Machine Knitters, Southeastern, PA

How To Use the Knit Leader

2012-01-28T21:29:00.004-05:00

In the early days of machine knitting before software programs such as Design-A-Knit and Garment Designer were developed, the knit leader was used as the pattern to knit garments. So it's no wonder that some of the members of the Sophisticated Stitches club were unfamiliar with this accessory.

Cathy Bausman, showed the club members how to work this accessory. The advange of using a knit leader instead of a software program is that is doesn't require electronics. That's a nice way to say, it's a low tech accessory that will last forever, or just about forever.

So if you were curious about the knit leader and what it can do for you as a machine knitter then this video is for you.

The video can also be seen on our YouTube channel: Knit1997.

As I mentioned previously, the Sophisticated Stitches club hopes to make available more machine knitting videos in the not to distant future.

One last comment, if you are experiencing difficulty viewing the video, you may want to ensure you have the latest version of "flash player." I'm told an updated flash player may be the difference between viewing or not viewing a video.

Regards,

Donna
donnmstreets@gmail.com

Pottstown Knit Out and Crochet Too

2012-01-27T17:48:00.004-05:00

Member Uyvonne Bigham with attendees.

Member Donna Streets working on her knitting.

Member Jackie Willard at the knitting machine while an attendee and Tammy Noble look on.

Members Jackie Willard, Deb Rogers, and Tammy Noble.

Members Donna Streets, Tammy Noble and Eileen Ferrero.

Saturday the 21st, despite the snow, the Sophisticated Stitches club held it’s January 2012 meeting at the 8th Annual Pottstown Knit Out and Crochet Too event held at the Brookside Country Club in Pottstown, PA. http://www.pottstownknitout.com/ Yes it did snowed 1 to 5 inches depending on where in the Delaware Valley you lived. About half our membership attended. That’s impressive, especially on a snowy day.

For the past several years, the event has sold out and had a waiting list. The two hour delay must have inspired approximately 140 of the 200 people who signed up, to show up despite the weather. The knitters and crocheters who attend this event are very dedicated.

Holding the meeting at the event provided advantageous for the Club. The attendees were interested in Jackie Willard’s modular knitting demonstration on the bulky machine. Tammy Noble had a table and sold various knitting items. A former member, Uyvonne Bigham rejoined the club and a current member, Deb Rogers, renewed her membership.

The event featured various knitting and crochet classes, a fashion show, door prizes, free massages, a silent auction, a complimentary breakfast, a buffet lunch plus of course the camaraderie of fellow knitters and crocheters. Three of our members won a book door prize. One of the members who won was me!

Above are some of the photos I took at the event. Enjoy.

The next meeting of the Sophisticated Stitches Club will be February 25, 2012 from 10:00 AM to noon. We will be holding our annual winter party at the meeting. If you are interested in attending one of our meeting, just contact me below.

February 25, 2012
March 24th, 2012
April 28th, 2012
May 19th, 2012
June 23rd, 2012 July 28th, 2012 (Place to be determined)
August 29th, 2012 (Place to be determined)
September 29th 2012

The First United Church of Christ
145 Chestnut St.
Spring City, PA 19475
(Parking in the back.)

Regards,
Donna
donnmstreets@gmail.com

Garter Carriage Demonstration with Deb Rogers

2012-01-22T20:06:00.005-05:00

At the November 2011 Sophisticated Stitches meeting, Deb Rogers gave a demonstration of the Brother Garter-Carriage. She did an excellent job of explaining how the carriage works on the Brother electronic standard gauge knitting machine.

I hope everyone who views this blog will take a moment and view the video. It's the first video I made after taking lessons with our local educational center. Over the years I have done a lot of video recordings of the demonstrations by the Sophisticated Stitches Club members. But until this past November, I had no real training on how to edit those videos.

The quality of this video is in question because I had difficulty uploading it. If you want to see a full screen version of this video, check out our channel "Knit1997" on YouTube.

Hope to upload more videos and share them with other machine knitters in the near future.

Regards,

Donna
donnmarie@gmail.com

Hand to Machine Knit Stitch Patterns

2011-11-24T12:03:00.002-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2011

On Saturday, November 19th, 2011 the Sophisticated Stitches club held their monthly meeting. As is our custom at the beginning of our club year we discuss what we would workshops and demonstrations members would like to see and who will do them. The top four items on the list were cut and sew, converting a hand knit pattern to a machine knit pattern, children’s clothing and double bed jacquard.

Our club decided to do a cut and sew workshop over several months. The workshop will be broken down into parts so that members can work on their skill set. But more about that next time. The most interesting discussion centered the second choice: Converting a hand knit pattern to a machine knit pattern.

What was most interesting is that when an inexperienced machine knitter or an inexperienced hand knitter see a hand knit pattern they tend to think it is possible to directly translate a hand knit pattern to a machine knit pattern. More experienced hand machine knitters know that not every hand knit pattern can be directly translated to a machine knit pattern.

As the members perused the current issue of Vogue Knitting magazine, the discussion naturally drifted toward pattern selection. That is looking at photos and deciding if the garment featured was worth trying to machine knit. Members quickly realized some of the hand knit stitch patterns were just too intricate to attempt to machine knit. Other hand knit stitch patterns could be machine knitted, but the amount of time needed to machine knit the garment would make it impracticable to machine knit. After all the primary reason most machine knitters buy a machine is to speed up the actual knitting process. While many machine knitters like or tolerate hand manipulation, most machine knitters want to limit that task.

The one-for-one translation process brought up the issue of what design elements of a hand knitted pattern could be incorporated into a machine knit garment as embellishments. For example, I-cord can be used as mock cabling and sewn onto a garment; bobbles can be sewn on the garment rather than knitted in. Another modification example is to use a find a stock punchcard or electronic stitch pattern that closely approximates the hand knitted pattern used in the garment instead of trying to translate K1, P1, YO, K1, P1, M1 (knit 1, purl 1, yarn over, knit 1, purl 1, make 1) etc. into a machine knit pattern.

Tricia Shafer’s book Translating Hand Knit to Machine Knit is a good reference book on this topic. It gives practical guidance on how machine knitters can adapt or not a hand knit for the knitting machine. Most useful in the book is the list of common hand knit abbreviations, and the explanations of transling stitch designs and stitch symbols from hand to machine.

After the discussion I realized the hand to machine knit topic deserves a more indepth discussion. Hopefully the Sophisticated Stitches club will do just that during the upcoming club year.

Below is the upcoming schedule for the Sophisticated Stitches club and our location. The time is from 10:00 AM to noon. All are welcomed to attend a meeting without joining. Hope the readers of this blog will take us up on this offer.

December 17th, 2011, Demonstration with Donna Streets
January 21st, 2012, (Pottstown Knit Out, Snow date January 28th, 2012)
February 25, 2012
March 24th, 2012
April 28th, 2012
May 19th, 2012
June 23rd, 2012
July 28th, 2012 (Place to be determined)
August 29th, 2012 (Place to be determined)
September 29th 2012

The First United Church of Christ
145 Chestnut St.
Spring City, PA 19475
(Parking in the back.)

Regards,

Donna
donmarie@fast.net

Club schedule, Oct 2011 to September 2012

2011-10-23T15:17:00.004-04:00

October 22, 2011 marked the 9th anniversary of the Sophisticated Stitches Club. It seems like yesterday that the club meet at Tammy Noble’s store, Knit and Sew, Spring City, PA, 610-792-1202. So much has changed, yet remain the same. Back then we started with 12 members. Today we have 12 members. The difference is they are not the same 12 members we started with. Yes some members who joined the club in its first year are still with us. But only three of the club’s original members that met back in October 2002 remain. We are grateful to all of our members for supporting the club.

When the club first met members had a variety of skill sets and owned different machines. One of the major differences between now and then is that in the beginning Tammy did all of the club’s demonstrations. At yesterday's meeting, we discussed the idea of having demonstrations and workshops led by non-club members. However, we quickly realized, we didn't need them. Many of our members have the confidence to do demonstrations and workshops. This is a testiment to their improved skill set and their ability to pass on their knowledge to others. Bottom-line is those who have stayed with us and supported the club are now “leaders” as opposed to “followers”, “teachers” rather than “students”. Yes, we all can learn more but having in-house talent is a huge plus for our club.

When the club was founded our visitor policy was three free visits per club year. Now it’s one. Our dues were $15 per year. Now they are $25. We pay to meet at the First United Church of Christ. But thanks to Tammy’s years of generosity we were able to “save” the dues money and can afford to pay for a meeting place.

The First United Church of Christ
145 Chestnut St.
Spring City, PA 19475
(Parking in the back.)

We welcome owners of all machines brands (Passap E6000, Duomatic 80, Brother, Studio, Singer, Toyota, Artisan) and gauges (fine gauge 3.5mm to bulky 9.0mm). Need assistance with Design-A-Knit or Garment Designer? We can assit.

The Sophisticated Stitches Club’s upcoming meeting schedule is listed below. Our meeting day is Saturday and we meet from 10AM to noon.

December 17th, 2011
January 21st, 2012, (Pottstown Knit Out, Snow date January 28th, 2012)
February 25, 2012
March 24th, 2012
April 28th, 2012
May 19th, 2012
June 23rd, 2012
July 28th, 2012
August 29th, 2012
September 29th 2012

Hope those in the Philadelphia area will consider us when looking for machine knitting support.

Regards,

Donna
donmarie@fast.net

Machine Knitting Support

2011-09-25T09:36:00.008-04:00

While surfing the web I found the website for the Knitting School.
The Knitting School

The Knitting School is located in Seattle, WA. The class descriptions cited on the cite seemed like great classes. But for me to “go” to Seattle, WA to attend the school, well it’s just not happening as I live in Philadelphia, PA. I need a “school” located on the east coast. But maybe I don’t. After all I am a member of the Sophisticated Stitches club.

It just so happens the Sophisticated Stitches club has provided many of the educational services offered by the school at a fraction of the cost. Our club leader Tammy Noble, owner of Knit and Sew is an expert machine knitter with many years of garment making experience. Besides Tammy, many of the other club members (including me) have years of machine knitting garment experience. Tammy Noble and our club have the skill set to help anyone who needs assistance.

For example, everything cited in the Knitting School’s Garment Class description, Tammy and our club have provided to many machine knitters.

