All About Knitting Machines

All About Knitting Machines
By Toby Russell

This article covers in very broad terms some background info on knitting machines and the various models available.

A knitting machine is used to produce knitted fabrics and clothes on a fixed bed of hooked needles. A knitting machine is made of a needle bed, a carriage and yarn guides but it may have other attachments as well. Latchet hooks hold the stitches.

Domestic & Industrial -
They can be hand powered or motor assisted. There are also domestic and industrial models of knitting machines. The domestic knitting machines produce a fabric that looks handmade because they use the weft knitting method. It is obviously easier to knit using a knitting machine and a lot faster because knitting machines make an entire row of loops in a single movement. Another reason for using knitting machines is that the fabric made with a machine looks better in many instances than the hand-knitted fabric, the latter having large areas of plain stocking stitch. Finally ,you do not have to be a professional knitter to make wonderful clothes because many machines are fairly simple to operate and it can be a great way to begin to knit .

However, you must not confuse knitting machines with sewing machines. A knitting machine is more complicated- it has springs, buttons, wires and hooks
and most Importantly you need to realize you have to use machine-knitting books to get the pattern you want because hand knitting books can’t be used with a machine as they are not compatible.

Different Machines -
A Bulky size machine is used for making heavy sweaters because the distance between the needles is 9 mm and the hook is large enough and there is no risk of splitting the yarn.For machine knitting with lace the machine needs to be used as manual or semi-manual.

The smallest yarns you can use when knitting with this machine are Sport and DK weight yarns . Some of the techniques you can undertake on this machine are: tuck, slip, intarsia, weaving, and many others.

On the standard bed machine you can make knitted suits and lace curtains. The distance between the needles is 4.5 mm and the hook/latches are much smaller. The lace is automatic. You can do fair isle, tuck, slip, manual cables and others. Baby weight is the most popular weight used for this machine. DK weight is the largest yarn that can be knit with this knitting machine. The Standard 200 can knit very fine yarns , up to a sport weight.

The Silver Reed Gauge SK830(3.6 mm) is a machine used for fine yarns. It is perfect when knitted in an open and loose fabric and light and airy fabric. Knit at tension 5 or 7 and use 2 or 3 strands together.

For the Hand Knitted Look -
If you want to have garments that look and feel more like the hand-knitted garments you should buy a mid-gauge knitting machine.

Knitting with a machine is straightforward but you need to consider when using a machine the patterns, many are not easily inter-changeable between machines, some are but It is hard but not impossible, but is probably best left until you’ve had a little experience of using a knitting machine as you have to spend a lot of time calculating, multiplying and dividing to modify the pattern.

Toby Russell and his website- http://www.knitting4beginners.com offers help & advice for beginners to the hobby of knitting.

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Knitting - It's Not Just for Your Grandmother!

Knitting - It's Not Just for Your Grandmother!
By Toby Russell

Don't be fooled by the image

When you think of knitting the first image that comes to mind is that of a granny knitting socks or something for her grandchild. However this is far away from the image you should have about knitting.

In fact its fair to say knitted clothes and accessories are always in fashion and even many Hollywood stars and celebrities are featured and like wearing knitted clothes, likewise many top designers often feature knitted garments in their collections – just glance through any fashion magazine and you'll see loads of knitted clothes.

Getting started

For many of us, we are just happy to wear knitted clothes, others start knitting themselves and really get the bug. . If you are looking for a hobby or a way to spend a pleasant time but not without a purpose with a great result at the end of it, you should consider starting to knit. You will soon love knitting, and will start trying different patterns and different yarns to achieve different effects as you become more adventurous.

Relax & Enjoy

Knitting represents a hobby for many people because it is so relaxing. Some enjoy knitting in front of the TV, while others even knit in a group. Some people who have started knitting say that the repetitiveness of it is very soothing. For others, knitting is a form of artistic expression. Even more than that, it's an extremely useful art form. We just have to think of how many interesting things we can make, from clothes to kitchen accessories.

People enjoy knitting because it combines the creativity they have with practicality . Art is about expressing yourself and so is knitting but knitting has the added bonus of making things people can use and enjoy including giving friends and family handmade gifts that are truly individual.

