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GREETING 2008 – A GOOD YEAR TO CROCHET

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Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? I don’t. I figure that if I’m really interested in making a change in my life, I need not wait for January 1 to make that change. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with making resolutions. In fact, it might be a good thing. Today, on NPR, I heard a ‘specialist’ speak on New Year’s Resolutions. He had some good things to say, but the most valuable information came from a caller. The woman stated that she had the most luck with change in her life by stating things in a positive manner – ‘I’m a non-smoker’ – was her solution. She had attempted to quit smoking many times and only when she began to see herself as a nonsmoker, to identify herself in a positive manner rather than feeling like she was depriving herself of something, she was able to affect change in her life.

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What a great idea! So, I decided that I’d make some resolutions for a change. So, now I see myself – or will attempt to see myself – as:

an organized crocheter

a crocheter who finishes a project before she starts another

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a crocheter who sticks to her yarn/pattern buying budget.


Well, I think there’s probably not much hope for the first two – but I’m going to give it a try.

What are your Crochet Resolutions for 2008? Come on – SHARE. Post them so we can all see. After all, it’s well known that once you write something down, you’re more likely to follow through with it.

So, let’s see what ideas everyone has……

Comments

  1. My crochet resolutions are to finish as many of my WIP’s as I possibly can and if I dont feel like finishing them, frog them and reuse the yarn. I have too many projects going. My problem is I lose interest quickly. So here’s to my cleaning out my WIP bin and everyone getting all the things I said I was going to make them but never finished 🙂

    Happy New Year!

  2. Henceforth I shall be deemed StashKiller! I haven’t been crocheting a lot but I’m still buying yarn! I shall either use what I have or get rid of some.

  3. First resolution: is to say the nice things to people that I think…so-I love this site. I have it in my favorites and check it every day. I love the interesting and varied topics. Thank you so much. I appreciate your effort.
    Crochet resolution: or should I say promise to myself. I will try to make at least one new, different thing every six weeks. We sell one week out of every six, and the rest of the time I am making the same things over and over. I will also try to add one new crocheted item to my repertoire each time.
    Last resolution: Before I throw something away, stop and think what I might be able to use an item for. Too easy to toss what you get disgusted with.

    Glenda

  5. Since I have been crocheting for almost a year….these are my first crochet resolutions.
    Try to use up stash yarn. Maybe difficult since I have so many sized and colored balls left.

    Only buy yarn for a project I plan to do. Unnecessary yarn buying because it is on sale or free shipping after $45. Of course this does not apply to my Christmas $$ that I plan on buying random yarns on sale online….

    I need to not be so afraid of making a wearable. I need to be challenged more and need to try to understand patterns more and construction of a sweater.

    Need a well written explanation on how to sew squares together.

    Find a basic class on sewing…it would help my crochet skills.

    Do some sort of charity crocheting this year.

    GINA,

    YOU HAVE A VERY AMBITIOUS LIST FOR 2008.  GOOD FOR YOU!  HOPE WE CAN ASSIST YOU

    AS YOU CROCHET YOUR WAY THRU THE YEAR!

    JD

  6. what a great idea, thinking of yourself in positive scenarios as an alternative to the dreaded “resolutions!” 🙂
    in that light, i will add that “I see myself:”
    -finishing the stoles for xmas 2006!
    -making the Seraphina Shawl i bought all the yummy yarn for last summer!
    -as a confident (not hesitant!) crocheter!!

    organization and budget aren’t my friends, but i think we might actually be able to negotiate a peace this year, if i just keep my chin up and pretend i am not ocd/add, LOL!! (i really am, and it makes having a crochet hobby very interesting ;))

    HAPPY NEW YEAR, JD, and everybody!!

  7. YOU are all filled with great ideas for 2008 and with very KIND words for my blog. THANK YOU! It makes my day to hear that my blog and my ideas are enjoyed and appreciated.

    Christi has some great ideas for stating things positively. Glad to hear those.

    Glenda, for a relatively new crocheter is certainly headed in the right direction – learning more and taking care of what you already have around you.

    With crafting especially, recycling (re-using and re-purposing) is dear to my heart. I’m always saving buttons, scraps of fabric, bits of yarn, etc for my crafting. As I’ve written earlier, just the right button can MAKE a design – but I hate to spend $4 on the button when I can find one in my stash of buttons I’ve cut off worn garments or from bags of buttons I’ve purchased at thrift stores or garage sales. Same goes for yarn. I have a lot of ‘new’ yarn and a huge amount that I’ve rescued from thrift stores and other sales.

    I’m grateful and encouraged by the resolutions of others. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
    jd

  8. My resolution is to crochet more and surf less!!! No more spending 3 and 4 hours a day on the computer!!!! I’m also going to concentrate on using my stash. Stash killer!!!! That’s awesome, Kris!!!!