At our club’s Sweet Pea knit-along held this past August, the following was covered:

· Steps involved in getting the design from the swatch to the finished piece.

· Swatch development.

· Tailoring measurements to your body measurements.

· Understanding how to “read” a machine knit pattern. We even found mistakes in the Sweet Pea pattern. We explained to our members how to deal with publishing mistakes.

· Adapting a pattern to your knitting machine. The Sweet Pea pattern was knitted on a 6.5mm machine and many of our members only have a 4.5mm machine.

· Selecting alternate yarns and tuck patterns to the Sweet Pea pattern.

· Set up a date and time for members to knit garment together.

· Garment assembly.

Above is Mary Stein with Tammy Noble. Mary is wearing the Sweet Pea garment knitted by Tammy Noble for our Knit-Along.

Anyone on the East Coast who (for what ever reasons) needs an alternative to the Knitting School, should consider contacting Tammy Noble, 610-792-1202.

Knit and Sew
44 N. Main Street
Spring City, PA 19475
610-792-1202
email: knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Regards,

Donna
donmarie@fast.net

Briar Rose Alpacas Farm

2011-09-24T19:27:00.013-04:00

Mary Stein trying on a garment made by Tammy Noble. The garment was part of our recent Knit-Along.

Some of the alpacas at the Farm.

Today the Sophisticated Stitches club met at the Briar Rose Alpacas Farm in Lincoln University, PA. While it may have been partly cloudy outside, it was sunny inside the shed. Barbara DuVall, the Briar Rose’s owner, really made us feel welcomed.

Tammy Noble, set up her Brother electronic machine and demonstrated with yarn made from the alpacas at raised at Briar Rose. She chose a lace pattern to knit. While Tammy was doing the machine knitting demonstration, I set up my laptop and showed the features of Design-A-Knit, Garment Designer, Wild Ginger’s Boutique and Wild Things software as well as Buzz Tools and MasterWorks II.

In case anyone if you are unfamiliar with Design-A-Knit, it's a great software program that permits a cable connection between the computer and an electronic knitting machine. Design-A-Knit’s garment styler and stitch graphics are great features . The garment styler portion of the software creates a knit garment pattern with a few clicks of the mouse. The stitch graphics portion of the software can create any graphic by generating a downloadable pattern.

My personal machine knitting software favorite is Garment Designer. I like it because it’s really user friendly. The knitting instructions generated by the software is easy to read when compared to Design-A-Knit. Design-A-Knit creates a short hand type instructions, while Garment Designer uses “words”. Anyway I enjoyed the opportunity to show the software’s capability. MasterWorks II and Buzz Tools are embroidery software programs. Any chance I get to play around with these programs is just plain fun for me.

One of our members brought their children to the Farm. The boy got a kick out of watching two alpaca males “wrestle”. It was interesting watching the alpacas fight like cats and dogs.

For refreshments, the Farm offered Alex’s lemonade. The lemonade proceeds are used to fight childhood cancer, which unfortunately took the life of its namesake, Alexandra Scott.

All in all, the members and non-members who met at Briar Rose had a great day at the farm.

Briar Rose Alpacas Farm is open again tomorrow, Sunday, September 25, 2011 from noon to 4:00 PM. Hope you will consider going. It’s great FREE family fun!

Briar Rose Alpacas
575 Kelton Pennock Bridge Road
Lincoln University, PA 19352
Briar Rose Alpacas

The next meeting of the Sophisticated Stitches club will be Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10:00 AM to noon at the church below. We will have a demonstration on the garter bar hat.

The First United Church of Christ
145 Chestnut St.
Spring City, PA 19475
(Parking in the back.)
One final note. The club members held a knit-along for the Sweet Pea vest by Mary Anne Oger featured in a recent issue of Knit ‘N Style magazine. The photo above shows Mary Stein wearing the vest made by Tammy Noble.

Should anyone need assistance in the Philadelphia, PA area with machine knitting, recommend you contact Tammy Noble. One of the non-member attendees at the meeting today commented that she didn't know Tammy's store, Knit and Sew was in the area and that Tammy could assist her with machine repairs plus provide machine knitting lesson. Tammy is an expert machine knitter on the Passap as well as any Japanese knitting machine. Check out her website, Knit and Sew

Regard,

Donna
donmarie@fast.net

National Alpaca Day - Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25, 2011

2011-09-05T17:27:00.013-04:00

Recently received an email from a fellow machine knitter asking if our club, Sophisticated Stitches is still active. The answer to that question is YES, we are still active. As a matter of fact, our club will be demonstrating machine knitting at Briar Rose Alpacas farm in honor of National Alpaca Day on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The farm's owner, Barbara DuVall, visited our club in August. After meeting us she graciously asked if we wanted to participate in National Alpaca Day. Since this is our first time participating in this event, we don't quite know what to expect. But come what may, I know we will have fun.

Hope those who follow this blog will consider coming out to the event which will be held for two days, Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25, 2011.

The event information is below:
Briar Rose Alpacas
575 Kelton Pennock Bridge Road
Lincoln University, PA 19352
Saturday, September 24th from 11 AM to 4 PM
Sunday, September 25th from noon to 4 PM.
http://www.briarrosealpacas.com

See you there.

The Saturday, October 22, 2011 meeting of the Sophisticated Stitches club's will be from 10 AM to noon. All are welcomed. The meeting address is below.

The First United Church of Christ
145 Chestnut St.
Spring City, PA 19475

Regards,

Donna
donmarie@fast.net

Cut and Sew Construction Methods

2011-02-27T14:35:00.006-05:00

At yesterday’s Sophisticated Stitches club meeting Tammy Noble brought a number of garments for show and tell. What was unique about these garments was that they were assembled using various cut and sew techniques. As machine knitters many of us want to “finish” a garment either on the knitting machine or by linker. However, once the garments were assembled it was difficult to distinguish how they were constructed. Further the workmanship used to construct the garments was exquisite.

The issue of cut and sew construction has been something the Sophisticated Stitches club has been working on for several months. We had a hands-on knit weave knit-along and asked everyone to make a vest. The issue of how to finish the vest highlighted the need to consider various cut and sew methods of construction.

Simultaneously, a well know celebrity, who also happens to be a machine knitter, made another celebrity a “hand-made” sweater using Brother Stitch World tuck pattern 263 and two carriages. Cut and sew construction was used to assemble the sweater. Tammy too made a similar sweater using Stitch pattern 263 and two carriages. Her sweater is featured above on this blog.

The cut and sew techniques Tammy used were (1) knitting a facing band and then hand sewing it to the garment (2) using bias cut stripes of lining fabric to face the edges and (3) encasing cut serged edges with a knitted band. The edges that required finishing was the center front openings and armholes, as well as the shoulder and side seams. The photos above show the inside of the garment looks as beautiful as its outside. The second photo shows a knitted facing and the third photos shows the bias cut lining facing.

Hope everyone will give some thought to use cut and sew as a construction method for knitted garments.

One more thing, I found it interesting that Tammy was able to figure out on her own how to knit with two carriages and 12 colors of yarn in a tuck pattern. She used one carriage to knit the “main” color and the second carriage to knit the other colors. She also used different colored two yarns in each feeder and knitted them as though they were one. Think knit two rows in main color with carriage on right, knit two rows of second color with carriage on left. Repeat. Then change color in left carriage. Again, knit two rows in main color with carriage on right, knit two rows of third color with carriage on left. Repeat. Essentially you are knitting four rows with each carriage, alternating the carriages to break up the color and cutting the yarns when changing from one “set of yarns to another”. See the top photo of the man's sweater vest. Clever…

The Sophisticated Stitches club's next meeting will be Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 10 AM to noon. All are welcomed to attend at

The First United Church of Christ, 145 Chestnut St., Spring City, PA 19475 Regards, Donna

Latest Happenings with Sophisticated Stitches Club

2010-10-17T02:30:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I "blogged" so forgive me if I seem a bit rusty. Yesterday the Sophisticated Stitches club met. For the next few months we will be meeting on the second Saturday of the month. So if you would like to join us, our November meeting will be on the 13th and our December meeting will be on the 11th and our January meeting will be the 8th.

At our next meeting we will continue our planning stage for our club's knit-along. At the September meeting we decided to to something different this club year. Knit-alongs will be the focus. Yes, we have had knit-alongs in the past and have had loads of fun, but this year's knit-alongs will be different because the focus is on knitting getting the members back to knitting.

There was a time in our club where Show and Tell dominated the meeting. Now the amount of time we spend on Show and Tell seems minuscule. Our first knit-along will be a knitweave project. Longtime member Deb Rogers will be the lead. I look forward to bringing my machine at the November meeting so I can swatch. So many knitters don't realize the importance of swatching.

Swatching is a great opportunity to let loose one's creativity and imagination. I always think of it as the moment of possibilities. Yes, it's important especially if you are a machine knitter to calculate the rows and stitches so you can make sure your garment's dimensions are on target, but swatching is also a chance to audition ideas.

Knitweave swatching offers so many possibilities because your first need to chose a "knit pattern" to weave. During the swatching process a knitter might find they need to go through many, many knit patterns before finding one that shows off the yarn to its fullest potential. Then there's the "weave" aspect of the process. Yarns you thought might be a good "weaving" choice may look good terrible and weave badly causing a knitter to re-think their good idea.

If anyone in the Philadelphia, PA area would like to join us at our November meeting, we meet at the First United Church of Christ, from 10 AM to noon. Feel free to attend. All are welcome.

Parking is in front of the church entrance whose address is below.

The First United Church of Christ

145 Chestnut St.

Spring City, PA 19475

Regards,

Donna

donmarie@fast.net

2010

2010-05-16T19:52:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I have been able to post anything to this blog. Lot's has happened in the past few months. Had an opportunity to attend severals knit outs such as the Pottstown Knit Out and the new One Stitch At a Time Knit Out in Souderton, PA. The next meeting of the Sophisticated Stitches Club will be this Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 10 AM to noon at the First United Church of Christ, 145 Chestnut St, Spring City, PA 19475. The church has plenty of parking in its front which is on the side of the building. This meeting will feature Jackie Willard, who always does a great demonstration. Hope those in the Philadelphia area will join us. I have been video taping segments of the club's demonstrations. I look forward to doing something with them and posting them to this blog as well as YouTube. Regards, Donna

2009-08-23T16:28:00.002-04:00

One of the great things about belonging to a machine knitting club is the opportunity to knit with your fellow club members. Yesterday, was such a day. Our instructor for the Lace Workshop was our own Jackie Willard. Jackie is an extremely talented and knowledgeable hand and machine knitter. Experienced on both the Passap E-6000 and Brother machines, she really shines when it comes to knitting lace on the Brother.

