May 25th-27th, 2017 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday):
Event.........................Pacifically Passap Seminar
Location.....................Portland, Oregon
Sponsor.....................
Time..........................
Presenter(s)..............
Announcement...........
Registration Form.......
Contact.(phone).........
Contact (via email).....
Additional Info...........A get-together will be held on Friday evening, where you can pick up your seminar binder and take a look at the class schedule so that you can decide what classes you would like to attend. Attendees should arrive by 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning and pick up your notebook and goody bag. The first class takes place at 9:00 a.m. The last class on Sunday ends at 4:00 p.m. There is a hotel shuttle that takes about 20 minutes.
date of event (days of the week):
Event.........................
Location.....................
Sponsor.....................
Time..........................
Presenter(s)..............
Announcement...........
Registration Form.......
Contact.(phone).........
Contact (via email).....
Additional Info...........
HOLY COW!!! Today (09/15/2017), I became aware of an absolutely fabulous on-line source for yarn. The wide selection, their prices and their policy of worldwide delivery in 2 days totally blew me away. (It is my understanding that they sell their yarns by the pack - not in single skeins/balls. However, the price per pack is extremely reasonable.) Do check them out: www.yarn-paradise.com
Recommendations:
Universal Yarns was recently recommended to me by a LYS owner as being a good source for wool yarn: http://www.universalyarn.com/yarn_quality.php
(Wool in Florida...I'm serious.)
NOTE: I found a terrific article that, not only helps you determine how much yarn you need for your project, but also helps you understand what cone yarn fraction numbers mean and helps you equate it (using math) to hand knitting yarn weights. In the U.S., yarn weight numbers appear on skeins of yarn that are manufactured and/or sold in the U.S.: http://www.theknittree.com/how-much-yarn.html
HOLY COW!!! Today (09/15/2017), I became aware of an absolutely fabulous on-line source for yarn. Granted, they do not carry cone yarn, but the wide selection, their prices and their policy of worldwide delivery in 2 days totally blew me away. (It is my understanding that they sell their yarns by the pack - not in single skeins/balls. However, the price per pack is...astounding.) Do check them out: www.yarn-paradise.com
Petite 2/30 (Tamm):
Recommended Use: Great for 4-color jacquard knitting, thread lace, plating,double strands for double bed tuck
Suggested Tension: 5 or 3-4 when doing 4-color double-bed knitting
Source(s): http://knitknackshop.com/Tamm-Carts/Tamm/4200.htm
"1" - Super Fine(as a single strand, this is Sock, Fingering or Baby Weight - Suggested tension is 7-8 on a 4.5mm KM):
2 strands of 2/24 is the same as Fingering Yarn
2/14 - 2/12 (3/18) - 2/8 (3/12) 3/15
3-Ply Astracryl (Tamm): 3/16
Recommended Use: Soft texture for many types of garments, inexpensive, ideal for beginner and custom knitters
Suggested Tension: 6-7; one strand works well with a garter carriage at a tension of 10-10.2
Source(s): http://knitknackshop.com/Tamm-Carts/Tamm/1200.htm
Kitty (Tamm): 2/14
Recommended Use: Soft to the touch, great for sweaters and baby items, a double-strand works well on a garter carriage
Suggested Tension: 3-4 for a single strand; 8-9 for a double-strand)
Source(s): http://knitknackshop.com/Tamm-Carts/Tamm/1600.htm
Trenzi (Tamm): Fingering weight
Recommended Use: Similar but lighter than Cancun, excellent wear, suited for dresses, sweaters and children's clothes
Suggested Tension: 5-7
Source(s): http://knitknackshop.com/Tamm-Carts/Tamm/3500.htm
"2" - Fine(as a single strand, this is Sport or Baby Weight...approximately 2x fingering weight, and should be used on a standard-gauge machine - Suggested tension is 9-10 on a 4.5mm KM and 2-4 on a 6.5mm or 7.0 mm KM):
Sport 2/7 (Tamm):
Comments: Very comparable to Mary Lue's Symphony and Bramwell's Roselan Double Knitting, very soft, similar to Tamm's Kitty yarn
Recommended Use: Afghans and baby blankets try 1 strand of Sport and 1 strand of Cristal or Kitty at tension 10-10.2; great for afghans, sweaters and garter carriage; suggested tension 8-10 for sweaters or 8-10 for garter carriage)
Suggested Tension: 8-10 for sweaters or 8-10 for garter carriage)
Source(s): http://knitknackshop.com/Tamm-Carts/Tamm/0200.htm
Passap Ribber Positions:
4 positions on the ribber.
