CLUB NEWS
BAIRNSDALE CLUB Update 4/1/2023
The members have discovered how to use IT and Youtube this year and it has been a powerful learning tool. We have watched demonstrators using Garter Bars, interesting e-wrap cast ons and then trying them out on the machine. There has also been a lot of interest in hats, particularly the felted Miss Marple kind. Making them much larger and then shrinking down in the washing machine. Bairnsdale Machine Knitters are still meeting on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, first meeting in New Year will be 20th January 2023 and all welcome.
The members have discovered how to use IT and Youtube this year and it has been a powerful learning tool. We have watched demonstrators using Garter Bars, interesting e-wrap cast ons and then trying them out on the machine. There has also been a lot of interest in hats, particularly the felted Miss Marple kind. Making them much larger and then shrinking down in the washing machine. Bairnsdale Machine Knitters are still meeting on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, first meeting in New Year will be 20th January 2023 and all welcome.
BENDIGO/ELMORE CLUB UPDATE 14/8/22
Nine members of the Club enjoyed the inaugural tour group to Geelong Dyeing Co. We were made to feel very welcome by Samantha with morning tea in the board/conference room and while some of the history of Geelong Dyeing and explanation of the functions carried out by the business before the tour. We learnt about the dyeing process, the diversity of the business, its sustainability and effort to ensure there was very little waste product and even the water used is recycled. Afterwards we were able to purchase very reasonably priced yarn and were each given sample rings of their yarn colours. It is well worth taking a tour of Geelong Dyeing and Bendigo Elmore Machine Knitters would like to thank in particular, Samantha and Pablo the dog, and also everyone else for their hospitality.
Eight members enjoyed a three day workshop at the Golden Hills Motel recently.
Several of the members volunteered at different times at the MKAV stand at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show. We all found this to be very interesting and worthwhile.
Our July meeting was a demonstration of single bed sandwich seam buttonholes.
Nine members of the Club enjoyed the inaugural tour group to Geelong Dyeing Co. We were made to feel very welcome by Samantha with morning tea in the board/conference room and while some of the history of Geelong Dyeing and explanation of the functions carried out by the business before the tour. We learnt about the dyeing process, the diversity of the business, its sustainability and effort to ensure there was very little waste product and even the water used is recycled. Afterwards we were able to purchase very reasonably priced yarn and were each given sample rings of their yarn colours. It is well worth taking a tour of Geelong Dyeing and Bendigo Elmore Machine Knitters would like to thank in particular, Samantha and Pablo the dog, and also everyone else for their hospitality.
Eight members enjoyed a three day workshop at the Golden Hills Motel recently.
Several of the members volunteered at different times at the MKAV stand at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show. We all found this to be very interesting and worthwhile.
Our July meeting was a demonstration of single bed sandwich seam buttonholes.
BRUNSWICK/RESERVOIR NOVICES, MINIMALISTS & ZOOM CLUB UPDATE: 9/4/2023
You would be forgiven for suspecting that this group had faded out of existence. Regular Zoom sessions were suspended for the Christmas /New Year season and have not yet been resumed.Good intentions for the future:
Resume Zoom sessions, Create some content, Blog, YouTube or whatever medium is accessible, showing simple techniques on simple machines, and the care and maintenance of those machines.
Tie Zoom discussions to knitting and related content, whether created within our group or accessed elsewhere. Continue to provide opportunities for in-person collaboration and skill sharing. Thank you to Denise Chevalier for ongoing excellent assistance to new and returning knitters.
Explore, create and knit clothing designs that support particular life activities or needs.
And of course we will continue to consider obscure and unusual machines, processes and projects whenever they come to our attention.
You would be forgiven for suspecting that this group had faded out of existence. Regular Zoom sessions were suspended for the Christmas /New Year season and have not yet been resumed.Good intentions for the future:
Resume Zoom sessions, Create some content, Blog, YouTube or whatever medium is accessible, showing simple techniques on simple machines, and the care and maintenance of those machines.
Tie Zoom discussions to knitting and related content, whether created within our group or accessed elsewhere. Continue to provide opportunities for in-person collaboration and skill sharing. Thank you to Denise Chevalier for ongoing excellent assistance to new and returning knitters.
