tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331027752011-10-04T19:18:08.640+01:00The Middlesex Machine Knitters(MMKs) meet on the second Wednesday of every month from 1.30 until 3.30 in an upstairs room at Hounslow Community Association Hall, Montague Road, Hounslow. We discuss all aspects of machine knitting, learn new techniques and show off our latest creations (good and bad). It is run by Elaine Cater. New members are always welcome. For details of meetings and the venue ring Janice on 0208 894 5258 or Rosemary on 0208 715-2126 Evenings only please.Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.comBlogger1081100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-19962462313778494912011-01-15T14:42:00.007Z2011-01-15T15:06:49.818Z

Although most us had been busy with Christmas, we still had a few new garments to admire from those of us who had been able to get to our knitting machines. Janet used up some of her 'stash' of mohair to hand knit the beret. Vivienne was busy knitting for her newest grandchild. The little sailor outfit with its matching hat is machine knitted in 4 ply acrylic. Barbara G showed us the beaded top

Texo Ergo Sumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01701253724460691647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-24802331584645711352011-01-07T11:37:00.002Z2011-01-07T11:46:40.116Z

We shall be holding our first meeting of the year on January the 12Th from 1.30 to 3.30. We didn't have a meeting in December, but instead had a lovely pre-Christmas luncheon at Merits Restaurant at Richmond College.We will be trying out a few more ideas from Susan Guagliumi's new book, More Hand-Manipulated Stitches for Machine Knitter. We will also be discussing what progress we have made

Texo Ergo Sumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01701253724460691647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-32850326419644769182010-08-02T14:31:00.001+01:002010-08-02T14:34:21.005+01:00

Our August meeting will be on TUESDAY 10th August. This change of day is only for August and we will be back to our usual 2nd Wednesday of the month in September.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-31714893264928536862010-08-02T14:18:00.003+01:002010-08-02T14:31:31.299+01:00

This doll was knitted by a new member. It was make as a present for a driving instructor and is made in his likeness and dress with appropriate clothing and insignia. We are very pleased to welcome such a talented new person to our club. This stand was shown at the AGM of the Machine Knitters Guild on the 19th July. The club also represented the Guild at the Machine Knitting Live! show in

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-81539768562379889442010-06-14T11:33:00.001+01:002010-06-14T11:35:16.038+01:00

The next meeting will be on July 14th - the second Wednesday of the month as usual. We start at 1.30 and are delighted to see new members.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-92030120404623594902010-06-14T10:55:00.007+01:002010-06-14T11:33:24.900+01:00

Margaret and Brenda have been as busy as usual. The scarf, knitted by machine is a delicate lace pattern. It has been steam pressed to "kill" the yarn. This shows off the pattern, stops the curling and softens it so that the resulting scarf is a pleasure to wear.This is a hand knitted cardigan in a cable pattern. The bottom edge is an unusual stitch which makes the garment a very feminine

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-17120564434581943002010-06-14T10:33:00.005+01:002010-06-14T10:54:02.638+01:00

This is my work so all the details are correct. The shawl is approximately 4 feet square and weighs 4 and 5/8 oz (130 g). It is made with pure shetland lace weight wool 1 ply. It took about 6 months to complete but that was just working in the evenings when the television was on. The final round before the edge had 1176 stitches and the border had twice that many rows! A close up showing

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-46316863733875188292010-05-14T14:53:00.001+01:002010-05-14T14:56:29.691+01:00

The June meeting will be on the 9th at our usual venue. Please come.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-14158429799542262032010-05-14T14:46:00.002+01:002010-05-14T14:53:10.826+01:00

Machine knitting is undergoing something of a revival, as is hand knitting. We have had several enquiries from younger people wanting to take up the craft. This month we had a new lady bring in a second hand machine she had bought in the hopes that it would work and allow her to make clothes for the family. It was a Double Bed Singer, probably from the early 60s or late 50s. It was complete,

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-42542602377605639632010-05-14T14:12:00.007+01:002010-05-14T14:46:19.898+01:00

