Knitting - help and advice super thread!

Gormal · 20-02-2015 6:41pm

Just discovered Winnie's Wool Wagon via the Drops website

Gatica · 02-03-2015 11:32am

Second Winnie's Wool Wagon! Also have used the constant Knitter (www.theconstantknitter.ie) and I've also used Lana Grossa, whose yarns I really love (http://www.lanagrossa-store.com/lana-grossa-yarns/wool-yarn-c_16-p_1.html).

kandr10 · 02-03-2015 3:14pm

Guys what kind of pins do you use when blocking? Are blocking wires a must have?

louised88 · 02-03-2015 3:19pm

i pretty much use what i have around the place, a combination of straight pins and t-pins.

re: blocking wires, I suppose it depends on what you're blocking? I think they'd be handy for something long like a scarf. I've never used blocking wires, I've substituted yarn sometimes though (I was gently blocking a lace-shawl and wove waste yarn through the border and then tied the waste yarn to pins, I don't know how useful this would be if you were blocking something very hard though.)

Gatica · 02-03-2015 3:20pm

I just use normal sewing pins with the rounded heads. They work ok on corners. I've tried using them on straight edges and it doesn't come out quite even, so I'd say wires would be an advantage where you want to stretch your work with a nice smooth edge. like scarf or sweater.

kandr10 · 02-03-2015 8:04pm

Thanks guys! I only recently started blocking (I know I know! But at least I'm changing my bad habits now). I saw the wires on a website and was curious. I mainly do baby clothes so perhaps not a necessity. However I have just done a lacy cardigan so I'll try the trick of pulling waste yarn through to keep the ends even.

janmaree · 05-03-2015 12:05am

I've done a lot of crochet thread work over the years, doilies, christening gowns, table cloths, etc., and found to my cost that some pins will rust quite quickly and leave stains, disastrous for white cotton thread items :eek:. Found rustless pins for wedding dresses and they take the gamble out of it now.

kandr10 · 05-03-2015 12:33am

Gosh that's good to know! That must be horrifying after putting all that work in.

wmpdd3 · 06-04-2015 1:07am

Any machine knitters here: I know there was a thread that lasted 5 years here before and then got moved to here, there were a few knitters on there but the accounts seem to be inactive.

As the exchange rate in the UK has gone through the roof, I'mm looking for yarn on cones, I havent been to Springwools yet, but may have to check it out. I had 2 brilliant suppliers in the UK but including postage, the price to me has doubled since x-mas.

looksee · 06-04-2015 8:28am

I just got some from http://www.fairfieldyarns.co.uk/yarn.htm It is redundant stock so you will not be selecting from ranges, but it might suit. I was very pleased with the service. I also got some excellent quality yarn from http://www.texere-yarns.co.uk/index.html - I was buying for weaving, but they do knitting yarn. Both these are in he UK so may not be what you want.

janmaree · 06-04-2015 12:31pm

http://www.craftspun.ie/product-category/yarn-types/page/2/

Craftspun Yarns, the Dublin side of Naas, have a selection of yarn on cones. Hope it's of some help to you.

wmpdd3 · 07-04-2015 3:36pm

Brilliant, didn't know about them.

sarahon150 · 28-05-2015 12:33pm

Hi,
Do you know anyone that services knitting machines in Dublin?

wmpdd3 · 28-05-2015 10:47pm

There are two people in Wales who have helped me, which I know is no good!

Both ncad and Griffith colleges have (or did have) knitting machines so maybe ring them and ask who does theirs.

I have repaired all mine in one way or another, if its not working correctly, fire away, I may be able to help.

theLuggage · 04-06-2015 12:02pm

Hi quick question on a pattern I'm knitting. I've picked up stitches for the right front border (baby cardigan). I'm following instructions which I presume will be the button holes - there are only three near the neck. I can't understand the count for the stitches and feel like I'm missing something.

I have 61 stitches. Then told to rib to last 27 - that's fine.
Then told cast off 1 st, (rib 9, cast off 1 st) twice, rib 3 - this is confusing me!

I'm counting 24 there but I'm only counting 1 for casting off - should I be counting two?? That would make the 27 then.

