A "boat" load of hats
One of my favorite charities is Hats for Sailors. An amazing organization that provides (according to the website) "hand-knitted and crocheted hats for sailors in the US Navy (and occasionally the Coast Guard) one ship at a time." Why this charity? You might remember I have a daughter in the Navy. But truly, why not? Shouldn't we all support the men and women who protect us, or those veterans who have already done their share of duty?
Hats for Sailors is just a bit different than many hat charities. Obviously they only need adult hats. For safety reasons aboard ship, the hats must be made from 100% superwash wool. The hats are intended for off duty wear, so we are free to use whatever color or pattern we wish. Personally I tend to knit with a male sailor in mind since they comprise about 85% of the fleet.
Hats are due in November and are counted, sorted, photographed and then shipped to the selected ship(s). The volume of hats this group knits and crochets always blows me away. I've already finished up my knitting early this year and have already mailed mine off.
One of my favorite patterns is Gingerbread Hat, a free download on Ravelry. This is my eighth time knitting this pattern and I'm always thrilled with the results. Made with FibraNatura Italiano, it is squishy and will keep someone's head warm.
This next hat was knit with one skein of chunky yarn. The pattern Flagship Hat is designed by fellow group member YaYa Lovestoknit and can be found as a free download on Ravelry.
This last hat (pictured twice) was knit with Cascade 220, and although the top picture looks a little strange with the extra room at the back, the second photo shows the brim cuffed up for a closer fit. The ability to have extra room in the crown allows for a female sailor to wear their hair in a bun and still wear the hat over their ears. This pattern, HOOYAH! Hat is also available as a free download on Ravelry.
All in all, I was able to ship off 31 hats this year. The pile on the left were hats fellow IBKers sent me during one of our monthly charity drives. The pile on the right are my hats from the last two years. Not as many as I would have liked, but there is only so much time. lol
You can find out more information about the Hats for Sailors organization via their website, Facebook or Ravelry.
Hats for Sailors is just a bit different than many hat charities. Obviously they only need adult hats. For safety reasons aboard ship, the hats must be made from 100% superwash wool. The hats are intended for off duty wear, so we are free to use whatever color or pattern we wish. Personally I tend to knit with a male sailor in mind since they comprise about 85% of the fleet.
Hats are due in November and are counted, sorted, photographed and then shipped to the selected ship(s). The volume of hats this group knits and crochets always blows me away. I've already finished up my knitting early this year and have already mailed mine off.
This next hat was knit with one skein of chunky yarn. The pattern Flagship Hat is designed by fellow group member YaYa Lovestoknit and can be found as a free download on Ravelry.
This last hat (pictured twice) was knit with Cascade 220, and although the top picture looks a little strange with the extra room at the back, the second photo shows the brim cuffed up for a closer fit. The ability to have extra room in the crown allows for a female sailor to wear their hair in a bun and still wear the hat over their ears. This pattern, HOOYAH! Hat is also available as a free download on Ravelry.
All in all, I was able to ship off 31 hats this year. The pile on the left were hats fellow IBKers sent me during one of our monthly charity drives. The pile on the right are my hats from the last two years. Not as many as I would have liked, but there is only so much time. lol
You can find out more information about the Hats for Sailors organization via their website, Facebook or Ravelry.
What a cool organization. I love how you have Navy pride of your daughter.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly one of my favorite charities to knit for.
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