Punchcard graph

Hi
I’m looking for a punchcard design (24 stitches wide by about 30 to 40 rows high) of a slanted guitar, suitable for a toddler’s jumper. Can anybody help please? I’ve looked through all my patterns to no avail.
Thank you in advance.
Janet

Hi Janet
Can I suggest you draw out a graph to suit your tension 24 stitches wide by however many rows you want. For example if your tension was 4 stitches and 6 rows to the inch your graph would measure 6 inches wide by 5 inches deep from top to bottom. (24 sts divided by 4 sts = 6 inches; 30 rows divided by 6 rows = 5 inches).
Draw the lines across and down to represent stitches and rows making individual squares – but use your own tension figures. This will give you an area true to the size of your knitting. Find an image of a guitar to trace or copy onto the graph then blank out all the squares that are at least three quarters covered by the outline. Each square represents a full stitch so don’t use squares where only a tiny corner is covered.
Punch out line by line onto a punchcard. This should give you a good outline of any subject just fill it in knitting with the colours of your choice. The pattern may look elongated when you punch it out on the punchcard but will knit up exactly as it appears on the graph.
It’s a bit complicated I know but worth a try if nothing else turns up.
Hope that helps
Wren
wren
2012-03-28 17:46:18
Hi Janet
Can I suggest you draw out a graph to suit your tension 24 stitches wide by however many rows you want. For example if your tension was 4 stitches and 6 rows to the inch your graph would measure 6 inches wide by 5 inches deep from top to bottom. (24 sts divided by 4 sts = 6 inches; 30 rows divided by 6 rows = 5 inches).
Draw the lines across and down to represent stitches and rows making individual squares – but use your own tension figures. This will give you an area true to the size of your knitting. Find an image of a guitar to trace or copy onto the graph then blank out all the squares that are at least three quarters covered by the outline. Each square represents a full stitch so don’t use squares where only a tiny corner is covered.
Punch out line by line onto a punchcard. This should give you a good outline of any subject just fill it in knitting with the colours of your choice. The pattern may look elongated when you punch it out on the punchcard but will knit up exactly as it appears on the graph.
It’s a bit complicated I know but worth a try if nothing else turns up.
Hope that helps
Wren
wren
2012-03-28 17:46:18

Singer Big Nine

Namely the pairs of white plastic hooked combs, which I believe were meant to do ribbing on the machine. I remember that one was used to pick up alternate stitches from the bed of the machine, – lift, then flip over and clip to it’s ‘pair’ resting on the front slot of the machine bed. But it isn’t quite that simple, I remember there was a ‘fiddly bit’ – which took me ages to grasp at the time, and which now completely escapes my memory. I would now like to get some use out of the machine, and try to get back into knitting generally, now that I have more time.
Can anyone help please? Does anyone have the instructions for using these rib combs?
Many thanks if you can help.
Regards,
Wren

Knitmaster 326

Hi
I’m hoping someone can help me. I’ve just bought a rather old Knitmaster 326 to start knitting again after several years and it seems to be minus one of the round brushes that need to be screwed onto the sinker plate to enable me to do tuck/slip/lace stitches. Does anyone have one that I can buy, or know where I can get one?

Hi re your 326 I have this machine and have bought brushes from Metropolitan but not tuck brushes so give them a try
Hilda
Hilda
2012-03-05 15:51:24
Thank you Hilda I’ve just checked the site and they have exactly what I want!
Wemada
2012-03-05 15:51:24
Hi re your 326 I have this machine and have bought brushes from Metropolitan but not tuck brushes so give them a try
Hilda
Hilda
2012-03-05 15:51:24
Thank you Hilda I’ve just checked the site and they have exactly what I want!
Wemada
2012-03-05 15:51:24

Knitmaster 700K radar stitch cards

I recently bought a Knitmaster 700K with a built in Knit Radar but the stitch scales that came with the machine are the wrong ones and should be H4-H14 approximately 13½ inches long according to the manual. I have tried all the companies and eBay without success and without the scales I can’t use the Knit Radar. Does anyone have a set please?

Have you tried Metropolitan they stock most things.
ghowes
2012-08-02 17:05:29
Have you tried Metropolitan they stock most things.
ghowes
2012-08-02 17:05:29

Cast on comb

Hi Tanna

I use a smallish screwdriver to manipulate them back into place.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-02-28 18:38:49
Thanks I will try that.
Tanna
2012-03-05 15:51:24
Hi Tanna

I use a smallish screwdriver to manipulate them back into place.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-02-28 18:38:49
Thanks I will try that.
Tanna
2012-03-05 15:51:24

Jane

Hi
I’m looking for needle retaining bars for the Knitmaster 360 and the Knitmaster ribber SRP-50, also needles for both. I live in Gravesend, Kent.

Hello Auntie Jane

Check out Trading Post on this website. Silver Reed/Knitmaster accessories are available.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-02-28 18:45:28
Hello Auntie Jane

Check out Trading Post on this website. Silver Reed/Knitmaster accessories are available.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-02-28 18:45:28

Zippy 90

I am new to machine knitting, and have purchased a cheap Zippy 90 machine, but I am unsure as to whether I have to use balls of wool or have to use cones and also if this is the case where can I buy a wool winder from? I have tried all wool shops in Derby and surrounding area, any help appreciated

Hi Shellbelle

Welcome to machine knitting.

