It is Cancer Awareness Month, and the 2016 Crochet Cancer Challenge is just around the corner!
Why are you doing the 2016 Crochet Cancer Challenge?
Most people have been affected by cancer in some way. It is difficult to see someone go through cancer and/or chemotherapy, however, with a community standing beside you it makes the battle less daunting.
In honor of my Uncle Jeff, who lost his battle in September of 2014, I am hosting the 3rd annual Crochet Cancer Challenge.
How does the challenge work?
I am encouraging you to crochet hats for cancer patients and cancer survivors in your local communities. The hats can be made for someone you know, someone your friends know, a co-worker, teacher, neighbor, or even a complete stranger.
You can make as many hats as you can and donate them to your local cancer center.
How long does the challenge last?
The challenge will begin October 1, 2016. A featured designer will give you a pattern that will be posted each day through the month of October. The patterns will be free for a very limited time. We are asking that the donation be completed by the end of the year, or by 12/31/2016.
What type of hat should I make and what sizes?
You can use any hat pattern you like however, people of all ages get cancer, so all sizes are needed. Teen and adult hats are most requested because they tend to fit more people.
Where can I get patterns?
Each day throughout the month of October, I will be posting a FREE hat pattern.
Each day is sponsored by a different designer who is offering a free hat pattern for FREE in exchange for your pledge.
When you download a pattern you are pledging to make a minimum of 1 hat from that pattern. If you download the pattern, please take a minute to visit the pattern designers facebook page and tell them thank you for their generosity.
What type of yarn is recommended?
The best yarns for chemo patients are soft and breathable yarns. It is also important that the yarn washes well. It is recommended to use cotton blends (however, 100% cotton tends to be less soft) and/or acrylic.
Some favorite yarns are: Caron Simply Soft, Debra Norvelle, Lionbrand Homespun, Lion Brand Heartland, Red Heart Soft, Bernat Softee, you are probably getting the idea.
I have heard comments that wool hats can be very itchy and are not preferred.
Remember that it is important to use the correct yarn weight for the pattern you are following.
What is my goal?
My goal is to simply help others and make it easy for you to do the same.
I started this challenge on a whim 2 years ago when I lost my uncle.
How do I pledge?
To pledge to make a hat simply download the pattern.
There will be 31 patterns available. If you download all 31 patterns you pledge to make 31 hats.
I am pledging to make 31 hats, one a day, sounds doable. But, if you can only make 1 hat, you are still making a difference, and I thank you for that.
Have Fun and Get More Involved
Make sure to share pictures of your finished hats of on
facebook. This is not required, but it is fun to see what everyone else is making and see your own pictures shared too. When you share a picture please let me know what pattern it is from, because then I can tag that designer.
Who are you Honoring?
Add a comment to this blog post to let everyone know who you are making hats in honor of.
Challenge Others
Because doing projects with others is more fun, think about other crocheters you may know. Tag them in one of the
facebook posts about the challenge, say “I challenge you to join!”
Get Started Early
The excitement and enthusiasm I see in everyone who has participated in the past is amazing. I have even had a few of you tell me that you already started.
Last year someone post a photo of a finished hat with a ribbon applique on it. She shared the link with me and I am now sharing it with you. Click
here to make a ribbon like the one below. These are great to add to your hats.
Included below is a chart that shows the colors for some of the more common cancer awareness ribbons.
Growing Every Year
The 2016 Crochet Cancer Challenge is in its 3rd year and we have grown every year. In 2015 we had a final pledge count of over 33,000 hats being donated, find more about last year by clicking HERE. I hope to continue to see this number grow year after year. Will you be making a pledge?
2016 Featured Patterns & Designers
