Introducing Pinball!

All of us, all over the world are still battling COVID-19.  So many lives have been lost since I posted the last pattern on April 1, 2020.  I hope that all of you are safe and healthy and that your families are too.  Delaware Head Hugger operations are still suspended for the foreseeable future.  Hopefully, someday, we will be able to get back to normal.  Stay safe and be well!

To navigate through scary times, I find distractions are helpful.  I've been spending a lot of time in my yard watching the birds and bees and butterflies and some time knitting as well.  This is a hat pattern that I originally made a year or so ago and then promptly lost my pattern notes.  So, I decided to work it out again and share it with everyone.  To show how if at first you don't succeed, this pattern was worked out 3 different times before I got it the way I wanted it to look.  To me, it looks like a pinball machine a bit and I know I feel like life has become a pinball machine, so I thought the name fit.

The first try, I wasn't paying attention and had a partial pattern repeat on the bottom of the hat.

On the second try I had a partial pattern repeat on the bottom and at the top of the hat!  Now, neither of these ruins the hat, so if you want to knit it this way, it works fine.  But, it wasn't what I had planned - I just wasn't paying attention.

Finally, I did it the way I had envisioned!  This used 5-weight yarn and size 11 needles, because that's what I had ready to go in my stash.  Instructions for all yarn weights are included.

Pinball

You will need 5-weight yarn in 2 colors and size 11 needles.

Abbreviations:

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 63 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color A

Row 1:  knit all stitches

Row 2:  purl all stitches 

Repeat Rows 1-2  until your work measures about 2.5 inches, or longer if you prefer, in length.  

Work Pattern:  all stitches are knit stitches.  The numbers and letter refer to color:  In the models Color A is gray and B is turquoise.   Color A is seafoam and B is pink.  Color A is brown and B is cream.

First Repeat Only IF you want to prevent the start of the partial pattern as seen on the seafoam/pink hat and the brown/cream hat.

Row 1:  *1B, 8A*; repeat around

Row 2:  *1B, 1A, 1B, 6A*; repeat around

Then work rows 3-6 and repeat 1-6, as below, as needed.

Row 1:  *1B, 4A, 3B, 1A*; repeat around 

Row 2:  *1B ,1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2A; repeat around 

Row 3:   *1B, 1A, 2B, 5A*; repeat around

Row 4:   *1B, 1A, 3B, 4A*; repeat around

Row 5:   *1B, 2A, 2B, 2A, 1B, 1A*; repeat around

Row 6:   *1B, 5A, 2B, 1A*; repeat around 

Repeat Rows 1 - 6 until piece is about 7 inches in length.  

End with a Row 4 and work Rows 5 & 6 as below.

Last Repeat Only IF you want to avoid the partial pattern at the top of the seafoam/pink version.  If not, just work the last 2 rows as written.

Row 5:  *1B, 2A, 2B, 4A*; repeat around

Row 6:  *1B, 8A*; repeat around

Work Crown:  Using Color A:  

Row 1:    knit all stitches

Repeat Row 1 until piece is 7.5 - 8 inches in length.

Work Decrease in Color A:  use dpn’s 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 share.

If using 6-weight yarn, use size 15 needles and cast on 45.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 81. 

  

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 6 needles and cast on 108.   

If using 2-weight yarn, use size 4 needles and cast on 144.  

This  pattern is worked over 9 stitches.  

Adjust accordingly for size differences.

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 Follow us on Pinterest or visit our  Ravelry store.  

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon.  They can be purchased here. 

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.   

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!  

Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too and see all the gorgeous handmade blankets that are going to help children in crisis throughout our area.  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Introducing Gentle Swells

All of us, all over the world, are fighting the battle against COVID-19 right now.  Delaware Head Huggers has suspended operations until further notice due to infection control concerns, so we are not accepting any or shipping any chemo caps.   We hope that things can be resolved soon, but we understand the need for everyone to stay at home and be safe.

Many of us, when faced with stressful situations turn to our yarn.  Many of us now have extra time on our hands too.  I, myself, have had trouble getting involved in any large project and find myself easily distracted.  I did finally get this pattern worked out and finished and want to share it with you.