When our club first started Jackie took a lace hand knit pattern from a well known magazine, Knit N' Style and wrote the pattern in Design-A-Knit for the club members to knit. That is Design-A-Knit 6, the program without the lace tool. With her help we were able to knit a garment that incorporated the lace carriage, K-carriage and garter carriage. After that everyone knew we had a very talented knitter in our club.

For the Lace Workshop we worked on one lace patterns from Stitch World to create a short-rowed lace shawl in wool ray. As you can see from the video everyone had lots of questions, and Jackie's experience with lace permitted her to respond with ease.

The attached video is just a sneak peak at the fun we had at the workshop. It is the intent of the Sophisticated Stitches club to hold future machine knitting workshops on different topics.

For more information about our club you can contact me at, donmarie@fast.net or Tammy Noble at knitandsew44@yahoo.com.

Regards,

Donna

Websites for Machine Knitters

2009-08-01T09:14:00.005-04:00

Dear fellow machine knitters, Like many knitters I belong to various Internet groups for crafting. Recently, I came across a post that mentioned a "blog" that featured videos for beginning machine knitters. The blog is http://diananatters.blogspot.com/, so I hope those who read this blog will check it out.

Furthermore, I also came across a post that offered "free" embroidery software. http://www.lorileedesigns.com/SEU.html#anchor_117

That's right, FREE embroidery software. Of course the buzz on the list was how could anyone offer free machine embroidery software. There had to be a "catch". In deed there is a "catch". You can only use the software while on the Internet. That's not a bad "catch" when you consider how much machine embroidery software costs. I know MasterWorks II Professional costs over $1,000 and the only way I could afford it was to upgrade from my old software, PE Design.

Machine embroidery is a great way to embellish a machine knitted item. Check out my pink on pink machine embroidered and machine knitted lace trimmed summer top.

Regards from the Sophisticated Stitches Club,

Donna

Spring City Knitters Becomes Sophisticated Stitches

2009-06-28T14:27:00.008-04:00

To all,

This past spring the Spring City Knitters Club has undergone many changes. Though our meeting time will remain from 10 to noon, we did try out meeting in the afternoon. We also have been varying our location. But the most significant change was made at yesterday's meeting. It involves our name. Yes, as of yesterday, our machine knitting club will no longer be known as the Spring City Knitters. Instead we have become The Sophisticated Stitches Club.

Though most of us were happy being known as the Spring City Knitters, the new name reflects the type of stitchwork our members have created over the years. With the name change it is our intent to create a Yahoo Group and eventually have a website for members only.

We will continue to work on our videos, though it is our intent to make them available again, to members only.

Thus our future is looking brighter than ever.

Regards,

Donna

Plating on Brother machine with Tammy Noble

2009-05-31T18:27:00.005-04:00

It's been a while since I have been able to catch up with the Spring City Knitters' blog. Frankly like most people, life gets in the way due to changes. And like most people, the Spring City Knitters have been experiencing changes. Instead of meeting at Knit and Sew in Spring City, PA, we have been meeting at the Lower Providence Community Library in Eagleville, PA. For some club members like myself, the new meeting place is closer to my home. For others not going to the Knit and Sew store, is a disappointment since they love to shop.

Anyway, at the meeting held this past Saturday, May 30th, 2009, plating was demonstrated by our leader, Tammy Noble. Everyone at the meeting was quite impressed with the plated knitted jacket shown by Tammy. The white woolray yarn with a plated metallic yarn front zippered jacket with its dark green woolray yarn with a plated metallic yarn for the sleeves, back, and neckband was gorgeous.

The primary points of the plating demonstration were:

1. Plating can create a non-itchy fabric when knitted with a metallic yarn. Many people including me find having a metallic yarn next to one's skin itchy. Plating keeps the metallic yarn on the face of the fabric and away from the skin.

2. Plating can create a uniform fabric. Normally when two yarns are knitted at the same time they create an random stripe. Plating permits each yarn to stay in its place while knitting.

3. Plating creates a firmer fabric. When two yarns are knitted at the same time the resultant fabric is stable and firmer than it would be if it were created with one yarn.

4. A plated fabric can be knitted with as a stockinette stitch, tuck stitch or a slip stitch. Unfortunately a fairisle stitch is not possible.

A suggestion for keeping the main yarn and the plated yarn from crossing is to use a rubberband across the carriage. As a special treat, we have upload a video of the plating demonstration given at our meeting. Hope you will enjoy the video. Should anyone have any questions, just let me know. My email addy is donmarie@fast.net.

If you would like more information about our club, I would love to hear from you. Our next meeting will be at the Lower Providence Community Library, Eagleville, PA from 10AM to noon, 2nd Floor. The demonstration about "buttonhole bands" will be on the LK 150 machine.

Hope to hear from you.

Regards,

Donna

Happy New Year, 2009!!!

2009-01-01T08:57:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year 2009 to all. Can't believe the Spring City Knitters accomplished so much in 2008. What was our greatest achievement: We held a SEMINAR in June which was awesome. Furthermore, we published a seminar book. These two acts proved, that when we set our mind to something we can get it done, and we did it well.

As a result of our seminar, we held a Knit-Along with Tammy for those who attended the seminar and belonged to our club and the Machine Knitters Guild of PA. This too was successful and many machine knitters came away with the knowledge of how to use the Brother lace carriage to make a successful and wearable summer lace top.

But all those deeds happened in 2008. So what's up for 2009. Well the Spring City Knitters are planning to have another DAK hands-on class with our awesome Jackie Willard. She proved at the seminar just how well she understood the Design-A-Knit software program.

A second Knit-Along with Tammy is planned for the summer months of July and August. This time we are going to knit an intarsia pillow.

Third, as a result of our demonstrations during our club meetings, we published a video. So our goal for this year is to create a video from start to finish of how too knit a garment and all of the "issues" one encounters during the knitting process. We also hope to upload "video clips" of information so everyone can see what we are doing.

So in the meantime, Happy New Year and Happy Machine Knitting.

Regards, Donna

Spring City Knitters, Video From March Meeting

2008-09-21T18:14:00.000-04:00

Don't know about anyone else, but I would say we live in exciting times. The Spring City Knitters have been photographing our work for years and sharing it with each other. Now for the first time we are able to share an except from our March 2008 club meeting with the public.

The video demonstration upload is from our most respected member of our club, Dora Goren. Dora has been machine knitting for more years than she cares to remember. But remember she does. She often shares with our club members what it was like when she first started machine knitting. Her struggles to learn because there she didn't live in a world with an information highway, that we have today.

Her demonstration was on how to knit an upside-down raglan round neck pullover by Jodie Raymond. The video clip is from the end of her demonstration. Hope you find it enjoyable.

The next meeting of the Spring City Knitters will be Saturday, September 27th, 2008 at Knit and Sew, 44 N. Main Street, Spring City, PA 19475. Unlike other clubs I am familiar with guests are welcomed for three visits before being asked to join. Our yearly dues are reasonable. Hope reads of this blog will consider visiting our club.

For more information about the upcoming Spring City Knitters meeting feel free to email me at donmarie@fast.net

Regards,

Donna

Summer Lace Top Garment Worn by Donna Streets

2008-08-24T07:54:00.000-04:00

Finally, a photo of me (Donna Streets) in the Summer Lace Top I knit. Notice I chose to compliment my top with gold jewelry. Deb Rogers watches as the photo is taken. As you can see from the photos below, the Spring City Knitters had a great time knitting the Summer Lace Top.

In the works are plans for the Spring City Knitters to bring their club meeting to the Internet via the webcam. At the moment we are "tweaking" the arrangements. But if all goes well, we should have our webcam service up and running within the next two months.

The Spring City Knitters are excited about this because it will permit us to reach out to the machine knitting community with educational services and support.

For more information, about when the webcam service will be available, you can email me at donmarie@fast.net or Tammy Noble at knitandsew44@yahoo.com.

Regards, Donna

Summer Lace Top Garment

2008-08-24T07:50:00.000-04:00

Though still in need of finishing touches Cathy Bausman let's everyone know her garment fits her beautifully. Notice that Cathy chose to personalize her Summer Lace Top by incorporating a few different design elements such as lengthening the back.

Summer Lace Top Garment

2008-08-24T07:47:00.000-04:00

As you can see, the Summer Lace Top designed by Tammy Noble (above) looks great on her. Love the black necklace and green bracelet.

Summer Lace Top Garment

2008-08-24T07:44:00.000-04:00

Moving from the side seam area discussion, Mary Hummer now seeks advice from Tammy Noble on how to finish her neckline and Cathy Bausman and Toni O'Donnell listen.

Summer Lace Top Garment

2008-08-24T07:40:00.001-04:00

Tammy Noble continues her discussion with Mary Hummer by providing specifics of how to finish the armhole and side seams.

Summer Lace Top Garments

2008-08-24T07:37:00.000-04:00

Mary Hummer tries on her Summer Lace Top as Tammy Noble advises her on how to finish the garment. Cathy Bausman listens intently to Tammy's instruction so she too can finish her garment.

Summer Lace Top Garments

2008-08-24T07:34:00.000-04:00

Tammy Noble offers Eileen Ferrero advise about finishing the Summer Lace Top she made for her daughter.

Summer Lace Top Garments

2008-08-24T07:31:00.000-04:00

Spring City Knitter member Eileen Ferrero shows off the Summer Lace Top she knitted at the August knit along.

Summer Lace Top, Knit Along

2008-08-17T18:43:00.000-04:00

Cathy Bausman watches Tammy Noble as she knits on the Brother knitting machine. Notice Tammy is wearing the Summer Lace Top she designed in Green. Notice also, she has side vents in her top.

Summer Lace Top, Knit Along

2008-08-17T18:38:00.000-04:00

Marge Sume and Susan Moore concentrate on their knitting. Looks like this team really knows what they are doing when it comes to make their Summer Lace Top.

Summer Lace Top, Kint Along

2008-08-17T18:33:00.000-04:00

Eileen Ferrero works on her Summer Lace Top. Looks like she is really concentrating on her knitting.

