Machine knitting is the new yoga
Or something like that. (Or is felting the new yoga? Or woodcutting? When did Pilates stop being the new yoga? When does yoga get to be the new yoga again? Okay. Ignore me.)
Let’s start with a confession, shall we? I’ve been holding out on you. Since shortly after labor day I’ve kept a rather long, narrow object in a hard plastic case in my studio and never once mentioned it on this blog. I won it on eBay for a ridiculously low price and had been afraid to try it since it arrived. Well, no more.
On Monday Andrea came over and taught me how to set up and use my knitting machine. (She’s also the one who taught me to handknit. She’s my yarny mentor. We love Andrea. Let’s all take a moment to adore her.) Yep. Knitting machine. As in knitting not done with my dainty little hands and two needles alone. I’ll give you handknitting purists a moment to go get a glass of water or something.
Okay. Everyone feeling alright? Here’s the deal: there are things I want to knit by hand–many things–for the pleasure or challenge of knitting them. However there are also knit garments that I want to have as part of my wardrobe that would be dull as dirt to knit. The plan is to use the machine to crank out wardrobe pieces that don’t hold my interest as handknitting projects. (I’m following in Bonne Marie’s wise footsteps here.) The finishing will always have to be done by hand, of course.
Get this. Monday evening I started the Everyday Cardi kit I’d bought from Peace Fleece back in 2002. The thing had been sitting around forever. I cast on for it on the machine and got to work. Did the back piece that night. Yesterday evening I did the two fronts and the sleeves. Yep, just like that. A sleeve takes ten minutes in my beginner hands. Now I need to do the ribbed hem and cuffs by hand, as well as the button bands, collar, and seaming. You would have seen an FO tomorrow, but I’ve run out of yarn so it’ll have to wait until I buy more. But all the pieces of a sweater in two evenings! The possibilities… oh, the possibilities… I predict a serious reduction in my stash in the near future, something that really needed to happen. (Afghans and sweaters for everyone!!! Okay…maybe not…)
The details: It’s a Singer Chunky Knitter, Model 150. (Chunky doesn’t mean only bulky yarns. It can go down to a pretty light DK weight yarn.) They don’t make them anymore, so you can only buy them used. It’s a lovely solid thing, all metal and sixties/seventies style goldenrod heavy duty plastic. It has a tension rod thingamabob that looks just like a praying mantis. Seriously. It’s adorable. When I take pics of the sweater, I’ll also take some of the machine. I don’t know why I let it intimidate me for so many months before I tried it. Think of all the things I could have cranked out by now! I must admit, though, I was only able to get up and running so quickly because of Andrea’s help. These things don’t work the way you would expect them to, and I don’t do well with learning by reading instruction booklets.
The next machine project? Fair isle mittens!
I love the idea of a simple knitting machine for those knits requiring large amounts of boring stockinette. I can’t wait to see the finished product.
Posted by: Gina
Wow! I think I’m intrigued. So does this thing only do stockinette, or what?
Posted by: Jackie
Oh Cari, would you believe I was JUST on joann.com thinking about knitting machines and 50% off coupons? A few days of knitting stockinette on size 4s will do that to a girl. So this thing increases and decreases and all that jazz?
Posted by: Lauren
I’ve always wondered about knitting machines. I find it facinating that they’re called “machines” and yet from what I gather it doesn’t plug in and you don’t just stick in the end of the yarn and let it work 🙂 How much did you get it for? I know they aren’t terrible when you think of the price of so many sizes of needles or yarn, but it’s still a bit of money. But what speed!!!
Posted by: Vicki
I love the idea of a simple knitting machine for those knits requiring large amounts of boring stockinette. I can’t wait to see the finished product.
Posted by: Gina
Wow! I think I’m intrigued. So does this thing only do stockinette, or what?
Posted by: Jackie
Oh Cari, would you believe I was JUST on joann.com thinking about knitting machines and 50% off coupons? A few days of knitting stockinette on size 4s will do that to a girl. So this thing increases and decreases and all that jazz?