Gatica · 04-06-2015 4:24pm

is there a term glossary? if the rib is k1p1, then by saying rib 3 it may mean (k1p1)x3 which would give you a total of 27.

theLuggage · 04-06-2015 4:39pm

Gatica wrote: »

is there a term glossary? if the rib is k1p1, then by saying rib 3 it may mean (k1p1)x3 which would give you a total of 27.

Ah rib is k1p1 so that makes more sense! Thanks for that.

TOMP · 04-06-2015 9:02pm

theLuggage wrote: »

Hi quick question on a pattern I'm knitting. I've picked up stitches for the right front border (baby cardigan). I'm following instructions which I presume will be the button holes - there are only three near the neck. I can't understand the count for the stitches and feel like I'm missing something.

I have 61 stitches. Then told to rib to last 27 - that's fine.
Then told cast off 1 st, (rib 9, cast off 1 st) twice, rib 3 - this is confusing me!

I'm counting 24 there but I'm only counting 1 for casting off - should I be counting two?? That would make the 27 then.

You are correct, you should be counting 2 for casting off - you have to knit 2 stitches to cast off 1 (you lift the first stitch over the second). That transfers 2 stitches to the right hand needle.

theLuggage · 04-06-2015 9:09pm

Agh!! I've just followed Gatica's advice which is different

Presume it won't matter as long as I match up the instructions on the other border. I hate unpicking and so close to the end. I'm liable to make a wreck of it so don't want to risk it.

Gatica · 05-06-2015 8:28am

oh no!

sorry. for some reason I was thinking cast off was slip the stitch across (i.e. 1)

//edit
If you're doing proper cast off as theLuggage said, you'll be left with 3 at the end anyway.... but I'm guessing you may have slipped the stitch.

theLuggage · 05-06-2015 8:31am

Ah no worries. Me and button holes never seem to work out!

Ah sure I'm still learning bits and pieces so to be honest am more happy I could pick up the stitches for the border and they looked good

I'll know the next time I'm doing it.

sarahonon · 05-06-2015 12:34pm

Hi,

I have cleaned and oiled the machine however its still not working.I have uploaded a video on youtube to show you type
brother knitting machine punchcard not working its the top video with the orange background

thanks
sarah

wmpdd3 · 05-06-2015 6:34pm

If it all goes peat tong, forget the button holes and get some 10mm snaps.

https://eastlondonknit.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/cyclamen-2.jpg?w=545&h=819

you can still sew the buttons on top.

theLuggage · 05-06-2015 6:46pm

Ah thats a good idea. The holes look ok though so we'll see. I'll worry about it when I've made it up - another dread of mine still!!

wmpdd3 · 06-06-2015 12:11am

You can always mattress stitch the holes closed! (you name a disaster, I've had it! )

duckling10 · 06-06-2015 10:39am

hi, there's no link in your last post, so I don't know what type of machine you have, is there any code on it somewhere, starting with letter K maybe?

is it an electronic machine, do you have to plug it in?

NB: have you checked and changed the sponge bar, second hand machines generally need to have the sponge bar changed, or else your needles will be loose/wobble and using the carriage across will bend or break needles.

in what way is the machine not working?
is there a manual with it? if you need a manual then there are links i can give you to downloadable manuals for lots of machines.

what have you done so far, and what have you not been able to do? have
eg have you knitted anything at all?

sorry for all the questions, just looking for information so I might be able to help? I have one Brother machine(chunky) with ribber that works, and a few more in the process of being fixed.

wmpdd3 · 06-06-2015 10:49am

Found your video, got 2 seconds in, heard the noise. Stop immediately!

It's either the sponge bar, or you have the bar in upside down or the carriage is jammed of the magnets are mis alined.

It can be fixed, but you need it fixed before you try knitting anything else.

I can move my carriage with my little finger. There is no noise apart from the needles moving forward and back.

1 St. Look on YouTube for replacing the sponge bar and make sure your new one is in the right way.

Let me know how that goes and we'll move on top the next check.

