Thursday, November 09, 2006

November Meeting

Another interesting evening at this meeting. Our guest speaker was Elaine Cater, probably best known for her garter carriage knitting, but tonight the subject was her latest work on Lace Combinations. Some knitters may remember these combined techniques featured in older Brother pattern books but Elaine has brought them up to date with samples and garments. She made it sound so easy to combine lace with either fair isle, tuck stitch or weaving and the resulting fabric looked fantastic. Elaine herself was wearing a beautiful waistcoat knitted in lace and fair isle, and had with her a jacket which was knitted in lace and weaving. I fell in love with the baby shawl which was knitted in a combination of lace and tuck stitch and looked like a real heiloom piece. Even the edging was interesting being knitted in a lace and slip stitch combination. Definitely one to try. Her latest book is definitely a winner.
Not only did Elaine talk about these techniques, she demonstrated on the machine and explained how the pattern needed to be programmed. Seems there is a difference between the patterns for punchcard and electronic machines! Easy to understand when it is explained!
Elaine also has books by Mary Ann Oger which cover a variety of things. One for the wish list is The Necks Best Thing, plenty of changes to the traditional neckline.
Elaine also explained to us the Guild Challenge for next year, plenty of scope for all to enter.
Unfortunately we were all so absorbed in watching and asking questions we forgot to take any photos this month! Maybe someone will knit something in lace combination for next month!

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