amberblissthis This year’s beanie for the crochet cancer challenge hosted by Christine of Sweet Potato 3 is very close to my heart. The RJay Beanie is a brand new crochet pattern designed with those who have experienced prostate cancer in mind. The ribbon for prostate cancer is light blue, so I designed with the beautifully hand-dyed acrylic yarn from Alyssa of Yarn for the Masses.
Previous Cancer Related Patterns
As you know from last year’s patterns: All for Magui Earrings and Trinity Trust Beanie, the BATTLE against cancer is close to my heart.
Last year, you helped my husband and I raise $2000 to help his sister, Magui pay for her cancer treatments and mastectomy. We were absolutely FLOORED by that amount. You all purchased patterns, earrings, and kits out of the kindness of your hearts. Many of you sent direct donations, and you REALLY blessed our family.
I designed the Trinity Trust Beanie in honor of those members of my family who have battled breast cancer: my Grandma Edie, my Aunt Gloria, César’s sister Magui, and César’s Tía Amparo. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.
About the RJay Beanie
And so, this year, I decided to create a beanie in honor of those who have battled or are battling prostate cancer. I named the beanie RJay, using my dad’s initials. I’m so grateful to have my dad here with us nearly 16 years after he BEAT cancer. He’s such a blessing to our lives. I joke (OFTEN) about how grumpy he is; we even (affectionately) call him Grumpa (Grumpy + Grandpa = Grumpa). But, honestly, there is no one faster to DROP EVERYTHING and run to help his family. As we prepared our house for sale last month, he tirelessly came over day after day (with my mom who is the opposite of grumpy) to paint and caulk (he has a THING for his caulking gun; it’s a bit of an obsession! HA!) All that to say, my dad is amazing, and I am blessed to have him in my life and be his daughter.
How the Crochet Cancer Challenge Works
Here’s how it works: you make beanies to donate to cancer patients and cancer survivors. The beanies can be crocheted for just about anyone: someone you know, someone your friends know, a family member, a co-worker, a teacher, a neighbor, or a complete stranger.
You can make one crochet beanie or as many as you want, and donate them to your local cancer center. For each free download during the month of October, you are committing to making at least 1 hat for donation.
For more information on what to do, how to do it, where to donate and MORE, check out Christine’s informative post on the Crochet Cancer Challenge!
RJay Beanie Materials
- Worsted weight (4) yarn, Yarn for the Masses used in samples. (This is a heavier worsted weight yarn.)
- Approximate Yardage: 120 (150, 185, 205, 230)
- 6 mm (J) hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
RJay Beanie Sizing
| Size | Head Circumference | Height |
| Child Sm | 16” | 8” |
| Child Med | 18” | 9” |
| Child Lg/Teen | 20” | 9” |
| Adult Sm | 22” | 9.5” |
| Adult Lg | 24” | 10.5” |
The RJay Beanie is an intermediate level pattern. You won’t have any trouble creating the stitches, but you will need experience in pattern reading and understanding repeats and decreases.
Participate in the Crochet Cancer Challenge
Love the Beanie, but Can’t Commit to Donating?
Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. The beanie pattern is available on Ravelry and Etsy, and you can get 30% off through the end of October. This works up really quickly, and is a fun make. Challenge yourself if you’re an adventurous beginner. Stretch those pattern reading skills! Give it a try!