If you can't find a video, I'll send you pictures of how my sponge bar looks.

duckling10 · 06-06-2015 11:08am

found your video,
on youtube, orange background,
I agree with wmpdd3, that noise is not good, way too harsh, you do need to check the the sponge bar, and check for static electricity, machines can get stiff from too much static, I'll come back to that when I get a link for it for you, or just check on youtube for it.
ETA: Static monster strikes again:

Otherwise, is it the punchcard that is not working, it seems to be not moving on as the rows move on?
I beleive i had the same problem as you at Easter when I got out my Brother Chunky for first time in long time.
It knit for me no problem, but when I tried to use a punchcard, the punchcards were not rolling on, the little buttons popped up and down wwhen the carriage went across, but the card did not roll on and the knitting was a huge mess.

So I went to my favourite place for help : Raverly, specifically the Machine Knitting group, linky here:

and i posted a question on the beginners queries page, and i was told I probably needed to de-gunk the punchcard roller mechanism, which was probably stuck with yellowing old oil.
I had to open the top of the machine at right side only, where the punchcard mechanism is, you'll see the little screws, no problem to do that, and then you need to de-gunk it, materials required were a hairdryer, sewing machine oil, an old cloth and an old toothbrush, small plastic needle.
Sure enough, there was old yellow oil on the roller and on the bits around it,
if you look on youtube for the answer lady /ask jack you should find videos of her and Jack cleaning card readers on knitting machines, that will show you the yellow oil and where to clean it from.
ETA or read my posts and the answers I got on the Ravelry Beginners Questions thread , my post is nr 2665 on that page. there are links to other people's photos also of their gunky machines.

First I got out the hairdryer and warmed the area of the punchcard roller.
Sewing machine oil apparently takes off old grease. So I put some sewing machine oil on the yellow bits of grease on the white plastic roller in punchcard mechanism and on the top of the circular disc to far right of the mechanism.

I left the oil do its work then went back with a rag and an old small toothbrush, a small plastic knitting needle, (mind your rag doesn't leave bits of fluff in there) and I cleaned out the yellow oil with the rag and the small plastic needle to help poke out bits.
I put it all back together again and set in the punchcard and did a trial run with the carriage, and PRESTO! the punchcard moved on. After that i could knit with any punchcard at all.
Give it a shot, it was my first time doing it, but now I know how I will do it for all the other machines I have to fix too.

Items needed: sewing machine oil, a rag, a plastic knitting needle, Hairdryer, old toothbrush .

ETA: I have a knitting repair man in Shannon, Co Clare, bit too far from you I know, i might contact him and ask if he has any contacts for repairs in Dublin, have you asked at the local sewing machine and yarn shops? I think he sells sponge bars separately too, I could ask him for you if you wish, if you have anyone who is ever down this way to collect.

wmpdd3 · 06-06-2015 11:23am

I had the same issue with a 321 but it was with the carriage, fixed it the same way. Great advice.

You can ask the answers lady /Kate on face book, she gives great advice.

ArtOfEscape · 11-06-2015 1:52pm

I believe the Bernina Electronic Machine Centre on Parnell Street sells knitting machines and I know that they service sewing machines, so it might be worth giving them a bell. (01) 873 0368

duckling10 · 11-06-2015 3:22pm

I just saw that there is a Beginner's Machine KNitting Class on in Dublin in the yarn shop The Constant Knitter on Francis St in dublin, this coming Sat 13th june.
link: http://www.theconstantknitter.ie/
It says:
Beginner Machine Knitting class - Sat 13 June

We have machines but bring your own if you have one. Yarns supplied. Places limited.

(There is a teacher's contact email provided, if you go to the Constant Knitter website above, but I do not want to put someone else's email address into this message).
What I am thinking is that maybe the people at the Constant Knitter, or the tutor herself, would know where knitting machines can be serviced in Dublin, and/or parts bought, even if you did not want to take the actual MK class this Saturday.

iamtony · 14-06-2015 6:17pm

Hi knitting community I'm clearing out the attic in preparation for a conversion and theirs and old knitting machine up their and possibly a sewing machine.
Are these to be skipped of do they have any sort of value at all? I'm sorry I don't have any more info until I get them out but I'd say they are from the 70's or 80's.

wmpdd3 · 14-06-2015 9:56pm

No No No, all knitting machines are loved!

