Meeting Notes and notices

The theme this month was Chunky Knitting machines.  Both the club machine Brother chunky and the Chair’s Zippy 90  a plastic bed machine from the 1980’s were brought along to demonstrate some techniques.

Neither of these chunky’s had any automatic patterning so hand tooling was used to show their capabilities.   Many members already have chunky machines – some with punch card patterning, the old Knitmaster 155 has a 12 stitch repeat whilst a Brother has a 24 stitch repeat.  We also looked at various patterns using chunky’s and discussed yarn choices.

The meeting started with the AGM

There were reports from various members of the committee: the Chair, the Secretary, the Treasurer and the Webmaster.  Then the club members re-elected most committee members although Margaret our Vice Chair stood down this year.  

After that we had our usual refreshments and then there was a talk and demo by Clare.

A jolly meeting when everyone was glad to be together after missing January.  Plenty of show and tell items .

This months theme was machine knitted furnishing fabrics.

This included various cushions and some chair set covers done in a weaving pattern which had proved very hardwearing.

An interesting meeting on Circular Knitting.  Frances demonstrate the technique using a standard Brother machine with a ribber.  Most members have a suitable machine and could emulate the things that Frances showed us.

Lyn brought along her Addi Express King size which can make scarves, hats and other items.  For machine knitters this was the first time this circular machine had been demonstrated at club and there was some interest – however the limitations were apparent to everyone familiar with knitting machines as there was no tension facility and so only a limited number of yarn weights could be used successfully.  That said, it is very easy to use and ideal for those knitting large volumes of hats and scarves for family and friends or for charity.

A very nice crafting evening was held with two subjects – embellishing a gift bag and a crochet garland of stars.

Whilst Gill provided us with the instructions and fabric for the bags, sewing kit and embellishments were provided by several people. We started designing our bags and had brought sewing kits along to attach ribbons and bows as well as cutouts of various Christmassy shapes. These bags will be finished off at home for showing at next month’s meeting.
Margaret showed us how to crochet a star and attach it to second and subsequent ones to create a garland. The pattern was surprisingly straightforward and the results effective.
There were bursts of chatter alternating with near silence as people concentrated on their tasks.