Explore, create and knit clothing designs that support particular life activities or needs.
And of course we will continue to consider obscure and unusual machines, processes and projects whenever they come to our attention.
CAMBERWELL CLUB UPDATE 10/4/2023
We began our year in February with a good show and tell and also finished the day with a demonstration of simple edges.
The theme for our March club was Magic Cables. It created much interest.
A number of members have LK 150s. It is interesting to see the various techniques used on these simple machines.
Our April topic will be Knit radar and Knit Leader.
We began our year in February with a good show and tell and also finished the day with a demonstration of simple edges.
The theme for our March club was Magic Cables. It created much interest.
A number of members have LK 150s. It is interesting to see the various techniques used on these simple machines.
Our April topic will be Knit radar and Knit Leader.
GEELONG CLUB UPDATE 10/4/2023
Thursday, March 30, nine members from the Geelong Machine Knitting Club went out on a ‘Learning and Shopping Tour’.Our first stop was the Geelong Dyeing Woollen Mill and Textile Mill. What an eye opener that was. After donning our borrowed high vis safety vests, we were led on a tour by Anne, who was extremely knowledgeable and gave willingly of her time. We saw first hand the process starting in the bales of Merino raw wool through to the finished product (Australian Grown Merino Knitting Yarn) which can be purchased online from their online store.
Anne took us through the colour laboratory where the formulas for the different dyeing projects are formulated. We learnt about scouring and carding of the wool before the dyeing process begins. Then it was onto the dyeing and drying process. We saw the winding machines where the yarns are wound onto cones of varying weights. Some of the yarns are in beautiful vibrant colours. They also dye synthetic yarns. There were commercial fabrics, such as upholstery fabrics being dyed and dried also.
We were then given a tour of the Textile Mill which is next to the dyeing plant. There we saw the weaving machines in operation, and the quality control (checking for faults etc) in action, and fabrics coming off the presses.
www.geelongdyeing.com.au is a website well worth a visit.
After our tour we had three more stops: Yarns on Packington and the Woolsey Trading Post which are both great outlets for high quality yarns along with many interesting accessories.
Jen’s Place was our third stop where they have an extensive range of Bendigo Woollen Mill yarn. If they haven’t got it in stock, they will order it for you.
Let’s not forget lunch at good old Maccas with their Seniors coffees, mini chicken wraps and many other delights.
A fantastic day was had by all, with a great learning experience and purchases made along the way.
Thursday, March 30, nine members from the Geelong Machine Knitting Club went out on a ‘Learning and Shopping Tour’.Our first stop was the Geelong Dyeing Woollen Mill and Textile Mill. What an eye opener that was. After donning our borrowed high vis safety vests, we were led on a tour by Anne, who was extremely knowledgeable and gave willingly of her time. We saw first hand the process starting in the bales of Merino raw wool through to the finished product (Australian Grown Merino Knitting Yarn) which can be purchased online from their online store.
Anne took us through the colour laboratory where the formulas for the different dyeing projects are formulated. We learnt about scouring and carding of the wool before the dyeing process begins. Then it was onto the dyeing and drying process. We saw the winding machines where the yarns are wound onto cones of varying weights. Some of the yarns are in beautiful vibrant colours. They also dye synthetic yarns. There were commercial fabrics, such as upholstery fabrics being dyed and dried also.
We were then given a tour of the Textile Mill which is next to the dyeing plant. There we saw the weaving machines in operation, and the quality control (checking for faults etc) in action, and fabrics coming off the presses.
www.geelongdyeing.com.au is a website well worth a visit.
After our tour we had three more stops: Yarns on Packington and the Woolsey Trading Post which are both great outlets for high quality yarns along with many interesting accessories.
Jen’s Place was our third stop where they have an extensive range of Bendigo Woollen Mill yarn. If they haven’t got it in stock, they will order it for you.
Let’s not forget lunch at good old Maccas with their Seniors coffees, mini chicken wraps and many other delights.
A fantastic day was had by all, with a great learning experience and purchases made along the way.