    YOU GO LEAH!  use up that stash and stay off the computer!  i need to do the same thing!!

    jd

  9. My new year resolution is on the lines of most of you..
    i need to complete my crochet projects..i have doilies in all stages of completion ..some needing as little as half a round to get them done.
    resolution number one -I want to complete all my crochet projects and work on only two at one time (one in thread and one brain-dead pattern in yarn)
    resolution number two – devote atleast half and hour to one hour every day for working on my non-crochet UFO’s
    resolution number three – bite the bullet and start un-subbing from groups to ensure less time on the net and more time for my crafts
    thanks JD for making me think this through and put it down

    BUT JAISHREE, DON’T UNSUB FROM THIS LIST!  you have too many good ideas.

    jd

  10. My crochet resolutions:
    – I will make at least one new, different thing every month.
    – I will teach tunisian crochet to my aunt Elena.
    – I will dedicate more time to crochet than surfing the net.
    Those are writen with a positive mind. We’ll see next December…
    Thank you for this wonderful site!

    MARU,  THANKS FOR THESE KIND WORDS – AND GOOD FOR YOU FOR TEACHING CROCHET.  WE NEED TO CARRY THE ART FORWARD AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS.

    jd

Have you read?

Make To Donate: Crochet Chemo Cap Patterns

There are some crochet projects that are lovely to make, and then there are the ones that feel like they have a little more purpose stitched into them. Chemo caps definitely fall into that second category.

A handmade crochet chemo cap can provide warmth, privacy and comfort to someone experiencing treatment-related hair loss, but this is one charity crochet project where the yarn and pattern really do matter. A beautiful hat made with scratchy yarn or an open lace stitch may look lovely sitting on your craft table but be completely wrong for a sensitive scalp.

If you are new to making handmade donations, our broader Make To Donate crochet pattern collection is a useful place to start. 20 Crochet Patterns Perfect for Donating to Charities You can also read our guide to crocheting for a cause before choosing an organisation to support. Crochet for a Cause: Using Your Skills to Make a Difference

Before you start crocheting, contact your chosen cancer centre or organisation and check its current requirements.

Crochet for Cancer asks that donated caps are new, clean and free from perfume, smoke and pet hair. They recommend soft cotton, acrylic, silk, fleece or blends and specifically advise against wool and alpaca because they may irritate sensitive scalps. They also recommend close stitches without large gaps. Knots of Love similarly asks makers to avoid lacy or see-through designs and maintains its own approved yarn list.

In other words, this is not the project for that mystery skein of scratchy wool you bought on clearance twelve years ago and have been trying to justify ever since.

Crochet Chemo Cap Patterns to Make and Donate

1. Simple Crochet Chemo Cap

Get the Simple Crochet Chemo Cap free pattern

This is a very practical place to start. The pattern was specifically designed as a chemo cap and comes in sizes from children through adult extra large.

It uses a cotton and rayon blend and combines half double crochet with subtle ridged sections, giving the hat some texture without creating big open spaces. I particularly like having several sizes in one pattern because cancer treatment affects people of every age.

2. Canadia Chemo Cap

Get the Canadia Hat free crochet pattern

The Canadia Hat from Banana Moon Studio was designed specifically with chemo care in mind. It uses a light worsted yarn and linked stitches that help create a fairly solid fabric without making the hat stiff.

The pattern includes a range of sizes and the free version is available directly on the designer’s website.

3. Lily of the Valley Chemo Cap

Get the Lily of the Valley Chemo Cap pattern

If you would like something a little prettier without wandering into overly open lace territory, this floral-textured chemo cap is a lovely option.

It was created for the Crochet Cancer Challenge and is designed using soft lightweight yarn for comfortable wear. It has enough detail to feel special while still being intended specifically for cancer patients and donation programs.

4. Velvet Ridge Chemo Cap in Four Sizes

Get the free Velvet Ridge Chemo Cap pattern

This newer chemo cap pattern includes four sizes from approximately age five through adult XL.

It uses plush chenille-style yarn and has a simple ridged band for a little visual detail. The designer also suggests checking with your local cancer centre before making donation caps, which is advice I wish every charity pattern included.

5. Soft Heart Chemo Hat

Get the Soft Heart Chemo Hat free crochet pattern

The Soft Heart Beanie was created for the 2025 Crochet Cancer Challenge and comes in six sizes, from preemie through adult.

The design is seamless, soft and designed to work up relatively quickly, making it a particularly useful pattern if your crochet group is planning to make multiple hats.

6. Diane Beanie Chemo Cap

Get the Diane Beanie free crochet pattern

The Diane Beanie is a simple top-down design made primarily with single crochet and finished with a back-loop ribbed brim.

The result is a fairly dense fabric, which is exactly what we want for a chemo cap. The pattern includes teen/small adult and large adult sizing.

7. Textured Stripes Chemo Cap

Get the Textured Stripes Chemo Cap free pattern

I like this one for anyone who gets bored making completely plain hats.