Something old,Something newEverything borrowedAnd nothing blueThis is our theme for the display we are planning for the Guild AGM. All the items are going to be pinks or purples so the members have been knitting or looking through their older garments to find things with the right colours. These are some of the items that might be used. This sweater knitted by Pauline has and

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-66081485118731685272010-04-21T12:15:00.001+01:002010-04-21T12:17:10.555+01:00

Our May meeting will be at the usual venue from 1.30 on Wednesday 12th May. Hope to see you there.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-16725390348271059422010-04-21T11:57:00.007+01:002010-04-21T12:22:06.854+01:00

This sample is not a complicated cable pattern although that is what it looks like. Instead it is worked in chenille and knitting elastic as a thread lace pattern. This is like a fairisle pattern butthe selected needles knit both yarns and the unselected only knit the finer yarn. Normally this looks as if there are holes where only the finer yarn is used but in this case the elastic closes up and

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-84080658917415976472010-04-21T11:37:00.003+01:002010-04-21T11:57:32.796+01:00

This salmon pink, black and white sleeveless sweater was made by Sandra. It is beautifully finished and the stripes on the neck and sleeve bands just finish it off. Photos don't really show off garments to their best advantage but it does give a taste of what we do. This is going to look stunning worn on a cool summers day.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-53015756132779981102010-04-21T10:21:00.004+01:002010-04-21T11:37:49.237+01:00

In the last post in November we talked about knitting cardigans. At least 2 of our members brought in examples this month.This first one was made by Brenda for her charity stall and is hand knitted using DK yarn. The photo doesn't do it justice as the colour in not a good match - it was a lovely maroon red. It would also have helped if I had straightened the collar properly but I did not notice

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-23354815487382556082010-04-21T10:18:00.003+01:002010-04-21T10:21:15.772+01:00

I am sorry that this blog has not been brought up-to-date for a while. I hve not been able to attend any of the meetings this year until the April meeting so the blog has been neglected. While I have been away there has been lots of activity but no photographic record to put up on the blog. Anyway I was able to be there this month so there are a few photos to show.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-2342822963113754372009-11-14T14:19:00.002Z2009-11-14T14:26:17.121Z

We will not be having a December meeting so the next one will be on January 13th.Club ChallengeFor the new season Elaine has suggested that we all knit a Cardigan in time for the May meeting. It can be any type and for any size. It can be open or have buttons, buttonholes or loops, a zip or even ties. It could be lace, woven, stocking stitch, felted, one colour or multi-coloured. The only

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-75140301689957381602009-11-14T13:20:00.004Z2009-11-14T14:19:25.383Z

This month Elaine brought some samples of different ways of shaping raglans for us to look at and discuss. Now raglans are coming back into fashion it is very appropriate. Even an otherwise totally plain sweater can be made interesting by featuring the raglan joins in different and interesting ways. This is an interesting way of emphasising a seam in a Fair Isle pattern. The contrast strip is

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-70951712543361336662009-11-14T13:16:00.002Z2009-11-14T13:19:57.843Z

Last month we looked at a way of making a very neat front band for a cardigan. It comes from the book Alter it - Button it - Zip it by Mary Anne Oger. Elaine did this sample so that we could see exactly how it would look when finished.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-87876966633712057932009-11-14T13:04:00.003Z2009-11-14T13:16:27.830Z

Janice and Janet seem to be the only members who had machine knitting to show. Janet has a new Grandson and has been using up some of her wool stash knitting a variety of hat for him. Unfortunately we can't look at all of them because some are already in use. It is a very good way to practice different techniques and use up small quantities of yarn at the same time.Janice has made this sweater

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-79194938236861945432009-11-12T13:04:00.005Z2009-11-14T13:04:45.834Z

Margaret and Brenda have been away and since it is not easy to pack a knitting machine they have been hand knitting instead. They regularly run a stall full of hand made articles, sewn as well as hand and machine knitted. The money is all donated to several charities.These are just a few of the things they have made this month. Any toddler would look cute in this matching green jacket and hat and