Consider your projects carefully

Of course, you have to be very careful for whom you knit because some people may not appreciate your efforts. There is also an old rule that says : “Don't knit a sweater for your boyfriend until you have dated him for three years” ie: you need to know the person you’re knitting for fairly well. And then be careful that you don’t make the mistake of making your present too large or too small. You can overestimate the size and make something your friend will never wear.

Don't be afraid to become a knitter, its not an old fashioned past-time as many would believe just start by looking for knitting instructions in books, magazines and patterns You will see that it is not as hard as you thought. Just start with simple things like scarves and your skills will develop. A word of warning - Do not decide to jump to the difficult things unless you have practiced the basic methods. But most importantly get started & enjoy.

Toby Russell & his website http://www.knitting4beginners.com aims to offer simple advice and help for those starting out in the hobby of knitting.

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7 Ways You Can Feel Comfortable in a Knitting Group Meeting

7 Ways You Can Feel Comfortable in a Knitting Group Meeting
By Monica Silva

Learning how to knit? Bitten by the knitting bug? Now, it’s time to meet more people who are hooked on knitting! Fix mistakes in your knitting too. Get the most out of your knitting group meeting. I’ll tell you what to expect from a knitting group meeting, and show you 7 ways you can feel comfortable among experienced knitters. Have fun making new friends to share knitting ideas and projects.

Here are the 7 ways you can feel comfortable in a knitting group meeting:

1. Talk with other knitters, don’t stay quiet.
   
   
   

   Don’t just show up and knit your projects! You can do that at home, right? The first time I went to a knitting group, I thought people just sat together and knit in silence. Was I wrong! It’s more like a group of friends getting together to chat, and they happen to be knitting.

   
   
   

   You’ll be surprised how the other members in the group want to get to know you. It’s their way of making you feel welcome. You’ll be doing the same when members come for the first time to your knitting group meeting. Be prepared to answer questions like, “how long have you been knitting,” “where do you buy your yarn,” “where do you live,” and “big plans for the weekend?”




2. Ask them what they think of LYSs (Local Yarn Shops).
   
   
   

   If you’re a new knitter, get a list of LYSs near you to see and touch the new yarn brands, buy yarn or just go to their day-long sales. Bring the list of your LYSs and ask them what they think of a certain LYS.

   
   
   

   Members in the group are glad to tell you about their shopping experience at an LYS. You’ll hear comments like “the staff was standoffish, the staff is so friendly, too pricy for me, basically same yarn at my LYSs, not worth the trip.” This info is useful when you’re driving to the LYS to buy yarn. If you’ve been to an LYS before, please share with them how you were treated, what you bought, or just what you liked about the LYS. For example, the first time I went to a knitting group, 2 of the members worked in an LYS!




3. Help a new knitter with their project.
   
   
   

   People go to a knitting group to knit, but also to learn from experienced knitters. For example, be kind enough to put your project down for a second, and help another new knitter with their project, like fixing “holes” or extra stitches on a needle. I remember that my first time at a knitting group meeting, I only knew how to cast on and knit in garter stitch. I had finished my scarf but didn’t know how to cast off. I asked a member if she could show me how to cast off my scarf, and she kindly put down the hat and the 4-needles, to show me to cast off! Wow, talk about being nice!




4. Bring a simple knitting project to knit.
   
   
   

   You’re at the meeting to meet knitters, share tips, and knit. If you bring long, complicated patterns that require you to count stitches every row and focus too much, then stay at home to do it. The idea is to join the conversation, and be friendly. I recommend bringing a knitting project like a dishcloth, sock, scarf, or shawl that has 1 or 2 patterns or in garter stitch. For instance, a member in one of the meetings said, “I brought something mindless to knit.” It was a long scarf in garter stitch.




5. Bring your list of written knitting patterns.
   
   
   

   A member or you might get an idea for knitting project at the meeting. If you’re a regular member, a member might even give you yarn as a gift and you would want to knit that moment. Sometimes, you might not be sure of a basic pattern, like a chevron, feather and fan, or horseshoe. You’ll be glad someone or you has a list of basic patterns written down in the knitting bag




6. Bring some of your WIPs (works in projects).
   
   
   

   Every knitter struggles to finish a project because there’s always a new more exciting project to start. Encourage them to finish their WIPs. Don’t forget to tell them what’s on your needles! Not just to show off, but to get their opinions and tips. For example, one of your WIPS is a lacy scarf in mohair yarn. They will gladly tell you what they think of the yarn you’re using, compliment you on the idea, and ask you about it days later until you finish it.