KOO WEE RUP CLUB UPDATE 9/6/2023
At our April meeting we demonstrated a baby beanie on the Brother and Singer machines. The pattern was using half Fishermans rib and changed the tucking from the ribber to the main bed part way through. In May Jackie demonstrated a release stitch pattern for a bag that was shown at the Passap club, so our members could see how patterns can easily be done on other machines. We asked our ladies to bring along their wool winders so everyone could see the variety within the club. I especially loved the one that had been mounted on a box and attached to a sewing machine motor. On our 3rd Tuesday meeting we had the pleasure of Kerryn Roberts and Janet Hopgood joining us for a Cut & Sew demonstration. There was lots of hands on work with overlockers and sewing machines set up throughout the hall and we played with different samples that everyone had knitted. The aim of day was to make everyone feel comfortable using their machines with fabric they had knitted. Our 3rd Tuesdays are devoted to helping anyone that needs it. We have a standard gauge Brother and Singer stored at the hall and also a Passap E6000 so feel free to join us if you need a hand or to have a fun day knitting. We did receive some sad news at our meeting in May of the passing of our friend Rae Forster, she will be sadly missed.
At our April meeting we demonstrated a baby beanie on the Brother and Singer machines. The pattern was using half Fishermans rib and changed the tucking from the ribber to the main bed part way through. In May Jackie demonstrated a release stitch pattern for a bag that was shown at the Passap club, so our members could see how patterns can easily be done on other machines. We asked our ladies to bring along their wool winders so everyone could see the variety within the club. I especially loved the one that had been mounted on a box and attached to a sewing machine motor. On our 3rd Tuesday meeting we had the pleasure of Kerryn Roberts and Janet Hopgood joining us for a Cut & Sew demonstration. There was lots of hands on work with overlockers and sewing machines set up throughout the hall and we played with different samples that everyone had knitted. The aim of day was to make everyone feel comfortable using their machines with fabric they had knitted. Our 3rd Tuesdays are devoted to helping anyone that needs it. We have a standard gauge Brother and Singer stored at the hall and also a Passap E6000 so feel free to join us if you need a hand or to have a fun day knitting. We did receive some sad news at our meeting in May of the passing of our friend Rae Forster, she will be sadly missed.
KYABRAM CLUB UPDATE 10/4/2023
The Kyabram machine knitters met in February and Susan Showed us some of her knitted bags. She also demonstrated a little bit of release stitch.
In March Glenda showed everyone how to make a waste rag. They now have to go home and try to make one themselves as homework.
The Kyabram machine knitters met in February and Susan Showed us some of her knitted bags. She also demonstrated a little bit of release stitch.
In March Glenda showed everyone how to make a waste rag. They now have to go home and try to make one themselves as homework.
MALVERN EAST CLUB UPDATE 10/4/2023
Malvern East club members aim for 2023 is to improve our knowledge of the ribber attachment to a knitting machine, by picking a stitch or application each month. To date we have achieved lots of edges and used ribber punchcards at workshops. Several of the following photographs show our success and club topics in the coming months, including release stitch, pintucks, etc.
Attendance at our recent workshops were above average compared to last year; we welcomed four new knitters and a returning member wanting to understand her ribber better.
Thanks to our “kitchen girls” who re-heated food, set the tables and washed dishes. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Malvern East club members aim for 2023 is to improve our knowledge of the ribber attachment to a knitting machine, by picking a stitch or application each month. To date we have achieved lots of edges and used ribber punchcards at workshops. Several of the following photographs show our success and club topics in the coming months, including release stitch, pintucks, etc.
Attendance at our recent workshops were above average compared to last year; we welcomed four new knitters and a returning member wanting to understand her ribber better.
Thanks to our “kitchen girls” who re-heated food, set the tables and washed dishes. Your support is greatly appreciated.
MOONEE PONDS/ESSENDON CLUB UPDATE 12/4/2023
In February we looked at horizontal buttonholes; they are ideal for making a buttonhole in a single bed hem. Viv and Angela demonstrated the advantage of using this style of buttonhole as it can cater for different sizes of buttons and can be made large enough to be used as a bag handle. The technique they used can be found in the red covered Brother book ‘Knitting Techniques Book’ on page 80. The largest button has a diameter of 8cm made with a 10 stitch horizontal buttonhole on a Bulky Brother 260. Viv is wearing a hat that has removable buttons attached to different hair styles.
