The teal cardigan

I have had a cone of teal crepe yarn for years. It has been used for machine knitting samples, including the one for this  ‘knit weave’ on the knitting machine 

The cushion with some ribbon yarn from Colinette many years ago. 

I hoped there was enough left to knit another of my favourite cardigans, and there was! 

I used my normal pattern developed over the years but this time I decided to add hand manipulated lace to the edges of the sleeves. 

I am pleased with it but the lace took 45 minutes, the majority of the time for machine knitting each sleeve. It is worth it though, I like added details. 

All the pieces were blocked before constructing. 

The shoulders were joined on the knitting machine. 

All other  seams were done on the sewing machine as I have detailed elsewhere (1) 

I am very pleased with it. It picks up a colour in the tweed of my wool skirt. 

It also matches some of my dresses which I am more likely to start wearing if this hot sunny weather continues. 

The finished cardigan on the duplicate body model. This has been difficult to photograph but I think these photos give a good impression. 

Whilst searching for samples, I found this one that I love, the crepe and grey sewing thread knit in a technique called ‘punch lace’. Perhaps the 110 g I have left is enough for an elegant summer top, but then maybe I won’t chance my luck  but look for another similar colour crepe! That will also mean working on my vintage Knitmaster 700 knitting machine taker than the a brother I normally use. 

1. See details of the construction of seams in the post about the ground elder cardigan

Knitmaster SK700 Knitting Machine

What a great 'textile' way to start a New Year! During the latter part of 2013 I've been increasing my range of Knitting Machines- to include both Brother and ( now) Knitmaster. (that is in addition to the 3 even more Vintage models).

I am concentrating on a Knitmaster 700SK made in 1985. Having replaced the sponge bar foam (see later for supplier *) & given it a thorough clean (& oil **) yesterday I found time to actually knit with it! In it's hey day it was described as ' top of the range' and given what it will do and how robust it is - I think the advertising was very accurate.

What a treat this was, so all patterning now tried - plain, fair- isle, tuck, tuck- lace, slip, intarsia & punch lace! Punch lace being the real reason I bought the machine! I am delighted with the machine. The Ribber looks even more exciting- but that is for later.
I have made a list of Projects - Machine Knitting, Sewing, Weaving and Other. I have decided to alternate making progress in producing a garment/ item with making progress in getting my ‘new’ machines in working order.

Notes

*Xena Knits recommended for their replacement foam & fixing instructions - allow several hours to do this well. I use Nail Varnish remover to get rid of the 'old' glue that I can't scrape out.
**Metropolitan Machine Knitting sell Ballistol Oil that comes in a 'pen' which can be refilled. Great to use once all the black goey grease that has built up over the years has been removed from the knitting machine. Do not use 'Three in One'.
For those wanting to know more about cleaning Knitting Machine there is great advice from the Guild of Machine Knitters at www.guild-mach-knit.org.uk

Manuals: if you have an 'old' Knitting Machine and no manual many are available for free download from www.aboutknittingmachines.com