Emma’s machine knitting workshop at the jelly artpad on Sunday 8 May
I was a complete novice at this. I had no idea of what the machines could do, but the one day session was perfect. There were only three of us, so we had plenty of Emma’s attention, and enough time to try out various stitches, yarn combinations and techniques.
It was a meticulously organised day, from the ‘welcome to knit school notice’, the carefully laid out and labelled samples, the reference books, the tables with a set of tools for each of us, and reference sheets to remind us of how to do things when we’re on our own. We started straightaway, threading the machines, casting on, changing colours and casting off. Daunting at first, when you haven’t got a clue about what’s happening, but with individual tuition, it quickly gets easier. But if you get too confident and go too quickly there’s a definite danger of the stitches popping off the hooks. We learnt how to pull up stitches to make patterns and do picot edges and make lace holes, so were equipped with a good range of things to try out, even before lunch.
After a lunch break, and salads from Picnic, we each had a go at the things that most interested us. I thought that, since I don’t usually have access to a machine, I’d do a sampler snood sort of thing, and happily whizzed backwards and forwards and watched the knitting grow at a phenomenal rate. I did do some bands of different colours with simple lace patterns in them, and easily managed to make a length that will go twice around me. Speed thrills, definitely. The principle of how the hooks and stitches work sinks in quite quickly, and Emma was always ready to advise and help, so by keeping to just the lace holes technique, I did feel I was getting the hang of something.
Pat and Debbie were more exploratory and did very fine gauge, intricate sample pieces which were extremely impressive – great patience, really close attention and beautiful sculptural results. Just look at this talent:
It was an excellent workshop and I’d recommend it to anyone – beginners or experienced machine knitters – because being a small group meant we had individual and patient attention, and plenty of equipment to go round. Maybe regular sessions in the future?
With thanks to Pat, Debbie and Emma for photos.
