You won’t notice anything different when you’re using Trading Post – the changes are required because Paypal is changing its services. We’ve tested it as much as we can, but given how many different machines you all use, there are sometimes things that we can’t anticipate, so we’d really appreciate it if you could let us know straight away if you have any problems.
Thanks!
Matt
We’ll also bring a selection of machine and hand knitting yarns for you to buy at special club discount prices. Fancy a day out? Why not visit us at Chesterfield Market Hall? You’ll find us at Unit 12 in the indoor section. Don’t forget we’re your first choice for Wendy, Twilleys, Robin, King Cole, Stylecraft, JC Brett and Opal. Please mention the magazine and we’ll give you our best prices on the day.
The Yarn Cabin, Unit 12 (Indoor), Chesterfield Market Hall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 1AR
Tel 07553-847483
Email Singlemalt48@hotmail.com and please put The Wool Cabin in the subject box
This seems to work very well for a 4-ply cardigan, but not for 3-ply yarns or when I’m using two strands of 2/30s so I’ve two main problems:-
1) If I knit a band using this method, it puckers when the garment has rested.
2) If I measure the length I need using the main tension and knitting this on MT-1 and MT-2, the bands are then too long. I’ve a standard gauge machine without a ribber and wonder if other knitters have this same problem? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Margaret Robinson
Let’s look at both options, Margaret. Firstly, if the band really puckers there are too many stitches in it. Reducing the tension for bands and welts to make them pull in is common sense. On the other hand, when you’re using fine yarns on a standard gauge machine, you’re already knitting at a fairly tight tension, so taking it down even further can make knitting very difficult. You need to calculate stitches for bands on the lean side, whatever thickness of yarn you’re using. If the band consistently puckers into ‘waves’ rather than fans out slightly, there’s probably an inch or two of excess knitting.
A typical 3-ply tension is 32 stitches and 48 rows to 10 cm (4 in). Let’s suppose that the front edge measures 51 cm (20 in) when blocked, then 51 x 3.2 = 163 (or 20 x 8 = 160 in inches). Alternatively, use the golden rule that we pick up two stitches for every three rows, so 51 cm x 4.8 (rows per cm) = 244.8 rows. 244.8 ÷ 3 x 2 = 163.20. 20 in x 12 (rows per in) = 240. 240 ÷ 3 x 2 = 160.
Whichever way you work it out, the result is about the same, so try reducing the number of stitches you pick up by around 8 or 10. In our example, you’d probably try picking up something like 150 stitches. (Don’t forget to leave an equal number of stitches between buttonholes.) You’ll have then taken out just under 4 cm or 1½ in and this should be ample, especially if you also tighten the tension by one whole number.
If the problem still persists, try a ratio of one stitch to one row twice and one stitch to two rows once. You can also knit the band sideways but separately and then sew it in position instead of picking up the stitches. You may simply be stretching the knitted edge too much and not pressing or blocking it back to the correct size. Years ago, when welt bars were supplied with machines, we always pushed the welt bar through the band and gave it a good tug before joining the ends. It closed the stitches nicely and straightened the edge. A clean, narrow ruler or smooth, flat length of wood can be used as a substitute.
Another ploy knitters used years ago was to block out the fronts of a cardigan, press if appropriate then leave to dry without removing the knitting from the blocking mat. They would then sew the band in place with the knitting still more or less pinned in position. It helped them keep to the correct measurement, especially if the band was knitted lengthways. It may be something else you’d like to try and I hope this helps your bands to lie flat in future!
Knit for Peace is a charity that matches knitters with good causes. We know that once people have the knitting habit they want to keep going : not just for the health and wellbeing benefits, but also because they enjoy creating beautiful knitted items. It’s easy for an enthusiastic knitter to run out of people to give their knitting to, so Knit for Peace takes in donations of knitted items and then sends them out to where they are really needed. There are hats for premature babies, dressing gowns for old people plus knitted clothing and toys for women and children in women’s refuges.
