Mouse is a transitional object, used in work by the Parental Engagement Network - the idea is that children help Mouse to become ready for school and in so doing, become themselves more school ready.

But it’s COLD in Manchester and so Mouse needs to learn to put on a coat - or two. :)

(I’m doing research with this group and offered to make the coats).

If anyone would like to make a coat for Mouse, I’d be happy to pass the coats on or you could send them directly to PEN.

My pattern:

DK yarn/wool. 5mm needles.

CO 40 stitches.
Work one row (all rows K).
K 9, inc 1, place stitch marker, K 1, place stitch marker, knit to 11 before the end, inc 1, place stitch marker, inc one, place stitch marker.

Knit every row; on alternate rows, inc 1 before and after each stitch marker. K 10 rows. (5 ridges)

Continuing with the increase shaping, also decrease one stitch each end, every other row. K 10 rows.

Now, either:

(Knit to centre 10 stitches, cast these off, knit to the end.

Graft together the tops of the sleeves)

Or:
(Cast off all stitches. Sew up tops of sleeves, matching them so that the centre 10 stitches are not included).

The centre 10 stitches are the back of the neck.

Scarf.

With whatever wool and needles are to hand, CO enough stitches to be either half an inch across or 18 inches long.

Then knit either till piece measures 18 inches long, or is half an inch wide. Cast off.

(The chances are high that children involved in the project will have younger siblings, so tassels are probably best avoided).