Guild of Machine Knitters’ Weekend of Workshops and Lecture

The Slip Stitch ‘hands-on’ workshop investigates slip stitch, especially petal slip stitch and other related highly textured fabrics. Participants must bring their own knitting machine, table and accessories.

For the Mixed Media ‘hands-on’ workshop, Denise Musk says that this will be challenging for anyone not familiar with using their sewing machine in combination with machine knitted fabric. However, it does stimulate individuals to try out new techniques. It’s essential that a sewing machine is in full working order and that the operator knows how to thread and use it, as there will not be time for Denise to set up machines which the user does not understand. Participants must bring their sewing machine, threads, accessories and so on. Village hall tables will be available.

During the Mixed Media lecture, Denise will show garments made over the last few years using many combinations of machine knitting, crochet, machine embroidery, fabric painting, embellishment and other relevant textile crafts. Denise also invites knitters to raise any topical related subject for general discussion. This is not a ‘hands-on’ workshop, but is sure to be of great interest. For more information about Mixed Media, see page 7 of the August 2006 Guild of Machine Knitters’ Newsletter and pages 13, 20 to 23 of the August 2009 Newsletter.

Festival of Quilts

From 20th to 23rd August 2009 at the NEC Birmingham, over 250 companies will be selling masses of hard-to-find patchwork and quilting supplies. The Quilt Academy programme includes over 75 Masterclasses, workshops and lectures and the Quick & Easy workshops provide another 160 sessions for beginners. With over 1,000 quilts on display, The Festival of Quilts is a stunning visual feast. Book now and save money on advance tickets and here are contact details for more information.
The Festival of Quilts, Creative Exhibitions Ltd, 8 Greenwich Quay, London SE8 3EY.
Tel 020 8692 2299
Website www.twistedthread.com

Fibrefest

Over 100 stalls offer a wide range of high quality fibres, yarns, textiles and textile craft equipment. There are workshops and seminars on weaving, spinning, sock machines and knitting including Sasha Kagan lecturing on knit and crochet techniques. There’s free entry to Coldharbour Mill working wool museum with over 200 years of textile history. Visitors can sit, knit, chat and exchange ideas and admire animals that produce fibre such as sheep, goats and alpacas. Advance ticket prices start at £6.50 for one day for adults with children under 14 at £5.50. There are further savings for weekend tickets. For more information and to buy tickets contact Fibrefest, PO Box 8, Lynton, North Devon EX35 6WY.
Tel 01598-752490 or 01884-841442

E-mail info@fibrefest.co.uk
Website www.fibrefest.co.uk

machine knitters day

A whole day dedicated to knitting on 21 July 2009
from 9.30am to 4pm.
The cost £10 including tea/coffee and a light lunch.
The venue is Crowhurst Village Hall,
Crowhurst Lane,
Nr Lingfield,
Surrey RH8 9NT
Bring your knitting machine,yarn ,one item you have made plus any information you would like to share.
To let us know you are coming:
email:- creativity@hallowesprojects.co.uk
Looking forward to seeing you.

Guild Event

This will be followed on Saturday 11th July from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm by A Day with Ruth Lee and the cost this time is £5. Uppingham Yarns are also attending. Both days are to be held at Wilnecote Parish Hall, Watling Street (old A5), Wilnecote, Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 5AD. Drinks will be provided but bring your own lunch. Cheques made payable to the Guild of Machine Knitters Ltd and please enclose an sae. For information and tickets contact Lidia Higson at 54 Main Road, Wigginton, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 9DZ. Tel 01827-63992 or e-mail lidia.higson@btinternet.com

Uppingham Summer School

On Monday and Tuesday you’ll make a small garment including hems, shaping with tools and holding position, plus neckbands, making up and so on. Basics are there for beginners and more experienced knitters can try intarsia and cables. Wednesday and Thursday will be two days of ribber work including setting up, basic ribs, buttonholes, shaping and knitting a variety of ribbed fabrics including jacquard. Beginners and those who want to can continue with the project from Tuesday if they choose. As every machine can produce a variety of lace fabrics, Friday will be a lace day covering as many variations of machine knitted lace as possible.

Further details are available from:

Uppingham Summer School, 34 Stockerston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9UD
Tel 01572-820800
Website www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk