There is a bad news good news situation.  Sadly, Helen Griffiths  who had originally been scheduled to demonstrate has had to cancel.  The good news is that Heather Thompson has been invited to bring her Basics for Machine Knitters to the event!  Wait… thats me!  

I’ll be joining talented machine knitting demonstrators: Kathryn Doubrley, Mike Becker,  and Jan Richards.  For the machine curious or beginner,  right on up to the most experienced machine knitters we’ll be offering a series of 1 hour sessions that will inspire and motivate.  The classes are up and you can review all the offerings at Fingerlakes Knits.  Hope to see you there!

To the point…

Patons Classic Wool in Chestnut Brown &  the varie is Rosewood knit on the Silver Reed Midgauge w/ Ribber.  The tie is fulled a little bit so that I can cut it to shorten.  I haven’t decided how long or short to leave them yet so … they are what they are.  Quick to knit and fits perfectly.

As was discussed in Episode 17 putting a plan into action can be a challenge but ohhh the results! I spent hours agonizing over every detail of this project. It wasn’t a pattern that had been laid out perfectly for a Machine Knitter. Its a hand knit pattern as I’ve mentioned before. Then of course the challenge of how I knit vs how the pattern was presented. Application of the techniques from HK to MK and the severe shortage of tools as mentioned in the podcast.

Having muddled, persevered, charted, measured and remeasured. In the end resorting to mixing my hand knitting *gasp* with machine knitting. Its ok no yarn or needles were harmed! I learned through wonderful excercises in frustration that led to amazing success. A few techniques came out of this as well so all in all it was wonderful.

Oh did I mention I finished? I am super pleased with the end product. A little forethought and planning went a long way. I added a button because … I could.

Portia knitted by Silver Reed Mid-Gauge & Hand

Portia Back

Portia Side

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Starting off the New Decade right!  

I’ve been working on a project that required a great deal of planning before the knitting started.  In this podcast episode I discuss a few of the areas I felt were critical.  Surely you can add to the topic and I ask you to add to the topic.   Comments, messages and discussions as a result of the podcast are what I hope for.  I hope you will participate in making these podcasts better by participating!!!

The poll winner for book review last episode was Hand Manipulated Stitches for Machine Knitters by Susan Guagliumi.   After twenty years  its still the most referred sourcebook amongst machine knitters.

In addition to a short very biased review a special guest joins me for some discussion. So without further ado… get the podcast! Its available on iTunes now too!

Some additional links as promised in the podcast.
You must visit www.guagliumi.com  to catch the latest news on her upcoming book MORE Hand Manipulated Stitches make sure to click on the Signups/Stuff  link and get the lastest from the source!  You will also want to check out the Knitting Patterns that are for sale in downloadable form.  Then stop off and download the fantastic free downloads that Susan has made available to us from days gone by. 

You might also decide to visit:  Nashua Knits, Cascade, Berroco, and BT Yarns all of which are discussed in the podcast.  I hope you enjoy!

Those of us that have experienced the joys of static electricity know that it will stop your holiday speed machine knitting dead in its tracks!  Its knowing how to deal with it that will get you through these dry times.  There are many quick and easy ways to resolve static electricity build up and get your carriage moving.  First lets look at why static electricity is going to impact your ability to knit.

Is your knitting schedule full of yarn and gifting plans at the last minute?  Did your household heat get turned on in the last month?  If so … you know that your household air is dry.  When you mix dry air, fiber, and metal parts that touch each other repeatedly you will have issues with static build up.  This will cause your carriage to “lock up” or be difficult to move it will also make your yarn stick to itself in ways you might not expect.

SO… how does this happen?  Well if my linking skills have worked properly the words STATIC ELECTRICITY are leading you to the wiki which discusses Static Electricity. Ultimately an electric charge can build up on the surfaces of your machine bed as a result of contact (friction) based charge. Your carriage and needles are rubbing against the yarn and the effect on the machine bed is the same as that of your hair when you rub a balloon against it. Instead of its hair standing on end the charge causes the carriage to make a grinding sound and become hard to move.

Now we fix it. First and foremost, if your machine and yarn are becoming electrically charged the air in your home is probably quite dry. This can cause problems with sinuses as well. Something that will help you, your machine and your family is to add humidity to your home. This can be as easy as boiling some water on the stove, or keeping a pot of water on or near the fireplace. This will release moisture into your household air in the form of steam. You can also purchase a humidifier or air ionizer for use in key areas of your home.

