Dear Readers

Dear Readers

Autumn is a busy time of year, as we settle down to some serious knitting and, with perfect timing, Yeoman Yarns has a fabulous offer for us. From 5th to 31st October, we can save 10% on all our yarn purchases from Yeoman Yarns. It’s a huge saving, but you need to use the code MKM10 with no spaces and typing a zero ‘0’ not a capital ‘O’. Do fill any gaps now, as the code won’t work outside of these dates. It’s also not one of those offers that runs on… and on… and never ends. When it’s gone, it’s gone!

I caught up with Nic Corrigan at the Machine Knit Community recently and felt so envious of the 16 machine knitters who spent six days on a Machine Knitting Retreat in West Yorkshire. The organisation was lots of hard work for Nic and her team, but the camaraderie made it a really special time for everyone. You can read all about it in Clubline on Page 10 and the Machine Knit Community is a very special place. You’ll find full details at www.machineknit.community

Saving on fuel for economy and ecology has been a topic for some time and dressing warmly instead of cranking up the heating is something we can all do. Karin Rogalski has been working on some new ideas because, as she reminds us, mittens or gloves covering our fingertips are none too practical for doodling on a smartphone! Her designs for keeping our hands and wrists warm will include all machines, with or without patterning devices or ribbers. Her mini-series will start next month, so it’s time to head for your stash! If you turn to Dear Anne on Page 12, you’ll see a letter Karin sent, letting us know about Sue from Knit It Now. Sue is collecting data about machine knitting clubs and tells us how every UK club could be highlighted on the map. To put your mind at rest, she uses a secure way to pass on the information without disclosing personal details, so do check it out at www.knititnow.com

Also in Dear Anne I’ve included a special request for anyone who might have a ribber to sell for a Brother KH260. A while ago I worked with Sally on a charitable project and she generously gave away lots of her machines and accessories to a very worthy cause. Yes, you’ve guessed, she’s now in need of a ribber herself. If you can help, please give me a call and I’ll put you in touch. By now, you all know my reluctance to launch into Christmas when this issue goes to press in September. However, I promise to include lots of seasonal ideas and patterns next month so, until then, happy knitting our way.

NEXT ISSUE December 2023

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 2nd November

On sale Thursday 9th November

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Dear Readers

I’ve had fun this month, keeping up with Bill King and his latest project. It started off when he sent me the photo, on Page 54, of hanks of yarn drying in the sun. I loved it and asked him to tell me more. It seems he was given a raw fleece and decided to have a go at spinning some yarn. Having not used his spinning wheel for a long time he admits he was a bit rusty. However, the hypnotic pleasure of drawing out the carded fleece soon took over. He admits the yarn was rather uneven, but there was huge satisfaction in watching the hanks of yarn pile up. He plied two ends of his spun yarn together and was fully intending to hand knit it, but set off in a different direction before he found a pair of needles.

A trip to his freezer revealed some damsons and black currants that needed using. Then, inspired (of course!) by Alison’s article last month, he was side-tracked into a colour change. Having dyed the hanks with the fruit, such was his excitement to see it knitted, he abandoned thoughts of rather slow hand knitting in favour of his chunky machine.

It’s a matter of opinion, but I agree with Bill that machine knitting can be compatible with hand-spun yarn. However, feeding the yarn manually rather than threading it through the tension mast helps to take away some of the mechanised neatness of machine knitting. The uneven nature of the dye, with some hanks taking more colour than others, changed the colour of Bill’s original raw fleece to a lovely Ombré dusky purplish grey. Turn to Page 11 and you’ll see him wearing his new sweater. I asked him (nicely!) to tell me what he’d done and he’s sent me the basics. I’ve turned it into a pattern, hoping it may inspire some of you to try something a bit different and it’s coming in our October issue.