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-70541792180203071332009-11-12T12:56:00.003Z2009-11-12T13:04:34.289Z

Janice is another skilled hand knitter. These tiny baby cardigans were knitted and handed over to Margaret and Brenda to add to their charity stall. She also made this unusual cape for a newborn which being in green could be used by a boy or a girl.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-90263674056064738282009-10-23T12:39:00.002+01:002009-10-23T12:44:24.165+01:00

I am hoping to provide more ideas for joining seams in knitting. Some of these will be decorative such as the one shown in the October posting, but others will provide a neat finish which is not bulky. The meeting will be on the 11th of November. There will be no meeting in December. We will meet again on the 13th of January.

Texo Ergo Sumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01701253724460691647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-16929240184375062542009-10-16T16:48:00.001+01:002009-10-16T16:49:38.960+01:00

Our next meeting is to be held on 11th November at the Community Centre. All Welcome.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-50819550004636637152009-10-16T16:34:00.002+01:002009-10-16T16:48:19.490+01:00

This month we saw a decorative way to join two. pieces of knitting. First work one row of double crochet along each edge. If possible work the same number of stitches along each side. If the edges are very smooth as in stocking stitch then the dc may not be necessary.To join the pieces attach the yarn to the first dc on one side. Work 3 chain then work a dc into the 2nd dc on the other side.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-19674704516261871192009-10-16T12:01:00.003+01:002009-10-16T12:19:21.134+01:00

Last month we looked at coloured slip stitch patterns. This waist coat front is knitted in three coloured slip stitch and the back made with silk. The purl side of the pattern is used so that the effect is of a woven fabric. The fronts were knitted as a piece of fabric and then cut out. The bindings are knitted and added afterwards enclosing any cut edges. Another view of the waistcoat showing

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-6407411190448273872009-10-16T11:33:00.007+01:002009-10-16T16:51:55.879+01:00

This scarf was knitted by Brenda. It was her first piece of lacework. The yarn is a silky type crepe and has been steamed hard to "kill" the yarn so that it lies flat. A close-up of the scarf showing details of the pattern and the fringe.This cute little cat was made by Janet. It is only about 5 inches tall and ideal for using up odds and ends.This sweater was made by Elaine. It has 3/4 length

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-43706658301169051122009-10-15T16:04:00.006+01:002009-10-16T16:52:21.112+01:00

Some of the junior schools are doing the 2nd World War as a topic this term. My grandson had to dress as an evacuee for a special day at school. This pullover was adapted from an original 1940's pattern. The body was all done on the machine but the ribs were knitted by hand to give it a more authentic look. The knee length socks were also authentic. These were knitted on a 1933 sock machine which

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-86504981307481904912009-10-15T15:52:00.002+01:002009-10-15T16:04:18.367+01:00

This girl's pleated skirt was knitted by Janice on a double bed with a fine yarn so that the pleats form automatically. It looks very cute and right back in fashion.This plain stocking stitch top was knitted in black so was difficult to photograph but is the first garment made by Hiroko for some time. She found it almost like starting again but has made a very neat job, especially of the "V"

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-36714869388170646162009-08-26T22:00:00.002+01:002009-08-26T22:03:30.117+01:00

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 9th September at 1.30. New and old members all welcome. We are in an upstairs room at the community centre and would be delighted to see you.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-5682499389863503602009-08-26T21:55:00.005+01:002009-08-26T22:05:19.998+01:00

One of our members, Janice, has designed a shawl and baby blanket. The pattern is for sale and this is the front cover. Should anyone wish to purchase the pattern it is available from Elaine (see top panel for contact details).

