News of the Ethelridge Road Knitting Salon

Lots of news from the Ethelridge Road Knitting Salon. This past week, there were two well-attended "salons' and a great "Mistakes" workshop. Upcoming events include a lace workshop this coming Sunday, February 3 and a Spinning class is in the planning stages. Lots more Salons will be added to meet a growing demand. Knitters are making some wonderful garments and the enthusiasm for knitting is palpable. It is so gratifying to share the love of this craft and to watch beautiful yarns flow through the hands of all of these knitters.
Extra Salon added this week: Thursday morning, January 31 10:30 AM
Upcoming Salons:
Fridays: February 8, 29 10:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Wednesday evening: February 13 7:30 –9:30 PM

I have finally decided to finish several of my works in progress prior to beginning any more new ones. I am inundated with both finished and unfinished things and my plans are to organize my finished ones -more than a dozen felted bowls, scarves, scarves and more scarves, hand warmers galore, socks and shawls . Many of these lovelies can easily be sold, or given as gifts to some worthy souls, in other words, to someone who will truly appreciate both the fruit of my labor and the labor of my love.
Now I can concentrate and I have already begun to attack several projects in need of completion such as my Kimono shawl from Folk Shawls, knitted tie from Knit Two Together, my gorgeous Shetland Tea Shawl from A Gathering of Lace. You get the idea and it is all part of my efforts to clean up, straighten up and organize my life so that I have, of course, more time to knit.
Once accomplished I can then and only then pursue some exciting yarn and patterns waiting in the wings. I have also finally completed some much awaited gifts - small projects promised long ago and now finally complete. I actually sleep better just knowing they are done.

Another Mindless Knit

Quick and Easy Ribbed Hat


(Yes, quick about 2 hours. So easy, I knitted it in the car in the dark. No, I wasn’t driving)
You can, however, just as easily reduce the stress and knit in a well-lit room in a non- moving vehicle, like a comfy chair by the fireplace. This one-size hat will fit the average adult.


Materials: 1 skein, Misti Alpaca, Super Chunky 3 Ply, 50% alpaca, 50% merino wool 100 gr - 55 yds
Size US 13 /9mm 16” circular needles
1 stitch marker, tapestry needle
Optional: 1 set size US 13/9mm double points (any length)

Gauge: approximately 2 sts=1”

Instructions: Cast on 36 stitches, place marker and join.

Row 1: Purl across row
Knit 4 rows
Purl 3 rows
Knit 6 rows
Purl 3 rows
Knit 4 rows
Purl 1 row

Decrease as follows:
* P4 p2 tog, repeat from * across row (30 sts)
Purl next row

Change here to double points if your work becomes too tight on the circular needles.

*K3, k 2 tog, repeat from * across row (24 sts)
Knit 2 rows
*K2, k2 tog, repeat from * across row (18 sts)
K2 tog Repeat across row (9 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving 8” tail and thread tapestry needle, draw needle thru remaining 9 sts on needle (needles, if you are on dps). Pull tight, weave in ends and wear your new and cozy hat.

For fun, experiment with the depth and number of your purl rib rows; Add a pom pom in the same or different color; or try striping your ribs.