CLUB NEWS
BAIRNSDALE CLUB Update 7/6/22
Members of the Bairnsdale Club have been very busy of late with a couple of projects, the first was to conquer the KnitLeader and other types of charting devices. This was done with a great deal of success and the ensuing results speak for themselves. The other project was to make slippers on the mid gauge and then felt them using various different ideas, including toilet plungers for agitation and then wearing the slippers while wet to get the right size which resulted in some members worrying about foot rot and a great deal of laughing.
Members of the Bairnsdale Club have been very busy of late with a couple of projects, the first was to conquer the KnitLeader and other types of charting devices. This was done with a great deal of success and the ensuing results speak for themselves. The other project was to make slippers on the mid gauge and then felt them using various different ideas, including toilet plungers for agitation and then wearing the slippers while wet to get the right size which resulted in some members worrying about foot rot and a great deal of laughing.
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 CLUB
Zoom sessions started during lockdown as some way towards a substitute for in person meetings. They keep going because there are members who appreciate the opportunity for a knitting themed social gathering without leaving the house. While there are members who like to attend this style of gathering we will keep holding them.
Sessions are very informal, usually no more than an hour, and despite, the general chat, are quite useful sources of information on technique, yarn, trouble shooting machine issues, indeed on any of the topics that crop up in real life club meetings. Probably we are working our way around to small demonstrations. As an offshoot of the Brunswick/Reservoir Novices and Minimalists group, we are not attempting to promote challenging technique (although we are happy to admire your challenging projects).
Below is a simple sample project using beautiful yarn (Baby Suri Alpaca /Silk) in a cheery colour knitted on a single bed punchcard machine using tuck stitch controlled by a card punched to give the exact stitch pattern required.
Zoom sessions started during lockdown as some way towards a substitute for in person meetings. They keep going because there are members who appreciate the opportunity for a knitting themed social gathering without leaving the house. While there are members who like to attend this style of gathering we will keep holding them.
Sessions are very informal, usually no more than an hour, and despite, the general chat, are quite useful sources of information on technique, yarn, trouble shooting machine issues, indeed on any of the topics that crop up in real life club meetings. Probably we are working our way around to small demonstrations. As an offshoot of the Brunswick/Reservoir Novices and Minimalists group, we are not attempting to promote challenging technique (although we are happy to admire your challenging projects).
Below is a simple sample project using beautiful yarn (Baby Suri Alpaca /Silk) in a cheery colour knitted on a single bed punchcard machine using tuck stitch controlled by a card punched to give the exact stitch pattern required.
CAMBERWELL CLUB UPDATE 14/8/22
Our June meeting featured the Colour changer by Elisabeth Kauer and there was much show and tell. We were saddened by the news that Carole MacDonald passed away recently. She was an excellent member and always contributed well with her hand knitting as well as machine knitting.
The following are samples of Elisabeth’s demonstration. Singer cards 2 3 4 7 9 10 11 12 give interesting 2 colour slip patterns using the colour changer.
Our June meeting featured the Colour changer by Elisabeth Kauer and there was much show and tell. We were saddened by the news that Carole MacDonald passed away recently. She was an excellent member and always contributed well with her hand knitting as well as machine knitting.
The following are samples of Elisabeth’s demonstration. Singer cards 2 3 4 7 9 10 11 12 give interesting 2 colour slip patterns using the colour changer.
GEELONG CLUB Update 7/6/22
Geelong Knitting Club’s Best Kept Secret: Roma, small in stature but big in every other form of life. Host of our Club meetings and wonderful company. Highly skilled and open and generous with her knowledge and always willing to give. She has been an active member of the Geelong Knitting Club for many years. Roma gets so much from the group and the group from her. Welove her company, and her smiling face is an absolute delight. She volunteers at the Drysdale Craft Shop, which she also knits items for. The photos depict some of her work which she generously gives to charity. Her work is exquisite and superb in every way. We the club members just love our time with our Roma.
Geelong Knitting Club’s Best Kept Secret: Roma, small in stature but big in every other form of life. Host of our Club meetings and wonderful company. Highly skilled and open and generous with her knowledge and always willing to give. She has been an active member of the Geelong Knitting Club for many years. Roma gets so much from the group and the group from her. Welove her company, and her smiling face is an absolute delight. She volunteers at the Drysdale Craft Shop, which she also knits items for. The photos depict some of her work which she generously gives to charity. Her work is exquisite and superb in every way. We the club members just love our time with our Roma.
KOO WEE RUP CLUB UPDATE 17/10/22
In September, a special display of vintage machine-knitted garments was of great interest. There were many dresses knitted from acrylic yarns plied with lurex that had been custom- designed for a show performer. New members Jackie and Maureen are enthusiastically starting their MK journey on an Empisal machine. We are looking forward to reports of their learning experiences at the next meeting and beyond.
Royal Melbourne Show 2022: well done to all entrants. Congratulations to Jackie N. who achieved 2nd place in Machine Knitted Garment with a burgundy lace-edged coat and 3rd place in Machine Knitted Accessories with a black & white geometric scarf.