The texture gives the cap a little personality, but the designer has kept the inside comfortable and smooth. It was created specifically for cancer-hat donation projects, so it fits our Make To Donate theme beautifully.

8. Elixir Chemo Cap

Get the Elixir Chemo Cap free crochet pattern

The Elixir is another pattern created specifically for charity donation and cancer awareness.

It includes three sizes and was designed to be lightweight, breathable and gentle. You can also choose a yarn colour associated with a particular cancer awareness cause if you are making hats for a specific fundraising or support event.

9. Cancer Ribbon Crochet Beanie

Get the free Cancer Ribbon Beanie pattern

This one makes the symbolism quite literal, with an awareness ribbon worked into the hat design.

The pattern comes in toddler, child and adult sizes and uses front-post colourwork to create the ribbon motif.

For actual chemo use, I would pay particular attention to the yarn choice and inside texture. For awareness events, fundraising or support gifts, though, the ribbon detail is especially meaningful.

10. Hopeful Butterfly Chemo Hat

Get the Hopeful Butterfly Hat free pattern

This hat was originally created as a chemo cap and incorporates awareness-inspired detailing along with butterfly symbolism.

It is a lovely choice when you want something that looks less like a basic medical head covering and more like a thoughtfully designed handmade accessory.

11. Summer Chemo Cap With Sun Hat Brim

Get the Summer Chemo Cap free crochet pattern

Most chemo-cap collections lean heavily towards cold-weather beanies, so I was pleased to find this summer option.

It combines a lightweight cap with a small sun-hat-style brim and was designed specifically for people undergoing treatment or experiencing sensitive scalps.

It is also a good reminder that people undergoing cancer treatment may need comfortable head coverings all year round, not just when the temperature drops.

12. Consuelo Beanie

Get the Consuelo Beanie free crochet pattern

The Consuelo Beanie was created for the Crochet Cancer Challenge and the complete crochet pattern remains available free on the designer’s blog.

It is beginner-friendly and was designed specifically as a hat suitable for donating to someone living with cancer.

13. Linda’s Easy Chemo Cap

Get Linda’s Easy Chemo Cap pattern

This is an older pattern, but still a useful one to keep bookmarked.

The adult-small version remains available as a free download, and the design was created specifically for makers pledging to donate a hat to a cancer patient or treatment centre.

14. Just Chenille Chemo Cap

Get the Just Chenille Chemo Cap free pattern

If the receiving organisation accepts chenille yarn, this plush option is worth considering.

The free pattern includes three adult sizes from XS through XL and uses soft chenille yarn to produce a warm, velvety cap. As always, check the charity’s yarn list first because individual cancer centres may have different requirements.

15. Kim’s Chemo Hat Crochet Pattern

See Kim’s Chemo Hat crochet pattern on Etsy

For our paid Etsy option, Kim’s Beanie from ThroughTheLoopYC was originally designed for the Crochet Cancer Challenge.

The PDF includes child, adult small and adult large sizing plus a photo stitch tutorial. It is labelled as an easy to advanced-beginner pattern and was designed specifically as a soft, comfortable chemo cap.

Choosing Yarn for Crochet Chemo Caps

This is one area where I would choose yarn for the recipient rather than because I happen to love the colour.

A yarn that feels perfectly comfortable against your hand may feel completely different against a scalp made sensitive by chemotherapy.

Look for soft, smooth and washable fibres and avoid heavily textured, scratchy or hairy yarn unless the receiving organisation has specifically approved it.

Knots of Love actually maintains a required yarn list for its own donations, which is a good reminder that there isn’t one universal “best chemo-cap yarn.”

If you’re buying yarn specifically for charity projects rather than raiding the stash, I would choose practical washable colours and yarn you can reliably buy again. Nobody needs to discover halfway through a 20-hat charity project that the beautiful bargain yarn was discontinued in 2009.

What Makes a Good Crochet Chemo Cap?

For most donation programs, think:

soft rather than scratchy

close stitches rather than open lace

comfortable seams

good scalp coverage

washable yarn

no heavy embellishments unless the charity specifically allows them

a useful range of sizes

And always make the hat to the requirements of the organisation receiving it.

For more general hat donations, you can also browse our 10 crochet beanie patterns to make and donate. See the charity crochet beanie roundup

CraftBits also has a free vintage child’s crochet beanie pattern that can be useful for general children’s winter charity projects. Free Vintage Crochet Child’s Beanie Pattern on CraftBits For cancer-care donations, however, I would only use it after checking the yarn, fit and stitch coverage against the receiving organisation’s chemo-cap requirements.

There is something quietly powerful about making a chemo cap for someone you may never meet. It is not going to change their diagnosis or make treatment easier, but it can make one cold waiting room, one difficult morning or one vulnerable moment a little more comfortable.

Sometimes a ball of yarn really can become something much bigger than we expected.