Red Heart Buffalo Plaid Crochet Hat

Published: August 27, 2021  ~   0

Happy Friday, T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family! Today we have a wonderful crochet hat pattern, compliments of Yarnspirations. It is called the Red Heart Buffalo Plaid Crochet Hat.

As the Covid-19 Delta variant continues to ravage our great nation, we and all of our community partners are monitoring the situation closely and having to change our schedules and plans accordingly. But as the situation progresses, some of the things that have not changed are the needs of the veterans and their dependents whom we serve. With that in mind, the Red Heart Buffalo Plaid Crochet Hat is a wonderful plaid patterned hat that is sure to be a hit.

Follow the links below for both the free hat pattern and also a very helpful corresponding tutorial video on Yarnspirations’ own YouTube channel:

Download the pattern: https://www.yarnspirations.com/red-heart-buffalo-plaid-crochet-hat-for-him/RHC0416-027025M.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2020_01_HeatWaveBuffaloPlaidHat&utm_content=RedHeartBuffaloPlaidCrochetHatForHim

Watch the tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMclyg0oZlQ&ab_channel=Yarnspirations

In our example, we slightly modified the pattern by adding an additional 6 stitches (as suggested in the tutorial video), chose not to include a pom, and chose some colors that we had on hand for a different plaid effect. We would strongly suggest to add the 6 additional stitches to the garment (maybe even 12!) for added comfort and fit. Otherwise, it was a fun and surprisingly simple hat to crochet!

If you would like to donate a hat, scarf, face mask or other handcrafted garment to our cause, please remember that the dear veterans and their dependents prefer dark colors, e.g. blue, black, green, grey, and all-time favorite, camouflage. If you would like to knit, crochet, or sew a garment in a brighter color, red is always a popular bright color. We cannot emphasize this important point enough: please do not use sparkly or overly decorative yarns and fabrics. While they have their place, they are simply inappropriate for the veterans and their dependents (including children because of choking hazards).

If you are not a crafter, but would like to help, there are still many ways to support our cause! Please consider donating materials and/or making a monetary donation to help us cover the costs of materials, shipping, and overhead. Please remember you can support our cause by shopping on AmazonSmile. See the “Shop for Our Cause” blog post for additional information.

If you need yarn, or other supplies, please contact us through email at thriveassociation@thrivevets.org or by phone at (469) 427-9654. Please be aware that any communications are recorded. If you have donations and cannot make it to one of our in-person knitting groups, we are still continuing our policy of curbside pickup. Please contact us to schedule a pickup if you are in the DFW area. If you reside outside the DFW area and would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact us to make arrangements. Remember, even one lovingly handcrafted hat or scarf can make a huge difference in the life of an underprivileged veteran or their dependent(s).

Lion Brand Adult’s Easy Crochet Hat & Upcoming Stand Downs

Published: August 13, 2021  ~   0

Happy Friday, T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family! As we get closer to upcoming Stand Downs and their deadlines, it is important to finish and donate any and all garments that you have in progress so that we can prepare them for dissemination via the VA’s that are hosting them. Hats and scarves in darker colors such as green, blue, black, grey, and (vet favorite) camouflage, make for excellent donations and are in great need.

With that in mind, we would like to share a simple yet effective crochet hat pattern that would be wonderful to donate to our cause- Lion Brand’s own Adult’s Easy Crochet Hat. It weaves up very quickly and, because of its one round repeat, is a perfect pattern to use when you don’t want to think too hard about what you’re crafting and just want to be in Crochet “Zen-Mode.” The knit-like vertical ribs (done by only working single crochets into the back loop) provide a nice and comfortable stretch for the wearer. Make sure to have a tapestry needle handy in order to seam the ends of the garment together and also to cinch up the top!

Please follow the link below and click on “Download Free Pattern” near the bottom right for the instructions on how to craft this uncomplicated crochet hat:

Adult's Easy Crochet Hat

If you would like to donate a hat, scarf, or other handcrafted garment to our cause, please remember that the dear veterans and their dependents prefer dark colors, e.g. blue, black, green, grey, and all-time favorite, camouflage. If you would like to knit, crochet, or sew a garment in a brighter color, red is always a popular bright color. We cannot emphasize this important point enough: please do not use sparkly or overly decorative yarns and fabrics. While they have their place, they are simply inappropriate for the veterans and their dependents (including children because of choking hazards).

If you are not a crafter, but would like to help, there are still many ways to support our cause! Please consider donating materials and/or making a monetary donation to help us cover the costs of materials, shipping, and overhead. Please remember you can support our cause by shopping on AmazonSmile. See the “Shop for Our Cause” blog post for additional information. 

