Friday, October 29, 2010

We had a great Salon this morning. For those who joined us and for those who missed it, some of the techniques we covered in our increase tutorial can be found on the Berocco videos shown on their e-newsletter: http://www.berroco.com/knitbits/html/KB368.html You may also wish to check out some of the following websites and blogs as well for some free patterns and resources .
  • Check out the fabulous free patterns offered weekly from classiceliteyarns.blogspot.com. Classic Elite offers outstanding free patterns this week's cowl is no exception. It's the kind of design you will find here. I recommend signing up for their weekly webletter. I had some of my baby hats featured last year and I love how they present designs and offer easy to follow instructions. I think you will too. http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/newsletter.php
  • Be Sweet Yarns offers lots of fabulous yarns including their eco-friendly, anti-bacterial and machine washable Bamboo. We are expecting a shipment of this beautiful yarn here at the Salon. It is the perfect baby blanket fiber and makes adorable soft hats as well. I think you will love their blog as well. http://waggledancing.wordpress.com/

Lastly, stay tuned for more details about the upcoming Crafts Show at our home, November 20 and 21. For those who have been here lately, you may have noticed that we have covered almost every available surface with ceramics. We are preparing our textiles as well. We are slowly organizing and will present a display of some of our very finest pieces. Please join us for this event. Delicious homemade refreshments will be served as usual and you and your friends are all welcome to attend.

Monday, October 18, 2010

At the NY State Sheep and Wool Festival






What a delightful day in Rhinebeck today for the NY State Sheep and Wool Festival. Not only did we have perfect weather but the atmosphere was festive and the exhibits most inviting.

I was particularly taken by model Brighet, left. at Christine Fromm's booth. Christine creates the most beautiful and fashion forward designs with recycled woolens. I loved the hats (lots of felted versions) and the dresses. Check her out at www.frommdesigns.com

Of course, there were many friends to be seen. Some really friendly wooly types seen here below and some knitterly types (above right)who inspired me even more.











And, I finally got to meet knitmammy as she is known on Ravelry and am excited that she will make me some stitch markers using some of my mother's very special beads. Her stitch markers are delightful. http://chickenstitches.blogspot.com/

I did succumb and buy some beautiful yarn- Gaia Lace, a handpainted cashmere silk blend from The Sanguine Gryphon They had a pair of the most beautiful lace fingerless gloves that just must be knitted. www.sanguinegryphon.com

We also saw some stunning cashmere scarves at Springtide Farm www.springtidefarm.com, a Maine purveyor of fine cashmere. Alas, they were sold out of their very beautiful and extremely fine cashmere. We will definitely head there earlier next year to make sure we get some of their exceptional and exquisite yarn.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Learn to Crochet and more


This month's Salons www.ethelridgeroadknittingsalon will be highlighting skills to add to your knitting repertoire. On Thursday evening, October 14, we will have a crochet tutorial to teach you some stitch basics. Even if you have never used a hook, this quick lesson will provide you with the skills to trim a garment or crochet a simple cotton face cloth like the one shown here.

Two weeks later, on
Friday morning, October 29, we will tackle increases and show you how to K1fb, m1 and yo.

Join us at the Salon where knitters of all levels are welcome. There's lots of assistance, wonderful yarns and tools, great patterns too. Bring your projects, start a new one, get help or be inspired.