1) Normal position,
2) Thicker yarn position 2mm down,
3) Middle position 17mm down,
4) Lowest position 47mm down.
TENSION SETTINGS:
With regard to tension settings, you should take it with a grain of salt. Tension is truly a personal matter. Only you can decide what yarn you will use and how soft or firm you want it to feel. The only thing it is recommended to use the gauge section of patterns is to make notes about what you really set everything on in case you want to do it again sometime.) http://www.ravelry.com/projects/estherkate/machine-knitting---tension-or-gauge
YARNS TO USE WITH STANDARD GAUGE MACHINE:
Caron Simply Soft Light yarn, try setting the tension dial at 9
YARN TENSION UNIT:
Average 4-ply yarn: Set tension to the center
Finer yarn: Increase tension towards the "+" mark (some machines use numbers instead of "+ / -")
Thicker yarn: Decrease tension towards the "-" mark (some machines use numbers instead of "+ / -"
Getting the most out of your Upper Tension Unit (Diana Sullivan): http://diananatters.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/ways-to-improve-your-knitting-get-most.html
FYI, 30knitter provided the following information:
Here is a short comparison of stitches:
Stitches that get shorter and wider: Tuck, Weaving, Garter stitch, Lace, Slip (skip) stitch.
Stitches that get narrower and longer: Fairisle, rib knitting
Cast-On - Explanations of various techniques; the difference between what we call an Open Cast-On Edge and a Closed Cast-On Edge
There are three basic Cast On 'Methods' used in Machine Knitting:
1. Open Cast-On is used to make a quick cast-on temporarily to (a) sample a new yarn; or to (b) create a Provisional Cast-On edge to your fabric. (The stitches along the cast-on edge are not closed, so the stitches will unravel or come undone.)
2. Closed Cast-On (there are four commonly used techniques: e-wrap cast-on; long tail cast-on (great technique for making socks), crochet cast-on (forms a
chain stitch that runs horizontally along the edge of your work); or tubular cast-on. These cast-on techniques are used to provide a firm, durable edge that is suitable for hard-wearing sweaters, cardigan and coats.
3. The Provisional Cast-On, a/k/a the Waste Yarn & Ravel Cord Cast-On.
Decreases - doing double decreases: In case of a series of double-decreases where you are turning 3-stitches-into-one-stitch (as it might be on the Baby Surprise Jacket): count the stitches for the first row; work the double-decreases, then immediately put a coil-less pin into the resulting single stitch (just below the needle). This Marked Stitch will then be the middle of the next 3-stitches-that-turninto-one. Since the coil-less pin is in the fabric itselfinstead of over the needleyou need not move it again for several inches of knitting.
Gauge ruler - using (by GrammaAnn): Make the swatch and let it rest. Lay the appropriate colored ruler (green for standard gauge, yellow for mid gauge and blue for bulky) on the swatch between the stitches marked with a different color yarn on each side. Use S side of ruler for stitches. Then use R side to measure between the top and bottom lines of alternate color to measure rows. Do not include the alternate colored stitch in your measurements. Read from the bottom of one V into the inside of the V on opposite side for the row count. Read the number and divide by 4. (If the ruler says 20 - divide by 4 =5 stitches per inch.) Easy to figure it out! Then if you want a sweater that is say 20 inches wide you take 20 X 5 and you need to cast on 100 stitches. Say you got 7 rows per inch and you wanted a sweater 11 long. 11 x 7 = 77 rows. When I got a ruler it helped so much to figure it out. Before my garments tended to be the wrong size when I got done. I wonder why brother did not have a ruler like that. Gauge rulers can be ordered here: http://store.dknits.com/pd-gauge-ruler.cfm
Hem - making one that won't roll: Do a picot hem: knit 6 rows transfer every other stitch; knit 6 rows; put stitches from waste yarn back on needles; and knit 1 row 2 tensions higher. janglesb (Jane) said she finds this does not curl up.
Machine Knitting - Yarn Weight and Lycra Information
This page is a "work in progress". If you notice any corrections that need to be made or you can clue me in about missing information, I would be grateful if you would PM me so that I can make any necessary adjustments. Thanks!
Connecting yarn ends that are somewhat invisible: (In theory, this technique is great, but the proof is in the pudding. I used it with #3 DK weight to make a baby sweater and it unfortunately left knots / bumps that were very noticeable. So, I could never give the article I made as a present. In conclusiono, unless you are working with yarn where the knots can get lost in the yarn...examples might be variegated or textured yarn...I wouldn't recommend using it.)
