PARTICIPATE IN THREE STEPS
DEADLINE FOR SUBISSION: AUGUST 16, 2008
(We are no longer receiving helmets.)

1. Complete on-line form with your name and testimony
2. Knit helmet using simple how-to (in right column)
3. Mail your helmet to Stitch for Senate PO Box

1. Sign up to Stitch for Senate by Completing ON-LINE FORM.

2. Knit A Helmet | Represent your State
Stitch for Senate is looking for knit hobbyists to make a helmet liner for their state senator. Helmets have been made in this style for soldiers stationed in Iraq since the beginning of the occupation, however with Stitch for Senate we are stitching for public officials. It is a pro-peace initiative. See examples of participants submissions here. Submit your helmet liner with a testimony about your Senators position on the war in Iraq. Photos of your helmet liner and testimonies will be posted on the website.

PATTERN
co - cast on
k - knit
p - pearl
bo - bind off
k 2 tog - knit 2 together

Please use black, brown, grey colored yarn.
1 hank (260 yards) usually 1 skein also works
knit on the round with double pointed needles # 6
4 double pointed needles # 6 for bo
100% 2 ply wool yarn (we also accept acrylic, but prefer a higher percentage of wool, if possible)

neck
knitting on the round with double
pointed needles # 6
co 84 stitches, put on stitch marker
row 1: k 2, p 2
repeat for 6 inches

eye access
from marker, continue to rib for 26, bind off 32,
pick up ribbing for 26 more stitches

forehead
rib for 26
cast on 32, finish ribbing to the end of the row
rib for 1 inch (border of forehead)
stockinette stitch for 3 inches

decrease
(switch to 4 double pointed needles)
row 1: stitch 8, k 2 tog
row 2: stockinette stitch
row 3: stitch 7, k 2 tog, repeat to end of row
row 4: stockinette stitch
row 5: stitch 6, k 2 tog, repeat to end of row
row 6: stockinette stitch
row 7: stitch 5, k 2 tog, repeat to end of row
row 8: stockinette stitch
row 9: stitch 4, k 2 tog, repeat to end of row
continue decreasing 6 or so stitches, pull yarn through final loops, use crochet hook or thick needle to tighten from inside and cap is complete.

3. Mail Your Helmet
Helmet liners should be sent to:
Stitch for Senate
PO Box 1659
Troy, NY 12181

Helmet Liners will be sent to all 100 senators simultaneously after every one is complete, along with knitter's statement and a link to the other testimonies on the stitchforsenate.us website.

Helmet Liner from WW II Knit For Defense Campaign.

Soldier wearing Helmet Liner from Operation Home Front.