Grafting Or Kitchener Stitch

I do like grafting stitches (Kitchener Stitch) even though I am not crazy about seaming a project.  Guess regular seaming can get to the point or boredom for me.  So, I trained myself to seam projects when there is something on television or I'm listening to something I enjoy, then, the boredom does not happen.

Since I do many socks, seaming is minimal as is grafting.  Not sure what it is but I truly like grafting stitches.  Guess I enjoy the rhythm and accuracy of it.  Both seaming and grafting give me a sense of satisfaction when impeccably finished.  When stitches are grafted so perfectly you can not see where the machine left off and the grafting is makes me feel proud.  Seams that are invisible, flat and smooth also make me proud of my work, ESPECIALLY since it's a bit of a chore.

Grafting...easy!

Starting on the right, from the back of the loop (stitch) go through the first loop in front then into the loop to your left (follow the yarn) close to where needle eye is.  Then into the back stitch (where the needle tip is).

Then from the back, go into the new loop (stitch) to the left on the back, then through the same loop (stitch) in the front.

Each loop (stitch) will have two threads of yarn in each.  If you pinch your work together the stitch size you're creating should be perfect, just don't pull the yarn tight (firm up the yarn thread without pulling too tight).  You want to replicate the tension of the project.  At the end I go through the very last loop twice and hide the yarn end by weaving it in.

Sheepishly Sharing

I happened on this knitters site quite by accident.  She is in love with the circular knitting machines that we have all seen, Addi Express.  Her name is Margaret Olander, she possess a unique sense of humor too.

She knits some interesting items "in the round" which can be made on the Japanese machines when you knit circular.  Check out her whimsical scarf ideas.

You can click here to visit her site:  Sheepishly Sharing

I'm Knitting....Stress Away!

I find machine knitting a way to relax and work off life stresses.  Moving needles and carriages back n forth seems to transport me into another place.

When "that mood" arises I usually rely on socks.  Socks only take about 40 minutes or so for me to make and I don't need to think about the next step or maneuver.  It's programmed into my brain so I can lose myself in the moment.  Knitting a pair seems to relieve my stress as the socks fly off the machine.  January found me making several pair of socks.

This hasn't always been the case knitting socks.  Years ago I made every mistake any of us could; it took me a week to make my first one from start to finish.  Each step and technique I conquered brought me closer and closer to a finished sock.

Here is one of the many stress relievers I've done recently:

Some new sock yarn (ready to relieve stress) and a great lavender yarn:

With some luck the remainder of this month will find me making less socks and a more intriguing project or two.

I promised to meet the owner of a new Yarn Store located in a design studio here in Las Vegas.  The owner is interested in having me teach machine knitting classes.  More on that as it develops.

Hope you are well and happy knitting...

Nyann, What Talent!

Not machine knitted but you have to admire her talent and patience!

Sponge Bar Replacement & KRC1000 Set-up/In Action

One of my favorite machine knitters (Nyann Goro in Japan) who knits beautiful items also does YouTube videos.  There is no narrative on her HD videos, the way she films them you don't need narration.

Below is one of her recent video's on how she replaces a tired and worn out sponge bar.  Not sure I would leave the original nylon ribbon in but it seems to work for her.

And another of her great videos, this one on installing and using the Brother KRC1000.  I could not embed the video, just click on this link:

Brother KRC1000

What Have I been Up To...

Hi and hope you had great holiday's, Happy 2014!  All was quiet here in Las Vegas and luckily the weather has been fantastic.

Here are a few recent projects...

I whipped up this pullover simple cable sweater on request, used Tamm Bebe.

Then did matching fingerless mitts, used my own pattern for these Men's medium (kept it basic but could have done cable or other stitch pattern).  The thumb gore is knit "set in" style after the body of the mitt is made.  So easy!

This past weekend I made a few pair of socks, this pair is a bit "crazy" made in some Hobby Lobby "Walk Away" sock yarn I had in my stash (from a long ago sale).  Ribbing is 2x2 in a 2x1 needle arrangement.

This vest I made out of another stash coned yarn, an acrylic from  Caron (yes it's been in my stash a while) "Heirloom".

