This is a build-your-own hat and mittens pattern designed to allow the knitter to express their thoughts on cancer, in their own way. Cancer affects people in different ways, and different ways at different times. You might be angry, sad, defiant, hopeful, or feel many other feelings. These designs allow you to uniquely express yourself in words, or to use only a subtle, but universally-understood ribbon design.

These patterns incorporate three basic background designs and an alphabet, which can be combined to create messages that encircle the hat, or cross the back of the mittens. Two of the background designs are preset for those knitters who prefer that option -- one rings a message of hope and love, while the other draws upon a variation of the traditional ribbon. There are additional options for borders and stranded cuffs.

Knitters will pick their ribbing, borders/cuffs, main motifs, and the message they want to deliver. Instructions are included to convert these choices into the product of their imagination. Various sizes can be accomplished through yarn changes and minor changes in the charts. While the charts are designed for fingering weight yarn, hats can be made with sport weight yarn, and calculations will be included.

This design is at the request of Raveler, RedPlaid, in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness. Her family is in the midst of their own struggle with cancer, and her story is a moving one. She also has a wonderful cabled hat design available in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September).