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-48154556293364959442009-08-26T21:32:00.004+01:002009-08-26T21:54:20.180+01:00

Unfortunately I arrived late at the August meeting and forgot to take notes so I may not attribute the right garment to the right knitter. I believe that the blue jacket was made by Janice, the red one by Norma and the green one by Ann but I may be confused. My appologies if I am.This plain jacket in navy (one picture too light and the other too dark) has been lifted by weaving in a coloured

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-9693451479245849742009-08-26T21:12:00.005+01:002009-08-26T21:55:12.471+01:00

Sandra has been using up some of her vast stash of knitting yarn to make some lovely baby cardigans. This white one is in a lacy looking tuck stitch with a fancy border on the bottom and round the cuffs. Most of them are machine made but this one is hand knitted. This is a close up of the stitches usedThis little jacket in mauve and white has a neat little tuck at the top of the sleeves which

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-13333629027260315312009-08-26T21:06:00.002+01:002009-08-26T21:12:13.377+01:00

There has not been any activity on the blog for several months. This has been due to a number of reasons. June I was away and the July meeting was cancelled but August saw an interesting meeting with lots of "Show and Tell".As a club we have been helping at the Guild of Machine Knitters table at several shows with several of our members demonstrating and talking to interested newcomers (and

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-50564847489277147632009-05-18T11:22:00.002+01:002009-05-18T11:25:23.762+01:00

The June meeting will be held on the second Wednesday of the month as usual which is June 10th at 1.30. We always welcome new members so if you would like to come along, please do.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-71513732291868224052009-05-18T11:11:00.003+01:002009-05-18T11:22:55.960+01:00

We spend most of our time in discussing things such as members work and problems (knitting related, of course) and planning future events and activities. We help the Guild of Machine Knitters at some of the shows and need to plan our displays which also takes up quite a lot of time.We have already produced one book of knitting patterns for sale to help club funds and are planning another.After

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-56900712915808577272009-05-18T10:51:00.004+01:002009-05-18T11:11:18.830+01:00

This is one of a number of scarfs one of our members has made. It was done on a Silverknit machine using the lace carriage. She told us that knitting was the easiest part and that pressing out took considerably longer. As you can see - she did a super job and the finished scarf looks very professional. This is a close up of the above scarf to show the stitch which is a variation of a published

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-18150635205840743282009-03-17T12:11:00.003Z2009-03-17T12:18:14.453Z

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday April 8th at 1.30 pm at the usual venue.For this meeting we have been asked to bring any unwanted, knitting related items for sale or exchange. I expect there will be an interesting range of knitting patterns, magazines, yarn and gadgets to look at.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-7655444622545255562009-03-17T12:05:00.002Z2009-03-17T12:11:44.761Z

This month we learnt about a couple of knitted edges that imitate crochet. For those of us who can't crochet it is sometimes dificult to get the edge trim we want. Elaine showed us two finishes that can be used instead of crochet. The first imitated crab stich which is a finish that makes a row of tiny bobbles. The second looked like a row of treble crochet and was a little wider than the

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-49822000279608380342009-03-17T11:28:00.006Z2009-03-17T12:20:44.249Z

There were not many garments to see at this month's show and tell. However Norma and Elaine had both been busy.Elaine is preparing a new book. This one will be about baby garments knitted with the ribber and these two jackets will be included. The white jacket with a collar is done with a full needle rib with hand tooled lace. The yellow jacket below is made using a punch card double bed tuck

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-62531193989327291592009-02-12T12:37:00.002Z2009-02-12T12:39:34.993Z

The March meeting will be held on 11th March at the usual venue.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-23095343759088872762009-02-12T12:27:00.003Z2009-02-12T12:40:44.400Z

There have been no comments on any of the post over the last 9 months. This is very discouraging because it is impossible to tell whether anyone ever actually looks at the blog. It is not necessary to be a signed up member to leave a comment and if the anonymous box is ticked your name does not appear. However the administator is informed of all messages before they are published and any

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-22117033708584726442009-02-12T12:15:00.006Z2009-02-12T13:01:06.545Z

This month we looked at colours and using a colour wheel to help choose which colours to put together for Fair Isle. We each brought in various samples from out yarns and looked at suitable colour combinations. The general consensus was that a colour wheel might be a help but you still need to try out patterns because the proportion of each shade is almost as important as the colour. This was

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-88550020587289279352009-02-12T12:07:00.005Z2009-02-12T12:15:52.386Z