This month Bill turns his hand to some amazing stitch transfer patterns with his much-loved 7-prong tool and Alison has been knitting a wall of colour. Barbara’s stunning jacket and skirt is an all-time classic and next month they’ll be joined by Susan Guagliumi. She’s sent us two gorgeous sweaters – one is a boxy tweed sweater and the other is a top with a twist. The fronts are knitted extra-long, then grafted together at the back neck. The extra length is given a quick twist before it’s slipped over the head, to create a draped, scarf-like front. You’ll love both designs and we’re so fortunate to have la crème de la crème in the magazine. Until next time, knit happy!

NEXT ISSUE October 2023

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 7th September

On sale Thursday 14th September

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Dear Readers

After the cold, wet and miserable start to the year, hosepipe bans are a sure sign that summer has arrived, so I’ve included some pretty tops this time. Adapt them to suit your mood, stash or machine. If time is short, use variegated yarn for instant colour. Change a cable into a lace panel and remember that a row of lace holes over alternate needles is a great way to break up a simple stripe. With the prospect of fine weather and the inevitable clutter in the garden rather than the kitchen, why not join Alison Dupernex and her ideas for hand dyeing with indigo.

It always seems to be this time of the year when you ask me for details about TWAM (Tools With A Mission). Each year, this Christian charity sends around 20 containers filled with over 300 tonnes of refurbished tools to support local people in their own community. TWAM will take manual, electric and treadle sewing machines, knitting machines including yarn and needles, lots of haberdashery such as needles, cottons, large material pieces or rolls of fabric plus buttons and zips. They’ll also take tools for agricultural workers, builders, carpenters, electricians, motor mechanics and plumbers, as well as power tools and items from workshops. Children’s educational books are also passed on. Tools with a Mission is at 2 Bailey Close, Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0UD. Call them on 01473-210220 or visit www.twam.uk

Patricia Dadson runs the Knitaholics club in Romford and there’s a thriving machine knitting community in that part of Essex. Her sad news, just too late for last month’s magazine, was that Edwina Dunham passed away at the end of May aged 73 years. Edwina had been in hospital after a fall and then suffered a stroke. She’ll be missed by all the Essex clubs, as she not only supplied their machines but was willing to demonstrate and deal with problems. Her husband Roy always went with her and he was equally very helpful. We send sincere condolences to Edwina’s family and all those who knew her.

Until next time, have a sunny month and knit happy!

NEXT ISSUE September 2023

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 3rd August

On sale Thursday 10th August

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Dear Readers

I very much enjoy keeping up with Nic Corrigan and her Machine Knit Community (www.mkc.community). Her inclusive, supportive community inspires knitters of all levels through classes, talks and workshops with leading designers and practitioners. Whether you’re a complete beginner, someone returning to their machine or an experienced knitter looking for a challenge, the community has lots to offer. There are workshops you can take at your own pace and step-by-step videos to get you started. Enjoy free technique classes, talks, KALs, challenges and masterclasses, along with access to a global international community. You’ll recognise familiar names such as our own Alison Dupernex, Bill King and Claire Newberry. Along with them and other MKC guest presenters is Kandy Diamond. She’s a designer, artist and senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. Kandy teaches across the knitwear and textiles BA courses and she’s also one of MKC’s guest presenters.

Crowood Press has just published her book Discovering Machine Knitting, to help demystify our craft. For years, newbies have been crying out for a book that explains how a machine works, how stitches are formed and how we shape to make garments. Each chapter focuses on different skills and there are lots of projects to put the expertise into practice and make knits for yourself. At the end of each chapter, Kandy includes designer profiles to showcase the work of professional machine knitters. She hopes to inspire newbies and celebrate the huge potential for creativity in machine knitting. From troubleshooting and looking after the machine, to using advanced techniques such as intarsia and shaping, her book will help beginners fall in love with their knitting machine. If you work through all the step-by-step instructions and projects in her book, you’ll be designing and knitting your own garments by the end of it.

Publisher Crowood Press (www.crowood.com) Edition Paperback ISBN 978-0-71984-199-6 Size 215 x 260 mm Pages 160 Price £16.99

Readers of Machine Knitting Monthly cover every age group and level of experience anyone can imagine. So if you’re one of our newbies and need a gentle, helping hand, head for Nic’s Machine Knit Community. Make sure you’ve a copy of Kandy’s book close by. They’ll light up your machine knitting journey and fill you with the joy of our craft. Until next month, knit happy!

