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
Matt
Toyota KS858 and KR506
Hi
I’m new here. I bought these machines on eBay and they seem to be okay, but I just can’t get the cast-on process to work properly. It worked once on a trial run, but not since. Everything looks set-up and threaded properly, but the stitches don’t form. Can anyone give any advice please? Thanks
Hi
Sorry to hear you are having problems. The following may help.
Make sure the machine is clean.
Check that the gate pegs are upright and evenly spaced.
Check the spongebars in both beds. If the foam is flattened it will need replacing. Some people recommend using Silver Reed spongebars as replacements as Toyota ones are no longer available. Alternatively you can replace the foam with draught excluder taping round the ends to secure it.
Loosen the ribber setting screws at the ends of the beds and make sure the ribber is pushed against the mainbed as far as it will go before re-tightening them.
Check that the ribber connecting arm is seated properly – take it off and replace it making sure it sits on the positioning notches on the main carriage.
To start with try a 1×1 rib using alternate needles on each bed with the beds set at Full Pitch. Cast on with a tight tension position the comb and continue as book.
Hope this helps.
Regards Sue.
Sue P
2012-01-30 22:57:07
Thank you so much and I will do as you suggest. I do notice that the connecting bar barely sits in the notch of the ribber so perhaps this is one of the problems.
daisy8
2012-02-13 20:44:43
Hi
I’ve just thought of something else: Make sure the Simulknit Lever is set to ‘O’ and that the middle lever on the Ribber Carriage is on Empty with the other two levers on Plain. All the other levers on the Ribber Carriage should be set to ‘O’. For the first row the Main Carriage should be set for Plain knitting.
You should then get a zig zag between the beds with the yarn in the needle hooks.
Hoping this gets you started.
Regards
Sue.
I’ve just thought of something else: Make sure the Simulknit Lever is set to ‘O’ and that the middle lever on the Ribber Carriage is on Empty with the other two levers on Plain. All the other levers on the Ribber Carriage should be set to ‘O’. For the first row the Main Carriage should be set for Plain knitting.
You should then get a zig zag between the beds with the yarn in the needle hooks.
Hoping this gets you started.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2012-01-31 20:24:28
Thanks again Sue. I had made some progress since my first post. I’ve managed to use the ribber for a scarf in 2-ply wool which was going well but then again it dropped stitches suddenly. I think it must need a new sponge bar so I’m planning to look into that next.
daisy8
2012-02-13 20:45:08
Balls of wool
In a recent copy of the magazine it was mentioned that balls of wool can be used on a knitting machine but of course need to be waxed. How does one do that?
Hi
You need a wool winder and if you want to wax the yarn
a piece of a candle works well.
Find the ‘tail’ in the centre of the ball and let the yarn pass over the candle as you wind it. Wind each ball individually.
It is not always necessary to wax the yarn.
Balled yarn has a higher twist than coned yarn so you may need to knit with a looser tension.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2012-01-30 22:38:55
A knitted Father Christmas
I know Christmas has gone but I’m hoping to be able to knit one for next year and I haven’t got a pattern. Can anyone help please?
Hi
Have you searched on Google?
There are lots of websites that have knitting patterns.
Even if you found a hand knitting pattern you could probably adapt it for the machine.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2012-01-09 16:33:15
Hi
Thank you.
Thank you.
biltek akademi
2012-01-14 12:17:26
Hi
Have you searched on Google?
There are lots of websites that have knitting patterns.
Even if you found a hand knitting pattern you could probably adapt it for the machine.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2012-01-09 16:33:15
Hi
Thank you.
Thank you.
biltek akademi
2012-01-14 12:17:26
Looking for Toyota KS901 owners
I used my machine constantly for about five years and then, due to job change and 10-hour work days, put it a way for ten years. All of my support sources have closed up or moved away. I’m looking for users of Toyota machines and good sources of coned yarn. I’m also interested in buying a ribber for the KS901. Any help anyone can give will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Dianne
Hi Dianne
I have a Toyota 901 and am on the list of Knitting Buddies in MKM. I am happy to offer help and advice about this machine and machine knitting in general.
This machine will take the 501 or 506 ribbers. They sometimes are advertised on Ebay.
There are several good suppliers of yarn that advertise in MKM; Yeoman Metropolitan Undy Uppingham – they all have websites where you can purchase yarns. BSK have all their yarns for sale on Ebay. There are also other advertisers on Ebay that sell yarns some single cones and some bulk buys.
Hope this helps with your query.
Kind regards
Sue.
Sue P
2012-01-12 17:51:45
Hi Dianne
I’ve just acquired a Toyota KS901. I’ve not yet used it as I decided to give it a good clean first and my Bellador oil has only just arrived. I can’t wait though. I don’t have much experience with machine knitting I just have a Bond and a KM302 so both quite basic machines.