Combining these two great initiatives seems to make sense! Knit for Peace relies on voluntary effort and they have recently celebrated that with Volunteers Week. One of their volunteers, Thea Scott, is holding a Knit for Peace Knit in Public Day event in Broadstairs. She has linked this to the Dickens festival by looking out knitting references from his works such as the Little Dorritt row counter and Betty Higden recycling knitted items as a social enterprise. ‘Dickensians’ in costume are planning to join the knitting group, the event is also a celebration of Thea’s 70th birthday – and there will be cake!
The hub and meeting place for the event is the Methodist Church, York Street, Broadstairs, CT10 1PB from 1.30 to 3.30pm on 13th June. Full info is here: http://www.wwkipday.com/broadstairs-kip-peace/
They hope others will be inspired to make their Knit in Public Day event one that benefits Knit for Peace and the website has a number of patterns, many of which are suitable for those just beginning to knit and for expert knitters. Some, such as the Twiddlemuff or fast Teddy Bear will be achievable in a day. If there isn’t an event set up nearby, knitters could just get a group of friends together in a café, a park (if the weather holds) or any public place and start knitting together.
We’re holding an event open to all machine knitters : MMKC Founders’ Fest Seminar with MaryAnne Oger, Sandee Cherry and Carole Wurst demonstrating The date is Saturday and Sunday, 25th and 26th July 2015 at the Textile Center of Minnesota, 3000 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 USA. For Registration and additional information those interested can go to our website: http://www.midwestmachineknitters.org/events/foundersfest/ or contact us at mmkc.mn@gmail.com.
MMKC was founded by Dee Kupka, Jane Niemi and Maria Ann Youngs : kicking off our organization in December 2011. Our focus is to provide fun, interest, appreciation, education, inspiration, and camaraderie in the art of machine knitting. Many thanks! Dee Kupta
If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it – change the way you think about it.
Mary Engelbreit
I hope to have fun days for everyone to come and try their hand at whatever they wish – be it machine or hand knitting, sewing, tapestry, weaving, spinning and other crafts. All materials and yarn will be on sale, as well as the latest Silver embroidery machine and demo knitting machines.
Looking out of the window, the views are breath-taking as I sit and knit. If you come this way on holiday and suffer withdrawal symptoms, there are loads of caravan parks around as well as B&B at our local country hotel. We’re still in the process of getting the outside sorted, but we’ll be up-and-running very soon. If any reader would like to pop in then please ask them to contact me for more details.
Best regards
Joan Fielding-Browne, Redhead Cottage, Clovenfords, Galashiels, Selkirkshire TD1 1UG.
Tel 01896-850734
Email joan@gregorygreen.com
Website www.gregorygreen.com
Website www.littleknittingfairy.co.uk
Our other major change is our name. We did a poll of members one evening and only three came from Woodley. All the others came from different towns and villages in Berkshire, so we decided to change our name to Berkshire Machine Knitting Club. The major benefit of the change of name is to try to make it more inclusive to other areas of Berkshire. We thought this was the way to go, since we are now the only machine knitting club in the county.
The change of name will also help us get free advertising in surrounding towns’ publications, to help increase the awareness of machine knitting and hopefully get ourselves known to new and existing machine knitters. Best wishes from Valerie Thorn
I have a list you published some time ago of the techniques and their Duo equivalents and the Electronic pattern book is available here: http://machineknittingetc.com/passap/knitting-machines.html
Tech 256 corresponds with the Duo setting: BX<-/BX. Pushers on back bed in rest position to start. Deco on 4. Knit 2 rows with yarn, 2 rows without to drop stitches on front bed. The back bed needles knit for 2 rows, slip for 2 rows. To start with all stitches have to be transferred to back bed as stated in the pattern. From comparing the Electronic patterns with the patterns in the Deco book, I have found that:-
Pattern 1008 = Card 39
1010 = 119
1011 = 68
1012 = 140
1014 = 130
1017 = 259
1018 = 160
There is not a Deco equivalent for Pattern 1028 as it is a 16 stitch repeat. Other possible patterns for the Duomatic are those marked F in the punchcard book as the technique used is a variation of this setting. I also found that the garment shown in the magazine is Pattern 1012, not 1010. I hope this information might be useful for other Duomatic users. Your line-up for the coming months sounds really interesting and is something for us all to look forward to. Kind regards, Sue Pritchard
Each car boot will aim to offer consumers a unique experience in styling, demos, new spring collections and collaborations. From exclusive vintage pieces to making your own bath bomb, the event will be truly one-of-a-kind. Joining the Drake Circus retailers will be Plymouth College of Art, who will be showcasing items from their #livemake campaign and demonstrating the art of dress-making from the boot of a Mini! St Luke’s Hospice will also use one of the cars to sell stylish vintage pieces. The charity Car Boot promises to be packed with some hidden gems.