Once static is a problem you’ll need to take some quick and easy action then knit on with joy. The first line of static defense is keeping your machine clean and lubricated. A clean machine offers less loose fluffy fiber for exchanging electrical charge between fresh yarn, bed and carriage. Lubrication acts as an anti static agent.  In the same realm is the use of a dryer sheet. A dryer sheet run gently down the bed of a machine removes static just that fast.  Its not a permanent solution however.  Over time the anti static agent will wear off. So you need to re-apply. I personally am not fond of this resolution. I don’t enjoy handling dryer sheets so a permanent solution needed to be found. 

Consider that many metal bed knitting machines have electronic components near the bed or within the carriage. Static discharge on or near these components can damage them beyond repair.  Are you scared silly now?  There are several permanent ways to resolve static electricity from building up and being a problem.  There are Anti Static devices that can be connected to your machine bed which re route the potentially damaging static and release the charge harmlessly away from sensitive parts.  These attach to your machine bed and are grounded away from sensitive parts.

Yarn itself can be treated to ease static build up. Placed in the freezer for a few hours will add enough moisture to allow you to knit happily until the yarn has been in the dry air for awhile. It can then be returned to the freezer. Many people use Lori Lynn Yarn Spray with great success. This is applied to yarn placedd in a bag.  This has to be re-applied as you knit down to uncoated fibers.  Wax is another anti static agent.  Many machines have wax holders built in.  The wax coating is very light and washes out without special handling. Refills for the wax holder are available from any dealer. Consider these wax refills even if you don’t have an actual wax holder. Yarn can be threaded through the hole and have the same effect. Tea-light candles with wicks removed can also be substituted. The wax refills for knitting machines are smaller and lighter weight you can purchase them no matter what machine you presently own. Wax also smooths fibers when working with extra fluffy yarns making them easier to knit with.

So what did I do?   I had an urgent need so a handy copper scrubbie is in use, and has been to the point that I forgot that static could be a problem.   A new user’s issue reminded me about static problems and knitting machines.  

 I know there are other methods and ways to correct and avoid Static Electricity.  Add your comments about your resolutions!  You can email photos of your anti static resolutions if you’d like to share them here.  You never know who you’ll be helping!

First off, I haven’t moved  far.  A total of about 5 hours from CNY to Leominster, MA.  However much is going into storage and remaining there until we have a permanent home again.  Our big old house with my ginormous Knit Zone going up on the market.  So we are moving into a smallish apartment. Luckily its just me and the Hubby. Can’t imagine having to do this with kids. Obviously my Knitting Machines would be lower on the totem pole.  But its time to pick the machines that will be in use for the next few months.  I know I am not alone in all this and hopefully my thoughts will help others!  Writing about it certainly helps me.

I am taking and setting up for immediate knitting:
1) Silver Reed Mid-Gauge Electronic w/ all its bells and whistles.

These items are being packed and kept in my Mini Knit Zone for not quite so immediate needs:
1) Singer 360 with Ribber but the ribber will be stored nearby.
1) Bond USM (Super Sized) Boxed for easy storage.
1) Storage Container of project yarn and works in progress
1) Bag of scraps and miscellaneous skeins for Charity and Xmas Knitting.

All of this will need to be contained in a small 4×6 (or less) area of our apartment.   Probably quite close to our designated office space.

I have several WIPs & Projects that I MUST knit.  1) Tutti Frutti – MAO Pattern that I had set aside due but want to finish badly. (Singer 360)  Happy to report that this machine is up and I started working on Tutti Frutti on November 19th!  I had to stop for the weekend and had some problems with yarn.  Its Monday 11/23 and I haven’t touched it today.

2) Portia – A Berocco Sweater Coat with lovely cables and ribbing.  (Mid-Gauge w/ Ribber)  This is the one that I’d really like some better tools for working with.

3) SOCKS – I have so much sock yarn! (Singer 360) and sock yarn doesn’t take up much room.  I also happen to have 2 single socks for my husband that were knit on the Mid-Gauge so I need to knit the mates because he really really enjoys wearing the Mid-Gauge Socks I’ve made.

3) Spending more time with DAK on the Silver Reed Mid-Gauge so I can utilize the full power of the  machines and this program.

Wait wait why am I taking the Bond?  For the extended Bed & an emergency Bulky bed.  I have in the back of my list of things to knit several wedding afghans.   Additionally, I am of a mind to addict others.  You never know who you will meet at the yarn shop right? 