Thank you to Elaine P. who showed us Short Row Intarsia technique at the September meeting. The central diamond motif adjacent to shapes in contrasting colours requires patience and careful technical attention to produce a pleasing result.
Show and Tell - pictures below:
Sheila: An appealing garment pattern had to be corrected by her to ensure that the hand-tooling details on the fronts of the pale blue child’s cardigan were reflected rather than duplicated. (Always read a pattern carefully and be prepared to make adjustments!). She also showed other beautiful children’s garments as well as garter carriage spiral socks.
Coral: a blue and white teddy bear motif Passap quilt.
Nelly: Garter carriage hats and many GC garment pieces to seam.Liz: A patchwork quilt and many accessories for the diabetic bus in Alice Springs.
Sharon: a multicoloured chevron lace carriage scarf.
Hannah: a felted purple hat with bright sari silk threaded through very effectively.
An important resource for all women is Rural Women Online. The website has a “set of How-To-Guides to help you navigate our ever-changing digital world”. It is highly recommended. Rural Women Online
In September, a special display of vintage machine-knitted garments was of great interest. There were many dresses knitted from acrylic yarns plied with lurex that had been custom- designed for a show performer. New members Jackie and Maureen are enthusiastically starting their MK journey on an Empisal machine. We are looking forward to reports of their learning experiences at the next meeting and beyond.
Royal Melbourne Show 2022: well done to all entrants. Congratulations to Jackie N. who achieved 2nd place in Machine Knitted Garment with a burgundy lace-edged coat and 3rd place in Machine Knitted Accessories with a black & white geometric scarf.
Thank you to Elaine P. who showed us Short Row Intarsia technique at the September meeting. The central diamond motif adjacent to shapes in contrasting colours requires patience and careful technical attention to produce a pleasing result.
Show and Tell - pictures below:
Sheila: An appealing garment pattern had to be corrected by her to ensure that the hand-tooling details on the fronts of the pale blue child’s cardigan were reflected rather than duplicated. (Always read a pattern carefully and be prepared to make adjustments!). She also showed other beautiful children’s garments as well as garter carriage spiral socks.
Coral: a blue and white teddy bear motif Passap quilt.
Nelly: Garter carriage hats and many GC garment pieces to seam.Liz: A patchwork quilt and many accessories for the diabetic bus in Alice Springs.
Sharon: a multicoloured chevron lace carriage scarf.
Hannah: a felted purple hat with bright sari silk threaded through very effectively.
An important resource for all women is Rural Women Online. The website has a “set of How-To-Guides to help you navigate our ever-changing digital world”. It is highly recommended. Rural Women Online
KYABRAM CLUB
At out recent May meeting we had a workshop, and all knitted a child’s jumper. It was a great day with lots of hands-on work
At out recent May meeting we had a workshop, and all knitted a child’s jumper. It was a great day with lots of hands-on work
MALVERN EAST CLUB UPDATE 17/10/22
Our September weekend workshop attendance was slightly less than past September ones, but we were very pleased to welcome another new member. It was good to see others back as well. Looking forward to catching up with our“holiday-makers”members at the November workshop. Thanks to our loyal members who attend for their continuous support, and their help in the kitchen. Joanne achieved the operations of her machine, plus the ribber and a nearly completed pair of socks.
The knitting of “flat bed” knitting machines socks was a favourite again, whether partly or fully completed ones. Mary-Anne completed her second pair of socks, red ones this time. Well done, girls.
Photos below of:
Time: 9.30am - 6.30pm
At: Chadstone Scout Hall, 51a Ivanhoe Grove, Malvern East
Topic: Varied
Our September weekend workshop attendance was slightly less than past September ones, but we were very pleased to welcome another new member. It was good to see others back as well. Looking forward to catching up with our“holiday-makers”members at the November workshop. Thanks to our loyal members who attend for their continuous support, and their help in the kitchen. Joanne achieved the operations of her machine, plus the ribber and a nearly completed pair of socks.
The knitting of “flat bed” knitting machines socks was a favourite again, whether partly or fully completed ones. Mary-Anne completed her second pair of socks, red ones this time. Well done, girls.
Photos below of:
- Liz's socks - Diana Sullivan’s sew as you knit socks with Spotlight’s sock yarn.
- Jean's interesting baby’s checked-style blanket pattern, for her great-grandchild.
- Carmen’s beanie was done on a LK150, eight ply acrylic yarn, Pattern from Anna Haferman’s crochet like beanie: Anna Haferman's beanie
- Elaine's length of fabric for cut and sew, maybe to dye as well. Cream pearly-looking yarn at T5: 900 rows instocking stitch over 200 stitches. Knitted on a Singer 321.Hope you are able to attend our last workshop for 2022, 19th-20th November as advertised in this Newsletter.
