Mohair problem

I have bought some beautiful Nina Misklin mohair recently having just returned to knitting after a long break. Whilst knitting my tension square the yarn keeps tangling around the brushes on the carriage and subsequently jams the carriage solid. Once disentangled it happens only a few rows later. I’m sure my tension is OK. Does anyone have any hints on how to stop this happening?

Hi Tedge I used to do a lot of knitting with mohair and found that over time this caused my round brushes to splay (they will do this with wear anyway but the constant use of mohair didn’t help). I replaced the brushes and checked them for stray hair after every garment. This was around 3 years ago and they have been fine since. The other thing with mohair is that the fine hairs do tend to catch occasionally and you end up with loops at the side. Bagging the mohair and sticking in the fridge is supposed to help with this problem. You can’t rush knitting with mohair and need to keep a constant eye on it – it’s still quicker than hand knitting! I hope this helps.
Carole
2009-04-18 11:48:50
Many thanks Carole. I’ve checked my round brushes and they are decidedly dodgy. I’ll get some new ones and try your refrigeration technique as well.
Terry Key
2009-04-18 13:53:57
Hi Tedge
Long ago when mohair was everywhere I did a lot of jackets. I invested in a Brother Convertible and had no trouble at all. No gate pegs to get hooked on. Of course it depends on how much mohair is figuring in your knitting calendar as to whether it is worth looking out for a Convertible. They appear fairly frequently on eBay and of course this model caters for thick and thin yarn.
Dorothy
2009-04-23 18:00:22
Hi Tedge
I have used mohair quite successfully on a standard gauge machine by weaving the mohair onto one or two strands of silky yarn. It makes a light fabric is easy to knit and the mohair yarn goes a long way. Hope this a help to you.
Joy
dingdongdell
2013-05-03 11:12:11
Hi Tedge I used to do a lot of knitting with mohair and found that over time this caused my round brushes to splay (they will do this with wear anyway but the constant use of mohair didn’t help). I replaced the brushes and checked them for stray hair after every garment. This was around 3 years ago and they have been fine since. The other thing with mohair is that the fine hairs do tend to catch occasionally and you end up with loops at the side. Bagging the mohair and sticking in the fridge is supposed to help with this problem. You can’t rush knitting with mohair and need to keep a constant eye on it – it’s still quicker than hand knitting! I hope this helps.
Carole
2009-04-18 11:48:50
Many thanks Carole. I’ve checked my round brushes and they are decidedly dodgy. I’ll get some new ones and try your refrigeration technique as well.
Terry Key
2009-04-18 13:53:57
Hi Tedge
Long ago when mohair was everywhere I did a lot of jackets. I invested in a Brother Convertible and had no trouble at all. No gate pegs to get hooked on. Of course it depends on how much mohair is figuring in your knitting calendar as to whether it is worth looking out for a Convertible. They appear fairly frequently on eBay and of course this model caters for thick and thin yarn.
Dorothy
2009-04-23 18:00:22
Hi Tedge
I have used mohair quite successfully on a standard gauge machine by weaving the mohair onto one or two strands of silky yarn. It makes a light fabric is easy to knit and the mohair yarn goes a long way. Hope this a help to you.
Joy
dingdongdell
2013-05-03 11:12:11

Machine Knitting Live 2009 at Bournemouth

It was indeed exceptional, except for one thoroughly mean act brought to my attention at the end. One of the stands hoped to sell a couple of wool winders. They had been donated and the proceeds were to be donated to a worthy cause. £10 was asked for one that holds a plastic cap and the other was £7.50. The show was very crowded and the exhibitor couldn’t always see what was going on at the other end of her stand. When the crowds cleared, the £10 wool winder had gone and not been paid for. Perhaps it was unintentional or maybe too tempting when other winders were being sold at the show for around £30? It left all of us wondering how much more stock had gone the same way. Surely the vast majority of knitters are honest and fair minded? This miserly person won’t ruin it for the rest, but it was a bitter pill to swallow on an otherwise lovely day.