NEXT ISSUE August 2023

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 6th July

On sale Thursday 13th July

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Dear Readers

It’s been a busy month and we’ve some exciting new items in the magazine, so let’s look at some of them. Read all about Bill King’s new book on Page 10. It’s called Cables and if you’ve met him, you’ll sense the joy and enthusiasm he’s had writing it. Each time a lovely new book comes my way, I’m torn to decide which one to take to the desert island. I’ll have to change the rules and take eight books and one track, plus the luxury of all the machines and paraphernalia I’m allowed. I’m not sure what the music will be, but I guess I’ll have the noise of the sea lapping the shore to keep me company!

Claire Newberry’s new Blog Spot is on Page 47. One month she’ll focus on DesignaKnit and then keep us up-to-date with her blog. We don’t often hear about a designer’s life behind the scenes, so I’m looking forward to having a sneak peek! One such glimpse comes courtesy of Diane Wharton, who’s written an eBook about elongated stitches. Elaine Cater mentioned it and we both agreed that it doesn’t cut across the incredible work of Susan Guagliumi. Diane’s ideas are quite different and can be used, for example, in small projects such as edgings. Perhaps club leaders in need of something new might like to take a look and the details are on Page 48. By the way, Elaine’s club is hosting a talk and demonstration by Bill King in June and details are on Page 11.

Our final surprise is an insight into the amazing work of fashion designer Steven Jünemann, who uses domestic knitting machines for his international collections. For a month or two he’s giving us a glimpse of his current designs. With all that’s in this month’s magazine, I doubt you’ll be searching for much more inspiration!

Finally, let me mention that The Wool Cabin has had a low profile in the magazine for a while. David Hampson had a fall last November, that’s left him with health issues and a fair number of medical appointments. His son Jason is running the shop, in between keeping a close eye on his father. His regular lines and bargain buys are always popular. For opening times or any requests, call Jason on 07553-847483 or email hamps1971@hotmail.com and put The Wool Cabin in the subject box. The shop will be back in the magazine next month and, in the meantime, I send my best wishes to Dave for a speedy and lasting recovery. Until next month, happy reading!

NEXT ISSUE June 2023

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 4th May

On sale Thursday 11th May

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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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Dear Readers

This issue always arrives when mounds of Easter eggs replace piles of sprouts in the supermarket. We always have to go to press very early, so let me remind you of one or two things which may slip through the net.

Pat Banyard Smith is Chairman of Long Buckby Machine Knitters and the club is preparing to welcome Bill King in April. If you’ve not visited the club before, you can look forward to a lovely afternoon in the company of fellow knitters. It’s a very friendly group, with the kettle on for free tea and coffee when you arrive. Bill is an absolute genius on a knitting machine and everyone can look forward to an afternoon of magic. Take your own lunch and spend time browsing around the tables, before Bill’s demonstration and talk. They welcome other clubs, so if you fancy a day out, you’ll receive a very warm welcome. There’s no need to pre-book tickets, but do let Pat know you’re coming so she can make you especially welcome. All the details are in Clubline on Page 11.

We’ve some splendid plans for next month’s magazine, including a fabulous feature from Ruth Horrocks. She’ll show us how to move a 24-stitch punchcard design or electronic pattern diagonally across a garment. If you can’t wait, she published her book last month, so it’s now available. You’ll find details on Page 45, or visit www.chartingheaven.co.uk

Are you a member of the Machine Knit Community? It’s a fabulous online space for machine knitters of all abilities. Nic Corrigan and her team will help you to become the machine knitter you want to be. Members have access to a treasure house of all previous live events, with guest speakers and classes from Bill King, Ria Burns, Marie Bruhat, Alison Dupernex, Kandy Diamond and many more. Nic offers modern designer-level knitting patterns, step-by-step classes and a superb online support network. You’ll find her at www.machineknit.community and it’s a place to meet and be inspired by other machine knitters from all over the world. If you’re a current member, you’ll have heard Nic’s splendid news… but, I’m not going to spill the beans just yet. Hopefully you’ll read all about it in next month’s magazine, so don’t miss our March issue.