In March we revisited the use of the waste rag and making hems, emphasising the changing tensions so that they wouldn’t do the dreaded flip. Angela demonstrated her favourite technique and Pamela showed knitted samples of her favourites.
For both months there were fabulous Show and Tell items and we are really happy with our new members embracing their ideas. Clare finished a fairisle baby cardigan using a simple punchcard she designed. She knitted the jumper for herself and then knitted the matching (soon to be new family member) child’s cardigan in Bendigo 3 ply but ended up lining the cardigan with a cotton jersey fabric to prevent any little fingers getting stuck in floats.
Other great Show ‘N Tell moments included Norma’s gorgeous Passap blanket; Chris’ wonderful scarves with an Australian theme; Denise’s fantastic fairisle jumper which she didn’t like but we all did! Pamela’s lovely scarves with interesting edges and bling and Julie’s lovely woven scarf with great texture and absolutely beautiful child’s jumper with lovely embroidery – a great reminder that we can add anything to stocking stitch jumpers. And finally Liliana’s beautiful ponchos, knitted in Geelong Merino, which has a sumptious silky feel. Pam also made a fantastic child’s cardigan and romper set but didn’t complete the sewing up so we’re looking forward to seeing that next time.
Later in April, we will introduce a knit-along project; mainly aimed at Moonee Ponds new knitters, we will knit a very simple child’s cardigan small steps at a time, through the use of Zoom technology (all being well)!
In February we looked at horizontal buttonholes; they are ideal for making a buttonhole in a single bed hem. Viv and Angela demonstrated the advantage of using this style of buttonhole as it can cater for different sizes of buttons and can be made large enough to be used as a bag handle. The technique they used can be found in the red covered Brother book ‘Knitting Techniques Book’ on page 80. The largest button has a diameter of 8cm made with a 10 stitch horizontal buttonhole on a Bulky Brother 260. Viv is wearing a hat that has removable buttons attached to different hair styles.
In March we revisited the use of the waste rag and making hems, emphasising the changing tensions so that they wouldn’t do the dreaded flip. Angela demonstrated her favourite technique and Pamela showed knitted samples of her favourites.
For both months there were fabulous Show and Tell items and we are really happy with our new members embracing their ideas. Clare finished a fairisle baby cardigan using a simple punchcard she designed. She knitted the jumper for herself and then knitted the matching (soon to be new family member) child’s cardigan in Bendigo 3 ply but ended up lining the cardigan with a cotton jersey fabric to prevent any little fingers getting stuck in floats.
Other great Show ‘N Tell moments included Norma’s gorgeous Passap blanket; Chris’ wonderful scarves with an Australian theme; Denise’s fantastic fairisle jumper which she didn’t like but we all did! Pamela’s lovely scarves with interesting edges and bling and Julie’s lovely woven scarf with great texture and absolutely beautiful child’s jumper with lovely embroidery – a great reminder that we can add anything to stocking stitch jumpers. And finally Liliana’s beautiful ponchos, knitted in Geelong Merino, which has a sumptious silky feel. Pam also made a fantastic child’s cardigan and romper set but didn’t complete the sewing up so we’re looking forward to seeing that next time.
Later in April, we will introduce a knit-along project; mainly aimed at Moonee Ponds new knitters, we will knit a very simple child’s cardigan small steps at a time, through the use of Zoom technology (all being well)!
NORTH EAST CLUB NEWS UPDATE 12/4/2023
Our first meeting in February 2023 was just brilliant, great to see a good number of members in attendance, excited for the year ahead. We welcomed a new member to our group – Cherie. It is great to have another enthusiastic person to join our ranks.
Shelley worked on a lovely BWM 8ply burgundy wool cowl on her Brother KH260 in tuck stitch. So soft and warm. Just the thing as we change into cooler days. Shelley also is working on a 3ply BWM poncho in blue, it is ready to have the seams sewn in this picture.
Nicole was pleased to finish the “Frozen” inspired jumper that she began last year. You will see she has added side panels to give the jumper more room for fast growing little ones.
Our March Workshop was also very well attended with another new member to increase our numbers, which is very exciting. Welcome to Ruth – Ruth is an avid hand knitter and is seeking a way to increase her speed / volume in creating her wonderful designs. Mostly rectangular pieces joined to make lovely shrugs and capes etc., looking forward to seeing how joining our group aids her in this effort.
