UPDATES
In line with the recommendations from the Knitting and Crochet Guild, the email newsletter has been moved from a manually-managed spreadsheet to using Mailchimp, and moved to using the club email address FleetKnittingClub@gmail.com. There is a sign-up form on the blog to sign up to receive the newsletter. Every newsletter will now include a link at the bottom to unsubscribe.
Fleet Essentials in Fleet stocks Stylecraft and King Cole yarns.
Guild website and 'Across the Needlebed' publication
Some club members are struggling to navigate the Guild's website to find the 'Across the Needlebed' publication. It can be confusing, as there are 2 passwords. There is password for the members' area of the website, and another for the 'Sheep' membership management system to join and renew membership. The October 2022 edition contains knitting a tuck-lace scarf, hand-tooling, a pattern for a Child's tank top. To find 'Across the Needlebed' go to Membership > Members Area > Across the Needlebed.
BSK is closing down according to their Facebook page.
Next meeting is Christmas party … bring your knitted or crocheted party hats!
EVENTS
The Knitting and Crochet Guild has a list of upcoming events.
Local fused glass artist Angela Jane has a studio at Newlyns Farm, outside Odiham, and is running classes to make 3 ornaments and some icicles. £30 per person. If you're looking for inspiration for presents, Liz has a glass coaster that has wire knitting imbedded inside.
19-20 February 2023 CHSI Stitches, NEC Birmingham
12-14 May 2023 Hampton Court Palace Artisan Festival
5-8 October 2023 The Knitting & Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace, London
TIPS AND TRICKS
Sponge bars
If you're not using your knitting machine for a few weeks, then consider removing the sponge bar. The sponge bounces back quite quickly when not compressed against the needles. Keep away from direct light to help prolong the life of the sponge. Smart Co Ltd near Manchester sell coated retaining bars that may last longer, but even then the recommendation is to replace every 4 years. They also have machines available for sale.
Knitting Machine motor/garter carriage
Motor and garter carriages can be very fussy. Okay with Hobby yarn, but that's the most 'bumpy' the motor allows. Two people with garter carriages have the experienced the same issue that the carriage has a habit of dropping stitches as soon as you leave the room!
SHOW AND TELL
Sandra hand knit a white short-sleeve top in King Cole Opium yarn. Just needs to add buttons, and there was a discussion about how many buttons to add. General consensus that for a summer layer piece then one button would look lovely. There were also a couple of tiny baby hats to donate to Frimley Park.
Sylvia knit an Angel pouch, and finished a crocheted a granny square blanket in 4-ply.
Carole knitted a 1ft baby blanket in white that's just needs to be blocked.
Liz has been weaving a scarf using ladder yarn and a wool.
Janet knit a cute cardigan for friend's daughter with lovely contrast buttons.