7. Meet at upcoming knitting events.
   
   
   

   If you’re a new knitter, you don’t need to be shy at a LYS event. Why go by yourself to a knitting store sale, event or knitting show? Have fun by going with friends. Planning to go to a knitting event? Ask the members if they’re going and meet them there!

After attending a knitting group meeting, you’ll want to go to the next one. I hope these 7 ways will help you feel comfortable in a knitting group meeting. Remember to get to know the members in your group, make a simple knitting project, and meet them at a knitting event. Knitting doesn’t have be a lonely, sometimes frustrating experience.

Monica Silva motivates other young knitters in their 20s, like her, to knit thin scarves and skinny scarves with simple knitting patterns, such as horizontal stripes, diagonal stripes, vertical stripes, and a vertical drop stitch. Silva enjoys turning skinny scarves into belts and also wearing them like a headband. Visit her blog at http://1knitscarf.com to get knit scarf ideas and patterns.

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5 Reasons To Join A Knitting Group

5 Reasons To Join A Knitting Group
By Monica Silva

Just learned to knit? Got books from the library with nice patterns? Sometimes when you knit it, it doesn’t look like the picture from the book. You can do 2 things. Pay for a knitting class at a local yarn shop which ranges from $80 for 4 sessions to more than $100. What if you don’t have the time to take the class just yet, or if it’s outside of your budget? Here is your answer: Join a knitting group! The friendly knitters will gladly answer some of your knitting questions, and get the help you need. Is it worth your time? Are there knitters from my age group? Here are 5 reasons to join a knitting group:

1) To understand a written knitting pattern in a book

Can’t figure out a written knitting pattern with abbreviations and no explanations? Do the symbols in the knitting chart look overwhelming? When a new knitter wants to make challenging knitting patterns, they’ll get a knit stitch dictionary book. They can’t wait to knit patterns like the ones in the pictures.

Sometimes the drawings and explanations of terms like “pass slipped stitch over” are not too clear. Don’t be frustrated! Bring the written knitting pattern with you to the knitting group, and kindly ask a member to help you figure out what you are doing wrong. For example, you want to try a “vine” pattern and want to know if others run into the same problems you have. They might know some tips to make the “vine” pattern stay flat or modify it, so it looks like you want it to look.

2) To make new knitting friends.

Let’s say you’re a new knitter. You’re so happy when you knit but you haven’t met anyone else that knits. You want to tell someone what your next knitting project is, or want to know if anyone else tried a yarn brand you like. What can you do? Join a knitting group. Talk about yarn and needles with other knitters in the group! You can also learn new techniques for your next project, and make a knitting friend you can stay in touch with to knit, shop for yarn, or just talk “knitting.”

If you want to meet knitters your age, it’s time to get out there and meet knitters. Don’t be lazy by just looking for knitters your age online. Not every knitter your age spends much time online. Remember that when you meet a knitter in person at a t knitting group, they usually already have a group of knitting friends. They might know knitting friends who have things in common with you. .

Think you will not find knitters your age in the knitting group? You won’t know, unless you start going to the meetings. There are plenty of knitting groups that meet weekly and have pictures on their blogs. So, there are no excuses for you not to find knitting friends of your age.

3) Get Motivated to finish a Work in Progress (WIP)

Is your list of WIPS growing? Sometimes it helps to share your WIPs with another knitter so you get encouraged to finish a WUP. Others can help you underant why you’re putting off a WIP. For instance, you didn’t know that it was because the pattern is too simple, don’t really like the yarn, don’t like the colors you chose and want to try it with another color. These are things that a knitter might not want to admit to himself sometimes, but others can show it to you. It never hurts to get a second opinion on your WIP to improve it.

4) To Get New Ideas by Seeing Other Projects.

You’re finishing your WIPs (work in Progress) but seem to go “blank” when it comes to new ideas. You go online and see pictures of knitted projects, see pictures in knitting magazines and don’t’ get inspired with a new idea yet. Start branching out and opening your mind to new types of projects.

See what other knitters in your group are knitting. Ask them how they got the ideas for their project. Are they knitting it for a friend? Ask them where they get ideas for a knitting project. For example, a member might be knitting a sock in the round with beautiful pink yarn. Just seeing the yarn being worked at can inspire you to try a new yarn color, or a lace pattern.