NEXT ISSUE

March 2023

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 2nd February

On sale Thursday 9th February

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Dear Readers

Last time I promised you confessions of an Editor and Joan Lafferty’s words are ringing in my ears. In her article this month she can ‘guarantee that more haste means less speed’ and, of course, she’s absolutely right. Our grand-daughter needed a new hat and scarf, similar to the set we’d previously knitted on my LK-150. She looked through my stash and fell in love with the Raspberry shade in King Cole Bramble DK. She was raring to go, so who needs a tension swatch? I cast on and she merrily knitted. It all seemed a bit big, but foolishly we kept going. She went off, leaving me to gather in the stitches at the top and join the seam. I can’t believe I actually sat and made it all up, because it was far too big. I’d no option than to unpick the lot and start again. The scarf was to be as long as the remaining yarn would allow so I’d none to spare, as she now wanted a ‘really big’ bobble on her hat.

I searched every nook and cranny for my pompon set but it was no-where to be found. Back to the machine I went, to push a couple of needles forward and wind the yarn round and round them. With the needles pulled together to capacity, I tied yarn round the centre then slid the yarn off gingerly and cut round the edges. Making a bobble this way and mindful of my machine’s needles, I didn’t pull the central yarn as tightly as needed and the whole lot fell apart. I’d to line up ‘hundreds’ of cut strands of yarn of different lengths to turn into a pompon.

Eventually, with her hat pulled on and the scarf tied under her chin, she was warm and cosy. However, a job that would normally take me an hour at the most turned into a two-day marathon. So, how did I get it so wrong? The tension dial, of course! I’d been in too much of a hurry to check and we’d knitted everything far looser than we should. It was no wonder her hat was so big and it’s taught me the salutary lesson that the tortoise took his time, but he got there!

This year seems to have flown by and as it draws to a close, let’s hope the coming year will bring each of us the best of health and good fortune. Until next month, my compliments of the season to you all.

NEXT ISSUE February 2023

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 5th January

On sale Thursday 12th January

Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy – see page 61

Dear Readers

Last month I promised you some new and exclusive designs for Christmas from Alison Dupernex, so I hope you’ll fall in love with our centre seven pages. Only Alison could give us such a gorgeous array of colours and she doesn’t disappoint. If you don’t have sufficient time to make them this year, her baubles could be an on-going project, so let me pass on something personal. My mother died almost twenty years ago, having spent sixteen years as a widow. In those lonely years and in due course, she joined some groups and also went to craft classes. One year she made us nine Christmas baubles by carefully folding different colours of ribbon, in a specific pattern, around polystyrene balls. It can’t have been easy with painful fingers and limited sight, but each one is perfect and they’re still absolutely beautiful. Every year I carefully take them out of storage and hang them on our Christmas trees. They remind us of her and all the family Christmases we shared when she was alive. Think of the joy you’d give to young relatives or friends, if they received such a handmade gift from you. They really would become treasured heirloom knitting and perhaps could be your 2023 stash-busting project.

One of the designs I like especially this month is Snow Orchid, on Page 28. It’s not so much the shape or stitch pattern, but more the understated way the colours of the self-striping yarn merge. We can’t deny that we love the instant pattern these new yarns give us. However, let’s not necessarily dismiss the delicate changes produced by some colourways. The shade used for this sweater would look equally nice knitted in plain stocking stitch. Made up with the wrong side facing, it would become a timeless classic.

Last Minute Gifts – for you and for giving! There’s just time to tell you that if you’ve still got some last-minute gifts to make, check out the free patterns for mittens and Loopity Loo hats (and loads of other items!) at Guagliumi.com. You can access all the free downloads by clicking here. The Pedicure Socks (not a freebie) are a downloadable pattern on the web site. All purchased patterns are for download only so watch for instructions when you place your order. Until next time, knit happy.

NEXT ISSUE January 2023

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 1st December

On sale Thursday 8th December

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