14: purl all stitches
Rows 3, 4 & 10:  *p1, k1, p1*  ; repeat around
Rows 5 & 11:  *p1, T2L* ; repeat around
Rows 6 & 12:   *p2, k1*; repeat around
Row 7:  p2, T2L, *p1, T2L*; repeat from * to * around using the first stitch of the next round to complete the pattern.
Row 8:  beginning with the second stitch, since you used the first to complete the previous round, *p2, k1*; repeat from * to * around
Row 9:  *T2L, p1*; repeat around

Work Crown: 
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 for 1 inch  (see info below for different yarn weights)

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 warm hug!

This pattern will look quite different if worked in a thinner yarn.  The pattern should be centered in the middle of the hat.  The pattern is in multiples of 3, so adapt accordingly.

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 57.  Work the brim for 3.5  to 4 inches and work the crown until the hat is about 7.5 - 8 inches.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 75.  Work the brim for 4 to 4.5 inches and work the crown until the hat is 8 - 8.5 inches.

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 105 stitches.  Work the brim for 4.5 to 5 inches and work the crown until the hat is 8.5 inches.