As they are no longer made, often people may have to buy a few to get a full working set.

Depending on the machine it worth €70 to €250 just as it it. You can even leave the dust on the box!

My first machine took me 6 months to clean and service, its from 1979 and it works perfectly now and has done for the last 15 years.

If you can get a picture even of the box/case, i can give you more info.

Same for older sewing machines. Someone gave me a metal Noveom, its only has two stitches and its brilliant, it compliments my modern Singer perfectly. Value of the sewing machine €50 plus as long as it works. The pedal is important with the sewing machine, you can replace but it could be as much as the machine.

duckling10 · 14-06-2015 10:23pm

iamtony wrote: »

an old knitting machine.......

agreeing with wpmdd, don't chuck the knitting machine in the skip.
Let us know if there is any code on it or even brand name. Brother/Toshiba/etc. What colour are the buttons on the machine?

However, please don't let anyone run the carriage across the bed of the machine, as the machine will definitely need to have its 'sponge bar' replaced, and without a new sponge bar, the needles can get bent or broken if you run the carriage across them.
What part of the country are you in, sometimes the Art students in the Art colleges want machines for their knitting projects? but it will have to be cleaned and serviced before it's ready for use.
I have the number for a Knitting Machine Service man in Shannon Co Clare, just saying....

iamtony · 14-06-2015 10:25pm

I'm told the sowing machine isn't actually up their anymore it was given away.

Anyway you have perked my interest in the knitting machine so I just asked my father about it. He thinks it's made by Philips and he actually bought it in the early 60's! He said it worked the last time he used it, which was to knit my school jumpers in the 80's. I still haven't got up and looked at it but I think the case it's in is kind of an army green colour.

iamtony · 14-06-2015 10:30pm

duckling10 wrote: »

agreeing with wpmdd, don't chuck the knitting machine in the skip.
Let us know if there is any code on it or even brand name. Brother/Toshiba/etc. What colour are the buttons on the machine?

However, please don't let anyone run the carriage across the bed of the machine, as the machine will definitely need to have its 'sponge bar' replaced, and without a new sponge bar, the needles can get bent or broken if you run the carriage across them.
What part of the country are you in, sometimes the Art students in the Art colleges want machines for their knitting projects? but it will have to be cleaned and serviced before it's ready for use.
I have the number for a Knitting Machine Service man in Shannon Co Clare, just saying....

I m in north Dublin. I'll hop up and have a quick look now see what I can see and get a picture....

iamtony · 14-06-2015 10:40pm

Here's the best I could get its pretty old and greasy looking in fairness

wmpdd3 · 14-06-2015 10:46pm

Looks like a c. 1965 Singer. (Superba) Swiss made double bed, possibly the MK1.

I've only ever seen the case come up for sale!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Retro-Singer-Knitting-Machine-Case-Green-Suitcase-/221769329576?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item33a27b6ba8&nma=true&si=kuPRzfQGg%252BphAobicKe7RXLJFaA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

http://www.knittingmachinemuseum.com/Suitcase_Singers.php

iamtony · 14-06-2015 10:47pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Looks like a c. 1965 Singer. Swiss made double bed.

I've only ever seen the case come up for sale!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Retro-Singer-Knitting-Machine-Case-Green-Suitcase-/221769329576?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item33a27b6ba8&nma=true&si=kuPRzfQGg%252BphAobicKe7RXLJFaA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Interesting and good god you know your machines. So any idea of its value?

wmpdd3 · 14-06-2015 11:00pm

Its an odd one. Well worth putting it on ebay. If it was in perfect condition, it would be €200 plus. Its would have cost as much as a small car, the person probably paid it off over a year with the shop, so the original owner may not be at all happy that thats all its worth!

I can look into it further, and get back to you.

You'd probably be shipping it and as its longer than 3 feet only certain couriers take it, but anyone buying machines knows that and will pay for shipping and insurance.

iamtony · 14-06-2015 11:07pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Its an odd one. Well worth putting it on ebay. If it was in perfect condition, it would be €200 plus. Its would have cost as much as a small car, the person probably paid it off over a year with the shop, so the original owner may not be at all happy that thats all its worth!

