The new Leafy Washcloth is available for download. These little cotton leaves are really quick to make, and a great stashbuster. They make great little coasters too.

I'm just finishing writing the pattern for these fun leaf-shaped washcloths. An easy project, suitable for beginners, and a great stashbuster. They make an excellent gift and knit up really fast. And they're pretty versatile, you could use them as coasters too, or in the bottom of that bowl where you toss your keys and change. Check back for the pattern, or sign up for the newsletter. 

The term warm weather sounds a little weird when it's garbage day and you have to scrape off ice to get the trash can lid open. However, as I am forever the sparkling-eyed optimist, here's a post for warm weather knitting patterns.

Knitty's new issue, spring+summer 2011, has some very pretty patterns, and they're free! 3 cardigans, 2 tanks, and a little raglan pullover. Plus, socks and some beautiful shawls. 

There's a great range in this issue. From the fitted (check out Rondeur) to the easy fitting (check out the Daedalus). And from the simple (like the garter stitch Neckerchief) to the more ornate (like the Omelet shawl).

Daedalus. Designer Jodie Gordon Lucas

I was searching for Free Knitting Patterns for Cowls for an article yesterday, and almost forgot my own Canaletto Cowl! Durr. And then I remembered that I wanted to share this Canaletto Cowl by Ravelry user cchugg. I love the colours in her photos, an ultimate spring palette, with the sunshine yellow and robin's egg blue. Check out her finished project and suggested mods.

And since I haven't said it in the last 20 minutes, I love what the internet does for knitting! Sharing is good.

It's already past 10:30 am, and what have I been doing all morning? Trolling the web for free baby knitting patterns.  I wanted to write a quick article on good places to look for free knitting patterns for babies, and have become trapped in the cuteness of it all. All these beautiful, tastefully photographed projects, I'm going to have to find me a baby to knit for, cause mine is gettin too big to cuddle. (Is it too early in the morning for Raising Arizona references?) [Photo: Purl Bee]

Something lovely from the Purl Bee, Purl Soho's blog. A knitted sparrow's nest with eggs. The Purl Bee is beautifully done, with free patterns, tutorials, step-by-step instructions and pretty photographs. And here's another good one for spring, the April Showers Scarf. 

I suppose the silver lining of losing an hour to daylight savings is that spring is here. Or nearby. The next town over? The crocuses are up. It is raining. Yes, that must be spring. And the colour of the Diamond Cairo yarn in the Canaletto Cowl is a spring-time mauve. Not too bright, not too pastel, just a nice quiet colour. 

To practice my Norwegian Purling, I wanted my next free knitting pattern to have long rows, and a little bit of moss (seed) stitch. So a simple, textured, opulent double-length cowl in my new stash of Diamond Yarns Cairo. The ropey texture of the yarn suits the texture, and the cool cotton will be lovely in warmer weather. (Warmer weather? Who in the what now?)

For Christmas, I treated myself to a luxurious, hand dyed, 100% silk, 100 gram skein from Sweatermaker Yarns. The question then, of course, what to do with this precious thing? It's easy to get so attached to a single skein that you never actually use it. 

Knitters are an innovative bunch. We're also hoarders. Yes, we are, you know it's true. But what a great combination that can be. Nicole Ratcliff took the basic Toddler Raglan Hoodie pattern, and modified it to invent a whole new project. Levi's Dream Jacket has a zipper, lining, contrasting edge, and best of all, is made of scrap yarn. So it's a frugal stash buster, but it's also a knitter's scrapbook.