Bernat Baby Jacquard (self-patterning) yarn has been a very popular yarn. Even though Bernat has discontinued it, you can still find it in a few places on the internet. In addition, there are also alternative self-patterning yarn brands available. Just google "baby jacquard" to find them.
Standard-Gauge Machine Yarn: Per Maryknits513 (Post: http://www.knittingparadise.com/tpr?p=7044620&t=326493), sport-weight yarn is probably too thick for a standard-gauge machine. Yarn for a standard gauge knitting machine should have a recommended stitch gauge of 6.5 or more stitches to the inch, and about 8 or more rows to the inch.
A fellow KP'er here (lac) sent sent me PMs about Lycra and its use. She bought a cone of lycra several years ago, but could not master using it on her KM until she purchased an elastic devise from Fondmoment (from the UK). In addition, she also has the book mentioned above (Adventures in Lycra). She is very happy that she can finally be able to use Lycra. In her words:
"It (the elastic device) is so worth getting. I cannot rave about it enough. It is a very simple device but makes knitting with the lycra a piece of cake. As I told you before, trying to knit with the lycra before I got the device was impossible, at least for me. I have no affiliation with the inventor. I purchased three of them, one for each of my machines but you only really need one. I am just lazy and didn't want to be switching it to whatever machine I am using. I love how my ribbed bands come out now and hold their shape. In my opinion, every machine knitter should have this. You have to go on ebay and bid on it. It comes from England. He does not always have them on but I kept checking until I was finally able to bid on them. If you google Fondmoment on ebay you should come up with the seller.
UPDATE 09/07/2015: The seller (fondmoment) started offering a "build it yourself" kit on ebay, but stopped selling them. I am sending him another message and hoping he replies. It would sure be nice if he starts selling the "already built" ones again.
IMPORTANT: If prices are listed below, keep in mind that they can fluctuate. Also, keep in mind that some may offer a better price but charge more for shipping, while certain other suppliers offer free shipping.
Per the owner of AboutMachineKnitting.com, "This is the "GO-TO" guy for any hard to find item for your knitting machine in ALL Canada and if you cannot find what you want in the USA. He has everything and if he does not he can either get it or send you to someone who can help you.: http://petersmithtrading.com/
Below are prices for full-sized mylar sheets. Mylar sheets for the Brother KH881 are smaller because they have a built-in KnitLeader.
Newtons - They have had the BEST prices for mylars. Their May 2014 price was $15.00 each, plus $6.50 Shipping. Even if their price has gone up, it's still probably a LOT less than KnitSewWorld (see below and you'll understand). The only down side is that you have to call them (714-634-9116) to place an order. They do have a website (http://www.newtons.com/), but prices are not listed there, nor can you place an online order for mylars.
The links below are worth your while to check out. However not all links within those sites may be valid. I just haven't had time to go through them all:
Machine Knitting - Problems or Inquiries and Solutions (Brother / KnitKing)
If you are having trouble moving the carriage, your yarn is sticky, or the fabric is not long enough for weights yet, a good method to use is to bring the needles all out to Hold ("D") position, make sure carriage is set for Stockinette Stitch, and knit. Your Work won't fall off the needles when in Hold position. (I can't take credit for this hint. It was posted on KP by deemail.)
A = Out of Work
B = Working Position
D = Forward Working Position
E = Holding Position (will knit back if the carriage Hold slide is not engaged)
NOTE: According to "http://www.superbaknitting.com/2011/07/cast-on-methods-for-home-knitting.html", Superba, Singer, White and Phildar are brand names for knitting machines that were sold in France.