Summer Lace Top, Knit along

2008-08-17T18:28:00.001-04:00

Deb Rogers and Shannon Strain work on their Summer Lace Tops at Knit and Sew.

Summer Lace Top, August Knit Along

2008-08-17T18:23:00.000-04:00

Tammy Noble demonstrates to Cathy how to knit the Summer Lace Top.

Summer Lace Top Instructions

2008-08-17T18:06:00.001-04:00

Summer Lace Top Designed by Tammy Noble

The Summer Lace Top is a simple sleeveless garment with a boat neckline.

The instructions for creating the Lace Top are generic so that you can make it with any yarn and in any size. In the example shown, I am using my own measurements.

Measurements needed:

1. Bust circumference divided by 2 = provisional number of stitches to cast on. Example 34 inches divided by 2 = 17 inches x 8 stitches per inch = 136 stitches

2. Armhole circumference divided by 2 = armhole length measurement. Example 13 inches divided by 2 = 6-1/2 inches x 10 rows = 72 rows

3. Shoulder to Shoulder. Example 13 inches

4. Back length of garment. Example 20 inches

Measurement Tips.

a. Take measurements in your underwear.

b. When measuring the armhole circumference, measure around the entire armhole.

Sketch out the schematic of the top seen above.

Equipment needed:

Brother standard gauge machine 4.5mm

Brother lace carriage.

Brother G-Carriage.

Brother Stitch World Pattern 148 (lace)

Brother Stitch World Pattern 537 (garter stitch)

Swatch. Prepare a swatch, which should include the lace pattern 148 and the number of repeats you wish to knit. I would make a swatch that is 90 sts by 200 rows. A swatch this large will give you a sense of the garment’s final appearance.

In the Stitch World Pattern book, it states the lace pattern 148 is a 22 sts by 16 rows repeat. For my Summer Lace Top, I knitted three repeats of the pattern, which equates to 48 rows. How many repeats of the rows in the pattern is really your choice.

The yarn choice is up to you too. But, I would recommend a single ply yarn suitable for a standard gauge machine. I used a no name brand single ply 2200 yards/pound cotton/rayon yarn. The gauge of my swatch was 8 stitches per inch by 10 rows per inch after care and blocking.

If you want to machine launder your garment, then machine launder your swatch prior to blocking. Remember once your garment is finished you will need to machine launder the front and back prior to blocking and assembly.

Once you have calculated the stitches per inch and the rows per inch for your swatch and decided on the number of lace repeats you want then you are ready to write the knitting instructions for the garment.

How to Calculate Knitting Instructions

1. Cast-on stitch number will depend on two things:

a. Bust measurement.

b. Number of stitches in the lace repeat.

For me, we know my bust measurement was 34 inches.

Divide this number in half and you get 17 inches.

Multiply 17 inches times 8 stitches per inch to get 136 stitches.

We also know there are 22 stitches in the lace repeat for pattern 148.

Divide 136 stitches by 22 stitches to get 6.18 repeats.

Round down to a whole number to get 6 repeats.

6 are the number of repeats in 17 inches.

Multiply 22 stitches x 6 repeats to get 132 stitches.

Next, we need two stitches on either side of the lace repeat for seaming.

136 stitches (bust measurement)

- 132 stitches (lace repeat, 6 times)

4 stitches remaining for seaming divided by 2 = 2 stitches on each side of lace pattern

But I did a cable stitch on each side of the lace pattern, so I added 4 more stitches to each side for a 2 by 2 cable stitch.

Therefore the total number of stitches to cast on for me was 144 stitches.

After casting on 144 stitches, I let the G-carriage cast on an “e” wrap.

I knit one row back in plain knitting.

For the next 8 rows I did the G-carriage in Stitch Pattern 537, which is the garter stitch.

After the garter stitch row, I knit 2 rows of stockinette.

The Row Count (RC) should be 10 rows at this point.

Now I switched to the lace pattern and knit 3 repeats of the pattern or 48 rows. Note, the last 8 rows of the lace pattern are plain knitting. I continued to do plain knitting until I reached the armhole. But there was one small problem; at the armhole I needed 136 stitches not 144 stitches. So I had to eliminate 8 stitches. I did this by decreasing two stitches each side, 4 times every twenty rows or so.

One thing I mentioned above is that I did a 2 x 2 cable stitch at the sides of the lace pattern. I did this every 6 rows until I reached the end of the lace pattern. You of course don't have to add extra stitches for a cable stitch at the sides.

Once at the armhole, I needed to decrease until I reached the shoulder to shoulder stitches number. In my case, the Shoulder-to-Shoulder dimension was 13 inches x 8 stitches per inch, which equaled 104 stitches.

136 stitches (bust dimensions)

- 104 stitches (shoulder to shoulder dimension)

32 stitches remaining divided by 2 = decrease 16 stitches per side

I bound off 8 stitches on right side. Bound off 8 stitches on left side. Then I decreased 1 stitch each side, every other row, 8 times. At the end of the decreasing I had 104 stitches on the machine. After the last armhole decrease I knit two rows, then I when into my lace pattern again.

Remember your armhole length measurement is ½ the armhole circumference. Example: Armhole was 13 inches divided by 2 = 6-1/2 inches. Next multiply 6-1/2 inches x 10 rows, which equals 72 rows. This means you will need to knit 72 rows to get to the end of the pattern. However, the 72 rows much include the following:

Binding off for the armhole, and decreasing rows to get to 104 stitches

Knitting the lace pattern

Knitting 2 rows of plain knit before going into the garter stitch

Knitting 8 rows of garter stitches to match the bottom of the garment for a balanced appearance.

The number of rows you can knit the lace pattern will depend on how many rows there are between the last two rows knitted after the armhole decrease rows and the 2 rows of plain knitting before knitting the garter stitch rows. In my case I was able to knit 40 rows of the lace pattern.

Remember if you knit one or two rows more on either the front or back it won’t matter. Same thing goes for stitches, if you have 1 or 2 more stitches per panel it doesn’t matter. It only really matters if you knit an inch worth of stitches or rows. Then you have a problem.

Just before casting off, mark the shoulder stitches with a scrap of yarn. To be frank, I marked off 15 stitches. When I tried the garment on, it showed my bra. So I had to include an inch more of stitches on each side. This equates to 23 stitches for shoulder seaming.

Knit front and back the same.

If your swatch was machine launder, now is the time to machine launder the front and back. The block front and back panels. The best way to do this is to make a “full size” paper pattern and place the front and back panels on it (separately of course). Block to the paper pattern size. If your armhole is distorted, run a basting stitch through it to make sure it matches the paper pattern. Keep the basting stitch in until the armhole is “hung” on the knitting machine to attach the “piping”. After the garment is completed and you are satisifed with your armhole, remove the basting stitch.

Assemble front and back shoulders. Try garment on to see how it looks. If you need to adjust the shoulder seams now is the time to do it.

Next knit the “piping” at the armhole. Hold armhole up to the machine to determine number of needles for armhole piping. Note the number. Hang the armhole with wrong side facing you. In my case I needed 56 needles on the left and 56 needles on the right for the armhole piping. Once the armhole is hung, knit one row at garment tension. Then knit five more rows at one full tension plus 1 dot less than main tension. Bind off. Assemble sides of garment.

Try garment on to see how it looks. In my case I noticed the armhole at the shoulder was protruding. To address this issue, I did the following. I ran a basting stitch of the garment yarn through the piping. Then I tried on the garment and gathered the basing stitch to the desired armhole shape. Then I “steamed” the piping (with the basting stitch still in) in place. I also hung the garment on my dress form. I left the garment with the basting stitch on the dress form for several days. I tried it on again, and what do you know, my armhole looked great and the garment hung beautifully. I removed the basting stitch.

By leaving the garment on the dress form, it naturally created a “front” and “back” for me.

Hope you will think about making this garment.

Regards,

Donna

Sock Knitting Using the Circular Sock Machine

2008-08-10T11:02:00.000-04:00

As a Spring City Knitter I am constantly amazed at the talent within our Club. The photo at the left was sent to me by a fellow member, Margo Ketchum.

Unknown to us Margo owned a sock machine in addition to her bulky knitting machine. At the recent seminar held by the Spring City Knitters and Machine Knitters Guild of PA in June, we invited circular sock machine knitters (CSM) Stephanie DeVoe and Gregory Wollon to demonstrate sock knitting on a circular sock knitting machine.

Little did we realize how popular this class would be. Those who went to this class were clearly motivated to continue working on their machines. As you can see Margo did a great job of knitting the socks.

In case you didn't know, circular sock knitting is enjoying a resurgence. Who knows, maybe a sock machine is in my future. Though I still have the issue of "where" to put another machine. Oh well, for now it's just a dream.

If you want to know more about the Spring City Knitters email Tammy Noble at knitandsew44@yahoo.com.

Regards,

Donna

Sock Knitting using the CSM

2008-08-10T11:01:00.000-04:00

Samples of socks knitted on the circular sock machine.

Sock Knitting via CMS

2008-08-10T10:57:00.000-04:00

WOW!! Stephanie and Gregory inpressed everyone at the Seminar with their talk about circular sock machine knitting.

Sock Knitting Using Circular Sock Machine

2008-08-10T10:53:00.000-04:00

Stephanie DeVoe and Gregory Wollon speak about circular sock machine knitting at the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar, June 2008 as the attendees listen intently.

Summer Lace Top, Knit by Donna Streets

2008-08-09T18:21:00.000-04:00

Detailed side view of Summer Lace Top knit by Donna Streets. Notice the lace bottom also includes cable stitches.

Summer Lace Top knit by Donna Streets

2008-08-09T18:08:00.000-04:00

Detailed front biew, Summer Lace Top knit by Donna Streets

Summer Lace Top, knit by Donna Streets

2008-08-09T17:48:00.001-04:00

As a way of expressing gratuide to those who attended the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar, Tammy Noble held a "Knit-Along with Tammy" event in July has another schedule for this month, August 2008. Since I was unable to attend the July session, I had private instruction with Tammy.

Above is a photo of the Summer Lace Top I knitted. It's made from cotton/rayon yarn. The top was made on the Brother knitting machine with the lace carriage. The lace pattern was from the Brother pattern book. I used my garter carriage to knit the hem before doing the lace pattern and at the neckline neckline after knitting the lace pattern.