Despite the weather keeping most of us at home very little knitting was done this month. The only garment was this attractive sweater made by Sandra with a very interesting neckline.This is a close up of the neckline showing the very effective detail.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-14997186082856454552009-02-12T11:50:00.004Z2009-02-12T12:07:19.997Z

Although this is not knitting it is made with yarn so I am including a photo in the show and tell. This is the top story of a dolls house for Barbie type dolls that I made for my granddaughter. She already has the ground floor. It is made from plastic canvas embroidered with aran weight yarn. It took a long time and at the moment I never want to see another piece of plastic canvas!!! It is

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-72386819082156443052009-02-10T10:32:00.002Z2009-02-10T10:37:25.756Z

We are planning to work on choosing the right colours when we knit Fair Isle. We will bringing in colour wheels and samples of the yarns we have in our 'stash.' We will posting the results of efforts.

Texo Ergo Sumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01701253724460691647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-55141931875102464312007-11-15T14:50:00.000Z2007-11-15T14:55:46.048Z

We are not having a meeting in December as it is getting near Christmas and we are all going to be busy with the preparations. Instead we are having a lunch together later this month. Our next meeting will be on the 2nd Wednesday of January which will be the 9th Jan 2008.

Middlesex Machine Knitters (MMK)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12288631335045124895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33102775.post-50354288563847848392007-11-15T14:41:00.000Z2007-11-15T14:50:45.219Z

At our meeting this month we did not have a demonstration. Instead we had an extended "Show and Tell". About 6 months ago Elaine did a meeting showing us all sorts of decorative ways to shape raglans and challenged us to produce a garment by the end of the year. As this is our last meeting of the year we brought our garments to show. The finished ones have been photographed but there are

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Sandra produced all these garments with different raglan shapings. She has been using up some yarn she was given to make garments for charity. Each of the garments has the shaping done in a different way. This pretty baby's cardigan has a fully fashioned shaping. These sweaters in 3 sizes were all made using different techniques. Although in the photo the blue and pale green shapings look similar

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These 2 cardigans are both baby sizes. The white one is a second size while the yellow one is designed for a premature baby. This cardigan was knitted by Norma and is unusual in that it is knitted and shaped all in one piece including the attractive bottom edge. The shaping is done using short rows and Norma has enphasized it by hand embroidering a herringbone stitch. This raglan shaping has a

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This child's cardigan was knitted by Elaine. It is also a raglan but this one shows the contrast of a plain decrease on a patterned garment.

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This is another of Elaine's garments showing defined raglan shaping. This was knitted in aran weight yarn on a mid-gauge machine with no automatic patterning. However the detail on the collar, cuffs and pocket tops shows just how versitile you can be with just stocking stitch.

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How about this for a really good way of using up those short ends of cones. This cardigan was made by Janice and would be proudly worn by any child.

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The next meeting will be held as usual on the 2nd Wednesday of the month which is the 14th of November, from 1:30 pm. We are also having our Christmas lunch on 22nd November but will not be having a December meeting.

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This month Elaine gave us lots of ideas for trimming up a plain garment with hand enbelishments. The above sample was knitted with horizontal strips then the vertical ones were added by crocketing between stitches. This sample was a standard lace pattern and then 1/8 ribbon was threaded through the holes and a bow tied to finish it off.The sample was knitted with a simple wave pattern and then

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Earlier in the year we looked at shaping raglans using decorative methods to do the shaping. As a Christmas Challenge it was suggested we all make a raglan sleeved garment using some sort of decoration to make the shaping stand out. Janice has made this sweater with eyelets along the raglan shaping, a fancy border at the bottom and with an eyelet pattern highlighted with hand stitching on the

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These scarves are all hand knitted by Brenda and Margaret in fancy yarn. The circles just go over the head and sit round the neck. The drape beautifully and, unlike scarves, do not fall off or drop into your dinner.