If you need yarn, or other supplies, please contact us through email at thriveassociation@thrivevets.org or by phone at (469) 427-9654. Please be aware that any communications are recorded. If you have donations and cannot make it to one of our in-person knitting groups, we are still continuing our policy of curbside pickup. Please contact us to schedule a pickup if you are in the DFW area. If you reside outside the DFW area and would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact us to make arrangements. Remember, even one lovingly handcrafted hat or scarf can make a huge difference in the life of an underprivileged veteran or their dependent(s).

DROPS Florence Hat & Neck Warmer

Published: October 16, 2017  ~   0

We would like to take a moment to say goodbye to a beloved mother, friend, and devoted volunteer, Mrs. Anne Walker. She had been with T.H.R.I.V.E. Association almost from the beginning and had championed our cause at every opportunity. She will be remembered for her warm hugs, perseverance, and her maternal love for all of us. Rest in peace, Mom. We love you.

Mrs. Anne Walker: September 1964- August 2017

 

This week’s free pattern is a beautiful set, developed by Drops, called “Florence”. Although we admit that this pattern took a bit more concentration, it was very rewarding and well worth the time! The garment is simply stunning! And, despite its appearance, it is incredibly warm.

Please click the link below to get your copy of the pattern:

https://www.garnstudio.com/pattern.php?id=5284&cid=17

Also, as a bonus, there are how-to videos on the page to help you with many of the needed techniques!

In closing for this week, we have a few general announcements. As we get closer to the colder months, please make sure to start sending in any donations that you want to receive credit for this year so that we can catalogue them and ensure that they are sent out to upcoming Stand Downs. Further, as many of our volunteers have asked, we are no longer hosting the Friday Night Craft-a-thon at Half Priced Books. (We know that fighting Dallas rush hour traffic on a Friday night can be treacherous!) Please note that we do have many other community crafting events and will continue to develop more, so stay tuned. Also, we are developing a map of all of the Stand Downs that we partner with across the U.S. and its territories. This map will contain several key pieces of information about the demographics of the veterans and their families. Additionally, we do get wish lists from each Stand Down which help us set our goals. Our aim here is to be as transparent as possible to our volunteers and community partners. Also, we hope that these resources will aid our volunteers in knowing what to make and help them decide where they would like their goods to go.

Continuing the Celebration with a Free Hat Pattern!

Published: February 24, 2017  ~   0

This week, as promised, we present to you a fantastic granny square hat pattern, compliments of Yarnspirations. It is unique, colorful, and at first glance perhaps intimidating, but we promise that it is wonderfully easy to complete. The Bernat Granny Stripes Hat is worked in multiple colors, so it is an excellent opportunity to practice your color work!

The pattern can be found here.

Additionally, there is a free corresponding video tutorial on the pattern’s page to aid you. The video even goes into how to alter the pattern if the hat is too big, or how to account for looser crocheting. We encourage our crafters to download the pattern and crochet along with the video!

As a side note to our crafters, if you find a pattern that you like, please feel free to make as many as you want. There is no requirement to make each donated item different. Who knows, we may have many veterans who want or need the same item.

* Footnote: although this week’s pattern calls for five colors, we decided to make a hat that would match with last week’s cowl which was two colors. These patterns are flexible, so be creative!

A Colorwork Hat Pattern for Both Him and Her

Published: October 6, 2016  ~   0

And now for one of our favorite hat patterns! This weeks free pattern is from Yarnspirations. It is a perfect intermediate level project. It knits up quite quickly, and provides a perfect opportunity for any knitter to practice his/her colorwork skills! This pattern provides options for both him and her, and so is ideal for anyone! So, with that, on to the links! The pattern can be found here:

http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/a-good-ribbing-his-hers-hats.html

and, alternatively, on our Ravelry page here:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-good-ribbing—his–hers-hats

As always, T.H.R.I.V.E. Association will be meeting for our Friday Night Craft-a-thon at 6:00 pm at Half Price Books! We look forward to seeing you there! As usual, please convo us to let us know you’re coming so that we can make arrangements.

Half Price Books at 5803 Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231 on 10/07/16 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Happy crafting!

Summertime Progress

Published: July 20, 2016  ~   0

First, in keeping with our tradition, it’s time to introduce this week’s vegan treat- blueberry muffins, made by our IT guy, Torrey! In preparation for several upcoming events, our Chief Officer taught our lawyer, David, to knit and Torrey crocheted his first hat solo! Way to go guys! Finally, it has been a fantastic week for T.H.R.I.V.E. Association! We have been able to welcome more volunteers! Thanks to all of you out there for volunteering and helping to spread the word about our Organization! We really couldn’t do all this without your support.