Machine Knitting Monthly

Dear Readers

We always go to press very early with this issue, so I usually mention things that might slip through the net. Two stalwart club leaders have handed over the baton this month and the first is Marian Timmins. She’s been a rock for machine knitting at Purl Drops MKC in Peterborough. After thirty years and due to poor health, she’s resigned as Club Chair. Hopefully she’ll be able to get along to an occasional meeting and I send Marian and the club my very best wishes. It’s now in the safe hands of Melanie O’Brien and her details are in Clubs Directory on Page 58. Melton Mowbray MKC is also saying goodbye to Karen Evans, as she relocates to Essex. Karen would like me to pass on her thanks to the club, for all the help and support she’s received whilst running it. Pat Jones has taken over and we’ve updated the club’s contact details on Page 58. Many of our clubs are doing really well right now. After the heroic efforts of Lichfield MKC last month, you’ll see on Page 10 that members of Rumney MKC in Cardiff pulled out all the stops for their recent challenge. Thanks for sending everything Chris and it’s so heartening that some members found their inspiration in the magazine.

Two other features this month have been constantly requested and the club members asking for the old pattern in Dear Anne had a discussion about it. They agreed the best place for small pattern requests was on our ‘new look’ letters page. They felt that using it as one of the main patterns isn’t fair to new readers, but it’s also not the right thing to have one copy and photocopy it many times. Also, they agreed the up-side is that it may be something useful for other readers. So this month, the flat-pack slippers and Nancy’s balaclava are on Page 13 and the so often requested dog coats are in Stash Box on Page 46.

I’ve to make sure this magazine goes out at the start of January. So, all that now remains is to send you my very best wishes and hopes for a happy, a healthy and a prosperous year ahead.

NEXT ISSUE March 2026

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 5th February

On sale Thursday 12th February

Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy or order a subscription NOW!

Dear Readers

As you’ll read in Newsline, Game of Wool on Channel 4 is shining a well-deserved spotlight on knitting. I’m very happy to share that King Cole yarns are featured throughout the series and 22 ranges have been used so far. When I spotted Merino Blend 4-ply cones in the set design, I foolishly hoped an LK-150 might make an appearance… but my fingers are still crossed. Whether you’re watching or switching channels, one thing is certain. Game of Wool has brought knitting centre stage on national television. They may be our hand-knitting cousins, but let’s all support the show, so there will be a second series… next time with machine knitters. Imagine what we could achieve in 12 hours!

Imagine also scaling down the plans of a house currently under construction and knitting a model of it. It’s an amazing project recently undertaken by members of Lichfield MKC and their story is in Spotlight on Page 48. I’m grateful to Chairman Lidia for passing on the story and to Chris for sharing all her photos.

At this time of the year, many of us reflect on the recent past and look forward to the Spring. I do wish you all a very happy New Year, which is filled with good health and contentment throughout 2026 – our 40th birthday year! Until next month, my compliments of the season to you all.

NEXT ISSUE February 2026

Subscription copies sent out Friday 2nd January as the first is New Year’s Day

On sale Thursday 9th January

Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy or order a subscription NOW!

Dear Readers

This month I usually remind you that we need to turn our attention to the kitchen in the not-too-distant future, but there’s still time for some festive knitting. This issue is always hard to plan because many of you have read the magazine for years, some have come back after a long break whilst others are very new to machine knitting. For that reason I’ve included a mix of new ideas and old favourites, hoping some of the designs will hit the spot for you.

Look beyond the actual design this month and you’ll find lots of ideas. For instance, Sleigh Ride’s Fair Isle pattern on Page 18 could easily be used for Christmas stockings or a sack, for a colourful knee rug or a scarf. If you’d like a larger size, substitute the pattern for any other Fair Isle sweater, as it’s a standard 4-ply tension. Use the bright stripes of Colour Wheel for a stocking stitch design on any machine. Mix and match Teddy Boy’s punchcard designs and try out your favourite cable from Bill King’s book on the front of Cover Slip.

In Dear Anne, June asks if one Bill’s Fisherman’s Catch patterns from last month would work for a scarf or cowl and this reminded me of a recent conversation I had with Norman Whitfield. He’s no stranger to our pages and, for years, he’s knitted some amazing things on his Passap. Right now he’s busy using up as much of his stash as possible, knitting full needle rib scarves. He takes them along to his local Food Bank, quietly hands them over and they’re tucked under the counter. When someone comes in looking especially cold, a member of staff asks if a scarf would help to keep them a bit warmer. Each scarf is received with much gratitude. Norman makes them extra-long, so they can be wrapped once or twice round the neck and I think it’s a lovely idea to spread some kindness and goodwill. For a wonderful heart-warming story, please also read Brian’s letter on Page 12.

One tradition I keep on these pages each December issue is to send you very best wishes for a happy Christmas, from everyone who helps to bring the magazine to you each month. As winter’s cold starts to bite, keep well and stay safe all of you, but most of all… knit happy!

NEXT ISSUE January 2026

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 4th December

On sale Thursday 11th December

Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy or order a subscription NOW!