Machine-knitted flowers was attempted during the March workshop see the photos below.
Margaret has also whipped up some new creatures with i-cord. Over 500 rows of 5 stitches for this lovely little jellyfish and how adorable are these ladybirds?
Andrea has made another infants vest using slip stitch.
Rhonda brought along her CSM and worked with some new yarn to see how it would go. The pic is of some sock blanks she knitted and another lady who uses natural dyes has cut them to length and dyed them. Amazing colours
Our first meeting in February 2023 was just brilliant, great to see a good number of members in attendance, excited for the year ahead. We welcomed a new member to our group – Cherie. It is great to have another enthusiastic person to join our ranks.
Shelley worked on a lovely BWM 8ply burgundy wool cowl on her Brother KH260 in tuck stitch. So soft and warm. Just the thing as we change into cooler days. Shelley also is working on a 3ply BWM poncho in blue, it is ready to have the seams sewn in this picture.
Nicole was pleased to finish the “Frozen” inspired jumper that she began last year. You will see she has added side panels to give the jumper more room for fast growing little ones.
Our March Workshop was also very well attended with another new member to increase our numbers, which is very exciting. Welcome to Ruth – Ruth is an avid hand knitter and is seeking a way to increase her speed / volume in creating her wonderful designs. Mostly rectangular pieces joined to make lovely shrugs and capes etc., looking forward to seeing how joining our group aids her in this effort.
Machine-knitted flowers was attempted during the March workshop see the photos below.
Margaret has also whipped up some new creatures with i-cord. Over 500 rows of 5 stitches for this lovely little jellyfish and how adorable are these ladybirds?
Andrea has made another infants vest using slip stitch.
Rhonda brought along her CSM and worked with some new yarn to see how it would go. The pic is of some sock blanks she knitted and another lady who uses natural dyes has cut them to length and dyed them. Amazing colours
PASSAP CLUB UPDATE 8/5/2023
Excellent turnout for last meeting with 20 members attending and a new ‘young’ member visiting for the first time. The demonstration of a string bag was done by Jean.
Excellent turnout for last meeting with 20 members attending and a new ‘young’ member visiting for the first time. The demonstration of a string bag was done by Jean.
TEMPLESTOWE CLUB UPDATE 6/2/2023
TThe following is just a brief outline of our knitting clubs:
Templestowe knitting club will have the usual show and tell and problem solving
Our round table discussions have proved very popular
Both standard (second Friday of each month) and electronic (last Friday of the month) clubs will delve deeper into card one and card three
The first meetings in February will be charity knitting. In particular a fast single bed beanie
New members are always welcome.
TThe following is just a brief outline of our knitting clubs:
Templestowe knitting club will have the usual show and tell and problem solving
Our round table discussions have proved very popular
Both standard (second Friday of each month) and electronic (last Friday of the month) clubs will delve deeper into card one and card three
The first meetings in February will be charity knitting. In particular a fast single bed beanie
New members are always welcome.
THURSDAY EVENING ZOOM GROUP
This group began to fill part of the gap left when Covid disrupted regular Club meetings. The plan is to keep it going as an online group, open to any member, but catering particularly to members with jobs to go to, and to anyone who would be grateful to attend an MKAV meeting without having to leave the house.
The group provides a chance to show your knitting triumphs and tragedies, and tap into the collective wisdom of the assembled knitters. Lately we have been enjoying seeing Carole’s contemporary textile art pieces, made on her Passap E6000.
The group Zooms at 6pm on Thursdays. Send an email to chrisjd@bigpond.net.au if you would like to be added to the invitation list.
This group began to fill part of the gap left when Covid disrupted regular Club meetings. The plan is to keep it going as an online group, open to any member, but catering particularly to members with jobs to go to, and to anyone who would be grateful to attend an MKAV meeting without having to leave the house.
The group provides a chance to show your knitting triumphs and tragedies, and tap into the collective wisdom of the assembled knitters. Lately we have been enjoying seeing Carole’s contemporary textile art pieces, made on her Passap E6000.
The group Zooms at 6pm on Thursdays. Send an email to chrisjd@bigpond.net.au if you would like to be added to the invitation list.