The skirt is my own design. It is made on both the Brother and Passap machines from silk and acrylic yarn.

If you live in the Philadelphia area, consider visiting the Spring City Knitters. Our next meeting will be Saturday, August 23, 2008 from 10:00 AM to noon. At Knit and Sew, 44 N. Main St., Spring City, PA 19475. For more information email Tammy Noble at knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Regards,

Donna

Sharon Minrath - Lace twin set made on Passap shown at SCK/MKGOP Seminar in June 2008

2008-07-20T17:26:00.000-04:00

Above Sharon Minrath, who was our Passap instructor at the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA seminar held in Spring City, PA on Friday and Saturday, June 6 & 7, 2008 models her Passap lace twin set which includes a lace jacket and shell. She used the U-100 to create the lace work.

Compare this lace garment to the Summer Lace Top designed by Tammy Noble. In a previous post Margo Ketchum models the top. I bet there are many machine knitters who didn't realize the Passap could do a great job at knitting lace. Enjoy comparing the two garments.

Regards,

Donna

Knit-along with Tammy, July 2008

2008-07-20T17:10:00.000-04:00

Margo Ketchum at the knitting machine happily working on her Summer Lace Top.

Knit-along with Tammy, July 2008

2008-07-20T17:07:00.000-04:00

With her beautiful smile, Mary Hummer happily knits her Summer Lace Top. Notice Dora Goren in the background working on her top.

Knit along with Tammy, July 2008

2008-07-20T17:03:00.000-04:00

Dora Goren still going strong at 91 years young!!!

Knit-along with Tammy, July 2008

2008-07-20T17:00:00.000-04:00

Look Carol Seeback is holding the lace carriage and is ready to continue knitting her Summer Lace Top at Knit and Sew.

Knit-along with Tammy photos

2008-07-20T16:57:00.000-04:00

Betty Johnson hard at work on her Summer Lace Top at the July 19th Knit-along with Tammy.

Knit-along with Tammy, July and August 2008

2008-07-20T16:25:00.001-04:00

The Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar was a success. He had 90 attendees over the two day seminar held Friday and Saturday June 6 & 7, 2008. The attendees had nothing but praise for our seminar. I hope to upload photos of the event soon and chat more about what happended soon. So watch the the postings.

As a way to thank those who attended the seminar, Knit and Sew offered an opportunity to practice their knitting skills with Tammy Noble. I have uploaded photos taken from the July 19th Knit along. The response to participate was so great a second session has been planned for Saturday, August 16th, 2008 at Knit and Sew.

Margo Ketchum, beaming with delight wears the Summer Lace Top designed by Tammy Noble. The top was knitted on the Brother standard machine. After the August knit-along, information about how to obtain the pattern will be provided by sending an email to Knit and Sew, Spring City, PA at knitandsew44@yahoo.com.

Regards,

Donna

Deb Rogers, Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-04-20T09:23:00.001-04:00

As the President of the Machine Knitters Guild of Pennsylvania (MKGOP) and a long time member of the Spring City Knitters Club, Deborah Rogers seemed an obvious choice for mistress of ceremonies at the upcoming Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar scheduled for June 6 & 7, 2008. Her involvement with MKGOP has expanded her knowledge about the past and current history of machine knitting and enabled her to develop many relationships with fellow machine knitters throughout the United States and elsewhere. SCK felt it was an honor and a privilege to have as its first mistress of ceremonies a well-rounded machine knitter.

Deb’s involvement with machine knitting began in 1995, when by chance at a flea market she saw a Brother electronic 965i-knitting machine. As with many machine knitters, her mother was an avid hand knitter who wanted to pass on the tradition to her daughter. But girls being girls mom was never given an opportunity. Still, memories of her mother compelled Deb to give machine knitting a try. With the help of Sue Smith owner of Horse & Buggy Yarn Shop, and Dottie Custer owner of Oley Valley Knits, plus mom’s love of knitting, Deb learned to machine knit. Besides the Brother 965i Deb now owns a Brother standard gauge, a Studio bulky, an Artisan 70D mid-gauge and finally a Passap E-6000. From heaven, I’m sure Deb’s mom is proud to know Deb enjoys knitting as much as she did.

Eager to connect with other machine knitters, Deb joined the Machine Knitters Guild of Pennsylvania in 2000. As of member of MKGOP Deb has held different positions in the organization. In 2001 she because News Editor for their newsletter, The Linker. The following year she held the post of Membership Chair/Treasurer and in 2006 she became President of the Guild. MKGOP is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing communication among machine knitters by publishing a newsletter, creating close relationships among members and supporting knitting endeavors by stimulating and encouraging greater efficiency in machine knitting.

Since its founding in 1997, MKGOP has had three previous Presidents, first Karen O’Mera, then Mary Sue Brady, next Thelma Buckley and finally Deborah Rogers. When I asked Deb what were the benefits of being a member of MKGOP, she replied “Membership shall consist of knitters engaged in machine knitting. Members qualify by making application and paying annual dues. Membership entitles members to attend meetings, to vote and to enroll in seminars and/or workshops at a discounted rate. Receive a copy of the bi-monthly newsletter “The Linker”.” By the way, I am a member and enjoy reading The Linker. It’s a great publication packed with good information about machine knitting! I hope fellow MKGOP members will watch Deb in action by supporting the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar scheduled for June 6 & 7, 2008 in large numbers.

To join and learn more about the Machine Knitters Guild of PA, which by the way accepts memberships from all over the world, I encourage you to visit their website http://www.geocities.com/debsaknittin/MKGOP.

To registar for the seminar go to http://www.geocities.com/springcityknitters and look for the registration form. For MKGOP members the price for 2 days is $100 which includes a buffet lunch each day; One day is $55 with buffet lunch. For all others 2 days are $120 which includes a buffet lunch each day; One day is $65 with buffet lunch.

For information or questions, contact Tammy Noble at 484-685-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com .

Donna

Lodging for Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-03-17T20:18:00.003-04:00

The Marriott Courtyard Philadelphia Valley Forge/College has blocked off 20 rooms for our Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar. The room information is listed below.

Marriott Courtyard Philadelphia Valley Forge/College

600 Campus Drive

Collegeville, PA 19462

phone 484.974.2600 or 1.800.321.2211

Mention Knit and Sew Seminar or Spring City Knitters Seminar when making a reservation to get the special rate of $94.00 per night. Two rooms have been secured.

For additional lodging information see our past posts on this blog.

To registar for the seminar go to http://www.geocities.com/springcityknitters and look for the registration form. From now until March 31, 2008, 2 days are $100 which includes a buffet lunch each day; One day is $50 with buffet lunch.

For information or questions, contact Tammy Noble at 484-685-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Tammy Noble at Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-03-16T11:40:00.003-04:00

Tammy Noble - As is the case with so many hand knitters, the thought of knitting faster and completing a project sooner prompted Tammy’s interest in a magazine ad for a knitting machine in 1982. After purchasing a knitting machine she fell in love with machine knitting. When the computer company she worked for closed in 1995, Tammy decided to start a home business. Her involvements with machine knitting naturally lead her to becoming a Brother/KnitKing dealer.

At a local machine knitters’ club meeting in 1998, Tammy met local knitwear designer, Fern Wayne, http://www.fernwayne.com/. When asked by Fern to become a Passap E6000 production knitter, Tammy leaped at the idea of getting paid to perfect her machine knitting skills. Shortly thereafter Tammy became a production knitter for another Pennsylvania knitwear designer, Rae Gold. This past February both knitwear designers showed their knitwear at the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Craft Show. In November 2007, Rae Gold again show her knitwear at the 31st Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, in Philadelphia, PA. Both Fern and Rae's knitwear designs sell for hundreds of dollars and are of the highest craftmanship that they can qualify for these prestigious craft shows.

In 2002, Tammy moved her home business to her shop at 44 N. Main Street in Spring City, PA. She named her store Knit and Sew. Opening a storefront business when machine-knitting manufacturers just as Brother and Passap decided to stop manufacturing new machines was a bold move. When Tammy came to the US in 1969 she proved she was a risk taker. As a risk taker, Tammy together with the Machine Knitters Guild of PA decided to co-sponsor their first seminar together. Like many machine knitters, Tammy attended many seminars and thought about the seminar elements she liked or would change. In another bold move, Tammy envisioned a seminar where more time would be spent on demonstrating and the seminar would revolve around a theme. This was the basis for the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitting Guild of PA’s having 2-1/2 length sessions and contributed to our seminar theme of “The Garment”.

At the Seminar, Tammy will be providing instruction on how to maintain and repair the Passap E-6000 knitting machine. Tammy learned very quickly that part of being a production knitter required her to know how to maintain and repair her machines. After all with deadlines to meet and Passap and Brother now longer making knitting machines, knowing how to properly maintain her machines and being her own repairperson came in handy. I invite you to visit her website http://knitandsew.com/.

Passap Maintenance and Repair for Beginners. Do you know how to replace a needle or channel on your Passap? What to do if your color changer isn’t working? Do you know what a brake spring is? Well, in this session we will go over basic maintenance and repairs needed to keep your Passap machine knitting beautiful items. Passap E-6000 knitting machine will be used for the demonstration. Session 1 Friday afternoon; Session 2 Saturday afternoon, class length approximately 2-1/2 hrs long.

For information or questions, contact Tammy at 484-685-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Regards,

Donna

Dottie Custer's Swan Song at Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-03-16T11:24:00.002-04:00

Dottie Custer – Mention the name “Dottie” and everyone in the machine knitting community will know who you mean. So well known is her name and her association with the Oley Valley Knits Seminar, that machine knitters who attended her past seminars naturally remember a wonderful time in their lives. The Oley Valley Knits Seminars were more than a legend, they were an institution of inspiration.

The first time I attended an Oley Valley Knits Seminar was in 2001. At the time, I did not fully comprehend Design-A-Knit. When I learned Ann Gervasio was demonstrating how to work DAK, I knew I had to get there by hook or crook. At the seminar, I never had so much fun learning about machine knitting in my life.

Ileen Levy, Cathie and Frank Sanders, Teena Crawshaw, Charlene Shaffer, Tricia Shaffer, Diana Berns, Sandee Cherry, Jennie Merrit, Lora Kinnan, Deb Oswald, Marcia Hauser, Yvonne Rhodes, Helen Griffiths, Ann Gervasio, Manon Salois, Irene Wood, Renda Kidwell, Joyce Banfi, Uyvonne Bigham, and Tammy Noble have all taught at the OVK seminars between 2001 and 2006.