5) Write About it in Your Knitting Blog

Are you a knitter that writes a knitting blog? Are you familiar with the common problem of posting “knitting” related things only? What about if you haven’t knit much in 5 days and therefore can’t post any pictures. You can either tell you readers about non-knitting things or about what you liked about a knitting group meeting you went to.

Remember many knitters don’t belong to a knitting group. They are curious to know where the meeting took place, how many members attended, how old they were, and what they knit. For example, you can post pictures of you and the members knitting, and write about knitting techniques or tips you learned. After seeing your post about the knitting group meeting you went to, some readers might even want to join a knitting group. How about meeting your readers and letting them know when the next knitting group meeting is?

I hope these 5 reasons to join a knitting group will motivate you to make new knitting friends and finish your WIPS. Now, you have a knitting related topic to put on your blog when you don’t have any knitting news. You have no more excuses to join a knitting group.

Monica Silva motivates other young knitters in their 20s, like her, to knit thin scarves and skinny scarves with simple knitting patterns, such as horizontal stripes, diagonal stripes, vertical stripes, and a vertical drop stitch. Silva enjoys turning skinny scarves into belts and also wearing them like a headband. Visit her blog at http://1knitscarf.com to get knit scarf ideas and patterns.

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Knitting Your Way To Happiness

Knitting Your Way To Happiness
By Alice Seidel

Life just comes at us, doesn't it, in a million different ways. Every waking minute of our day, it seems as if there is always something waiting for us. Some of it imminent; most of it pertinent; a little of it of no consequence.

Yes, life can be so complicated. Yet, it is in the midst of our daily frenzy that we can find the best solace.

How, you may ask? How, when life's daily expectancies, simply look to overwhelm us. How then, do we make life simple again? How can what I do, any day, every day, all day long, ever begin to make a difference?

Good questions. There are good answers awaiting.

It is simple, quite simple. Just take your passion out. Whatever burns a fire in your heart, whatever soaks through the layers of your life and is sustained in and of itself, when all else makes no difference. Whatever you go back to time and time again; that talent your mother told you you had many times when you were growing up.

Aside from my writing, it is knitting, which has woven its very threads into my being. I can't live without it! I love everything there is to know about being a knitter. The patterns, the creations, the yarns, the needles, the blogs, the websites, the books, the magazines, the shops, the camaraderie of others who share my passion.

But, more than anything else I love the way knitting makes me feel!! It is in the quiet moments, when I hear my needles clicking, and the very best thoughts, which I suspect are being thought by someone else way out there in the universe and picked up by my thoughts floating out there too; just like those wispy dandelion heads which we blew apart as children and watched fly away into the world. Somewhere out there they don't merely fall apart into nothingness; no, they find other wispy seed heads to join up with, to stick to, and become whole wispy dandelion heads all over again.

Whole, from a part. That's the secret to passion. Knowing that you, or I, are only a part of the puzzle. We are not the entire thing! And we never will be. We can only give what we have, and that will do just fine, thank you!

But, there is so much to give! Just take knitting, for instance. In knitting's pleasures are found its treasures. Where can you cast on one sole stitch and when completely done, behold a masterpiece even you didn't think was possible?! Where can you get to know other knitters, some across the street, others across the world, who know just what you know, who think just as you do, who hold the same passions inside just like you?

If your desire is to help people, here we are! Any yarn, any color will do. Caps for preemies, afghans for Afghans, blankies for little ones, shawls for the sick, pretty scarves in furry colors like cotton candy and sapphire blue, to dazzle eyes that never see such fun. Of course, there is always Christmas, birthdays, and don't forget weddings. Nothing makes me feel nicer than to hear all the "ooh's" and "ahh's" when a beautiful wedding afghan that I knitted comes out of its gift box and everyone exclaims all round! Want to make your cat or baby dog extra cozy this winter? We do that too!

Then there is knitting to see my way beyond sorrow and grief. Tell me, who doesn't know that song? Yet, it's ending can be upbeat, or at least, a metered measure closer to feeling better. Or in helping another to find their way through the dark. Because to knit, you have to be in the light.

Don't ever think you don't have what it takes to be the next helping hand, the next inspiration, the next big idea, because if you live and breathe and have your being in this world, then the possibility is there!

