Cancer Challenge 2015

It's Almost Here!

October is Cancer Awareness Month, and that means my challenge is nearly ready!

I have had many questions about the challenge so this is a little information on how it will run.

Why are you doing the challenge?

Many / Most of us have been effected by cancer in some way. It is a tough thing to see someone go through, but with a community standing beside you it makes the battle slightly less challenging.

In honor of my Uncle Jeff, who lost his battle last September, 

I am hosting the 2nd annual Cancer Charity Challenge.

How does the challenge work?

It's pretty simple. 

Basically I am asking all of you to help make hats for cancer patients. 

The hats can be made for someone you know, someone your friends know,

a co-worker, teacher, neighbor, 

Or you can simple make hats and donate them to your local cancer center. 

If a cancer center is not in your area you can contact me and ship them my way. I will include them with my donation to the Cancer Center here in Boise, Idaho.

How long does the challenge last?

The challenge will begin October 1.

A featured designer/pattern will be posted each day through October.

However, you have through the end of 2015 to complete your hats.

What type of hat should I make and what sizes?

You can use any hat pattern you like, crochet or knit.

People of all ages get cancer so all sizes are usually needed. Teen and adult hats are most requested because they fit more people, but if you are donating to a children's cancer center then all sizes will work. 

Where can I get patterns?

This is the FUN part!!!

Each day throughout the challenge I will be posting FREE patterns.

I have some amazing designers who are graciously offering their patterns for FREE in exchange for your donation. If you download a pattern you are pledging to make a minimum of 1 hat from that pattern for the challenge. When you download the pattern, please take a minute to visit their 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. After reading in many forums the popular yarns from makers and recipients are cotton blends (100% cotton tends to be less soft) and/or acrylic. One of the favorites is Caron Simply Soft, Debra Norvelle, Lionbrand Homespun and/or Heartland, Red Heart Soft, Bernat Softee.

I have heard comments that wool hats can be very itchy and 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.

I started this challenge on a whim last year when I lost my uncle. In 2014 over 2,000 hats were pledged, I am hoping to double that number this year. So share with everyone you know. 

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 on Sweet Potato 3 Patterns facebook page. This is not required, but it is fun to see what everyone else is making and see your own pictures shared too. 

Comment

Add a comment to this blog post to let everyone know who you are making hats for or if they are in honor of someone. 

Challenge Others

Do you know other crafters, crochet or knit?

Tag them in one of the facebook posts about the challenge, say "I challenge you to join!"

Get Started Early

The excitement I see in everyone who has participated in the past and have already started this years challenge is amazing. Last week I had someone post a hat they had already completed that had a beautiful cancer ribbon on it. She graciously shared the link that she used and the bonus is, it's FREE. Click here to make a ribbon like the one below. These are great to add to your hats.

See below for some more common cancer awareness ribbon colors.