The vest was worn once and when washed it ended up with a pair of black jeans which bled all over the vest, staining it.  I tried everything I had in the house to get out the stains, no luck.  Then, I remembered I had purchased laundry "sheets" not that long ago that had remarkable claims on their efficiency.  I took the stained, damp vest and tossed it into a basin of cool water.  Threw in two of the laundry sheets and within 5 minutes the dye was gone!  Close call indeed...

I've lots of projects in mind for 2014 and more yarn just arrived (I really have too much).  With that in mind, I encourage all machine knitters to "just knit" - live outside the box a bit and don't worry if you make a mistake.  It's only knitting.  You can rewind the yarn and start over.  Don't fret if you end up with a row or two more/less (no one will know), don't worry if the carriage is on the wrong side, so what if you have one less stitch than you should at the end; it's only knitting and it really does not matter.

If you haven't the courage or expertise to knit something intricate, just do it.  When you are finished you will have the skills and a whole new level of courage.  Think of your family recipes that are a handful of this and a dash of that, why not do that in your knitting?  Being self taught, I've made my mistakes but I truly learned from those and they have made me a good knitter.

What matters is for you to enjoy your knitting and produce beautiful items that you and others will cherish.

Wishing you a peaceful new year!

Wil's Sweater

About a month or so ago, "Wil" emailed me this:

"I'm Wil, from St. Louis, MO. I happen to stumble upon your website when googling men's sweater patterns. As the subject line states, I am a beginner, I inherited a plastic bed singer knitting machine (9mm-90 needles) from a friend and am trying to teach myself how to machine knit."

I asked him to do a gauge swatch, he did.  I wrote a pattern for him based on his style and measurements and look at how he's doing, VERY good indeed!

Wil's First Machine Knit Sweater

I just suggested another project to him, I hope he'll do it!

Ear Muffs, Norwegian Style

Late last evening, I was surfing through some of my favorite knitting machine blogs.  I went over to Rett Og Vrang a great blog with ingenious designs by Synnove who lives lives in Norway.

We have been in touch over the years and it is always nice to see what she is up to.  Her latest is "Choices of Life" an ear muff design.  It sort of reminded me of the ear flap hats I made a  couple of years ago.  Always wanting to support my fellow machine knitters, I purchased the pattern (an instant download & only a few dollars).  When I opened the pattern is was all in Norwegian, of course it would be.  So, no worries I will translate it online.  It was actually funny what translator did to the pattern.  I emailed Synnove and she too had a good laugh.

Knowing I could replicate it I sat down this afternoon and made the below (nice model huh?) using my own method.  Pretty close to Synnove's don't you think?

Please stop by and visit Synnove and her great blog, she is very talented and a nice lady!

Here is her blog and posting (and pattern) I am referring to:

Rett Og Vrang

Blue Sweater Vest Completed

Yes, I do love sweater vests.  They are perfect in the cooler months here in Las Vegas.  A sweater vest is enough to keep you warm early in the morning but not too warm to wear when the sun warms it up!

This was done using the Knit Leader, I used Tamm Trenzi with an unknown cone of light blue acrylic for the edge trim.  Edge trim (light blue) was only the three circular cast on rows.  It didn't take long at all, I timed myself (I've been asked how long it takes), it was a little more than two hours on the machine then the seaming.

The color is a bit light in the first picture.

Neck Overlap Band - I Like Them As They Are Not Common

Arm Hole

Back Of Neck & Waist Band, Both Knit in 2X2 rib, Using A 2x1 Needle Arrangement

Lynne's Lace Scarf Pattern

Lynne, author of the blog "Machine Knitting Fun" (who I follow), sent me the below link to a lace pattern scarf she had made.

Click on this link:

Lynne's Favorite Pattern Of 2010

Here is a picture of the design:

Lynne stated she did not design the pattern but, had posted it for all to use and love.

Great and easy technique especially for those without a lace carriage.

Go ahead and click the link above to see the pattern, some photos and surf through her great and energetic blog.

Thanks for sharing Lynne!