On to happier things and I managed to have a quick word with Beryl Jarvis. We were all thrilled to know that Jeffery now has a permanent job. He’s proudly showing off the medals he won in China on the front of a leaflet for the Special Olympics in Leicester in July this year. (Lord Mayor’s Special Olympics Appeal, Leicester Games 2009 Ltd, c/o A12 New Walk Centre, Welford Place, Leicester LE1 6ZG.) Beryl also mentioned that Uppingham Summer School will take place again this year from Monday 10th to Friday 14th August. We’ll include full details next time, but one of the courses fills quickly and they often have to turn people away. Beginners and experienced knitters are welcome and Brother punchcard machines are available, or take your own. If you can’t wait until next month, contact Uppingham Summer School, 34 Stockerston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9UD, telephone 01572-820800 or visit www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk

Also received just too late for Newsline this issue was a note from Dorothy Hughes who is Regional Officer for GMK. She’s organising an exhibition at Living Crafts in Hatfield from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th May 2009. This is held in the grounds of Hatfield House. We’ll see Dorothy at the Nottingham Show so if there’s any more information, we’ll include it next time.

An enquiry about a Nina A Miklin Book

I saw a picture of Nina’s book No. 2 and like the knitted V neck longline jumper on the front cover. Does anyone know where I can get a pattern for this? Would the pattern be in the book?

Hi

Nina was wearing this design at the Nottingham Show this weekend and it looked fabulous! She sells the pattern and you can contact her at PO Box 32503 London W3 8GD. Drop her a line now and she’ll let you have full details.

Anne
2009-04-06 15:27:44

Childs Hand Muff

Many years ago I knitted my children hand muffs with a pattern which I’m sure came from a Machine Knitted News pattern (and I’m talking at least 20 years). Now my grandaughter has found her mum’s original and would like one of her own……..but I can’t find the pattern, nor remember how I did it!

Has anyone got a pattern which I can use / adapt?

Many thanks
Susie

Hi Susie

Can’t help with the MKN design but in the December 2005 issue of MKM there’s a pattern for a woman’s muff and hat knitted in pile knitting, together with a 2-page article about pile knitting on Silver Reed and Brother machines. The muff could easily be adapted for a child and the magazine is still available at £2.50 plus 75p postage. (Sorry, Royal Mail increased the postage today!)

Anne
2009-04-06 19:00:03
Thanks Anne, I’ll look into that!
Susie
2009-04-09 11:14:56

Jumper Pattern

I am looking for a pattern of a short sleeved jumper published in back copy of MKM June 2006 issue 101.

The jumper was in a dark plum colour,with flowers embroidered here and there. It was sent in by Linda Ireton who is a member of the Sweatshop Knitting Club based in Bispham. I would be very greatful for any positive replys.

Thanks.

I have the pattern. If you would like it and can send me an email address I can email it to you.
Lesley Albutt
2009-04-06 09:48:42
Hi

Copies of the June 2006 issue of MKM are still available and the cost is £2.50 plus 65p towards p&p. Just e-mail or call Anne on 01628-783080 and we can send you a copy.

Anne
2009-04-06 15:31:20

Toyota Sponge Bar

Specifically, a Toyota 901 sponge bar – can anyone help please?

Thanks

Hi

Please contact either Heathercraft Metropolitan Undy Yarncrafts or Uppingham Yarns because all of them can supply a sponge bar to fit your Toyota machine. They all welcome personal shoppers or offer mail order. Don’t forget to mention the make and model number when ordering.

Anne
2009-04-06 15:38:00
Have you tried BSK?

They have an Ebay shop and used to stock Toyota spares at one time.

Knitmaster sponge bars are the same width as the one from the Toyota 901 so you could try using one of those instead.

Don’t buy one for a Brother machine as they are too wide.

We usually buy ours at Knitting Machine shows – they are usually cheaper at the shows and it saves on postage costs.

jack-and-jill*42
2009-06-04 10:38:19
I bought a knitmaster Sponge bar at the nottingham show and it fits perfectly thankyou to all for the help given I just need to find the time to do the knitting now I find that the toyota 901 knits beautifully especially the lace (I have always ben a jones knitter )I was given this machine including the intarsia and lace carriages and the only piece of equipment that I am having trouble with now is the knit tracer(equivalant to the jones knit leader) I have looked inside but cannot see why it won’t work I have been a knitter for nearly 30 years so will sort it out somehow. Celia
manor
2011-01-02 18:13:59

Spare parts for old Passap?

I have a super old Passap Automatic Knitting machine, (manufactured in 1958) with ribber which is missing the stripper which screws onto the front of the lock (carriage) and which enables one to use the single bed on its own.