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Margaret and Brenda make lots of things to sell for church funds - some by hand and some by machine. The black and white bag is Margarets first attempt on the machine. Not making things easy for herself she had done a single motif and also knitted cords for the handles. It is beautifully lined with a matching black and white cotton print.The multicoloured bag is hand knitted with space dyed

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I appoligise for lack of information on the blog for the last few meetings. Due to various reasons (including things like holidays) I have not been able to attend. Hopefully now the summer season is past, things will get back to normal.

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All these bags have been made by Brenda and Margaret using left over felted material made for the Club entry for the Creative Cup. They have been sold and the money shared between the club and other charities

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For the rest of the year we will be meeting on the 2nd Wednesdays each month. More of our members can make these dates so please note the following in your diaries - August 8th, September 12th, October 10th, November 14th and December 12th.

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These are some pictures of the entries some of our members sent in for the Guild of Machine Knitters competition this year.

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Several of our members entered the Guild of Machine Knitters competition. This is Margaret and Brenda's entry. The main part is machine knitted, the frill is hand knitted and the flower is a first attempt at crochet. A lovely garment!

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For the last few meetings we have been working on a joint project as an entry for the Sherborne Cup. We decided to use felted wool to make a stained glass window effect. It took a long time to find a suitable design but Janice fount a wonderful sea scape with galleon which we used as our inspiration.Firstly we made a full sized pattern showing all the shapes. Everyone knitted and felted

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Detail showing the bottom left corner before the cord hid all the stitching.The pieces for the scenery have been put in placed and machined onto a fabric background.This shows the cord being put in place and the sails ready to be sewn on.

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The ship with its sails were added last. All the joins were outlined with black knitted cord to make the effect of the stained glass window. The last task was to add a knitted frame.

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The frame being added to the finished pictureThe entry all ready to go complete with the wooded hanger made in two parts to fit into the boot box as required by the competition.

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Elaine won the section for knitting something using only 100g of yarn. This is her tale of making the socks.A TALE OF TWO SOCKSMade any silly mistake in your knitting? Don’t be discouraged! Even designers have their ‘off-days’. Here’s a story by Elaine Cater about one of her ‘off-days’.The Guild of Machine Knitters runs an annual competition. This year, Machine Knitting Monthly is co-sponsoring

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The June meeting will be held on Wednesday 6th June on the 1st floor of the Hownslow Community Hall starting at 1.30.

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This month we were back to usual after the work making our competition entries took up most of the last 3 meetings. Now they are all finished (joint and individual entries) we can get back to discussing our current work and learning new things. Elaine showed us an easy way of casting off in rib. She then demonstrated how to make a flower that looked like crochet although it was done on a machine.

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Margaret and Brenda have been as busy as usual making this small boy's sweater and this beautiful doll. Although it is not knitted, it is well worth showing as it won 1st prize at an allotment Garden and Craft Show.

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This lovely cardigan (the photo doesn't really do it credit) was made by Norma in a tuck stitch. The edging is made by hand using a multicoloured fancy yarn that matches the yellow of the cardigan exactly.

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Janice has made these lovey baby cadigans for a new baby expected very soon. Two were made by hand and the other two by machine using the garter carriage.

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The next meeting will be the 2nd of May at the Hounslow Community Centre hall. The project for the Creativity Cup has been completed by Janice and Norma so the next meeting will be the first Wednesday in May which is 2nd. Hopefully everyone will be able to attend.

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Because of Easter many of our members can't make the April date, we are having a "one off" extra meeting in March. We need the time to get our joint project finished and might arrange another extra meeting before the May date (watch this space). The next meeting will be on Wednesday 28th March as usual in the Community Hall, Hounslow from 1.30.

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At our March meeting we were very busy preparing out entry for the Creativity Cup. We have won it for the last 2 years so want to produce another entry this year. All the members have produced parts at home and are using the meeting to put it all together as a single project.

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All these blankets were knitted at the exhibition on the knitters guild stand. They will all be going to a local hospital where they are used in the premature baby unit.

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These 6 hats were knitted by Sandra for The British And International Sailors Society as hats for seamen. If anyone is interested in doing similar knitting you can find details on their web site at Web address: HTTP://BISS.ORG.UK

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All these items have been knitted by Sandra on a chunky machine for the charity Feed the Children.