Posted by: Lauren
I’ve always wondered about knitting machines. I find it facinating that they’re called “machines” and yet from what I gather it doesn’t plug in and you don’t just stick in the end of the yarn and let it work 🙂 How much did you get it for? I know they aren’t terrible when you think of the price of so many sizes of needles or yarn, but it’s still a bit of money. But what speed!!!
Posted by: Vicki
My mom has a few knitting machines & she SAYS she’s getting rid of them. If I snag them will you come teach me how to use them – I don’t think my mom ever really figured it out……….
Posted by: stephanie
Brava!
I shall use you as my inspiration. I have a White 1602 that I’ve been terrified to try. It does everything except make coffee and play the guitar. So far I’ve produced 2″ of questionable ribbing (in two years).
Some time before the end of April I shall make that thang mah beeyatch. Or fade into obscurity. That could happen too.
Posted by: Rabbitch
I am inspired. Of course, I’m still waiting for you to come out here and teach me to spin….
Posted by: Rachael
Hrrmm. I think I’m comming around to this machine knitting. Origionally I thought of it as heresy. But now I’m considering it a bit avant garde, a bit dangerous. I’m the same as you in that I want to knit jumpers, sweaters and the like but the one’s I like would be dull as dishwater. And I suppose one could touch them up with a hand knitted collar, a few buttons here and there…Hrrrmm…
Posted by: Jacqueline
Wow, I must have some serious issues with my stash:knitting time ratio; Just the thought of a knitting machine makes my heart race excitedly. I can’t wait to see the photos of your FO and the machine. Hmmmm, I wonder if my grandmother has one of those kicking around…
Posted by: Stephanie VW
fun (semi) new toys! I can’t wait to see the pictures.
I hope your weekend of editing was profitable. I’m sorry to have missed you!
Posted by: melanie
I’d dearly love to see this thing. I’m still not sure how I feel about machine knitting — I really enjoy hand knitting — but there are some obvious, wonderful sounding applications here…
Hmmm…
Posted by: Kris
Yes, yes. For same reasons. Need to see. Afraid, though, to buy used on eBay. What if broken? Darn. (no pun intended) Ditto Lauren’s query. (inc./dec. jazz) Stop.
Posted by: Norma
Good for you! My friend Ann (my knitting mentor and an amazing hand knitter/quilter/sewing goddess) has also become an avid machine knitter (btw — she swears by the classes at FIT, which are apparently very reasonably priced). She has made some lovely garments. Looking forward to seeing your new sweater!
Posted by: regina
My mom has a few knitting machines & she SAYS she’s getting rid of them. If I snag them will you come teach me how to use them – I don’t think my mom ever really figured it out……….
Posted by: stephanie
Brava!
I shall use you as my inspiration. I have a White 1602 that I’ve been terrified to try. It does everything except make coffee and play the guitar. So far I’ve produced 2″ of questionable ribbing (in two years).
Some time before the end of April I shall make that thang mah beeyatch. Or fade into obscurity. That could happen too.
Posted by: Rabbitch
I am inspired. Of course, I’m still waiting for you to come out here and teach me to spin….
Posted by: Rachael
Hrrmm. I think I’m comming around to this machine knitting. Origionally I thought of it as heresy. But now I’m considering it a bit avant garde, a bit dangerous. I’m the same as you in that I want to knit jumpers, sweaters and the like but the one’s I like would be dull as dishwater. And I suppose one could touch them up with a hand knitted collar, a few buttons here and there…Hrrrmm…
Posted by: Jacqueline
Wow, I must have some serious issues with my stash:knitting time ratio; Just the thought of a knitting machine makes my heart race excitedly. I can’t wait to see the photos of your FO and the machine. Hmmmm, I wonder if my grandmother has one of those kicking around…
Posted by: Stephanie VW
fun (semi) new toys! I can’t wait to see the pictures.
I hope your weekend of editing was profitable. I’m sorry to have missed you!
Posted by: melanie
I’d dearly love to see this thing. I’m still not sure how I feel about machine knitting — I really enjoy hand knitting — but there are some obvious, wonderful sounding applications here…
Hmmm…
Posted by: Kris
Yes, yes. For same reasons. Need to see. Afraid, though, to buy used on eBay. What if broken? Darn. (no pun intended) Ditto Lauren’s query. (inc./dec. jazz) Stop.