 I thought I’d spend some time working on the Blog site.  Adding and updating  Machine Knit Blogs & Feeds.  If anyone has a Blog they think I am missing let me know?  While I recorded the Podcast I was working on these updates and found myself mired in a bit of a quandry over one of the sites I was going to add.  I guess this is the fun of recording “live” as it happens work on the Blog pages.

I did not re-record the videos on Rag Hem use yet.   I had a couple of ideas that will demonstrate even more clearly the ease of use of a rag hem on any machine.  I’ll get to those by the end of next week!

As promised the poll.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

I’ve been thinking about this and will solicit input from others on these book reviews as we go along.  Like I’ve been saying my opinion isn’t really that important.  Its the eye of the beholder.  So once we know what book its going to be I’ll be soliciting calls on the book and YOUR opinions too!

In this Podcast Episode recorded in July 2009 (I am SO Sorry!) I conduct Burn Tests on newer fibers.   You get to listen and the pictures I refer to are posted here.  Some of the content on the podcast is repetive from other podcasts.  Which is why it was not posted.   However, there are several areas in the podcast in which newish info is discussed and I request YOUR help!  So please take part and have fun with our ability to do so!  To apologize and because there has been discussion of rag hems on one of the MK Lists and I thought as a more current (yet old) topic I’d add my instructions for a  weighted rag hem.  Its at the bottom of this post the pattern is exceedingly simple.  There are videos on use included in the PDF file so fair warning its a huge file.  Don’t download it unless you gotta have it.  I’ll work on that issue.

Here are the photos from the burn test. (There are additional comments about the Podcast below)

I’ll post the spreadsheet related to these burn tests as soon as I can.

 This podcast was recorded in July 2009 and I apologize for not posting it sooner.  I comment on Olwen Carne’s illness and contributions to Machine Knitting and am sorry to have heard that she has since passed.  Please do take a moment and share your positive thoughts with our machine knitting friends and families  facing the passing of loved ones, illness or other tribulations.  If you know of someone personally send them a kind note and let them know you are thinking of them.   Yes today.  Right now this very minute.

Another podcast note on the question about favorite Cast On Methods.  Yes the information provided is correct and Machine Knitting comments or questions are welcomed. These will be shared in subsequent Podcasts for Machine Knitters perhaps even answered by special guests!

I spent some time this afternoon writing up and getting Just Another Rag Hem put together.  I’ll be updating the file with some new videos and will advise when its done to my happiness.  Its rough but I think it is technique of value and interest today.  The FILE IS HUGE as it contains 2 videos.  So if you are on dial up?  Give up send me a note and I’ll send you a smaller file and a pointer to separate videos.  Anyway, I thought I’d throw it here and celebrate the latest Episode of Podcasting for Machine Knitters… late as it may be.

Again video bonus added there so if you haven’t seen it you might want to go back in time and check it out.

The original post for this podcast is dated 2/18/2008 and is found here:

I podcast for the very first time!

Some of the podcasts have accompanying information that you may want to look at as you listen.

I’ll be recording a podcast later this week .  If you’d like to be part of the podcast and I’ve talked to you about doing it… make that easy phone call.  If you’d like to be part of the podcast but don’t know how send me a quick email  (isrbrown AT twcny DOT rr DOT com just replace the capped words with their symbols before you email)  I’ll give you the secret number and a few tips.  You can ask questions, talk about Iwannaknit whatever you want.

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^Right Click & Save Target as for the podcast!

WOW.. thats pretty much all I have to say…  but I say a WHOLE bunch more in the podcast that is being published along with this entry! 

Here are some links, I discuss the event in depth in the podcast.  There are things I forget to mention though.  I just want to say a public THANK YOU to each of the Demonstrators and Vendors!  You’ll find their links permanently to the right in short order.  You should visit the links as you read this though.  Add them to your favorites.  There is new info at each site as to seminars and new products.  VERY WELL DONE!  WOW!

Please support these folks in their future efforts!

Silver Needle’s Fingerlakes Machine Knitting Seminar  Next year’s event is April 23rd & 24th 2010!  MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Carolyn Barnett - FABULOUS INSPIRATION!!!

Ileen Levy - AWESOME IDEAS & SHOPPING! 

Mary Anne Oger - AMAZING!  has anyone seen the magazine site recently?  Thats kind of fun! I just went there to make sure I got the link right. 

