February 2023 update

Dear Readers

It’s been under wraps for a while, but the covers are off and Nic Corrigan’s new book has been published. She set out to guide beginners and intermediate machine knitters through all the stages of Fair Isle. From personal contact, Nic and I know that everyone loves Fair Isle, but knitters of all abilities often struggle. How do we get a punchcard to the right place for the second side of neck shaping? How do we restart when we’ve made a mistake? How do we match the side seams and shape shoulders? Nic set out to give readers the confidence to work out their own Fair Isle patterns and incorporate them into any machine knit. Without a doubt she’s done it. If you’ve a punchcard machine, my best advice is to replace the Fair Isle section in your instruction manual with her book. Nic’s Machine Knit Community is packed with monthly challenges, live events and classes with guests such as Alison Dupernex and Bill King. Do join, to meet and be inspired by other machine knitters from all over the world.

Do you plan to go to The Stitch Festival this year? It takes place at the Business Design Centre in Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th March. Tickets are on sale and MKM readers can claim a discount of £2 off standard adult and concession tickets, if booked before 11.59 pm on Wednesday 22nd March 2023. Advance adult tickets are £16.50, concessions are £15 and the discount code is MKM23. For full terms, conditions and details, visit www.thestitchfestival.co.uk

            Finally, I’ve received news from Leicestershire Machine Knitters, formerly Manor House Knitting Club. It’s with much sadness they’ve learned that Jean Brotherhood, a founding member of the club, has passed away. Amongst other roles over many years, Jean was treasurer of the club and a very talented knitter, who willingly passed on her expertise to lots of new members. In the months before the pandemic hit, Jean’s health began to fail and sometimes it was difficult for her to get to meetings. Then, during lockdown, she went to live with her son Simon in Kent and sadly wasn’t able to return to her home in Leicestershire. Simon logged her into some of the club’s Zoom meetings and it was lovely for the current members to see her face-to-face again. I’ve known Jean for as long as I can remember and she was such a lovely lady. We’d often chat and put the world to rights, so I’ll miss her hugely and I know all the club members and old hands from Manor House times will, too. I send my sincere condolences to everyone who knew Jean, especially to Simon and all the family.

NEXT ISSUE April 2023

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 2nd March

On sale Thursday 9th March

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