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Holiday Gift Ideas
It is that time of the year again, the time for projects for the gift-giving season. We are here to help! We have chosen a selection of holiday free and indie patterns and compiled links to each on a new Web page called Holiday Gift Ideas. The page includes ornaments, stockings, holiday hats, children's clothes, doll outfits, washcloths and holiday party wear. In addition to many existing patterns, we have added some new ones, including the free Cotton Chenille Knitted and Crocheted Coasters, Mochi Plus Rib and Seed Hat, Plus Solid Candy Cane Hat, Mini Mochi Easy Lace Scarf and the Mini Mochi Stocking Ornament. The delightful Royal Blue Liliana coat in Cotton Chenille is soon be to added to the Indie Patterns section as well. Check back in about a week or so for this and other new patterns.
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Contest Results
 Congratulations to Olga M.! She was the Grand Prize winner of the Time on My Hands drawing! She is the happy recipient of Becky Herrick's e-book, plus two balls of Mini Mochi and a set of 6" double-pointed bamboo needles. Congratulations also to Kristine B. for winning the 1st Prize of two balls of Mini Mochi and a set of 6" double-pointed bamboo needles.
We originally planned to award just one 2nd Prize for the drawing. We had such a great response (444 entries!), however, that we decided to offer the prize to 10 lucky winners. All 2nd-Prize winners will receive two balls of Mini Mochi. Congratulations!
You can download the Grandfather Clock Gloves for $4.00 on Ravelry, download the whole e-book for $18 on Ravelry or choose another project for your Mini Mochi. Contact your local or online shop to purchase Mini Mochi.
Thanks to everyone who played! Stay tuned to Purls for future contests.
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Show Team Spirit with Merino 5
 If you are not too busy with holiday knitting, try your hand at some team spirit projects with Merino 5. We introduced several new solid shades to coordinate with many professional and college sports teams. Show your spirit at the game with a team spirit hat or scarf. Try these Pocket Fingerless Mitts in team shades for warm hands and convenient ticket storage. See the new Cabled Stadium Pillow (below in "New Free Patterns") for another smart spectator accessory.
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New FREE Patterns:
Moonshine Hat, Two Scarves & Stadium Pillow
 In addition to the new patterns we have in our holiday section (see article above), we have four new patterns added to our Web site. First is the Bejeweled Hat, a fun combination of Moonshine and Merino 5 with honeycomb construction, designed by Laura Andersson. As the designer writes, "The Bejeweled Hat is a simple yet beautiful way to showcase a special yarn such as Moonshine. The design motif is both easy and fascinating to watch as it develops. Using the solid color of Merino 5 sets off the pretty Moonshine so well too."
 Second is the warm and cozy Woven Cable Scarf in Chunky Mochi. The all-over cable pattern is knit loosely on US size 13 needles, which keeps the fabric flowy and comfortable. The cable stitches are made every fourth row, with stockinette stitch in between. For those on a budget or who prefer a cowl to a scarf, there is a shorter cowl option on the pattern as well.
Third we have the gorgeous, and I mean GORGEOUS, Easy Lace Scarf in Mini Mochi. This scarf is feather-light and is amazingly beautiful in the new Seafoam color of Mini Mochi. The lace stitch is not too complicated, so it is great for both beginner lace knitters and experienced lace knitters alike. This is also featured in our Holiday Gift Ideas page.  Lastly is the Cabled Stadium Pillow, designed by Yuke Hong out of Merino 5. Go to the stadium in style and comfort with this team-colored knit pillow. This pillow was knitted in UC Berkeley ("Cal") team colors, but you can substitute your own home team colors. This is the perfect project to show your team spirit and keep yourself warm and comfortable on the bleachers. It makes a lovely indoor throw pillow as well. See also the Team Spirit Hat and Ann Norling #55 Head Huggers patterns for more team project ideas.
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Indie Knit News:
Yin and Yang Scarves by Adrienne Fong
 Yin or Yang? Your choice! Yin (knit length-wise) plays nicely with long color block yarns while providing an interesting texture. Yang (knit width-wise) is knit with the same stitch but has a different look.
This is a great quick gift idea! Get a different look, depending on whether you knit the scarf length-wise or the more traditional width-wise. Instructions are included for adjusting scarf width and length. Yin is done in Mochi Plus, and Yang is done in Monaco.
Special introductory offer: Use Ravelry coupon code, yinyang, and save $1 off the price of the pattern. Offer good until November 30, 2011.
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Indie Crochet News: Tessellations in Tangled
This just in: The new issue of Tangled online magazine, Issue 5, is now available! Among the many beautiful knit and crochet designs is Tessellations, a crocheted, granny-square hat made out of our Mini Mochi. The hat takes one to two balls to make. The self-striping nature of Mini Mochi is a granny-square crocheter's dream; there is no need to keep switching colors! The sample is done in #303 Spice Market, but you can choose any one of the 30+ color ways for this fab hat.
"Simple, traditional granny squares spun on their axes create the interesting geometry of this adorable hat. Self-striping yarn does all of the color-work for you. Simply sized through the use of different hook sizes, you can easily make one for yourself and all your friends. Makes a great gift!"
You can peruse the magazine online for free. Patterns can be purchased individually.
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The winter holidays are right around the corner. This issue is jammed-packed with free and indie patterns for gift-giving and holiday wear. We have many new free patterns up on our Web site, and we have just added a 