Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I hate pink!

 I hate pink but once again for Brenda, I was willing to make an exception.  Here are two more chemo caps I finished for her this week.  This first one is Shedir (scroll to page 3).  It was a surprise pattern from Knitty that I've had for some time and always wanted to try.  It is written as a bona fide chemo cap and is therefore very close-fitting so I've never attempted it.  As pleased as I was with the final object, I have to say this was a real PIA!  Every other row had close frequent cable stitches so it was kind of slow going.  I added one more repeat of the cable segment because I was concerned it would be too short.  I'm sure glad I did!  I also wish I had used a solid color yarn because the cables get a little lost in the bands of color.  This is Lion Brand Sock Ease yarn with aloe in it.  I have knit several pairs of socks out of this yarn and didn't think the bits of color would be this prevalent. 

This pattern is The Amanda Hat and I used Lion Brand Organic Cotton .  I  know Brenda wanted vibrant colors but I wanted to make at least one that was cotton.  The light wasn't very good when we took these pictures but the colors are green, purple and pink.  It reminded me of pale rainbow sherbet.  I used 2 sizes smaller needles and omitted a few rows because I wanted it to be more close-fitting and to just cover the ears.  I wanted it to look like a chemo cap and not a stocking cap.  Dave's mother went through chemo last summer and her hair only thinned a little.  She was concerned about attending our wedding after going through chemo and was prepared with an expensive wig and head coverings that she never used.  She had remarked now that I've done all this work knitting, Brenda won't lose her hair!  If she doesn't, I've done my part!  I'm rooting for you Brenda!  Love you!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Caps for Brenda

 My dear friend Brenda starts her chemotherapy towards the end of the month and she asked me to make a few caps for her.  She wanted "vibrant colors".  Normally I am very anti-acrylic when it comes to yarn but for Brenda, I was willing to make an exception.  I went to Joann's to just see what they had and really liked this one for the glitz of metallic and the colors.  I used size 11 needles and cast on 56 stitches and just knit a plain stockinette hat.  We went fishing the day before yesterday and I was able to cast on and finish it in that one sitting.

 This one is another acrylic blend but it reminded me a lot of Noro Kureyon.  I worry that the acrylic will make her sweat and her skin won't be able to breathe but maybe the eyelets in the pattern will make it a little air conditioned.  Of course I tried them on with a full head of hair and maybe not having any hair will make a difference too.

 I used this pattern and my favorite part was where she posed with her hat like this and said she loved the top spiral of the hat and it made her want to "bow to strangers just so they can see the top of her head."   I have yarn for a couple more so I'd better keep busy.