Maybe we could set up a KS901 on-line group? I don’t suppose many machine knitters would use Facebook so may be we could have a yahoo group?
Amy
I’ve just acquired a Toyota KS901. I’ve not yet used it as I decided to give it a good clean first and my Bellador oil has only just arrived. I can’t wait though. I don’t have much experience with machine knitting I just have a Bond and a KM302 so both quite basic machines.
Maybe we could set up a KS901 on-line group? I don’t suppose many machine knitters would use Facebook so may be we could have a yahoo group?
Amy
AmyA
2012-02-13 20:59:42
There is a group of Toyota knitters at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotaknitters/
AmyA
2012-02-13 20:59:42
Hi Dianne I acquired a couple of Toyota 901 machines in January. I am still learning but having a great time at it. The yahoo group mentioned above is a great group. They helped me get one of my machines cleaned and up and running through posts as i had never met a knitting machine before. Helpful and great people. I also purchased one of my machines from Newton’s. They sell new and used ribbers. They were also great to deal with. Here is the link:
http://www.newtons.com/
Happy knitting…….Linda in VT
Linda888
2012-03-16 16:23:33
Hi
I’m having a right mare trying to set up my Toyota KS901. I’ve followed the manual down to a T changed the sponge bar and checked for any loose threads round the wheels and brushes but still cannot get it to knit! It’s driving me crazy! I’m not a total novice when it comes to machine knitting either as I took a course at University. I just really want it up and running asap for upcoming projects! I’ve just joined the above group in hope that someone on there can help me too! My email is jade.clark1@btinternet.com if anyone can offer any advice!
Thank you Jade
I’m having a right mare trying to set up my Toyota KS901. I’ve followed the manual down to a T changed the sponge bar and checked for any loose threads round the wheels and brushes but still cannot get it to knit! It’s driving me crazy! I’m not a total novice when it comes to machine knitting either as I took a course at University. I just really want it up and running asap for upcoming projects! I’ve just joined the above group in hope that someone on there can help me too! My email is jade.clark1@btinternet.com if anyone can offer any advice!
Thank you Jade
jadeclark
2013-05-03 11:00:05
Hi Dianne
I have a Toyota 901 and am on the list of Knitting Buddies in MKM. I am happy to offer help and advice about this machine and machine knitting in general.
This machine will take the 501 or 506 ribbers. They sometimes are advertised on Ebay.
There are several good suppliers of yarn that advertise in MKM; Yeoman Metropolitan Undy Uppingham – they all have websites where you can purchase yarns. BSK have all their yarns for sale on Ebay. There are also other advertisers on Ebay that sell yarns some single cones and some bulk buys.
Hope this helps with your query.
Kind regards
Sue.
Sue P
2012-01-12 17:51:45
Hi Dianne
I’ve just acquired a Toyota KS901. I’ve not yet used it as I decided to give it a good clean first and my Bellador oil has only just arrived. I can’t wait though. I don’t have much experience with machine knitting I just have a Bond and a KM302 so both quite basic machines.
Maybe we could set up a KS901 on-line group? I don’t suppose many machine knitters would use Facebook so may be we could have a yahoo group?
Amy
I’ve just acquired a Toyota KS901. I’ve not yet used it as I decided to give it a good clean first and my Bellador oil has only just arrived. I can’t wait though. I don’t have much experience with machine knitting I just have a Bond and a KM302 so both quite basic machines.
Maybe we could set up a KS901 on-line group? I don’t suppose many machine knitters would use Facebook so may be we could have a yahoo group?
Amy
AmyA
2012-02-13 20:59:42
There is a group of Toyota knitters at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotaknitters/
AmyA
2012-02-13 20:59:42
Hi Dianne I acquired a couple of Toyota 901 machines in January. I am still learning but having a great time at it. The yahoo group mentioned above is a great group. They helped me get one of my machines cleaned and up and running through posts as i had never met a knitting machine before. Helpful and great people. I also purchased one of my machines from Newton’s. They sell new and used ribbers. They were also great to deal with. Here is the link:
http://www.newtons.com/
Happy knitting…….Linda in VT
Linda888
2012-03-16 16:23:33
Hi
I’m having a right mare trying to set up my Toyota KS901. I’ve followed the manual down to a T changed the sponge bar and checked for any loose threads round the wheels and brushes but still cannot get it to knit! It’s driving me crazy! I’m not a total novice when it comes to machine knitting either as I took a course at University. I just really want it up and running asap for upcoming projects! I’ve just joined the above group in hope that someone on there can help me too! My email is jade.clark1@btinternet.com if anyone can offer any advice!