You can use balls of yarn but you will have to rewind them so the yarn feeds through the machine smoothly. For this you will need a winder. Check Metropolitan and BSK for new ones or eBay often has secondhand ones for sale.

It is much easier to use coned yarn as it is prepared especially for knitting machines. There are quite a few places that supply cones. Uppingham Metropolitan Undy BSK Yeoman Texere are a few that come to mind. They all have websites where you can order securely.

Hope this points you in the right direction.
Kind regards Sue.

Sue P
2014-02-26 17:47:55
Hello
Actually you can use any kind of balled or coned yarn with this machine. With balled yarn just try and pull the end from the centre of ball (not the outside) and pull enough off (about three long pulls) to knit one row – depending on the width of the row of course. I’ve been using my little Zippy 90 since the late 80s and it’s great for all kinds of yarn especially mohair.
Are you in Derby City or Derbyshire? I could offer some additional help.
Best wishes
Marilyn
maribob
2014-02-26 17:47:23
Hi Shellbelle

Welcome to machine knitting.

You can use balls of yarn but you will have to rewind them so the yarn feeds through the machine smoothly. For this you will need a winder. Check Metropolitan and BSK for new ones or eBay often has secondhand ones for sale.

It is much easier to use coned yarn as it is prepared especially for knitting machines. There are quite a few places that supply cones. Uppingham Metropolitan Undy BSK Yeoman Texere are a few that come to mind. They all have websites where you can order securely.

Hope this points you in the right direction.
Kind regards Sue.

Sue P
2014-02-26 17:47:55
Hello
Actually you can use any kind of balled or coned yarn with this machine. With balled yarn just try and pull the end from the centre of ball (not the outside) and pull enough off (about three long pulls) to knit one row – depending on the width of the row of course. I’ve been using my little Zippy 90 since the late 80s and it’s great for all kinds of yarn especially mohair.
Are you in Derby City or Derbyshire? I could offer some additional help.
Best wishes
Marilyn
maribob
2014-02-26 17:47:23

Machine Knitting LIVE!

The school is on the A3060, Castle Lane West. Once you reach Castlepoint Shopping Centre on the right, continue straight. East Way is first left and Castle Gate Close is second left. Everything is on one level so disabled access is easy. Organised by machine knitters for machine knitters, Machine Knitting LIVE! really is a friendly event that welcomes everyone. This year we’ve some new exhibitors, so please support the show.

ADMISSION
Pay on the door and entrance is £6 for everyone. Children are admitted free as long as they’re supervised throughout.

DESIGNERS
This year our leading names include Iris Bishop, Sue Castro, Elaine Cater, Clair Crowston, Beryl Jarvis, Nina Miklin and Fiona Morris. Hilary also hopes to bring her collection of Busy Bee patterns.

EXHIBITORS
Apologies that at the last minute Anne Baker with Karabee designs and Carl Boyd can’t attend for health reasons. As we go to press, we look forward to welcoming the following exhibitors:

Arnold Bennett with amazing buttons
Busy Bee Hilary hopes to bring the full range of patterns to the show
Iris Bishop will have her fabulous designs and she’s our Guest Speaker
Sue Castro has innovative ideas and help for club leaders
Elaine Cater designer patterns and books
Anne Croucher will run our Knit Clinic and offer help and advice on all machines – she has 50 of her own!
Clair Crowston and her designer patterns
DesignaKnit with expert advice including the new DesignaKnit 8 from Carol at Metropolitan
Guild of Machine Knitters Frank Dineen launched the Guild at our first exhibition in Bournemouth in 1998 and it’s gone from strength to strength
B Hague & Co bring their selection of linkers, twisters, winders and accessories for all machines
David Hampson is new this year with packs of major branded yarn including Wendy, Twilleys, Stylecraft, King Cole and JC Brett. He’s hopefully recovered from his back injury
David & Phyllis Hilton bring their intarsia expertise and designs
Beryl Jarvis brings her designs, Info Sheets and DVD
Knits ‘n’ Bits Wendy Piper brings a large selection of used machines, accessories, books and patterns
MKM will bring current and back issues, Anjo patterns, La Rivière dust covers, American patterns plus binders
Metropolitan has a huge selection of machines, books, accessories and yarns including Metro Crêpe
Nina Miklin brings her luxury yarns and designer patterns
Fiona Morris has innovative patterns, yarn and notions
Silver Reed new machines and accessories are available at Metropolitan
Uppingham Yarns always has a wide range of yarns

FASHION SHOW
This year, our show is staged with lots of help and support from several clubs.

FIRST AID
In case of difficulty, members of the Talbot Division branch of St John Ambulance will be on hand all day.

GUEST SPEAKERS
We’re delighted to confirm that our Guest Speaker this year is Iris Bishop.

LEFT LUGGAGE
Members of St John Ambulance organise the Left Luggage point and your donations to their fund-raising efforts are always much appreciated.