I can look into it further, and get back to you.

You'd probably be shipping it and as its longer than 3 feet only certain couriers take it, but anyone buying machines knows that and will pay for shipping and insurance.

That would be great thanks. Personally I wouldn't bother with the eBay and the shipping etc. so if anyone is interested send me a PM and I'd let it off cheap enough. My father thought it was thrown out years ago until I asked him about it tonight.

Thanks again for sharing your freakishly good knowledge on the subject:-)

karreys · 15-06-2015 8:28am

iamtony wrote: »

Hi knitting community I'm clearing out the attic in preparation for a conversion and theirs and old knitting machine up their and possibly a sewing machine.
Are these to be skipped of do they have any sort of value at all? I'm sorry I don't have any more info until I get them out but I'd say they are from the 70's or 80's.

Hi my name is karen,and I would like to get your machine up and running again if it is still available let me know and I can collect thanks...I live in kildare so not too far,I have fixed up an old knitmaster and is now working but would love to tryvthe double bed

iamtony · 15-06-2015 10:41am

karreys wrote: »

Hi my name is karen,and I would like to get your machine up and running again if it is still available let me know and I can collect thanks...I live in kildare so not too far,I have fixed up an old knitmaster and is now working but would love to tryvthe double bed

Hi Karen, I'll send you a private message about it now thanks.

wmpdd3 · 16-06-2015 10:03pm

Can anyone reccommend a knit tee pattern. I used to have one ages ago and he sleeves hung really nicely but I cant find it. Tension and needles dont matter I can grade the pattern.

I mean a top with just side seams, no arm hole seam.

janmaree · 17-06-2015 12:29pm

I know what it's like to mislay a favourite pattern

but I'm having a problem visualising the sleeves as you describe them. You may already be familiar with Patternfish and Elann.com but if not, I find they have great patterns and really useful search options (especially Patternfish). Elann have a good selection of free patterns to download as does the Drops website. If you can find an hour to kill, you may see what you're looking for or at least something close. Good luck!

wmpdd3 · 17-06-2015 12:34pm

Yep tried all those. I love drops and pebbles, Nordic patterns seem to look the most modern when made up.

I think I'm just going to Wing it.

janmaree · 08-07-2015 9:57pm

I'm about to try one of their patterns for the first time, just waiting for the postman! Has anyone knit any of their patterns before, are they straightforward enough or very complicated? The pattern will be in English but the warning is that it's written in the continental style, whatever that is, and leaves it up to the knitter to interpret. I may be worrying about nothing and I do have a good bit of experience but I'm a little apprehensive. I love the pattern and have bought the wool so there's no turning back! Any tips would be helpful and much appreciated. Thanks folks.

wmpdd3 · 08-07-2015 11:02pm

The patterns are lovely and quite simple but the results are great. There's usual a diagram which love. Any problems, let us know! Do you have the pattern number? I have the catalogue here.

janmaree · 09-07-2015 11:42am

Thanks for coming back to me, it's reassuring to hear what you think. I'm used to written patterns and haven't used charts much other than knitting with different colours so you will be more than sick to death of me before long!!!
I can't think where to look for the pattern number so here's a link to the pattern on Deramores. What do you think?

http://ie.deramores.com/crossover-shawl-collar-jacket-in-bergere-de-france-sport-429-04

wmpdd3 · 09-07-2015 5:11pm

This is very simple, all the decreases are outside of the pattern, like in the ditch!

The hardest bit will be getting into the swing of the pattern. DO a swatch!!! Honestly its a great time to get the pattern well planted in your head.

So when you get your pattern, knit a 40 row x 40 st swatch in the pattern. Or 10 sts and rows more than the tension guide.

You can always rip this piece back ad reuse if you run out of wool, like I always do. Make sure your needles are very comfy, you'll know them inimitably by the end of it!

You can get a bergere de france catalogue for free here, loads of inspiration.

http://www.bergeredefrance.co.uk/customer/account/create?utm_source=homebuttons

Knitting - help and advice super thread!

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