CLUB NEWS
BAIRNSDALE CLUB Update 7/12/2023
Bairnsdale Machine Knitters have been quite productive of late, some very beautiful garments have been made as well as blankets and Christmas Decorations. We will have our Christmas Break Up at the Grand Terminus in Bairnsdale and start again next February. Merry Christmas and best wishes to everyone on Committee and thank you for the wonderful work you do.
Bairnsdale Machine Knitters have been quite productive of late, some very beautiful garments have been made as well as blankets and Christmas Decorations. We will have our Christmas Break Up at the Grand Terminus in Bairnsdale and start again next February. Merry Christmas and best wishes to everyone on Committee and thank you for the wonderful work you do.
BALLARAT MACHINE KNITTERS UPDATE 9/04/2024
A relatively new group, we have been meeting for about a year. In February we had a great time dyeing yarn for knitting on our machines. Thanks to Rose for hosting the messiness and to Marcia for the workshop. Janette has already knitted her yarn on her circular sock machine: she knitted the blank sock first, then applied stripes of dye, pulled out the knitted sock and re-knitted. In March we looked at making buttonholes in a doubled stocking stitch band. |
BENDIGO/ELMORE CLUB UPDATE 8/10/2023
A number of Bendigo Elmore club members and several guests enjoyed a 3-day workshop at a local Bendigo motel in August. We have used this particular motel for workshops in the past and are treated as family which helps create a relaxing atmosphere to work on projects of our own choice. These get togethers are liked as we can help each other with any problems that may arise or try different methods of doing things.
A number of Bendigo Elmore club members and several guests enjoyed a 3-day workshop at a local Bendigo motel in August. We have used this particular motel for workshops in the past and are treated as family which helps create a relaxing atmosphere to work on projects of our own choice. These get togethers are liked as we can help each other with any problems that may arise or try different methods of doing things.
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 2/03/2024
Our first day for 2024 began on 29th January. We usually meet on the 4th Monday of the month commencing in February but as January had 5 Mondays we commenced a month early. Our topic was “casting on and casting off” with all its variations. Our Show N Tell was excellent, as always. The Program for the year was distributed with a special workshop day for the G Carriage and another TBA. Each of these workshop days will be held on a 5th Monday. We will complete the year in November as our Christmas Breakup.
Our first day for 2024 began on 29th January. We usually meet on the 4th Monday of the month commencing in February but as January had 5 Mondays we commenced a month early. Our topic was “casting on and casting off” with all its variations. Our Show N Tell was excellent, as always. The Program for the year was distributed with a special workshop day for the G Carriage and another TBA. Each of these workshop days will be held on a 5th Monday. We will complete the year in November as our Christmas Breakup.
GEELONG CLUB UPDATE 4/8/2023
For our July meeting we decided to try some new techniques, rather than the tried and true for a change. Here is the result. Margaret tried her hand at some entralac, Mandy tried some beading, Pat did some Fairisle she had never attempted before, Norma did a scarf in English rib in a beautiful bamboo yarn, and Roma did some lovely work utilising the magic cable and a new pattern stitch was utilized in the beanies. Roma tried her hand again at the crochet buttons. It was a good meeting even though we were down some members due to school holiday absenteeism. The Geelong girls would like to thank all the clubs who post all their beautiful work in the newsletters. It is an inspiration
For our July meeting we decided to try some new techniques, rather than the tried and true for a change. Here is the result. Margaret tried her hand at some entralac, Mandy tried some beading, Pat did some Fairisle she had never attempted before, Norma did a scarf in English rib in a beautiful bamboo yarn, and Roma did some lovely work utilising the magic cable and a new pattern stitch was utilized in the beanies. Roma tried her hand again at the crochet buttons. It was a good meeting even though we were down some members due to school holiday absenteeism. The Geelong girls would like to thank all the clubs who post all their beautiful work in the newsletters. It is an inspiration
KOO WEE RUP CLUB UPDATE 9/04/2024
At our February meeting Louise demonstrated her circular machine on which she makes blankets, because there are so many rows to knit and turning the handle becomes tiring, she has a gadget like a battery drill that clicks in and does the work for you. My type of knitting. There was quite a discussion on different ways the strips could be joined and a very different demonstration. At our March meeting Mary demonstrated the Lace Coathanger cover and Viv the Slip Stitch Coathanger cover. Many had not seen these knitted.
