I've found a few free puppet patterns online that builders have been so kind to share.  Is it OK to use parts of their patterns in kits that I will be selling at a workshop?  For instance, I was considering using the foam head pattern, but then adding fabric and other features to the kit. 
Before I do this, I guess I just wanted to be sure that it was OK.  Keep in mind, that these are FREE patterns offered online.
Thanks!
Sara

Just because the patterns are free in a since they are copyrighted. The owner of the pattern has the rights to decide what you do with it. Usually if you are using it as a teaching tool or for your own personal use there is no problem. However if you are planning on using them to resell it is common courtesy to ask permission first from the owner. In most cases he/she will say it is OK. Some may require that you add there name to the packaging or a link to where you got the pattern.
I try to keep in my mind that nothing is free, if you are selling it, then it must have cost something some where down the line.

Billy D.

OK, thanks Billy! 

Which patterns?

I forgot the name of the site put it's a popular puppet pattern selling site.  They put it best. The patterns belong to the the person or company who make's them.  The created puppet is yours to do with as you please.  As Billy said if it's posted for a price or free it's still their pattern.  For example Dr Puppet posted a puppet pattern on his site for five bucks. Even if he posted  it for free I think he would care just as much if someone else was selling his pattern. Also I agree share the pattern =)

Thanks guys!  There are a few that I've been considering.  This workshop simply wants a very simply "kit" that attendees can purchase to make at home.  So...I was looking at the Blue Boy pattern (with some modifications), and I also contacted Bashful Puppets about his free head pattern for Joshua Junebug.  I haven't heard back from him yet, but I may just decide to make up my own, since I don't want to cross any lines.   His free pattern is only for the foam head, so most of the kit would be my own design.  But..if I don't hear from him, I won't even consider it.
Thanks for all your input! 
Sara

I really think you would be fine with the Blue Boy pattern.  I am not even sure that anyone really "owns" that pattern and it is pretty basic. You are right to ask Bashful about is Joshua Junebug and I bet he'll tell you it is ok.   If not why not simply include the puppets and stuff URL in your hand out material so your workshop folks can get on-line and check it out. 

Let's face it you are holding workshops to help folks learn to make a puppet and you are looking for hand outs that you can give them to take home and work on their own.  Teachers and workshop leaders have been doing that for years and often that content is stuff they have found for free and simply copied off.

I think that usually the web where you can find the pattern or instructions explains what "for free" means for the copyright owner; for instance at puppetbuilder  http://www.puppetbuilder.com/info/index.html

you can read "I'm sharing some of my class notes here and ask that people respect my copyrights. These notes and diagrams are intended to aid you with your own puppet building. Do not use them in workshops. Do not publish them in any books, articles or newsletters. Do not copy them to your own Web site or reproduce them in any way. Thank you for respecting my copyrights"

I think that you should check at the original source of the pattern

Yes, thanks to all of you.
Bashful puppets did respond and gave me permission to use the free head pattern.  However, I am in the process of making my own pattern that I can sell inside a fabric kit.  It is a small sized puppet, that will be very basic.  I've got the head finished...now for the fabric! 
I will include Bashful's free head pattern, as well as, the Blue Boy pattern in my workshop binders...just as samples of what can be found online.  Otherwise, I'm going with my own pattern for the kits.
Thanks so much for all of your suggestions and info.
God Bless!
Sara