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Our next meeting is on Wednesday February 7th from 1.30 pm. This is the first Wednesday in the month and will be the regular time until further notice. There is also a change of venue. It is still in Montague Road but just past the police station on that side of the road. See new address above. Hopefully everyone will be able to come on the new day.

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I must appoligise for the late publication of the December blog but somehow Christmas got in the way. The order of the show and tell is not what I intended because I am still not used to the idea that the first to be read is the last to be put on. Instead they are in the order in which the photos were taken. Must try harder next time!There was no meeting in January. Instead we had a very

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We have an ongoing project using felted material. This example is of mohair made by Margaret and Brenda. They knitted a sample and then felted it and made it into this attractive bag decorated with a bought motif.

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These sock are hand knitted as an experiment and were never intended to be worn! One was knitted on a large circular needle usng a technique of pulling loops in the needle to cope with a small number of stitches. The other was made in the traditional way on 4 needles. The pattern is supposed to be a "magic pattern" that only shows in certain directions. You can't see the hearts in the photo but

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Elane made this scarf to demonstrate the mock hairpin lace effect. It is made in narrow strips which are then linked together using a latch hook. It is very suitable for scarves, shawls, stoles on inset as a panel in a garment.

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Pink was the colour this month. Ann and Pauline both made lovely pink sweaters with interesting neck details.

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Janice made this colourful hat and scarf set using varigated yarn. She used short rows to give a coloured diagonal effect. This is one of the techniques we were shown at an earlier meeting. It is finished off with an attractive lace edge.

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The December meeting will take place as usual in the Montague Hall, Hounslow from 1.45 to 4.00. on Monday 4th. Everyone welcome.

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Margaret and Brenda have been doing more knitting for their handicraft stall. Usling wonderful fancy yarns they have knitted scarfs, rucksacks and purses. Although these examples have been done by hand they are intending adapting the patterns so they can do them on their chunky machine.

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Anne knitted this delicate scarf in a lacy tuck stitch. The close-up shows details of the stitch.

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This month we spent a considerable period discussing the Machine Knitters Guild, our commitment to it and the competitions. Whether on not some of us will enter is still a matter of debate. After tea or coffee Elaine gave us a demonstration of how to do a couple of fancy edges on the machine and we looked at some pieces of felting that members had produced. The time went flew by and before we

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The next meeting will be on Monday November 6th from 1.30 onwards at the Montague Hall, Hounslow. Everyone Welcome.

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At our October meeting this month Elaine first showed us how to make a hairpin lace scarf on the knitting machine using tuck stitch and then various edges using variations of e-wrap. She also showed us a very attractive piece of felted fabric made from 2ply lambswool. Our lighthearted Christmas Challenge this year is to make a felted item big or small.We welcomed one new member and also said "

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Barbara made this shawl in a lace pattern from 2 strands of 2/30s. It measures approximately 1 metre square. The centre was knitted first then the border was worked with mitred corners then sewn on. The edging was knitted separately in one long strip and gathered round the corners as it was sewn in place. Although this one was knitted on an electronic machine, if the pattern is produced we

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Janice made all these things over the last 6 month to donate to a premature baby unit. It is a very good way to use up quite small quantities of yarn. There are 2 cardigans and 8 blankets all beautifully knitted and made up. The blankets are approximately 18" x 15" which is the size preferred by the hospital.

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These are pictures of some of our members helping out at the Guild Stand at Esher. We answered questions, enrolled new members and produced a whole host of teddies for the Tsuname appeal working in a production line to get as many made as possible in the time.

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The next meeting will be on October 2nd at the Montague Hall. As the hall is available from 1.30 and we have to be out promptly by 4.oo we hope to start as soon after 1.30 as we can rather than 2.00. The topic for October will be buttonholes.

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This was our first meeting at the Montague Hall and the venue looks quite suitable and we will have room for a few more members. This month, after lots of general chit-chat inluding discussion about this new Blog, Elaine showed us some decorative edges with several variations.

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