What a list of who’s who in the home machine knitting community. Like many of my fellow machine knitters, I attended every OVK Seminar including the last year’s 2006 seminar. So saddened to see it end it was the inspriration for the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar.

We are especially pleased to announce Dottie Custer has consented to participate as a vendor at our seminar. We know Dottie will bring her warm and friendly personality to our seminar. But just as the Oley seminar ended after 16 years of continual service, Dottie has decided to close her business. We urge her following to come out to the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar to wish her a warm farewell to machine knitting. She will be selling everything remaining from her shop. We are hoping for a large turnout at her swan song.

For information or questions, contact Tammy Noble at 484-685-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com .

Regards,

Donna

Judy Meissner at the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-03-16T09:56:00.001-04:00

Judy Meissner - As a change of pace from machine knitting, in August 2006 Judy bought an antique circular sock-knitting machine and added sock knitting to her craft accomplishments. A familiar name on the Knittingmachine Yahoo list, Judy has been hand knitting for the past 42 years and machine knitting for more than 26. To date using her 80 to 100 year old hand cranked machine she had knitted over 480 pairs of socks with a 1 x 1 rib on its leg. She frequently demonstrations sock knitting. One of her many demonstrations were at the Bonnie Triola September 2007 seminar.

Sock knitting. Never seen an antique circular sock machine? Well you are in for a treat. This demonstration will be done on a circular sock-knitting machine. The demonstration will include understanding how the machine works, the parts of the machine, what yarns to use, how to knit the socks and the finishing techniques needed to make a beautiful wearable sock.

To registar for the seminar go to http://www.geocities.com/springcityknitters and look for the registration form. From now until March 31, 2008 2 days are $100 which includes a buffet lunch; One day is $50 which includes a buffet lunch.

For information, contact Tammy Noble at 484-685-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Regards,

Donna

Betsy Manning at the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitting Guild of PA Seminar, June 6 & 7,2008

2008-03-16T09:50:00.002-04:00

Betsy Manning. - Her love of hand knitting led to her involvement with the Pottstown Area Knit Out and Crochet Too! event. At the 4th Annual Knit Out, held this past January. Betsy demonstrated how knitted items could be embellished with the Babylock Embellisher. So impressed with her demonstration she was invited to demonstrate the Embellisher’s capabilities at the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA seminar.

Embellishing. Want to jazz up your machine knitted items with embellishments such as felt, roving, yarn? Consider using the 7 needle Babylock Embellisher. It’s the latest and hottest accessory to adorn knitted, woven, and sewn items. Here’s a great opportunity to see the Embellisher in action. Learn how the machine operates and how it can felt on all types of material with thread.

For information, contact Tammy Noble at 484-684-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Regards,

Donna

Machine Knitters Guild of PA New Sponsor of Seminar

2008-03-09T09:15:00.000-04:00

The Spring City Knitters are proud to annouce the renaming of their seminar to

SPRING CITY KNITTERS/MACHINE KNITTERS GUILD OF PENNSYLVANIA

The name change is a result of the co-sponsoring of the seminar. Members of the MKGOP will be able to attend the Seminar at the special rate of $100 for two days with buffet lunch or one day for $50 with buffet lunch. The special rate is due to expire for the general public on Monday, March 31, 2008.

Beginning April 1, 2008, the Seminar rate will increase to two days at $120 with buffet lunch and one day at $60 for buffet lunch.

We are also adding a new new instructor to our line up. Carolyn Blevins will be having a morning session each day on the Brother and Silver Reed maintenance.

Best of all at our market place, Dottie Custer of Oley Valley Knits, will be a participant. Those of you in the Philadelphia area may attended the Oley Valley Knits seminars in past years. Don't know about you but I had fun and learned a lot from her seminars.

Again, the Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitters Guild of PA Seminar will be Friday and Saturday, June 6 & 7, 2008 at the First United Church of Christ, 145 Chestnut St, Spring City, PA 19475.

The theme of the Seminar will be "The Garment". there will be moring and afternoon sessions that are approximately 2-1/2 hours long. We will have a lab set up so that the attendees can strengthen the knitting techniquest they just learned at the Seminar. Passap, Brother, and Silver Reed knitting machines will be represented.

We highly encourage anyone who plans to attend the Design-A-Knit classes to bring their laptops with DAK pre-installed. The presence of your laptop will ensure you get the greatest amount of learning from the DAK sessions.

Finally, Deborah Rogers, President of the Machine Knitting Guild of PA will be our mistress of ceremonies for the Seminar and Fashion Show.

By the way we highly encourage the attendees to bring "garments" for the fashion show to support our Garment theme.

For information, contact Tammy Noble at 484-685-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Regards,

Donna

Jackie Willard at Spring City Knitters/Machine Knitting Guild of PA Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-03-09T08:56:00.003-04:00

Jackie Willard - A few years ago at a Spring City Knitters club meeting we had a group project where everyone was asked to knit the same garment except in their size. We selected a garment from a popular hand-knitting magazine that included a lace pattern. Jackie volunteered to convert the lace pattern into Design-A-Knit. At the next meeting, a month later, Jackie showed everyone how to knit the pattern using their Brother knitting machine K-carriage, G-carriage, and three downloaded patterns from DAK. Everyone was in awe of how proficient she was at DAK version 6, since it doesn’t have a lace tool like DAK version 7. That's when everyone realized Jackie had the talent to teach DAK to others.

A master at hand knitting, her interest in knitting started after she finished college about 20 years ago. For the past 12 years she’s been involved with machine knitting. As a stay a home mom, she became a production knitter working exclusively on the Passap E-6000 for local knitwear designer Fern Wayne. She uses DAK on a daily basis not only for Fern Wayne designs, but also for her own design work. To see the kind of knitwear Jackie’s involved with, I invite you to visit Fern’s website http://www.fernwayne.com/.

Jackie’s knitwear designs were featured in the now out-of-print Machine Knitter Source/N Knitters magazine. Her objective in teaching Practical DAK is to get you from a cone of yarn to a finished garment using DAK. Her intent is to go over the steps involved and the thought processes and decision making needed when making your own patterns, plus go over the tools and features of DAK which will include downloading to both Brother and Passap and actual print outs of the DAK pattern. Join her as she explores this exciting software program. Details of her sessions are listed below.

Practical Design-A-Knit for Beginners. This session will go from what to do with that cone of yarn to a simple pullover using DAK to design the shape. We will discuss the basics of swatch measurement, body measurement and use Standard garment styler to design your sweater. The session is designed to get you with making your own designs by focusing on Standard Garment Styler tools and techniques. To get the most benefit from this session we highly encourage participants to bring their laptops with DAK pre-installed, but it is not mandatory to attend this session. DAK Version 7 will be used for demonstration. Session 1 Friday morning.
Practical Design-A-Knit More Advanced I - More Than One Color. This session will discuss integrating a pattern you have drawn in Stitch Designer with a shape you have designed in Standard Garment Styler. The goal of this session is to design a Fair Isle cardigan with bands. The focus of this session will be on using Standard Garment Styler and Stitch Designer tools and techniques. To get the most benefit from this session we highly encourage participants to bring their laptops with DAK pre-installed, but it is not mandatory to attend this session. DAK Version 7 will be used for demonstration. Session 2 Friday afternoon.
Practical Design-A-Knit More Advanced II - Original Shapes. This session will discuss beginning a shape in Standard Garment Styler and transferring it to Original Pattern Drafting to add details. We will also discuss free form shapes. The goal of this session is to design a fitted jacquard jacket with a shawl collar. The focus of this session will be on using Original Pattern Drafting tools and techniques. We highly encourage participants to bring their laptops with DAK pre-installed, but it is not mandatory to attend this session. DAK Version 7 will be used for demonstration. Session 3 Saturday morning.
Modules and Tools of DAK. In this session you won’t be designing specific garments but we will go over the modules and tools of DAK. This session is a recap of what you learned in other sessions or to learn something new about a module you haven't used yet. Focus on all modules and tool of DAK including the lace tool, graphics studio, printing and downloading. We will show how to download a DAK file to the Passap console and Brother knitting machine. We highly encourage participants to bring their laptops with DAK pre-installed, but it is not mandatory to attend this session. DAK Version 7 will be used for demonstration. Session 4 Saturday afternoon.

For information, contact Tammy Noble at 484-684-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Regards,

Donna

Instructors at the Spring City Knitter Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-03-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

The Spring City Knitters are proud to welcome the demonstrators below to our June 6 & 7, 2008 seminar. The theme of the seminar in the GARMENT, the art of knitting on my machine to make Dresses, Skirts, Slacks, and other wearable knits.

Marcia Hauser on Brother knitting machine
Ileen Levy on Silver Reed knitting machine
Sharon Minrath on Passap knitting machine
Jackie Willard on Design-A-Knit
Tammy Noble on Passap maintenance and repair
Judi Meissener on the sock machine
Betsy Mannings on the 7 needle felting machine

The seminar will be at the location below.

The First United Church of Christ

145 Chestnut St.

Spring City, PA 19475

Time: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

ALL classes will be approximately 2-1/2 hours long.

