Hands on in February

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 4th Februar, 8 pm start.

It's a hands-on evening where we get to try something different, or brush up on some of the techniques we don't try that often.  It's not easy finding one that is applicable to both machine and hand knitters, but we have had requests for kitchiner stitch, also known as grafting, and mattress stitch.

Both of these finishing stitches/techniques make all the difference to a garment if done correctly.  A neat professional finish is important.

For this evening it is helpful if you can do a little bit of preparation.  

Machine knitters - please knit two swatches, approx 20 stitches x 60 rows with a closed cast on and cast off.  Also  two swatches of a similar size with a closed cast on and take off the machine on waste yarn.  They can be knitted in any 4 smooth ply yarn, using a suitable tension for the yarn.

Hand knitters - please cast on and knit two swatches approx 20 stitches by 60 rows (can be less) and then cast off.  Any cast on and cast off will do.  Also two swatches of a similar size, but don't cast off; leave the work on two separate needles.  Can be knitted in any smooth yarn.

All - by smooth I mean no slubs, knops or other textures.  Please bring a couple of lengths of contrasting yarn of a similar ply for making the stitches (contrast yarn makes it easier to see what you are doing).  And please bring a yarn needle with you as well.

We're hoping that you will all join in.

There will also be time for show and tell, so please bring along your finished projects for us to see.

Look forward to seeing you all again after our Christmas break.

Community Spirit

We had a special visitor in December, Hart councillor Stephen Gorys. Stephen had an opportunity to see the huge pile of goodies created and donated for our sponsored charity, the Friends of Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. After giving us great insight into his role with Hart, we recalled what we had supported locally, earlier in the year with the Knit in Public day and the colourful blankets we had made for local charity.

After show and tell we all tucked into homemade mince pies.

No January meeting

Just a quick note to remind you that there will not be a meeting in January.  The next meeting is scheduled for 4th February.

We will update with what went on at the December meeting soon.

Happy New Year.