Many thanks

Hi

Please contact Metropolitan because they have an excellent selection of spares for most Passap machines. They can also let you have a free catalogue of all machines and accessories. Call them on 01270-628414 or e-mail metromachineknit@btconnect.com

Anne
2009-04-06 15:41:36
Hi Anne Thank you so much for your help. Sadly no luck at Metropolitan. Must keep an eye on ‘For sale’ notices and hope a machine comes up sometime !
Mrs.Edith Campbell
2009-04-08 20:20:55

Brother Linker KA-8310

I read with great interest the article about the Brother Linker KA-8310 in this month’s magazine. Does anyone know if I can use it on my Silver Reed LK50 machine?

No – it will only work on Brother Standard Gauge machines.
jack-and-jill*42
2009-03-26 11:52:53
No – it will only work on Brother Standard Gauge machines.
jack-and-jill*42
2009-03-26 11:52:53

950i Lace Carriage

Does anyone know whether it is possible to use a lace carriage from a Brother punchcard knitter and use it on the 950i electronic?

Thanks for any help.
Marie.

Hi Marie

I don’t think you can use the punchcard model – the Electronic version has a little magnetic piece which presumably reads the pattern.

You can use one from other Brother Electronics like the 910 or 940.

We have a spare from a 940 machine that will do the job for you.

Do you need the Rails as well?

Kind regards
jack-nd-jill*42

jack-and-jill*42
2009-03-25 10:35:56
Thanks for the offer but I managed to find one at last. I am however also missing the spanner the metal piece that holds the carriage in place when packing the knitting machine up template and accessory box if you or anyone else can help with that would be very grateful.

Regards.

R. Quail
2009-04-01 13:32:40
Hi Marie

I don’t think you can use the punchcard model – the Electronic version has a little magnetic piece which presumably reads the pattern.

You can use one from other Brother Electronics like the 910 or 940.

We have a spare from a 940 machine that will do the job for you.

Do you need the Rails as well?

Kind regards
jack-nd-jill*42

jack-and-jill*42
2009-03-25 10:35:56
Thanks for the offer but I managed to find one at last. I am however also missing the spanner the metal piece that holds the carriage in place when packing the knitting machine up template and accessory box if you or anyone else can help with that would be very grateful.

Regards.

R. Quail
2009-04-01 13:32:40

Where should I start?

Where should I start? What is the best route for an absolute beginner? Your advice would be so helpful.

Thanks
Maggie

Hi Maggie
My advice would be to start with a basic punchcard model to get used to how the machine works. Once you understand the basic workings and how the machine knits the different stitches you can then decide whether you feel the need to upgrade. I have knitted on a puchcard machine for years and produced some lovely garments.

I would try and find a club near to you as well where you can pop along and have a chat to people already knitting. Most clubs have a machine and there is nearly always someone willing to show new starters the basics.

I enjoy passing on my knowledge to other knitters as do many others who enjoy the craft and I hope this helps.

Please reply if I can help any further.

Mandy
2011-12-02 19:33:20
Hi Maggie

Please e-mail Anne at the magazine and let her know where you live. We’re sure she can set you on the right road.

Anne
2009-04-06 15:44:11
Hi Maggie
Machine Knitting is a lovely pastime and brings out your creative side. I have been machine knitting for about 2 years and I’m self taught because there are no clubs in my area regretfully. I started on the Silver Reed LK150 mid gauge which is a nice easy machine to master. I now have a Silver Reed SK280 and find it a lovely machine to work on. I bought several basic books on eBay which I found very helpful and still refer to them. MKM is an excellent learning tool well worth buying each month. Hope this gives you some encourgagement to have a go.
Kind regards
Shirley
SHIRLEYM
2011-12-02 19:30:44
Hi Maggie
Hopefully by now you’ve been able to work out how to use these wonderful machines. I’m very new to machine knitting and I have a Brother 950i with attachments. I trawled through eBay when I got my machine this year and found tapes and discs that were tutorial. The ones I found really good were by Barbara Stubbs. She teaches really clearly and the filming is very good so you can actually see everything she’s doing. I got mine on eBay and keep referring to them.
Kind regards
Mary
scary007
2011-12-02 19:32:59
Hi Maggie
I have found the Diana Sullivan tutorial videos are extreamly good – just google ‘diana natters’.
Kind regards
Julia
Rovergirl3
2011-12-02 19:28:53