This was knit using worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles.  It is a small adult hat.  The pattern is in multiples of 20, so you can always add 20 stitches to your cast on to adjust for a larger hat.  You can try using smaller or larger needles to adjust the size too.

We hope that each and every one of you stays healthy and well.  Stay safe and follow the guidelines and rules.  Please remember to thank all those who are working to keep you safe and to protect your health and well-being.

Gentle Swells

Abbreviations:

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color B, cast on 80 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color B

Row 1:  knit all stitches

Row 2:  purl all stitches 

Repeat Rows 1-2  until your work measures about 2.5 inches, or longer if you prefer, in length.  

Work Pattern:  all stitches are knit stitches.  The numbers and letter refer to color:  In the model Color A is teal and B is black.  

Rows 1& 6:  *2B, 3A, 2B, 6A, 2B, 3A, 2B*; repeat around 

Row 2:  *1A, 2B, 1A, 4B, 4A, 4B, 1A, 2B, 1A*; repeat around 

Row 3:   *2A, 3B, 2A, 2B, 2A, 2B, 2A, 3B, 2A*; repeat around

Row 4:   *3A, 2B, 3A, 4B, 3A, 2B, 3A*; repeat around

Row 5 & 10:   *1B, 3A, 2B, 3A, 2B, 3A, 2B, 3A, 1B*; repeat around

Row 7:   *1A, 2B, 3A, 2B, 4A, 2B, 3A 2B, 1A*; repeat around 

Row 8:   *2A, 2B, 3A, 2B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 2B, 2A*; repeat around 

Row 9:   *3A, 2B, 3A, 4B, 3A, 2B, 3A*; repeat around 

Repeat Rows 1 - 10 until piece is about 7.5 to 8 inches in length.

Work Crown:  Using Color B:  

Row 1:    knit all stitches

Repeat Row 1 until piece is about 8 to 8.5  inches in length.

Work Decrease in Color B:  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 8:     *k1, k2tog*; repeat around 

Row 9:      *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 share.

If using 6-weight yarn, use size 15 needles and cast on 40.

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

  

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 6 needles and cast on 100.   

If using 2-weight yarn, use size 4 needles and cast on 140.  

This  pattern is worked over 20 stitches.  Adjust accordingly for size differences. The hat will be small worked as written.  Add 20 stitches to your cast on to make a larger hat.

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 Follow us on Pinterest or visit our  Ravelry store.  

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon.  They can be purchased here. 

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.   

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!  

Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too and see all the gorgeous handmade blankets that are going to help children in crisis throughout our area.  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Introducing Broken Stripes - the first pattern of 2020!

Well, it's a new decade, so we need some new hat patterns.  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that 2020 is off to a good start.

I hope many of you made resolutions to make more chemo caps this year and to help more people!  The world needs more kindness and we are each responsible for trying to make things a little better in our own corners of the world.

This hat is a very versatile and easy knit.  You can make it using 2, 3 or 4 colors or even more!  As long as you have enough yarn to knit 4 rows, you can use up your stash and have fun with it.  I've worked it in a variety of ways to be sure it all works and it does.


The models were knit using 5-weight and 6-weight yarn, but the pattern has instructions for all yarn weights.  Use up your stash and make a great hat!  Most of my color inspiration came from nature.......but use your own experiences and whichever colors speak to you!

You will need 2, 3, 4 or more colors of 5-weight yarn and size 10.5 circular needles or another combination listed below.

Broken Stripes

Abbreviations:

s1: slip one stitch purl wise, with yarn in back

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 64 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color A

Row 1:   knit all stitches

Row 2:   purl all stitches

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your work measures 1.5 to  2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

If you want a contrasting band just repeat Row 1 & 2, using Color D

Work Body of Hat 

Color B  Rows 1- 4:   knit all stitches 

Color C  Row 5:  *s1, k3*; repeat around 

Rows 6-8:   knit all stitches

Color B  Row 9:  *k2, s1, k1*; repeat around 

Rows 10-12:   knit all stitches

Repeat Rows 5 -12 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.  End with a Row 5 or 9.  Decrease crown with whatever color you are using for the previous row.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed

Row 1:   *k2, k2tog*; repeat around

Row 2:   *k1, k2tog *; repeat around

Row 3:   *k2tog*; repeat around

If you only want to use 2 colors, use Color A for the brim and Rows 1-4, then switch to B for Rows 5-9, then back to A for 9-12 and continue alternating.  

