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This was an ‘open forum’ meeting, but, as only one demonstration was requested, everybody who attended was given a demonstration of the various software available for pattern making.
Software shown was:
Knitware
Designaknit
Garment Designer
and a look at the Knit it Now website
Questions raised were about pricing, which software might work on the Mac platform [only Garment Designer is available, apart from using e.g. Parallels to run Windows] and availability [Knitware being currently unavailable].
Also mentioned was SweaterMaker [Seedling Software] which is still available and moderately priced.
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AGM and Christmas celebration
This year at LBMK ended with us meeting for our AGM, which was an informal affair - committee members gave short reports of their actions and roles, and then all members were invited to say something about their machine knitting, including which machines they had. It was very interesting to hear the different experiences of both new and experienced knitters - although most of our newer members are ‘returners’ rather than novices!
The meeting included Christmas refreshments, and ended with good wishes, but a small amount of trepidation about the coming months, and whether we would be allowed to meet.
Here’s hoping! ?
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The return to face to face meetings began in August 2021.
A few of us gathered and were delighted to meet again and chat, and share a few projects.
The next three meetings have become progressively more 'normal', with refreshments returning [albeit with a 'bring your own cup' theme] and some demonstration/presentation.
We still have some stocks of yarn for sale [and many other things], so a sales table is an ongoing item.
I will return to the monthly report in the New Year - meanwhile, the newsletter and calendar will provide most of the information - current ones available via links from the Home Page.
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- Written by Lynda Fiendley
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Vikki Haffenden
This month we welcomed knitters from far & wide who came to meet Vikki Haffenden author of Translating between Hand and Machine Knitting. Before Vikki’s talk visitors were able to meet up with friends and stock up on yarn and machine knitting spares.
Vikki laid out a large selection of swatches for us to study and discuss with her before her talk. One of our visitors was Janet Collins who is Chairman of the Knitting and Crochet Guild (KCG). The former Guild of Machine Knitters has amalgamated with the KCG. Janet stressed that it was vital for us all to encourage younger people to join the KCG. Whilst older knitters may have the skills it’s younger people who will keep organisations like the KCG going in the future. Vikki supported Janet’s comments.
Vikki’s talk covered her life from her early years when her mother had a knitting machine through to her time at University where she enjoyed all aspects of her course but found the sessions on pattern repeats were particularly useful in her future career. Vikki became fascinated by knitting machines, making & selling simple lace garments in the summer breaks. Vikki gained a lot of knowledge on using industrial machines from the technicians on her final placement. After graduation Vikki worked in a factory in Huddersfield as a designer and once again it was the technicians who helped to expand her knowledge. Over the years Vikki’s knowledge of industrial machines grew and she became particularly interested in the use of computers to programme machines, at one stage working full time in this field. Whilst bringing up a family Vikki worked as a textile designer and lecturer. She took seven years to complete her doctorate and now concentrates on various academic studies as well as being a visiting lecturer at the Royal College and being Senior Lecturer in the Department of Fashion Textiles at the University of Brighton. The whole talk was fascinating, covering a wide variety of experiences in knitting showing how Vikki’s life changed when she grasped the opportunities that come along.
Some examples of Vikki's work:
Sadly Lynda was unwell so she missed a unique talk. Thanks to all who helped with running this event.
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Modular Knitting
This was a meeting about knitting with different shapes, then joining, on or off the machine, to produce finished items.
Various joins were discussed, and finishing techniques, as well as Amy Twigger Holroyd’s excellentReknit revolution, which is a detailed look at repurposing knitwear.
Thenewsletter has further information, as well as a lovely scarf pattern from Hazel Green.
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