Greg Lumley, Centre Director, Drake Circus said: “We are passionate about bringing the very best shopping and exciting experiences to Plymouth. We are really looking forward to the car Boot-ique event in our centre and the unique interactive fashion experience it will offer.”
Nicola Critchley Head of Business Development and Retail Operations St Luke’s Hospice said: ““You can pick up some really beautiful items in our charity shops and we are delighted at this opportunity on Wednesday 27th May to showcase pieces which will compliment up-to-the-minute high street fashions in such an unique way.”
Adam Crawford Manager Lush said: ““This is a fantastic opportunity to be creative with our product and give customers an unforgettable experience. We will be teaching customers how to make their very own personalised bath bombs out of a car boot which we know will be a super fun activity! We are really looking forward to seeing the creative ideas that the other stores have come up with put into action.”
Drake Circus will also be offering lucky customers the chance to win a £200 Drake Circus gift card each day simply enter via Facebook Twitter or Instagram for your chance to win. For more details please visit www.drakecircus.com
Boot-ique retailers schedule
Wednesday 27th May Next – occasion wear; Primark – festival; Lush – make your own bath bomb; Ann Summers – swimwear; Plymouth College of Art – live dress-making demos; St Luke’s – vintage gems
Thursday 28th May Oasis – V&A collaboration; Next – occasion wear; Primark – festival; Lush – make your own bath bomb; Plymouth College of Art – live dress-making demos; Ann Summers – swimwear
Friday 29th May Top Shop & Top Man – vintage styling and make-overs; Satori – HD brows and nail art; Oasis – V&A collaboration; Next – occasion wear; Primark -festival; Plymouth College of Art – live dress-making demos
Saturday 30th May Fat Face – day trip and holiday wardrobe; Top Shop & Top Man – vintage styling and make-overs; Primark – festival; Next – occasion wear; Satori – HD brows and nail art; Plymouth College of Art – live dress-making demos
Drake Circus has over 70 of the UK’s top brand names including Marks and Spencer Primark Mothercare Next Superdry and Topshop. The shopping centre is located in the centre of Plymouth and is easily accessible by car with over 1 200 parking spaces and by public transport. Drake Circus is open daily 9.00 am to 6.00 pm; Thursday 9.00 am to 8.00 pm; Sunday 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. Drake Circus is home to Shopmobility which provide powered scooters and manual wheelchairs if required during visits. For further information visit www.drakecircus.com or find on Twitter @drakecircusplym or Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Drake-Circus-Shopping-Centre
Feeling fortunate to have everything they need, they asked those who would like to give them a gift to donate money towards the Framework Knitters Museum. They’ve both been linked to the textile industry throughout their careers and are now Trustees at the Museum. After starting a knitwear business, Audrey went on to advise larger women on what suited them, launched Pretty Big magazine, hosted fashion shows at Harrods and House of Fraser stores and had her own weekly show on QVC.
Andrew has also had a distinguished career in textiles. He’s a Chartered Textile Technologist, Fellow of the Textile Institute, a Chartered Colour Chemist, a Fellow of the Society of Dyers & Colourists and a Livery Member of the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters. They’re both still working on the Museum’s behalf and Museum Manager Paul Baker said, “It is inspiring to have people such as Andrew and Audrey involved in the museum and I know everyone is eternally grateful for the work they do and especially for this amazing act of generosity”. For more information about the Framework Knitters Museum including opening times visit www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk
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