Charlene Shafer - ROCKING MY DESIGN A KNIT WORLD!                                  Charlene brought our attention to a new Tamm yarn … called Bebe… which is offered in many solid and variegated colors.  Check it out!

BT YARNS – FOR YARN SHOPPING!!!  In addition to their sales check out the neat new clip for attaching patterns to our yarn masts!

All the attendees!  All of you.  There are no words for the fabulous attitudes and camaraderie that I hope we all experienced.  Without you these events cannot be a success.  This was a great event and I appreciate having met and enjoyed your company.

My pictures have not come out well so if you care to share pictures please comment!

OK so I had some time, lol had some time.  I took some time today to do some technique swatching for Portia.  Remember Portia?  If you don’t click on Portia and you’ll see a picture of it. 

I have  to ensure that I will be able to knit Portia on my mid gauge.  I hadn’t gotten that far.   The body says:” I mean I know “I can” come hell or high water, and I don’t care what side B says. “  I knew that it is probably not going to happen on the chunky.  WHY?  Well the needles on the chunky are 9mm apart.  The midgauge? About 2mm less. You wouldn’t think 2mm would be critical to the success or failure of a project, but they are.   Its cabled which means stretch to the next set of needles is going to be harder on the chunky than on the mid-gauge.  Side B was sure of this.  Side A convinced the body to try it.  So an attempt was made on the chunky resulting in failure.  Immediately turning to the mid-gauge even lacking a 4-prong tool the cable is very doable.  The Heart & Body now know its better on the midgauge.  YAY!  YAY! YAY! YAY!  Everyone is happy.

Technique swatch knitted on the midgauge.

Sign up here

Susan G. will be there.  I do not know her teaching plan but frankly hope to fit a class or two in to my own schedule.  Michelle Teasley, Anna McClellan and JoanMcGowan-Michael are also on the teaching team.  

Do you think it will be un-cool for me to fall down and let Susan G know that I worship her?  I mean it in a totally knitting and non-religious manner.  I mean I think on sight I may faint or at the least squeal.  Very unproffessional, I need professional help on this.   I felt this way with Lorna & Teena   last year and upon meeting  found people just as human and nutsy as I am.   Glad to call both friends.

I am teaching 3 classes this year.  Basics, Artful Knitting & Sage Gauge.  I am most excited about Sage Gauge.  I am a student of gauge myself.  A great deal is changing about our fibers, their content, and of course, dye.

Basics this class is one of my regular offerings at Iwannaknit.  If you wanna knit on a knitting machine this is THE class to take.  I can take you from setting up so it works, actual knitting and  casting off.  In this class you will learn more about  actual knitting on ANY type of machine than in any other hands on course.  Jargon, tips, tricks, tools, reading patterns… everything.  Everything YOU need to know to get on the right track with YOUR machine.  We have 2 small projects that are intended to be completed during this class.

Sage Gauge is something of a compilation.  Its not all about my opinion, its about fiber, knitting and treatment .  I have my own secrets.  Since I can’t seem to get them to prove out … I decided to study gauge in depth.  Its totally about fiber, knitting your swatch but in the end… its about how you treat the swatch.  Some math comes into this picture but its sooo easy! We are going to put our heads on this issue and students are going to come away with knowledge and confidence ready to take on their next mystery design projects!

Artful Knitting In this classroom adventure students are going to learn so much about putting color into their work.  OK OK … so I am not a color whiz.  I depend on artists  or photographs to create my Artful knitting.  Artist or not, you will come out of this class familiar with the joys of Intarsia and Fair Isle Work.    From a manual standpoint you will be able to create pictures and colorful work with your machine.  This is critical for successful activities using automatic features in machines that can handle these artistic effects.  YOU CAN knit a work of art no matter your machine.  I will show you the many ways of getting there.  Manual and computer based  techniques and programs will be demonstrated.

Other than enthusiasm I think the neatest thing I have to offer as an instructor is my willingness to take on challenges that others might not.  I teach basics for metal and plastic beds.  I love that hand knitters are interested and exploring machine knitting.  I don’t think you have to have the latest upgrades to make it work.

I welcome all of my students to email me and stay in contact. Success rocks my world.  Failure or blocks make me feel useful when I come up with resolutions.  I don’t have all the answers but I sure try to find em!

I’ve figured out why I love Intarsia… to me it is like cross stitch I used to love cross stitch.

OH and as a P.S. Darn good thing MK World got rescheduled our entire Cable system went down in my area for hours!!