You are switching colors on every Row 5 and Row 9, so use more colors if you want!

Finish:  Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure.  Weave in ends and share.

If using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48.  

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 104 stitches.   

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches, so adjust accordingly for other sizes.  

Top Model:  Color A:  dark brown, Color D: red, Color B: green and Color C: orange

 Color A:  dk green, Color D:  white, Color B:  light brown, Color C:  dk brown

Color A:  brown, Color B:  orange, Color C:  cream

Color A:  dk green, Color B:  white

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 Follow us on Pinterest or visit our  Ravelry store.  

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon.  They can be purchased here. 

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.   

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!  

Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too and see all the gorgeous handmade blankets that are going to help children in crisis throughout our area.  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

If you want to donate to Delaware Head Huggers, you can use the donate button on the right hand side of the page.  Every dollar helps us get hats out to those who need them most.

Introducing Acclivity!

It's almost Thanksgiving!  We are in prime chemo cap weather right now and hats are flying in and out to cancer centers weekly!  Please remember your local cancer center when crafting gifts this holiday season.  Just one hat really can make a big difference to someone battling cancer.

This latest hat was knit using KnitPicks Brava Bulky and it's a fast and easy knit that you can make in any combination of colors!  You could even make it more of a stash buster and use a third color for the brim and crown.  Have fun with it.  I knit it once using size 11 needles and once on size 10.5's and they both are nice sized, adult hats.  Use what you have in and make a great hat!

Many people still ask me how to best adjust patterns for the yarn they have at home.  Stash Hats is a great reference to help you make a terrific hat using the yarn already in your stash.  Pick your brim, body and crown and learn how to adapt patterns from circular to straight needles and vice versa as well as how to adjust a pattern for different yarn weights.  Stash Hats is available as a paperback or Kindle e-book on Amazon and in my Ravelry store and on Etsy too!

Photo notecards are slowly being added to my Etsy store.  Check them out if you have some time.  Join us on Facebook to see all the latest hats and blankets that come in and see new patterns as soon as they are released.  

Acclivity

 Knit Using 2 colors of 5-weight yarn and size 10.5 or 11 circular needles, or some other combination listed below.  For the model, Color A is gray, Color B is teal.

Abbreviations:

k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together

Using Color A, cast on 64 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim:  Using Color A

Row 1:  *k2, p2*; repeat around

Repeat Row 1 until your work measures 1.5 to  2 inches in length, or longer if you prefer.

Work Body of Hat Using Colors A & B:  all stitches are knit

Set Up Row:  Using Color A, knit all stitches

Start Pattern:

Row 1:  *2A, 2B*; repeat around

Row 2:   *1B, 2A, 1B*; repeat around

Rows 3, 4 & 5:  *2B, 2A*; repeat around 

Row 6:   *1A, 2B, 1A*; repeat around 

Repeat Rows 1 - 6 until piece is about 7 to 7.5 inches in length.

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed:  Color A

Row 1:    knit all stitches

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 share.

If using 6-weight yarn, use size 13 needles and cast on 48.  

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 7 needles and cast on 88.  

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 104 stitches.   

The pattern is worked over 4 stitches.  Adjust in multiples of 8 to keep the crown decrease the same.

Model:  Color A is gray and Color B is teal

Alternate Model:  Color A is pink and Color B is black

Learn more about Delaware Head Huggers by visiting www.delawareheadhuggers.org

 Follow us on Pinterest or visit our  Ravelry store.  

We also have patterns available as paperbacks or a Kindle e-books from Amazon.  They can be purchased here. 

Remember to join us on our Facebook page - you can see all the beautiful hats that are donated and shipped out.   

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram too!  

Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too and see all the gorgeous handmade blankets that are going to help children in crisis throughout our area.  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  

You can always reach me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

If you want to donate to Delaware Head Huggers, you can use the donate button on the right hand side of the page.  Every dollar helps us get hats out to those who need them most.