Hands-On evening - Joining pieces

We've got this meeting (on Tuesday 3rd November) down as a Hands-On evening to help with joining pieces of knitting together.  I've got some samples to show you as well - lots of different ways to join your beautifully knitted pieces together which can be worked by a machine or hand knitter.

So to join in - please bring either some swatches that you can join together or knit some small pieces.  They don't need to be over large; just big enough to handle as you work.  We'd especially like to cover mattress stitch and grafting (kitchener stitch) as we know that some of you find them the most difficult.  For the mattress stitch, you'll need two pieces of knitting both with closed edges.  For the grafting you'll again need two pieces of knitting but don't cast these off.  They can either be taken off on waste yarn or you can bring them on needles (one piece per needle please).  If you'd like to learn how to crochet a join then again two pieces of knitting and a crochet hook will be required.  Don't forget to bring a needle and a little bit of yarn to do the stitching with. 

We'll have a machine there too so we can demonstrate some of the joins on the machine.

Also, I have been asked to find a home for some yarn.  It should be coming to me on Tuesday morning. I plan to bring it with me Tuesday evening for you to all see and homefully take some home with you in exchange for a donation as usual.  I won't know how much or what it is until it arrives.

During the course of the evening I will also be asking who is planning to come to our Knit-In on Saturday 14 November.

So it's promising to be a busy evening.  Look forward to seeing you there - 8 pm as usual.

October meeting

The October meeting was a busy hands-on session knitting and crocheting poppies for Armistice Day. There was an excellent turn-out, even with the horrid wet weather. Nina reminded us about the knit-in on November 14th. Final numbers will be totted up at the next meeting to ensure there is enough milk on the day.

Liz had made samples of each of the poppy patterns. Nina had made one on her knitting machine. 

Julie started the show and tell with 2 knitted shawls. A light and dark blue cloud-like shawl made from Drops superkid mohair and silk yarn. 

A colourful knitted shawl with a crochet edge made from King Cole Smooth DK.

Vee's visitor had made several blankets from knitted squares. 

Sandra had knitted a child's white and sparkly cardigan from King Cole Galaxy DK which incorporates sequins.

The hands-on session was very productive, and we took a photo at the end of the poppies made on the evening. 

Phyillis shared with us that the factory that makes the poppies is not far away in Richmond, and that they welcome visitors for tours of the poppy-making process. For more details: http://www.poppyfactory.org/visit-us.html

October meeting soon

Our October meeting is coming up soon - Tuesday 6th October.

This month we are planning to knit poppies to wear in remembrance of fallen servicemen.  There are lots of patterns available on the internet.  If you'd like to join in with this project please find yourself a pattern, print it out and come along with needles and yarn.  (Don't forget to pop a few coins in a collectors box to support this worthy cause.)

Should you prefer not to knit a poppy you could bring your work in progress and knit and natter for a while!

There will also be time for a show and tell so bring along anything unfinished.

Sad to say - I will be missing this meeting.  I'll be in London, setting up a the stand of the Guild of Machine Knitters (www.guild-mach-knit.org.uk) at The Knitting and Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace,  (http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/london/).

But the club meeting will carry on without me - Tuesday 6th October 8pm.