I can’t even tell you how excited I was to start my knitting machine lessons yesterday. I’d been looking forward to it for a month. I’ve set up the machine on a metal stand in the dining room (I’m just out of space anywhere else) And, I’m happy to report that I really liked it!
My instructor came to my house and my first lesson was about three hours. I decided I wanted to learn on my Brother KH-830 (a standard punchcard machine) versus my bulky knitting machine (Kh-230). Most of the class was spent with me casting on and knitting (and learning to unravel. And lord have mercy did I ever spend time unraveling) so I’d be able to complete my homework assignment before my next lesson. She also checked out my machine to make sure it was in good working order.
It’s very interesting learning a new skill like this. At this point, I take my ability to sew for granted. So learning something from the ground up is a new experience for me. My first project is a baby afghan with handworked mini decorative ‘cables’. The afghan is five panels. We made one panel together and the other four she left me to complete on my own.
I’m happy to report I was able to knit two more squares on Sunday with just one phone call in the morning to my teacher for help. I mean, I won’t lie. These are the two that turned out. Let’s just say I have several wonky coasters laying about. I’m glad I’m taking lessons. I know there are many videos online. But, it’s terrific to have a local resource I can ask for help and who has experience teaching. I didn’t find myself sitting in front of the machine struggling from the start.
What is just great about machine knitting is how consistent the gauge is and how much faster it is! I mean, I knit 275 rows for each panel in about ten minutes. Well, it took ten minutes once I got the machine going. heh.
My next lesson is tentatively scheduled for a month from now (she’s traveling, I’m traveling) so I’m moving at a nice leisurely pace.
Miss Celie's Pants 
Nice! What a great idea to get a teacher and even better that she comes to you. The whole machine knitting thing sounds quite appealing… (Although I’m sure very many people would disagree haha!)
I have had a couple of knitting machines and loved them, but no longer own them. I did keep one of my machine knitting books, still available on Amazon.com. The book is “The Prolific Knitting Machine” by Catherine Cartwright-Jones. Fun is a good word for this book. The knitting is basic, but with the capacity for beautiful home knit fabric, no sweater would look the same. Here is the Amazon.com link: http://smile.amazon.com/Catherine-Cartwright-Jones/e/B001K7VIYO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1433103360&sr=1-1
If I ever knit, you have now convinced me that this is the way to go!
Years ago when I worked for UPS, a gal would come ship knitted collars she machine-knitted for the fashion fur coat industry. Her trademark technique was no seams. Somehow she was able to create seamless collars and cuffs.
I almost got bit by the knitting machine bug then. I’ve run across knitting machines at sales and survived the temptation. If you show any more posts, I can’t rely on my will power to resist any more ‘toys’. (I want a giant loom or two as well).
That’s exciting! I inherited one from my dad. It’s in my attic, lol. I’m waiting for all my kids to graduate before i tackle this. I broke it down to pack it for traveling and that was intemmdating. It had every acessory imaginable. I sure hope i get lucky and find an instructor like you 🙂 it’s really fascinating.
So glad you found a machine, a teacher, a passion! Enjoy!
How wonderful you! Enjoy the process!
What a treat to have a teacher come to your home and teach you! I need that with my loom!
People who are envious? Me!
So. Much. Fun!! I’m going to be on the lookout for one!
You’d be in the best situation of all! There’s a lot of machine knitting in Minne. There’s a machine knitting guild there and a few repair shops. On May 31, 2015 11:23 PM, “Miss Celie's Pants” wrote:
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i have been keeping an eye out for a machine too. My Mum had one when I was young. I would love to give it a go. So envious you have a local teacher.
Having a teacher just 15 mins away from me is a godsend!
I so want to do the same thing. I am happy to see that someone else has the same passions that I do. Keep posting and I will get there LOL
I love your knitting machine. I’ve always wanted a fancier machine than the one I have, which is the Ultimate Knitting machine that you can buy from big-box craft stores. Seeing this makes me want to immediately upgrade.
I fully expect you to be a raving wool-unatic at next year’s Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Don’t disappoint me. 😉
I have a machine but I’m currently stalled (have been for 18 months) doing a correspondence course. I’d love a local teacher!! Glad you’re enjoying it.
I wanted to say how admirable I find it that you are so open to learning new things and really doing it properly (finding a teacher, say). That is a wonderful and inspiration trait. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! It’s also likely just self preservation. There is just not a lot ‘new’ out about knitting machines. And, a teacher definitely helped me through my first few stumbling blocks.
On Wed, Jun 10, 2015 at 10:24 AM, Miss Celie's Pants wrote:
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