Posted by: Norma
Good for you! My friend Ann (my knitting mentor and an amazing hand knitter/quilter/sewing goddess) has also become an avid machine knitter (btw — she swears by the classes at FIT, which are apparently very reasonably priced). She has made some lovely garments. Looking forward to seeing your new sweater!
Posted by: regina
Awesome! just awesome! Can I borrow it?
Posted by: Em
I have a knitting machine (the Brothers Sweater Machine, or whatever it’s called…) but have never really gotten on its wavelength. I set it up, figured it out, but kept running into problems and . . . we just drifted apart. (You know how knitting relationships can be!) Glad–and just a little jealous–that yours is so friendly and accomodating! Mine is off sulking in its box…
Posted by: Deb
count me in as an intrigued one. I would love to knit afghans but just can’t fathom the idea of the hours and hours, and years it would actually take me to knit one. Please give us more info as to what styles of knitting you can do on the machine.
Posted by: Rebekah
Vicki, I call my Incredible Sweater Machine a “knitting frame” for that very reason. Non-knitters hear that I have a knitting machine and they think that I just load some yarn in a chute and let ‘er rip! I hardly ever use mine because I don’t have a dedicated place to keep it set up all the time. If you like doing embellishments and applique a la Nicky Epstein, a knitting frame is great for whipping out a flat background piece to do your stitching on.
Posted by: Dani
But does it pick or throw?
And why is that funny to me? LOL
Posted by: Sezwee
I can’t wait to see your peace fleece cardi – at least there might still be some weather cold enough for it! Machine knitting is just the best when it comes to endless stocking stitch – I am so with you on that one!
Posted by: Jacqueline
Awesome! I’ve been eyeing knitting machines on ebay for a while. There are definitely some things that don’t hurt to be knit by machine. Cannot wait to hear more about your experience.
Posted by: valentina
Aha!! I remember your post, and have been waiting to hear what you’d do after the edgy gauntlets you made first up! If anyone can make knitting machines the new yoga, it’s you my dear. Awww, shucks. Can we all feel the love?
Posted by: Alison
OOoooo! I am a little jealous! But now that I think of it my mom has one of those and she’s downsizing to move away to the island! Bwwaaaa! I shall have a knitting machine of my own I think!
Posted by: Ande
Man that is cool. I have that very same Peece Fleece Cardi in my “to do” pile. Not because I really wanted to knit it, but I really want to wear it. I can’t wait to see pics of it!
Posted by: Petra
Awesome! just awesome! Can I borrow it?
Posted by: Em
I have a knitting machine (the Brothers Sweater Machine, or whatever it’s called…) but have never really gotten on its wavelength. I set it up, figured it out, but kept running into problems and . . . we just drifted apart. (You know how knitting relationships can be!) Glad–and just a little jealous–that yours is so friendly and accomodating! Mine is off sulking in its box…
Posted by: Deb
count me in as an intrigued one. I would love to knit afghans but just can’t fathom the idea of the hours and hours, and years it would actually take me to knit one. Please give us more info as to what styles of knitting you can do on the machine.
Posted by: Rebekah
Vicki, I call my Incredible Sweater Machine a “knitting frame” for that very reason. Non-knitters hear that I have a knitting machine and they think that I just load some yarn in a chute and let ‘er rip! I hardly ever use mine because I don’t have a dedicated place to keep it set up all the time. If you like doing embellishments and applique a la Nicky Epstein, a knitting frame is great for whipping out a flat background piece to do your stitching on.
Posted by: Dani
But does it pick or throw?
And why is that funny to me? LOL
Posted by: Sezwee
I can’t wait to see your peace fleece cardi – at least there might still be some weather cold enough for it! Machine knitting is just the best when it comes to endless stocking stitch – I am so with you on that one!
Posted by: Jacqueline
Awesome! I’ve been eyeing knitting machines on ebay for a while. There are definitely some things that don’t hurt to be knit by machine. Cannot wait to hear more about your experience.