Thank you Jade
I’m having a right mare trying to set up my Toyota KS901. I’ve followed the manual down to a T changed the sponge bar and checked for any loose threads round the wheels and brushes but still cannot get it to knit! It’s driving me crazy! I’m not a total novice when it comes to machine knitting either as I took a course at University. I just really want it up and running asap for upcoming projects! I’ve just joined the above group in hope that someone on there can help me too! My email is jade.clark1@btinternet.com if anyone can offer any advice!
Thank you Jade
jadeclark
2013-05-03 11:00:05
You’ve created a monster ! (LOL)
Dear Anne
Thank you so much for printing my letter and photo in the Dec issue of MKM. I must admit, I can’t stand a braggard but I’ve shown the issue to every friend and relative I have – whilst wearing the sweater of course. (ROFL) I even took it to the local JoAnn’s and Hobby Lobby – two craft stores I use a lot and am friendly with the staff. I even got an invitation to demonstrate a Bond machine (paid of course) at the Hobby Lobby. The interest the photo caused and the oohs over the sweater I was wearing have added an Ultimate Sweater Machine to quite a few people’s Santa wish list, I’m sure. (LOL) Anyway, thank you so much for this. It’s done more for my ego and has been better for my Sunlight Deprivation Depression than a case of the best anti-depressant drug they could give me. (ROFL)
Best regards and may you all have a VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON ! ! !
Ronny Woods
PS – I have to get back to my machine. With only a few more days till Christmas, I still have a list of things I want to make to give as gifts. I always plan a lot more than I can possibly do and am I alone in this or do I have a lot of similar overloaded friends? Well I’ll do what I can and give a token gift and and IOU card to the ones I don’t have time to get to. (ROFL)
Liverpool knitting club needs members!
Want to learn a new skill or maintain an existing one whilst knitting for charity? If the answer is ‘yes’ then why not join the north Liverpool machine knitting club, also known as Knit Wits. Members meet every Wednesday from 7.00 to 9.00 pm at the YMCA in Park Street, Bootle L20 9AD. Everyone is welcome!
Arts Alive – Melissa Warren knitting courses
I am trying to create interest in using the knitting machine as a creative tool. I also run sessions at my workshop, please contact me for details.
melissa@melissawarren.co.uk
www.melissawarren.co.uk
www.lemonblues.co.uk
www.craftmaker.co.uk/melissawarren
Tip for making an easy gauge swatch
I used to have trouble when I made my gauge swatch counting the number of rows and stitches, especially if I used a furry or bouclé yarn. To solve this problem I cast on at least 20 more stitches and knit about 10 to 15 rows. At this point I tie on a brightly coloured contrast yarn on the stitches just prior to my gauge stitches. For example, if the gauge is 20 stitches and 30 rows to 4 inches I put the yarn on the 9th row and the 9th stitch and the 21st stitch (this is based on knitting 40 stitches for the whole piece). I then knit the 30 rows and place the marker again on the 31st row and the 9th and 21st stitch. I knit a few more rows, take the piece off the machine and stretch it a bit and let it settle. It’s absolutely essential to let it settle for a few hours and overnight is best if you can wait that long. When I measure the piece I just measure inside the coloured scrap pieces and adjust from there and this method has never let me down.
Hope it helps someone and good luck with your knitting.
Ronny
Cant wait to start The Casual Comfort pattern
Hi
I hope everyone who lives there in England is safe and well in the troubled times you have had recently. I just received my September issue and every time I look through it (which is a lot) I think about you all and say a prayer for you.
I am really excited to start the Casual Comfort pattern in the new issue. I have been looking for a pattern that would be fairly quick and easy to give to some of my loved ones for Christmas. I am planning to make several for a few of my nieces and also one for myself and another friend. I really like these kinds of pattern because with a little tweaking it can be made for a girl or a guy (me). A little shorter in length and a little less of a collar and I think it would make a great sweater for a man. I will probably also make the collar into a hood for the one for me. I always get inspired when I get my issue of MKM and love to work the patterns even if I have to change them a little if I want to make something that was originally designed for a woman.
I am also working on developing a sleepwear set to give as gifts. I am using a sport weight silk thread and plan to make drawstring pants and a Henley top to go with it. I have looked and looked for a pattern for a knitted set like this and have never found one. Sleepwear or lounge sets are very popular here in the USA and most are made of flannel or T-shirt material. I think a set knitted on my standard gauge machine would be great. I’ll send pictures if I get the pattern worked out. Sometimes my great ideas don’t work out to well if I don’t have a pattern to at least start from. LOL
Take care
Ronny
You’ve kept the tension and stitch info I hope so just re-knit it.