For information, contact Tammy Noble at 484-684-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Regards,

Donna

Ileen Levy at Spring City Knitters Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-03-02T14:38:00.003-05:00

Ileen Levy - A favorite on Yahoo's Knittingmachine list, Ileen Levy freely shares her machine knitting knowledge with others. Like many machine knitters she started out as a hand knitter and then took up machine knitting. Within a year of acquiring a knitting machine she went from hobbyist to custom knitter. As a custom knitter she gained experience knitting all types of projects and soon opened Ileen’s Needle Nook. Along the way she became a Brother then Silver Reed knitting machine dealer and distributor for Cotton Spandex yarns. In 1987 with her husband, they created a computer-charting program to help her save time charting: Design-A-Pattern. For the past 20 years, she has been sharing her knitting experiences throughout the US, England and Australia as a teacher and demonstrator. At the Spring City Knitters Seminar, Ileen will be incorporating Design-A-Pattern into her demonstration on the Silver Reed knitting machine. For those who attend seminars and feel that Silver Reed machines are unrepresented, please join her for a fun filled time on the Silver Reed standard gauge machine. Below are descriptions of her classes. To learn more about Ileen visit her website: http://www.ileen.com/
Designing a Jacket with Darts. In this class we will design a darted cap-sleeved jacket using Design-A-Pattern XV software. We will also discuss the importance of knitting a swatch, getting accurate gauges, and taking accurate body measurements. Silver Reed knitting machine will be used for demonstration. Session 1 Friday morning, approximately 2-1/2 hrs long.
Jacket Details. We will knit the jacket charted in the first class explaining how to knit in the darts; necklines that lay in place properly, neckline trims and collars, interesting hems and variations, and finishing techniques. Also incorporated in this class will be lots of tips and techniques, a discussion about blocking our knits and getting the best-finished product. Silver Reed knitting machine will be used for demonstration. Session 1 Friday morning, approximately 2-1/2 hrs long.
Designing Slacks with Darts. In this class we will design a pair of darted slacks using Design-A-Pattern XV software. We will also discuss the importance of knitting a swatch, getting accurate gauges, and taking accurate body measurements. Silver Reed knitting machine will be used for demonstration. Session 3 Saturday morning, approximately 2-1/2 hrs long.
Slacks Details. We will knit the slacks charted in the earlier class explaining how to knit darts into pants and skirts, show different hems and trims, discuss waistband variations, and discuss seaming up the garment. Also incorporated in this class will be lots of tips and techniques, a discussion about blocking our knits and getting the best-finished product. Silver Reed knitting machine will be used for demonstration. Session 4 Saturday afternoon, approximately 2-1/2 hrs long.
The registration form to attend the Spring City Knitters Seminar can be found at our website: http://www.geocities.com/springcityknitters
Inquiries about the seminar should be sent to Tammy Noble, email: knitandsew44@yahoo.com

See you at the seminar.

Regards,

Donna

Lodging for Spring City Knitters Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-02-24T09:20:00.000-05:00

To enjoy the discounted rates at Mainstay Inn and French Creek Inn, you must mention the Spring City Knitters seminar when making your reservation. Regards, Donna

Marcia Hauser at Spring City Knitters Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-02-24T08:16:00.002-05:00

Marcia Hauser –An artist and a legend in the craft of machine knitting, Marcia brings enthusiasm and excitement everywhere she teaches. She has taught at many seminars across the country. I have the privilege of taking one of her classes at the former Oley Valley Knitting Seminar a few years ago. What a great class with lots of useful information.
Specializing in creating artwork using the knitting machine, her works have found their way into galleries and private collections throughout the country. Three-dimensional knitting, unique trims and embellishments are just a few of her machine knitting specialties. For our seminar Marcia will be focusing on the art of garment construction.
Proficient with Design-A-Knit she combined it with her imagination and 30 years plus knitting experience to write over 10 books, 100 plus patterns for all levels of knitters, articles for the now out-of-print Machine Knitters Source magazine. She is a frequent contributor to the Knittingmachine Yahoo list. Her Cooperative Knitting series takes a knitter to a place where the machine manuals do not go. She advised me she is at her happiest when the knitting machine and her student’s imagination and skill come together. Hope the seminar attendees will consider taking her classes. Below are course descriptions of her classes. To learn more about Marcia visit her website: http://www.marciahauser.nu/
The registration form to attend the Spring City Knitters Seminar can be found at our website: http://www.geocities.com/springcityknitters
Inquiries about the seminar should be sent to Tammy Noble, email: knitandsew44@yahoo.com
The Garment Style for your Shape. This class will focus on what styles are good for your shape, and what to avoid when selecting a garments to knit In addition, we will talk about the "Law of Symmetry" and how it helps in selection of garments that we choose to make. We will further discuss alternate ways to close garments, that slim the silhouette, and are easy and simple to knit, and that give visual interest and style to any garment. These alternate closures do not use traditional buttons and zippers, but rather use simple I-cords, and plain knitted pieces. We can create buttons and closures of exceptional interest, including 3 dimensional roses, knitted and assembled to create buttons, as well as lollipop closures We will spend a small amount of time, talking about Shapes n Such, its uses and proper fit for all body types. Brother knitting machine will be used for demonstration. Session 1 Friday morning.
Brother - Lets Not Forget the Sleeves. This class will focus on the sleeves as well as stylish ways to create interest at the hemline of garments Sleeves can bring the eye down and slim the body, but also, particularly the set in sleeve, can be decorated with some amazing trims that bring creativity to the plain sleeve. Several methods of sewing sleeves into garments will also be addressed. Additionally, we will discuss unusual ways to cast on at the hemline, using individual knitted loops. These loops, when grouped together, form wonderful patterns and brings great variety to your garments. ribs and hung hems can be replaced with something far more interesting. If time permits, we will learn how to use beads to stuff trapunto, to give our clothes interest, but also to help better balance the figure. Brother knitting machine will be used for demonstration. Session 2 Friday afternoon.
Blocking for Elegance. This class will focus on the difference between homemade and handmade, and how to block and assemble the garments we make to look like very elegant and sophisticated clothing. There is a particular order to blocking and assemblage, and we will try to study the steps and order of assembly, to try and bring perfection to our garments.
Beginning with the swatch, we will look at the method and order of each piece of the garment,and will end with how to get the perfect rib. This method is the same for almost all yarns, andwe will briefly discuss the options for different materials. If time permits, we will also look atthe ways to block 3 dimensional fabrics, so that its texture and integrity remain intact. If folkshave swatches or pieces they would like blocked, and time permits, they are invited to bringthem, and we will attempt to block those as well.
We will also spend time discussing the perfect skirt, one style that is wonderful for almost anybody shape, that does not stretch or seat, and we will look at 3 dimensional trims that enhanceour garments, and the placements of those trims for visual interest and esthetics. Brother knitting machine will be used for demonstration. Session 3 Saturday morning.
The Cooperative Knitting Machine. This class will deal with some basic knitting techniques, while showing you quick easy methods that your manual doesn’t tell you about. As an example hanging an entire hem in under 30 seconds, and in particular 3 dimensional knitting. We will focus on how to knit and select the proper trims to balance your garments, and spend time on pin tucks, which definitely slim the body. Knitting both sides of the neckline at once will be discussed, since often the necklines are not even, as well as methods for knitting more than 2 colors in a row without floats and color blocking that looks like intarsia. We will also discuss 3 needle knitting Finishing our garments to have a sophisticated look is essential, and faux crochet will help you achieve that goal If time permits, pockets knitted in under 2 minutes will also be discussed, and this pocket method can be used to create so many other wonderful knitted garments. Finally, we will concentrate on free form knitting, which gives rise to interesting looks in garments, while giving the imagination a chance to shine. Brother knitting machine will be used for demonstration. Session 4 Saturday afternoon.

See you at the seminar.

Donna

Lodging for Spring City Knitters Seminar, June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-02-24T07:34:00.004-05:00

As with most seminars, expenses are a real concern. They can make the difference between attending or not. In order to help our attendees keep their expenses to a minimum, we have arranged for the owners of the French Creek Inn and Mainstay Inn to provide accommodations at a discounted rate.
The French Creek Inn, is closer to the Seminar location which can be found at the end of this blog. It is located at the intersection of 724 and Route 23. The rooms are a good size. All rooms have two double beds, a refrigator and microwave. The discounted rate for the Spring City Seminar is $64.99 per night plus tax.
To make a reservation at this accommodation call 800.870.5040 and check out their website at http://www.frenchcreekinn.com/
The Mainstay Inn is located in downtown Phoenixville, PA. Phoenixville is right next door to Spring City, PA. Located a mine or two from Spring City, itis still within a comfortable driving distance to the seminar. In fact, one can use public transportation, SEPTA Bus 99 to Royersford, PA to come to the seminar. Public transportation information can be found at the end of this blog. This Inn is slightly less expensive than the French Creek Inn and the rooms are slightly smaller. There are two types of rooms: Large is $55.95 per night plus tax; Small is $50.95 per night plus tax.
At the Mainstay Inn enjoy historic downtown Phoenixville withi its restaurants, coffee shops and shopping.
To make a reservation at the Mainstay Inn call 610.933.7998.
The rates for the French Inn and Mainstay Inn are in effect until May 1, 2008.
Seminar location: The First United Church of Christ 145 Chestnut St. Spring City, PA 19475
SEPTA Bus 99 can be boarded in downtown Phoenixville, PA. Get off at New & Main Streets in Spring City, PA. It is about a 10 minute bus ride. Walk on Main Street to Chestnut St. (about 4 blocks away) Walk up Chestnut St. to church.
A registration form to the seminar can be found on our website: http://www.geocities.com/springcityknitters
Our POC for seminar information is Tammy Noble, email: knitandsew44@yahoo.com
See you at the seminar. Donna

Passap Teacher at Spring City Knitters Seminar - June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-02-09T09:29:00.000-05:00

SHARON MINRATH - PASSAP TEACHER

For those who own a Passap knitting machine, you will be in for a treat. Sharon Minrath, our Passap teacher for the Spring City Knitters Seminar, was a Passap Knitting Consultant for six years, an instructor at Passap University for seven years, and the seminar coordinator for the last Passap Evolution. A high school art and photography teacher for 27 years, her Passap experiences have afforded her the opportunity to continue her teaching career, but on a different level.

As with so many machine knitters who have been involved with this craft for many years, her first Passap was a DM-80 followed by the ascquisition of an E-6000 a few years later. Her intimate knowledge of the Passap includes writing the Passap Drive-thru programs which were distributed to dealers as a teaching tool for Passap machines. So knowledgable and proficient with the Passap, she shares her joy of the machine by writing patterns.

Below is a description of the classes Sharon will be teaching.

Session 1, Friday morning (approximately 2-1/2 hrs long)I know you've noticed the list of numbers that represent a Form program shape, but do you really know what they mean? We'll start at the beginning andunravel the mystery of these numbers.

Sesson 2, Friday afternoon (approximately 2-1/2 hrs long)In this session we'll use the Form numbers to turn a pullover into a cardigan, alter the length of pans, and adjust the width of a jacket or shell. Did you know it is so eary to turn a Form program designed for a garment band into a form for a skirt? Come and see how this can be accomplished.

Sesson 3, Saturday morning (approxmately 2-1/2 hrs long)This session will take a look at several creative ways to achieve perfect bands for our garments. I will also show you three possible way of attaching a neckband to a garment: Passap's commercial neck band, St. John's crochet techniques, and the Japanese technique of re-handing neck edges.