MACHINES & ACCESSORIES
There will be new and second-hand machines, together with a wide range of accessories for all machines. If you’d like to find out more about buying and using a knitting machine or linker, come to Bournemouth for expert advice from the long-established and highly reputable Metropolitan plus B Hague & Co. A newcomer this time is Wendy Piper with Knits ‘n’ Bits – a large selection of used machines, accessories, books and patterns

REFRESHMENTS
The school’s caterers provide drinks and refreshments at very reasonable prices. We use the school dining room, so there’s lots of seating available.

TRANSPORT
Parking again is right outside the door in the school’s playground and we reserve spaces for disabled travellers just by the entrance. Coaches and mini-buses usually drop knitters to leave the driver free to look around Bournemouth. The main bus route is on the road right outside the school.

YARNS
Local stockists with a good supply of coned yarn are in short supply so if you’d like to re-stock your knitting room, you’ll find lots to tempt you. Nina Miklin brings her fabulous luxury yarns and Metropolitan will have a large range including Metro Fine French Crêpe. Uppingham Yarns always has a wide selection of popular yarn and hopefully David Hampson has recovered from his back injury. He’ll bring Wendy, Twilleys, Stylecraft, King Cole and JC Brett yarns. Arnold Bennett is now the ‘haby man’ with his button collection. It’s looking good, so please make every effort to join us this year. This is the only MK LIVE! show in 2012 and the craft really needs your support if it’s to survive.

I’m sad to see that there won’t be any shows ‘up North’ this year!
AmyA
2012-02-16 11:13:46
I am really happy to join Machine Knitting Monthly. I know that I would be able to learn how to knit from them.
Jake Reeves
2012-03-05 15:51:24

Reforming stitches for garter stitch

I am attempting the pattern Misty Morning from the Jan 2012 issue. I start with waste yarn then a row of nylon cord then the latch tool cast as per instructions. I then do the 2 rows of knit. When I start dropping the stitches to reform them the nylon cord and waste drops off. Should this happen or am I doing something wrong! Also should I leave the end stitches unreformed?
Thanks for any help!

Hi

I hope this will help you with your problem. It sounds a bit complicated but does work and you won’t drop any stitches.

Take your latch tool and push it through a stitch from the first row knitted then move the needle forward and back to release the stitch. By pushing the latch tool down you will be able to ‘un-knit’ the stitch leaving a bar which you can knit up with the latch tool and then replace this new stitch on to the needle. By inserting the latch tool first you control how many rows of stitches are undone.

To form garter stitch you only want to undo one row but the same principle applies if you want to knit up several rows to form a rib. After knitting the required number of rows you just insert the latch tool where you want the stitches to change and run the rows down to the latch tool then pick up the bars to form new stitches.

If you leave the end stitches as they are they will form an edge which is easy to sew up. The edge stitches are more fiddly to reform so it is easier to leave them.

Hope this makes sense try casting on a few stitches to start with – it’s not so frustrating if you do drop a stitch!

Kind regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-02-17 00:24:37
Hi

I hope this will help you with your problem. It sounds a bit complicated but does work and you won’t drop any stitches.

Take your latch tool and push it through a stitch from the first row knitted then move the needle forward and back to release the stitch. By pushing the latch tool down you will be able to ‘un-knit’ the stitch leaving a bar which you can knit up with the latch tool and then replace this new stitch on to the needle. By inserting the latch tool first you control how many rows of stitches are undone.

To form garter stitch you only want to undo one row but the same principle applies if you want to knit up several rows to form a rib. After knitting the required number of rows you just insert the latch tool where you want the stitches to change and run the rows down to the latch tool then pick up the bars to form new stitches.

If you leave the end stitches as they are they will form an edge which is easy to sew up. The edge stitches are more fiddly to reform so it is easier to leave them.

Hope this makes sense try casting on a few stitches to start with – it’s not so frustrating if you do drop a stitch!

Kind regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-02-17 00:24:37

Made a huge mistake! Boo Hoo!

Hi
I’ve made a huge mistake. I spilt a very strong cup of tea on my new beige sweater that I had recently finished on my bulky machine. I lovingly hand washed it even though the yarn said it was machine washable. I put it in the washer to spin and thought I’d put it in the dryer for just a minute or two and then lay it out on the bed to finish drying. I forgot it in the dryer and by the time I remembered it it had already dried and shrunk by about half. I was so upset all I could do was sit on the floor and cry. I am a guy and I don’t cry, but I did today. I had worked so hard to adapt the pattern for that sweater to be what I wanted and I was so proud of it. I took it, wet it again and tried to stretch it out. It worked some but my poor sweater will never be what it was. I know I’m not the only one who has ever had this happen to them. It makes me feel so bad and stupid that I could forget something like this.
Just thought I’d write this to try to make myself feel better.
Take care and beware of the evil dryer!
Ronny

You are not alone! We have all been there (or somewhere similar) and you have our love and sympathy.
You’ve kept the tension and stitch info I hope so just re-knit it.
ozmartian
2012-05-01 20:13:42