I've been doing charity knitting for years. DH is more understandable about stash if it seems to be moving and not just moving in. Anyway, I've found a couple of basic hat patterns that I can go to for a quick knit. I can also add a brim or ruffle, more or less edging, for variety.
For my lapghans or baby blankets I've gone to a variety of geometrics or simple YO lace designs. I can't imagine producing that many caps and squares in the next 6 weeks without using a knitting machine and I no longer work. I need to know your secret.
For the geometric pattern, I use a variation on a theme. Squares that are 3x3, 4x4, 5x5. Basket weave, diamonds, alternating stripes of K and P but wide enough so they act like stripes not ribbing. Look at dishcloth patterns and you can get some terrific ideas. The $$$ stores, Tuesday morning, Big lots, Dollar tree, and others all set aside their yarns that customers have messed up and sell them to me for really cheap. I use these, like the eyelash, as part of the brim, the edging, etc. worked into the design. It gives it a more designer look. It can tie them together if the patterns don't match.
I'm still amazed at that much quantity and working FT. Hope this helps. My favorite and most popular cap is a variation on a preemie cap called a petal hat. When trying to match the blanket, I was making mistakes and ripping, so went to the squares with the garter edges.
Hope this helps. Now, what designs and patterns have you been using?