Because you are there. Because you are here. Because you have a passion. And the world needs your passion. Because with it you will never go wrong. Because with it is your key to happiness. And that is the only way, isn't it, to open the door to your heart!

Keep YOUR knitting on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories.

FREE Details ==> http://www.theknitstitch.com

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Blocking Basics for Knitters

Blocking Basics for Knitters
By Alice Seidel

Learning to knit is such fun!

Rather than knowing just the basic stitches and needle and yarn information, you want your knitting to look its very best. For this you also need to know how to block your finished projects.

Usually, blocking is mentioned in a sentence or two, if at all, in finishing instructions. Although it's not crucial to your knitting with some projects it will make all the difference.

Blocking helps to shape your knitting, to help accentuate stitching, such as cables, and to give a required professional look to what you have been slaving over for the longest of times.

Remember, some projects don't require blocking. Yet, even the simplest of items, such as scarves or placemats, can be blocked and will look nicer because of it.

Blocking doesn't require a lot. All you need is a flat surface (an ironing board will do fine), rustproof pins, and an iron.

Most knitting instructions for clothing or other items, will give you blocking information near the end of the pattern, so don't miss it.

When shaping your knitting, there are two steps to use. One is steaming and the other is pinning. Steaming is easy and goes quickly. You will want to pin your knitting flat to the surface. Never iron directly on the fabric, place a cloth over top or just hold the iron close. With some yarns, keep a little distance between the iron and the yarn; let common sense be your guide.

Now remember, if you are using delicate yarn, or one of those fun fur, ribbony types, use a wet spray blocking method; don't block with an iron or you may find the yarn begin to unravel or almost disintegrate before your eyes.

Steaming your knitting is super-fast, and dries in no time. Occasionly, I use a little spray starch, just to give it a little extra punch.

When pinning, some projects will have you pin before you steam, and some after. Don't try stretching the yarn; besides if you followed your pattern correctly, you should have it just about the width and length that was called for. Pin all key points according to the measurements which come with the pattern.

When in doubt, let caution be your guide. After all, you don't want to ruin something that has taken weeks or maybe even months, to finish. Natural fibers, such as wool, cotton, linen, or cashmere can definitely handle the steam blocking. More delicate yarns, such as mohair, angora, or a specialty yarn, do better with just a spray block.

Some very unusual yarns, such as lurex, chenille, fun fur, or eyelash should not be blocked at all, just to be on the safe side.

So there you have it! Once blocked, you will see a difference in your finished knitted projects. It's just one more way to have your family and friends rave over what a great knitter you are!

Keep YOUR knitting on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories.
FREE Details ==>http://www.theknitstitch.com

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How to Knit a Wool Blanket

How to Knit a Wool Blanket
By Mayoor Patel

Knitting a wool blanket is a huge commitment if a person has never knitted anything in their entire life. Knitting is the delicate balance of holding needles and continuously feeding yarn until a pattern emerges. People who knit are skilled at juggling both these tasks and also switching yarn in order to add color to their blankets. If a person has never knitted before, they should start out with something smaller like a hat or a towel. Once a person has mastered the art of knitting, then they should plan on making a wool blanket.

Learning how to knit from another person will make knitting much easier. Learning how to hold the needles is the first step. The second step is adding yarn. A simple stitch is completed by creating a beginner knit block. This will be the foundation for the knit row. People who are new to knitting should practice this move over and over again until they can successfully complete it and are ready for the next type of stitch. There are a few types of stitches that can be used to make dramatic patterns on blankets, but these should only be attempted by those who have learned the basics.

After practicing, one should be able to follow a simple stitching pattern and begin to create a wool blanket. This many take a few weeks depending on how large the blanket is supposed to be. By using simple stitches, a person will be able to create a blanket. While some of the stitches will be clumsy and may unravel, completing a blanket will create a sense of pride. When a person is ready, they will be able to learn more complex stitches.

Knitting a wool blanket will probably take a person many tries, but in the end if they can stick to practicing, they will become a good knitter. Knitting clubs have sprung up in recent years which may be worth investigating if there is no one else who can teach the art of knitting. These clubs usually meet once or twice a month and its members can offer advice and tricks on how to knit. There are many other items that one can knit before they devote their time to knitting a wool blanket. Getting ideas from others is also a good way to improve skill and also learn how to knit other items that will be useful around the house.

For vital information on all things concerned with wool, fabrics, tips and techniques and visit Wool

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