Machine Knitting Monthly

Dear Readers

If you live within travelling distance of Nottingham, do join us at West Park Leisure Centre in Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton NG10 4AA. This year our show is on Sunday 14th April and Guest Speakers are Sue Booth at 11.30 am, Erica Thomson at 2.00 pm The lectures cost an extra £1 each, numbers are limited so please book in advance and I look forward to seeing all those who can join us.

As we put the finishing touches to our Nottingham Show, I need to let you know that this will be the last time we’ll see Wendy Piper with her Knits ‘n’ Bits. After enjoying just one grandchild for many years, two more popped along a short while ago. Both mums and babies are now well, but there was a huge scare for the family when one baby almost didn’t survive. We all know that Wendy has had her own health problems over the years and she’s absolutely fine, but now wants to spend as much time as possible with her family. She’s talked it over with her husband and they’ve decided to cease trading. To this end, she’s already closed down most of her business and no longer has a business card machine or bank account. I’ve asked her to come to Nottingham to say bye-bye to us and she’s agreed. She’ll bring remaining stock and if you’d like to take advantage of huge discounts and bargains one last time, you’ll have to come along to the show with cash.

I’ve had news from the Scottish Machine Knitters that their Spring Workshop takes place at the Parklands Centre, Alva FK12 5BG on 13th April 2019 from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Demonstrations run throughout the day and they’ll have a special area set aside for beginners. Tea and coffee will be available, but please bring your own packed lunch. Tickets on the door cost £5 for members, £8 for non-members and you can find out more if you visit www.scottishmachineknitters.org.uk

Life has taken one or two surprising turns recently, as I quietly celebrate publishing the magazine for 33 years. As you read this, you must share the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve played your own individual part in keeping the magazine and our craft alive. At times it’s not been an easy journey for me, but between us we’ve held together the craft we love. My very sincere thanks to you all, for your enduring help and support over the years.

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May 2019

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 4th April

On sale Thursday 11th April

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Dear Readers

It’s been a sad month, as I’ve had to say goodbye to two very close friends. The first is Sue Pritchard, who has been one of our Knitting Buddies and an MKM contributor for more years than I can remember. Sue has battled for such a long time with cancer and it’s brought huge sadness to those who knew her to learn that her long-lasting fight has finally come to an end. My second loss may well come as a shock to those who are current or past members of the Guild of Machine Knitters and it’s the sad passing of Diane Leverton. We were fellow Directors of the Guild and many saw her as recently as the AGM last year, after which she retired as Secretary and Clubs Co-ordinator. Diane hadn’t been in the best of health for a number of years but, like Sue, she fought serious health difficulties with a huge amount of determination and courage. Both Sue and Diane had much to fill their lives and willingly passed on their knowledge and skills for the benefit of us all. I’m sure you’ll join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to all their surviving family members and many close friends.

Last month I promised you an update on a small light which Brenda and Doug Bristow found on their travels. It’s a drum around four inches tall, about an inch across and the 15 tiny LED lights are in a block on a flexible four-inch long stem, which twists and turns in any direction. It stands on any magnetic base, including a knitting machine needlebed, to give masses of illumination. I haven’t used it continuously, but it’s still running on the three triple A batteries supplied. If your sight isn’t as good as it used to be and for super-clear illumination in any dark spots, give Brenda a call now at Heatherwood on 01293-851339.

Finally, it’s time to invite you to take part in our annual lucky dip for a free ticket for the Nottingham Show. It’s at West Park Leisure Centre in Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton NG10 4AA on Sunday 14th April and details are on Page 41. Send an sae about 12 x 17 cm (5 x 7 in) marked Nottingham in the top left hand corner to Machine Knitting Monthly, PO Box 1479, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 8YX. For this show to survive we need the footfall through the doors, so it’s even more important to make the extra effort to join us this year.

Do please join me next month, as every one of us can take personal pride in celebrating the 33rd birthday of MKM. It’s a huge achievement, for which we should all be immensely proud.

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April 2019 – our 33rd birthday issue

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 7th March

On sale Thursday 14th March

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Dear Readers

It’s incredible to think that we’re at the start of another new year and it’s time to get into gear again for our two shows. This year they swap places so first we return to West Park Leisure Centre in Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton NG10 4AA for the Nottingham Machine Knitting Show on Sunday 14th April. Following your overwhelming endorsement, our Bournemouth Show will return to last year’s popular autumn slot and take place on Saturday 5th October at Bournemouth School for Girls in Castle Gate Close, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth BH8 9UJ. Please make diary dates to join us and help me to keep the flag flying for machine knitting.

I now have an apology to make to all our readers patiently waiting for the next part of Rachel Mayer’s DesignaKnit series. She previously showed us how to make some changes to the shape and size of a garment, such as shortening sleeves and adding a bit of ease, but she also explained that there are limits. Next month she’ll show us how to make fundamental changes in Original Pattern Drafting, such as knitting a waterfall front. As before we’ll split it over two months, so the pictures are large and clear for you to follow.

Do turn to Newsline this month to read about some small lights that Brenda and Doug Bristow found on their recent travels. I reckon they’ll make a huge difference to life in general for many of us. Brenda still teaches at Heathercraft and recently was giving a lesson when, to put it politely, she ‘made a bit of a mess’ trying to pick up some stitches. Like many of us, her eyesight isn’t as sharp as it used to be, so she was amazed to find this small light with potentially hundreds of uses. It’s around five inches tall and about an inch across and it stands on any magnetic base, including a knitting machine needlebed. The bulb has 15 tiny LED lights to give masses of illumination where we need it most. Doug has one in his workroom when he’s repairing machines and another in the garage when he’s messing about with the car. One has found its way into Brenda’s kitchen and there’s another by the side of the bed for reading at night. As the base is quite small Brenda stands it on something such as a larger metal jam jar lid, to give a bit more support when used on a table or anywhere without a magnetic surface. To test it, Brenda said they’d had about seven or eight hours continuous use from one set of three decent-quality triple A batteries. However, they switched to rechargeable batteries a long time ago and they’re ideal. I’m intrigued and one is already on its way to me, so I’ll let you know how I get on with it next month. Until then, let’s look forward to a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead for us all.

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March 2019

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 7th February

On sale Thursday 14th February

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