Time: 9.30am - 6.30pm
At: Chadstone Scout Hall, 51a Ivanhoe Grove, Malvern East
Topic: Varied
MOONEE PONDS/ESSENDON CLUB UPDATE 17/10/22
The August meeting focused on weaving with Angela giving a demonstration. Membersalso bought great examples of weaving and woven articles done in the past:
At the September meeting, some of us took machines and we had a hands-on day. The topic was fairisle, specifically the settings/methods for various machines. We had Brothers, a Singer and an Empisal KH90 (a great little machine which does fairisle as an intarsia technique). We also commenced the day with an hilarious presentation of Angela’s favourite fairisle items (and they’re not beanies!):
The August meeting focused on weaving with Angela giving a demonstration. Membersalso bought great examples of weaving and woven articles done in the past:
At the September meeting, some of us took machines and we had a hands-on day. The topic was fairisle, specifically the settings/methods for various machines. We had Brothers, a Singer and an Empisal KH90 (a great little machine which does fairisle as an intarsia technique). We also commenced the day with an hilarious presentation of Angela’s favourite fairisle items (and they’re not beanies!):
NORTH EAST CLUB NEWS UPDATE 17/10/22
The NE MKAV group had a bumper workshop in August, with almost all members present. It was really good to see everyone and what they have been knitting. However, our October meeting was a small one again, some members unwell with the common cold! Yes, that’s still a thing.
Shelley: A gorgeous pale blue wrap/shawl made from BWN yarn in a gorgeous tuck stick on her Brother KH930. As the tuck
stitch chosen is lovely on both sides, it is a reversible garment, so that it can be worn on a cool evening to pop over a blouse and pants.
Charmane: Various socks. The pink yarn is from Kathy’s Fibres and was won by Shelley as a part of her First prize win from Bendigo Sheep & Wool Show. It has a lovely glitter thread running through it and was slightly more difficult to knit through the
machine. But came out very soft. The multi-coloured pair of socks is a Queensland Perth yarn in colour “Great Barrier Reef”and machine knitted like a dream.
We are entered some pieces individually into the Wangaratta Show as well as entering the Craft Group Section as well as a group entry, which is a selection of knitting, crochet, embroidery, jewellery, card-making, etc!
The NE MKAV group had a bumper workshop in August, with almost all members present. It was really good to see everyone and what they have been knitting. However, our October meeting was a small one again, some members unwell with the common cold! Yes, that’s still a thing.
Shelley: A gorgeous pale blue wrap/shawl made from BWN yarn in a gorgeous tuck stick on her Brother KH930. As the tuck
stitch chosen is lovely on both sides, it is a reversible garment, so that it can be worn on a cool evening to pop over a blouse and pants.
Charmane: Various socks. The pink yarn is from Kathy’s Fibres and was won by Shelley as a part of her First prize win from Bendigo Sheep & Wool Show. It has a lovely glitter thread running through it and was slightly more difficult to knit through the
machine. But came out very soft. The multi-coloured pair of socks is a Queensland Perth yarn in colour “Great Barrier Reef”and machine knitted like a dream.
We are entered some pieces individually into the Wangaratta Show as well as entering the Craft Group Section as well as a group entry, which is a selection of knitting, crochet, embroidery, jewellery, card-making, etc!
PASSAP CLUB UPDATE 26/11/2022
What a way to finish the 2022 year with food, show & tell and an inspiring presentation by Olivia. Olivia joined the Club early this year. She completed her Bachelor of Fashion Design (Honours) at RMIT in 2020 (under Covid restrictions). She was chosen to present at RMIT's Runway Show where her creative machine knits were modelled. She showed us several videos of her work as prepared for this event and completion of her degree. Photos are on the home page of the website.
We have had excellent attendance this year and lots of inspiring and often challenging demonstrations. It is great that so many of our members are willing to demonstrate and to share their knowledge. Thanks very much to Libby who continues to have our Club at her home - 21 years. Her leadership, guidance and challenges are appreciated by all.
We are all looking forward to what 2023 will bring.
What a way to finish the 2022 year with food, show & tell and an inspiring presentation by Olivia. Olivia joined the Club early this year. She completed her Bachelor of Fashion Design (Honours) at RMIT in 2020 (under Covid restrictions). She was chosen to present at RMIT's Runway Show where her creative machine knits were modelled. She showed us several videos of her work as prepared for this event and completion of her degree. Photos are on the home page of the website.
We have had excellent attendance this year and lots of inspiring and often challenging demonstrations. It is great that so many of our members are willing to demonstrate and to share their knowledge. Thanks very much to Libby who continues to have our Club at her home - 21 years. Her leadership, guidance and challenges are appreciated by all.
We are all looking forward to what 2023 will bring.
TEMPLESTOWE CLUB
We have all kept in touch via email and telephone. Some have been hand knitting as well as sitting at the machine from time to time. We are looking forward to getting together before Christmas.
Knitting up a little of a stash resulting in 3 jumpers, 1 cardigan, 10 vests, 7 scarves, 2 wraps, 4 pairs of socks, 1 teddy, a squirrel with 3 acorns, a baby hat and a cotton face washer set.
We have all kept in touch via email and telephone. Some have been hand knitting as well as sitting at the machine from time to time. We are looking forward to getting together before Christmas.
Knitting up a little of a stash resulting in 3 jumpers, 1 cardigan, 10 vests, 7 scarves, 2 wraps, 4 pairs of socks, 1 teddy, a squirrel with 3 acorns, a baby hat and a cotton face washer set.
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.