Sesson 4, Saturday afternoon (approximately 2-1/2 hrs long)How long has your U-100(E) been it its box? Well, it's teime to get it out and reintroduce (or introduce) yourself to it. I will show yu how easy it is to use the U-100(E) and evey one of it's settings as well bending the rules to make beautiful creative fabric.

We know every attendee of the Spring City Knitters Seminar who has a Passap machine will benefit from her extraodinary knowledge.

Above is a photo of a garment knitted on the Passap by yours truly (Donna). I posted it to let others know what the Passap is capable of knitting.

For a registration form to the Seminar, go to http://www.geocities.com/springcityknitters

See you there!!!

Donna

Spring City Knitters Seminar - June 6 & &, 2008

2008-02-04T17:54:00.000-05:00

For those machine knitters who own a Passap, knowing how to do basic Passap repairs is important, especially since a Passap repair person is not easy to find. One of the benefits of attending the Spring City Knitters Seminar on June 6 & 7, 2008 is that Tammy Noble will be demonstrating basic Passap repairs. The repairs include:

How to replace needles
Replacing brake springs
Replacing channels
Replacing the color changer

Feel free to contact Tammy Noble @ 484-685-6154 (cell) or email her at knitandsew44@yahoo.com to learn more about her demonstration.

For more information about the seminar, see other posts on this blog.

Regards,

Donna

Spring City Knitters Seminar - June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-02-03T18:15:00.000-05:00

Spring City Knitters Seminar Theme: The GARMENT Date: Friday & Saturday, June 6 & 7, 2008 Time: 8 AM – 4:30 PM Location: First United Church of Christ 145 Chestnut Street Spring City, PA 19475 Two day cost with buffet lunch: $100 before March 31, 2008, after March $120 One day cost with buffet lunch: $55 before March 31, 2008, after March $65 Payment: All checks should be made payable to “KNIT AND SEW” Payment: Credit Card payment acceptable Mail paments to: Knit and Sew 44 N. Main St Spring City, PA 19475 POC: Tammy Noble @ 610-340-452 email: knitandsew44@yahoo.com Seminar format: * Classes approximately 2-1/2 hrs long * Labs available to strengthen techniques you have learned * Passap and Japanese loom instructors * Design-A-Knit instructor * Special Market Place & Unique Fashion Show * Demonstrators: ** Sharon Minrath on Passap, Form Program, U-100 ** Marcia Hauser on Brother ** Jackie Willard on Design-A-Knit

Spring City Knitters Seminar - June 6 & 7, 2008

2008-02-02T15:54:00.000-05:00

The Spring City Knitters invite you to a seminar on "The Garment". The art of knitting by machine to make Dresses, Skirts, Slacks, and other wearables knits. Save the date: Friday & Saturday, June 6 & 7, 2008 Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Place: First United Church of Christ 145 Chestnut St. Spring City, PA 19475 Activities: - Morning and afternoon clases, approximately 2-1/2 hours long - Labs available to strengthen the knitting techniques you learn - Passap and Japansese looms and Design-A-Knit represented - Special Market Place & Unique Fashion Show For more information contact: knitandsew44@yahoo.com www.geocities.com/springcityknitters See you there. Donna

Tammy Noble (far left), Mary Hummber (middle) and Deborah Rogers (right) discuss linking garments at SCK June meeting.

2007-07-27T08:33:00.000-04:00

On Saturday July 28th, 2007 from from 10 to noon the Spring City Knitters will have their monthly meeting. This month we will feature a demonstration on how to install zippers into knits. All are welcomed. Be sure to keep in mind out special demonstation with Theresa Batsford-Beiner on August 4th from 10 to 3 PM. The cost is $10 and RSVP is required. October 27th, 2007 will mark the 5th anniversay of the Spring City Knitters. We will be celebrating by having a special demonstrator and a party. Consider helping us celebrate. RSVP is required. November 9 through 11, 2007 we will have Arnetta Kenney's Custom Fit and Knit workshop. This three day workshop is designed to help resolve "fit" issues that can happen unexpectedly while machine knitting a garment. Anyone who needs help in this area should seriously consider attending. This hands on workshop will require using a 4.5mm gauge Japanese machine and all attendees must have made at least one complete sweater. For more information contact Tammy Noble at Knit and Sew below. June 6 and 7, 2008 Knit and Sew will host it's first machine knitting seminar. Look forward to more details about this event. Finally check out our Frappr and Blog. http://www.frappr.com/springcityknittersofpa Knit and Sew 44 N. Main Street Spring City, PA 19475 610-792-1202 saigonex@yahoo.com knitandsew44@yahoo.com

Custom Fit and Knit Workshop, Nov 9 - 11, 2007

2007-07-14T08:35:00.000-04:00

Ms. Arnetta Kenney at Knit and Sew with members of the Spring City Knitters club in March 2007.

Custom Fit and Knit Workshop, Nov 9 - 11, 2007

2007-07-14T08:31:00.000-04:00

Custom Fit and Knit Workshop Gauge alone does not determine a good fit in the world of custom knits. Learn how to take proper body measurement, to achieve a custom fit (traditional and Easy wear), then translate those measurements and design ideas into a knit fabric that is compatible with your figure type and the style of the knit garment. This Custom Fit and Knit Workshop sponsored by Knit and Sew, Spring City, PA, will also cover the many variables of knit fabrication, shaping techniques, and professional finishing techniques as they apply to machine knitting. The hands on segments include, knitting ½ of a cardigan knit jacket (for fitting purposes- can be completed in or out of class after fit is observed), knit samples of trims, buttonholes, darts, etc. knit samples of necklines (life-size for fit), and knit swatches for various types of finishing techniques (these can be knit in advance and brought to class). Ms. Kenney, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, will be the instructor. She has been teaching upper division and seminar classes in knit design, hand and machine knitting and crochet since 1988. She is a long time machine knitter specializing in the Japanese knitting machines. The workshop dates are November 9, 10, and 11, 2007. The workshop is $150 plus material fees. The class limit is 18 attendees. For information on attending the workshop please contact, Donna Streets, email: knitandsew@fast.net or call Tammy Noble of Knit and Sew at 610-792-1202. Join our Yahoo list: scknittingseminar@yahoogroups.com Give a shout on our Frappr (map) site: http://www.frappr.com/springcityknittersofpa Donna

Lodging for June 6 & 7, 2008 Seminar

2007-07-05T08:20:00.000-04:00

Suggest accommodations for the upcoming Spring City Knitters Seminar scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7, 2008 are listed below. Homewood Suites by Hilton 681 Shannondell Blvd. Audubon, PA 19403 telephone: 610-539-7300 Hampton Inn 100 Cresson Blvd. Phoenixville, PA 19460 telephone: 610-676-0900 Remember the seminar will be held at the First United Church of Christ 145 Chestnut St. Spring City, PA 19475 Spring City, PA is accessible by SEPTA's 99 Bus. It stops at New and Main Sts. in Spring City. You can board the bus in front of JC Penney at the King of Prussia Mall. The bus runs hourly. Also there is a Holiday Inn at the King of Prussia Mall. To get to Spring City by public transportation from downtown Philadelphia, PA board the 125 or 124 Buses at 13th & Market Sts. The get off at King of Prussia Mall in front of JC Penney and wait for the 99 Bus. OR Take the communter rail, SEPTA's R6 and get off at Norristown and wait for the 99 Bus there.

Knit and Sew - policy announcement

2007-07-05T08:19:00.000-04:00

To all, Just wanted to let everyone know that there are benefits to being a member of the Spring City Knitters Club. Most notably is we discount or make available free events sponsored by Knit and Sew to the Spring City Knitters. But I must point out that if a non-member joins the Spring City Knitters club prior to an event, such as the upcoming Custom Fit and Knit workshop or the Double Bed Demosntration, the discounted rate will NOT apply to these events. It will apply to any future events. (i.e. The attendee will have to pay the non-membership fee to attend these events.) Hope everyone understands this policy. Donna

Double bed demonstration with Theresa Batsford-Beiner

2007-07-05T07:45:00.000-04:00

Knit and Sew invites all to a machine knitting demonstration with newcomer Theresa Batsford-Beiner on August 4, 2007 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Knit and Sew, Admission is $10. After receiving her degree in costume design, Ms. Batsford-Beiner realized that it was actually the fabric itself that fascinated her. The sculpture and artistry of knitting compelled her enough that when she made the decision to pursue her master’s degree, knit design was the only choice. Ms. Batsford will be demonstrating how to create textured double bed knitted fabric on the Passap Duomatic knitting machine. Since the texture is created through hand manipulation, the techniques can be transferred to any double bed machine. Samples of her creations can be seen on her website www.theresabatsford.com. If you would like to attend this demonstration, please contact Knit and Sew.

Spring City Knitters Seminar

2007-07-04T06:35:00.000-04:00

To all, The Spring City Knitters will be sponsoring their first machine knitting seminar on Friday and Satury, June 6 and 7, 2008! We hope to have two Passap, two Brother and two Silver Reed instructors along with a Deign-A-Knit instructor. The "theme" of the seminar will be "The Garment". The seminar will be in Spring City at the First United Church, 145 Chestnut St. Spring City is accessible by public transportation. The SEPTA 99 bus stops at New and Main Streets in Spring City, which is a few short blocks away from the church. Hope everyone in the Philadelphia, PA area who machine knits will attend our seminar. Look for more details as they develop. Regards, Donna

Machine Knittting, Spring City Knitters of PA

2005-11-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

The Spring City Knitters meet Saturdays (10 to noon) on a monthly basis at Knit and Sew. Our Club members' are involved with many aspects of fiber arts. Besides machine knitting, our members love to hand knit, sew, bead, crochet, and weave. These multi-talented individuals bring creativity and enthusam to our club, which ultimately is translated to their knit projects. Come join us and share in the fun!!! The Club's team leader is Tammy Noble, owner and operator of Knit and Sew. Tammy is a very talented, creative and experienced machine knitter . She has had the opportunity to work for several talented Pennsylvania knitwear designers. Knit and Sew, a wholesale and retain store, is located at 44 N. Main St., Spring City, PA 19475, 610-792-1202, www.knitandsew.com, saigonex@yahoo.com. We hope you enjoy visiting our blog . Feel free to comment, we welcome your feedback. Donna