Sheila
At our February meeting Louise demonstrated her circular machine on which she makes blankets, because there are so many rows to knit and turning the handle becomes tiring, she has a gadget like a battery drill that clicks in and does the work for you. My type of knitting. There was quite a discussion on different ways the strips could be joined and a very different demonstration. At our March meeting Mary demonstrated the Lace Coathanger cover and Viv the Slip Stitch Coathanger cover. Many had not seen these knitted.
Sheila
KYABRAM CLUB UPDATE 9/04/2024
The Kyabram club met on 20th February, Glenda demonstrated how to knit a braid edge using singer card 3 on tuck and how to knit mock smocking. Seven members were present. Our club will be 50 years old this year and we plan to have a luncheon to celebrate.
The Kyabram club met on 20th February, Glenda demonstrated how to knit a braid edge using singer card 3 on tuck and how to knit mock smocking. Seven members were present. Our club will be 50 years old this year and we plan to have a luncheon to celebrate.
MALVERN EAST CLUB UPDATE 2/03/2024
Our Christmas party was a lovely, shared lunch, show & tell display, plus technique discussion meeting. Individual gifts were shared, some were small Machine knitted patterned stockings to hang on trees, from a recent M.K.M. magazine,ravelcords,cleaningbrushes. We planned the programme for 2024, machine accessories being special topics. Each club member presented a swatch, garment or notes at the week-end workshop, thanks for your support of this task and I was one “proud leader” of the group’s effort. Jean and Carmen brought along a new interesting stitch although they do not come to our club, thanks to Carman & Jean. These samples and mini demonstrations created an added interest to the week-end. I encouraged attendees at our workshops to send pictures, for the newsletter, of their excellent efforts of making family and charity gifts. From a new publication “Lace and Open Fabric”. Thanks, to those who knitted the free yarn donated for Peter Mac hospital shop, these have been delivered too. Our aim is to remain a viable group, plus enjoy the company and achievements of each other’s efforts. Hope everyone has a healthy, happy and lots of machine knitting for 2024.
Elaine
Our Christmas party was a lovely, shared lunch, show & tell display, plus technique discussion meeting. Individual gifts were shared, some were small Machine knitted patterned stockings to hang on trees, from a recent M.K.M. magazine,ravelcords,cleaningbrushes. We planned the programme for 2024, machine accessories being special topics. Each club member presented a swatch, garment or notes at the week-end workshop, thanks for your support of this task and I was one “proud leader” of the group’s effort. Jean and Carmen brought along a new interesting stitch although they do not come to our club, thanks to Carman & Jean. These samples and mini demonstrations created an added interest to the week-end. I encouraged attendees at our workshops to send pictures, for the newsletter, of their excellent efforts of making family and charity gifts. From a new publication “Lace and Open Fabric”. Thanks, to those who knitted the free yarn donated for Peter Mac hospital shop, these have been delivered too. Our aim is to remain a viable group, plus enjoy the company and achievements of each other’s efforts. Hope everyone has a healthy, happy and lots of machine knitting for 2024.
Elaine
MOONEE PONDS/ESSENDON CLUB UPDATE 9/04/2024
We commenced the year with instruction on machine maintenance. We have space to house a Singer 326 and a Brother 860 machine in our cupboard at the church hall we meet in. Even machines that don’t get used very often need to be checked regularly so we broke into two groups and serviced the machines. Both machines are now in great condition and ready for knitting in 2024.
Diane Chambers gave us a fantastic workshop at Moonee Ponds in March. The following is a report by Julie Doyle: “So many of us were writing notes, taking photos, asking questions and watching, that it was easy to see everyone learnt a lot. We saw three great edgings, learnt another way to cast off, different ways of casting on with your ribber, where to put your cones and how to stop tangling, doing a collar on the round, the list was endless. Even modelling a square inset top that had interested
me. And of course with Diane’s love of stories thrown in. Key tips I learnt included how to use the garter bar, brother ribber combs need weights outside the area of knitting, singer on the inside, and the brother needle pusher can rest on the carriage thread to become a spacer, who knew that’s why there’s a ridge on the needle pusher!" The Moonee Ponds Club caters for people who have Japanese machines. As we have quite a few Passap knitters in our club we discussed how we could cater for them, too. Club members were very impressed with the Passap knitting samples shown below and some February Show & Tell.