Silver-Reed / Studio / KnitMaster / Singer / White:
F 270......................................................3.6................................................Metal
F 370......................................................3.6...................Punchcard................Metal
HK 70
LK-140....................................................6.5...................Manual....................Plastic
LK-150....................................................6.5...................Manual....................Plastic
LK-100.............................Bulky................9.....................Manual....................Plastic
MK 70.....................................................6......................Punchcard...............Plastic
SK 101
SK 103
SK 105............................Standard............4.5..................Selector..................Metal
SK 106
SK 120............................Bulky................8..................................................Metal
SK.121...................................................11....................Manual....................Metal
SK 140...................................................8.....................Manual....................Metal
SK 150............................Bulky................9.....................Manual....................Metal
SK 151............................Bulky................9.....................Manual....................Metal
SK 155............................Bulky................9....................12-st Punchcard.........Metal
SK 160...................................................6.5..................Manual.....................Metal
SK 210............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard................Metal
SK 260............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard................Metal
SK 280............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard................Metal
SK 301
SK 302............................Standard...........4.5...............................................Metal
SK 303
SK 305
SK 312
SK 313............................Standard...........4.5 ................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 320............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 321............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 322............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 323............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 324............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 326............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 327............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 328............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 329............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 350............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 360............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 501
SK 502
SK 511............................Standard...........4.5..................Electronic...............Metal
SK 550............................Standard...........4.5..................Electronic...............Metal
SK 560............................Standard...........4.5..................Electronic...............Metal
SK 580............................Standard...........4.5..................Electronic...............Metal
SK 588............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 700............................Standard...........4.5..................Punchcard..............Metal
SK 810
SK 830...................................................3.6..................Electronic...............Metal
SK 840............................Standard...........4.5..................Electronic..............Metal
SK 860...................................................6.5..................Electronic..............Metal
SK 890............................Bulky................9....................Electronic..............Metal
Roni Knutson's Silver-Reed/Studio machine list: http://www.lacecarriage.com/studiomachines.htm
If you want to learn how to machine knit or use MK accessories, you can't go wrong with the videos of Diana Sullivan, Roberta Rose Kelley or Kathryn Doubrley ("TheAnswerLadyKnits" on YouTube). There are other excellent video sources out there (see "MORE VIDEOS" further below), but I go to these ladies' videos first:
IMPORTANT NOTE: The email addresses above have been formatted in such a way as to prevent spamming. To make the email addressed usable, simply replace "(underscore)" with an underscore symbol; replace "(at)" with an at symbol; and replace "(dot)" with a period, deleting the spaces before and aft.
NOTE: When you look at an MK user's profile on YouTube, click on "Videos" (toward the top, next to their name). At the bottom of your screen, click on "Load More" until you find what you are looking for.
Chanel - Making a Cardigan: (While this video does not provide a pattern or teach you a technique, it is still quite fascinating to watch how Chanel build's a machine-knit cardigan. Enjoy!)
Some of the patterns listed below might not be free. Anything listed here is (IMO) beautiful enough to consider knitting - even if that means you have to purchase the pattern!
...............U.S. Yarn Weight Designation.................................................U.K.................................... Australia and New Zealand
"0" LACE………....…..…Fingering, 10-count crochet thread...............1-ply, 2-ply or 3-ply……………..........…………1-ply, 2-ply or 3-ply
"1" SUPER FINE…...…Sock, Fingering, Baby……………...................….4-ply…………………………………….................….4-ply
"2" FINE…………....…..Sport, Baby…………………….....................………..Light Double Knitting / DK……….........………5-ply
………………………..............…………………………………....................………..Some are considered Double Knitting…..…..8-ply
"3" LIGHT………....…..DK, Heavier Sport / Light Worsted…............…Double Knitting / DK / Aran…………......….…10-ply
"4" MEDIUM…....…….Worsted, Afghan, Aran……………….................…Bulky……………………………………….................16-ply
"5" CHUNKY…....…….Chunky, Craft, Rug……………………....................Chunky…………………………………...............….20-ply
"6" BULKY……....…….Bulky, Roving………………………….......................(unknown)………………………………..............…(unknown)
Inexpensive yarn recommended by a KP'r: http://www.bamboomn.com/category-s/1899.htm
(The above link shows cotton yarn, but you can click on a link on the left-hand side to see other yarns.)
Elsebeth Lavold is the only Swedish knitwear designer with her own yarn label. She personally decides which yarns to include, their properties and colors: http://www.ingenkonst.se/yarn.htm
Socks - Circular Knitting:
Socks - Knitting a Nearly Seamless Sock - Part 1 of 3:
Socks - Knitting a Nearly Seamless Sock on a Standard-Gauge Machine - Part 2 of 3:
Socks - Knitting a Nearly Seamless Sock - Part 3 of 3:
Machine Knitting - Videos - Diana Sullivan - Part 1 of 3 - Beginner, Garter Bar and Ribber Lessons
While I am in no way discounting anyone elses videos, Diana Sullivan is the go to person everyone recommends for anyone wanting to learn how to machine knit and for good reason. You can also find links to her videos on her blog (http://diananatters.blogspot.com/), though some links are incorrect, or you can view them on her YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/dianaknits/videos), though you will have to scroll, scroll, scroll to find what you are looking for. Those are the reasons why I have listed them here easy peasy.