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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Machine Knit Monday

I just came back from teaching a machine knitting technique in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I had a WONDERFUL time. Several things didn't work out as I planned but I powered through them a delivered, in my opinion, an amazing program. My theme was "Refashion, refashion, refashion." I could just look on some of the attendees faces and see them having their "aha" moment. When I conduct a seminar, I don't think I'm there to teach. I'm there to get them to "think" about the possibilities

Knitting machine can cost thousands of dollars. Why should machine knitters limit themselves to knitting "Walmart" pullovers when we can produce "St. John" quality knits! The main problem is that most machine knitters cannot fathom putting scissors to knits. WTH? Back in the day, many knitting machine dealers preached against it and thus turned machine owners against the practice. As a matter of fact, when I cut the sleeves out of a knit jacket to refashion it, I heard a very loud gasp from several knitters! Below are just a few photos of knit garments I've made. No, I don't knit yardage. I have a tried and true technique whereby I waste very little yarn and produce a boutique quality garment that would garner a boutique quality price!

This jacket below is knit single bed fairisle knit on a Brother 950i electronic machine. The the sleeves and back are a solid color single bed tuck knit on a Passap DM80 machine. It's only partially lined to keep it's knit quality. The pattern is of zebras and I added red rhinestones for the eyes. The yarn is Tamm Diamante and is 75% acrylic. The pattern is out of print but is McCalls 9523 from 2000. This was a refashion before anybody was calling it refashion. Before the zebras this jacket featured a multicolor vertical stripe fairisle pattern.




This jacket was made using the same pattern but the entire this is single bed fairisle knit on the Passap E6000. The trim on both sweaters was knit on the Brother 970 electronic machine. The rhinestone zipper is what makes this jacket super special.





Stay tuned for more "Machine Knit Monday."

11 comments:

  1. I used to have two knitting machines and after seeing your creations I wish I still had them. Your garments are beautiful and one of a kind. I love reading your blog and seeing what you have created.

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    1. I don't think I could ever get rid of my knitting machines although several are packed away. Some really wonderful garments can be made. Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. I have dithered for years about getting a knitting machine, I think it would be fantastic to use one. Sadly, the only place that sells them and does classes is close to 2 hours away and that is just a bit much when I spend 3 hours a day to/from work. I see them at Stitches and would love to have one, but no one around to teach me.

    I love your garments and your style.
    Karen

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  3. I love your sweaters. I have been thinking about getting into machine knitting.

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  4. I originally came to this blog by reading your machine knitting blog. I really loved what you did with your machines and began thinking about getting one. I've since bought one and have only scratched the surface of its possibilities. Maybe this winter I'll drag it out again and try again.

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  5. Fabulous pieces!! I bet having you lead a class is a blast!!

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  6. Something I wish I knew how to do as much as I love sweaters! Very, very nice KMQ!

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  7. First Question: did you only add the red eyes to only one zebra? Genius! Secondly both garments are beautiful!!!

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  8. Your sweaters are beautiful. In addition to sewing, I'm what I call a simple knitter (scarves, simple shells, etc). I would love to know more about machine knitting.

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  9. I just realized I've never read your MK posts. I love them! It's great to see machine knitting from a sewers perspective!

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  10. I love the one with the zebras! Where can I find the pattern?

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