Okay, I think maybe this is an option. I think I need a demonstration.
I have been wanting to learn how to machine knit. I’m not sure yet that I would like it, but I’ve had trouble just finding out what it’s all about. There are few pictures on the internet and there’s all this new terminology that I’ve never heard of - claw weights, combs, needle bars. This is worse than trying to learn French. Let me take you through my learning process…
I finally came across a really good description of how it works and the differences in machines here (though this was last updated in 1999). I also found what is apparently the top-of-the-line knitting machine by KnitKing/Brother. These things, without their attachments are more than $800 - $2400! Who knew. I have since learned from this site that most the machines I’ve been reading about are discontinued. This may be another good resource: Cara’s Knitting
The cheaper machines come from Bond and it looks like the popular mid to bulky machine is the Ultimate Knitting Machine. It mimics needle sizes from 6 to 10 1/2. It’s $160. This is not what I want though. Why would you bother using a machine to knit such large gauges?
I want a machine that will knit 32 to 20 stitches to 4 inches, that has the ability to do a garter stitch, cables, and intarsia. And I want it to cost less than $300. Can anyone help?
{One down!}
I hate finishing. Maybe hate is too strong. No, I really really don’t like it. I am a knitter, not a seamstress. But I suppose they go hand in hand. Part of my dislike is due to my lack of skill in this area. I think I’ve finally gotten over the desire to pull my mattress stitch really tight for fear a sleeve will spontaneously fall off, but I still can’t seem to cast off the neck loose enough on the first try. Time and time again, I’ve tried to pull a finished sweater over my head to find that my head is too big. Or, rather, the neck is too small. And so then there is the ripping (or do you say frogging? I don’t like the way that term sounds. Phonetically, I mean).
I woke up with a fat lip this morning - just on one side - perfect. I don’t know what happened. I think however the massive swelling is finally starting to subside, just in time for my 11:30 meeting so I don’t have to explain my boxer-face.
In knitting news…
…I’m still under the Christmas gag order (Mom, Dad, Laura, close your eyes and don’t open them until this paragraph is over!). It’s actually brought another dimension into my knitting - panic. I’m never going to finish everything I wanted to. Looks like some people are just getting CDs this year.
In community news, Eva and I got to meet Shetha last night at the coffee house in Powells. It was a very enjoyable evening, chatting and sipping coffee. Knitting in public is fun. I’m hoping that we can generate enough excitement about the Oct. 27 meeting that we’ll have a big turn-out. Eva and I were thinking about offering our house for the meeting and throwing a wine tasting party at the same time…?