Posted by: valentina
Aha!! I remember your post, and have been waiting to hear what you’d do after the edgy gauntlets you made first up! If anyone can make knitting machines the new yoga, it’s you my dear. Awww, shucks. Can we all feel the love?
Posted by: Alison
OOoooo! I am a little jealous! But now that I think of it my mom has one of those and she’s downsizing to move away to the island! Bwwaaaa! I shall have a knitting machine of my own I think!
Posted by: Ande
Man that is cool. I have that very same Peece Fleece Cardi in my “to do” pile. Not because I really wanted to knit it, but I really want to wear it. I can’t wait to see pics of it!
Posted by: Petra
Oh my GOD — a sleeve in ten minutes?! I’m so jealous! I mean, happy for you. And now I shall covet…
Posted by: alison
I thought YOU were the knitting machine.
Posted by: Silvia
I have the very same machine! Purchased from a member in my knitting Guild who didn’t like using it! I took some lessons before the purchase, to see if it would work for what I had in mind. I use it for dog sweaters, body only, and do the collars and bands by hand. I also have made some garments for me. I used it to do the stockinette portion of the sleeves on Klaralund, and knit garter in both directions from the live stitches. I found a source for additional tools and weights, if you need it. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out how to attach the thing to the stand. The instruction book leaves something to be desired in my opinion. I understand that it was translated from Japanese.
Posted by: Corinne
now i am dreaming about getting a machine. escape from wrist-breaking, mind-numbing endless stockinette! i could actually finish a project for myself! oh, the possibilities…
Posted by: mrspilkington
can’t wait to hear and see more.
Posted by: froggy
Wow, Cari, I’m shocked and intrigued! Ok, I’ve seen these knitting-type machines in the backs of catalogues and have always considered them cheesy, but this is promising. Do you have a pic of it? Because if it is the same machine as what I see for sale, I may have to invest in one! I could actually make some blankets…a sleeve in ten min? I spent all of one morning making the final sleeve on my sweater this past weekend!
Posted by: kaarin
This machine knitting is intriguing! Can’t wait to see a finished project. Or a picture of the machine. Or anything more about it really.
Posted by: Cassie
I. am. so. jealous!!!! Can’t wait to see pics and yay you for getting one for a steal on ebay. I keep saying my day will come. I hope I’m right…
Posted by: gaile
Oh my GOD — a sleeve in ten minutes?! I’m so jealous! I mean, happy for you. And now I shall covet…
Posted by: alison
I thought YOU were the knitting machine.
Posted by: Silvia
I have the very same machine! Purchased from a member in my knitting Guild who didn’t like using it! I took some lessons before the purchase, to see if it would work for what I had in mind. I use it for dog sweaters, body only, and do the collars and bands by hand. I also have made some garments for me. I used it to do the stockinette portion of the sleeves on Klaralund, and knit garter in both directions from the live stitches. I found a source for additional tools and weights, if you need it. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out how to attach the thing to the stand. The instruction book leaves something to be desired in my opinion. I understand that it was translated from Japanese.
Posted by: Corinne
now i am dreaming about getting a machine. escape from wrist-breaking, mind-numbing endless stockinette! i could actually finish a project for myself! oh, the possibilities…
Posted by: mrspilkington
can’t wait to hear and see more.
Posted by: froggy
Wow, Cari, I’m shocked and intrigued! Ok, I’ve seen these knitting-type machines in the backs of catalogues and have always considered them cheesy, but this is promising. Do you have a pic of it? Because if it is the same machine as what I see for sale, I may have to invest in one! I could actually make some blankets…a sleeve in ten min? I spent all of one morning making the final sleeve on my sweater this past weekend!
Posted by: kaarin
This machine knitting is intriguing! Can’t wait to see a finished project. Or a picture of the machine. Or anything more about it really.
Posted by: Cassie
I. am. so. jealous!!!! Can’t wait to see pics and yay you for getting one for a steal on ebay. I keep saying my day will come. I hope I’m right…
Posted by: gaile