Angela
We commenced the year with instruction on machine maintenance. We have space to house a Singer 326 and a Brother 860 machine in our cupboard at the church hall we meet in. Even machines that don’t get used very often need to be checked regularly so we broke into two groups and serviced the machines. Both machines are now in great condition and ready for knitting in 2024.
Diane Chambers gave us a fantastic workshop at Moonee Ponds in March. The following is a report by Julie Doyle: “So many of us were writing notes, taking photos, asking questions and watching, that it was easy to see everyone learnt a lot. We saw three great edgings, learnt another way to cast off, different ways of casting on with your ribber, where to put your cones and how to stop tangling, doing a collar on the round, the list was endless. Even modelling a square inset top that had interested
me. And of course with Diane’s love of stories thrown in. Key tips I learnt included how to use the garter bar, brother ribber combs need weights outside the area of knitting, singer on the inside, and the brother needle pusher can rest on the carriage thread to become a spacer, who knew that’s why there’s a ridge on the needle pusher!" The Moonee Ponds Club caters for people who have Japanese machines. As we have quite a few Passap knitters in our club we discussed how we could cater for them, too. Club members were very impressed with the Passap knitting samples shown below and some February Show & Tell.
Angela
NORTH EAST CLUB NEWS UPDATE 9/04/2024
Our small but enthusiastic group has been busily planning for what events we might like to participate in this year. We have been exhibitors at our local Show in Wangaratta in the group section and individual entries, for a few years now, and hoping too also be a part of the Australian Sheep & Wool Show, Bendigo in July and also other local Shows, Myrtleford & Benalla. At recent workshops, our members have been trying new things with their machines and deepening their knowledge of what they and their machines are capable of. (see pics) We are delighted to welcome Lesley, a new member to our group. She brought along vests, jumpers, etc., (see pics) to our last workshop that she had machine knit at home. Our upcoming meet in April (Sunday 14th & Monday 15th) is a double-day Demonstrator Workshop.
Our small but enthusiastic group has been busily planning for what events we might like to participate in this year. We have been exhibitors at our local Show in Wangaratta in the group section and individual entries, for a few years now, and hoping too also be a part of the Australian Sheep & Wool Show, Bendigo in July and also other local Shows, Myrtleford & Benalla. At recent workshops, our members have been trying new things with their machines and deepening their knowledge of what they and their machines are capable of. (see pics) We are delighted to welcome Lesley, a new member to our group. She brought along vests, jumpers, etc., (see pics) to our last workshop that she had machine knit at home. Our upcoming meet in April (Sunday 14th & Monday 15th) is a double-day Demonstrator Workshop.
PASSAP CLUB UPDATE 10/04/2024
What wonderful demonstrations we have been having! Jean challenged us with doing some frills as they seem to be in fashion now. So as a result, variations have been attempted. We probably still have a way to go but ideas were in abundance. Jackie did this month’s demo using Tech 265 which involves racking (and concentration) She produced some variations for us to try as well. e.g. Inserting a contrast yarn. Show and Tell produced many items done on various machines. Jan has a new great grandson, so has been on her machine to produce some knits. We have received an impressive number of knits for Peter Mac. The variation and quality of work is wonderful and have come from several clubs.
Kerryn
What wonderful demonstrations we have been having! Jean challenged us with doing some frills as they seem to be in fashion now. So as a result, variations have been attempted. We probably still have a way to go but ideas were in abundance. Jackie did this month’s demo using Tech 265 which involves racking (and concentration) She produced some variations for us to try as well. e.g. Inserting a contrast yarn. Show and Tell produced many items done on various machines. Jan has a new great grandson, so has been on her machine to produce some knits. We have received an impressive number of knits for Peter Mac. The variation and quality of work is wonderful and have come from several clubs.
Kerryn
TEMPLESTOWE CLUB UPDATE 2/03/2024
Templestowe club organised a lunch to celebrate Vida's birthday. This was held at the Templestowe Hotel. Vida, the oldest member of the MKAV, turned 104 on the 22nd of October
Templestowe club organised a lunch to celebrate Vida's birthday. This was held at the Templestowe Hotel. Vida, the oldest member of the MKAV, turned 104 on the 22nd of October
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.