October 2015

A couple of members were fortunate to attend Metropolitan's Dreamweek, based in Cheshire. They brought back some samples, patterns and books which were passed around for inspection and inspiration. They gave an interesting talk about the whole event. They had enjoyed the week from the accomodation, choices of classes, lectures and tutors and chatting to other knitters. Shirley had learned to cast on and knit some colourful samples on the Passap. Sue learned how to design and knit double bed jacquard on the standard gauge. Everyone at the event learned something new, made new friends and went home very tired but happy and had taken more yarns with them.

Each year a challenge yarn is sent to attendees, some months in advance, to knit something for the competition which is judged on the last night. Shirley one of our club members won this years challenge with the main prize of an LK150 mid gauge machine. Shirley's entry was a very cute monkey knitted in the challenge eyelash type yarn and the idea was taken from a Machine Knitting monthly pattern.
 

Sue went for a textile tour of Shetland. Visited yarn brokers Jamieson and Smith and brought back a lot of yarn. Seen domestic and industrial knitting machines hard at work. The industrial machines were knitting garments all in one or in pieces that were joined on industrial sized linkers.  
 

The other topic for this meeting was the annual challenge competition and the theme was knitting something with Christmas in mind. The items all go to the clubs charity, the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre for sale and proceeds towards new equipment. The rules included not buying new yarn but using existing yarn from stash.

Valerie made santa and christmas tree figures.
Shirley made 3 tiny stockings.
Sandra made a slash neck top in a mauve 4 ply with a strand of mother of pearl decorative fibre.
Phyllis created a tuck stitch lacy scarf in silky with a brown cosy hat.
Stephanie made a cute christmas stocking with a teddy.
Marcia made mini Christmas tree decorations from i cord and bells with tiny clangers.

 

    

All of these contributions were really beautiful and it was hard to vote for winners but we managed it.
3rd Janet created a warm and festive white sweater with snoman around the body.
2nd Jenny made a red sweater and hat with reindeer fair isle pattern.
1st Vee made a blue sweater with snomen around the bottom and had lined the inside to cover all the fair isle floats.

We also had the clubs usual monthly competition.
3rd Phyllis - Ann Brown designed brown jacket
2nd Sue - cushions knitted in stripes and 1x1 fair isle using reverse and right side in Dream week yarn and green fine crepe.
1st Shirley - cute monkey from Dreamweek.