We have many new free patterns available on our website!  First is the adroable 18" Doll Sweater and Hat set designed by Gail Tanquary and knitted out of Mochi Plus.  We will soon have a crocheted version made in Sausalito available as well.  These sweet, mini sweater sets fit standard 18" dolls, such as the Madame Alexander or American Girl dolls. 

Next is the Ruffled Shawl knit out of Mochi Plus, also designed by Gail Tanquary.  Short rows are used to form both the ruffle and the body of this beautiful shawl.  It is great for an early spring cover-up.   

Gail's Pocket Fingerless Mitts are a convenient way to store keys or change when out and about.  Made from soft 100% Merino wool Merino 5, these mitts are fun to knit and great to wear.

We also have the lovely Scalloped Soft Coral Scarf designed by Susan Druding.  It uses two balls of Mochi Plus.  The coral-like, rippled edges give this piece extra flair.

The Chunky Mochi Lace Cowl by Barbara Breiter uses just two balls of Chunky Mochi in simple eyelet style to produce a soft and breathable neck warmer. 

And the complete patterns for the gorgeous Crocheted Shell Shawl and the adorable Sideways Mittens, which we originally featured in the last issue of Purls, are now available.  The Shell and V stitches of the Crocheted Shell Shawl, made in Sausalito, produce an elegant wrap perfect for keeping off the early spring chill.  It is a beaut, and we hope our crochet fans enjoy it as much as we do.  The Sideways Mittens, also done in Sausalito, take a new and unusual approach to mitten design; they are knitted sideways with the thumb formed by short rows.  They knit up quickly and take just one ball to make.

The Five Hour Baby Sweater has been a shared pattern floating around the internet for many years on lists, sites and blogs.  First posted publicly on the Knit List (before the Web existed), its origins go back to approximately 1950, when a yarn shop owner wrote it for one of her customers.  

Several websites offer versions of the pattern.  You can view those links here.   

Recently a Michigan knitting group knit the 5-Hour Baby Sweater with yarn donated by Crystal Palace and, in turn, donated the finished sweaters to children in need.  Estimated to take only five hours or so to knit, this sweater makes a cute and quick gift for that special baby in your life.  

Shawls are necessary accessories for the spring months, and Mini Mochi shawl projects are in full bloom.  The first one we are featuring this month is the Small Garter Stitch Triangular Shawl with Unraveled Fringe.  The title of this free pattern by Elaine Phillips says it all.  Its garter stitch construction and basic triangle shaping gives this an "Easy" rating.  Included in the pattern are step-by-step images and instructions for creating the dramatic fringe. The shawl can be worn around the shoulders or wrapped as a scarf.    

The second shawl is one that was published back in 2009.  It recently caught our attention again, so we wanted to share it will you.  The Aubrey Shawl by Shelby Knits is another freebie done out of Mini Mochi.  The overall eyelet stitch creates a nice length and width; it is hard to believe that it only takes two balls to make!  A gorgeous and practical choice for a spring wrap. 

The next shawl is electric Mini Mochi magic that uses an eye-popping zig-zag technique to accentuate the yarn's stunning color effects.  The Lightning Shawl by Frankie Brown uses five balls of Mini Mochi and is generously offered for free on Ravelry.  The shawl is done in garter stitch, where regular increases and decreases form the zig-zag design.  There is additional shaping for the neck, shoulders and pointed center.  The directions are easy to read, with clear, explanatory notes from the designer.  

Many may not think of spring as a hat-wearing season, but I find a hat to be an essential accessory in springtime, especially for folks who live in the mountains, up North, on the coast or anywhere there is a cool breeze.  Mini Mochi produces a nice fabric that holds its shape and adds lots of pizazz to a wardrobe.  The Kid At Any Age Hat by Jennette Cross demonstrates such pizazz.  It is worked doubled in Mini Mochi, although you could certainly substitute Mochi Plus to achieve a similar gauge.   It is made using alternating ribs of Stockinette and Reverse Stockinette Stitch, finished off with the Kitchener's Stitch and two glorious pom-poms.  It is sized Baby through Adult Large for kids of all sizes.  The pattern is free, the project yarn quantity is affordable (1-4 balls for this hat), and it can be completed in one or two sittings.

The Transformer Hat by Elaine Phillips of ABC Knitting is not your usual hat design.  This hat, made from three balls of Mini Mochi, is actually worked as a long tube.  The ends are gathered together and secured.  The tube is then folded inward, which results in an extra cozy, double-layered hat.  Unfold it, and you have a scarf!  Perhaps a little too warm for the spring months, there is no reason you cannot start your fall knitting early!