We love online meetups. Especially when the topic is machine knitting and discussing what can be done on our handy LK-150 flatbed knitting machines. Barb and Cynthia host a monthly seminar series by zoom to demonstrate and discuss techniques and key learnings. In each of these online sessions, Barb will present a tutorial for the group on a different technique. Visit our Ravelry discussion group for more ideas, tips, links and chat.
Did you miss out on a previous session? You can still register! We'll send you a link to the recording and let you catch up! Contact cynthia@yarniversity.ca if you have any questions about that.
Becoming a "smooth operator".
The best way to get good at machine knitting is to practice. And the best way to practice is by making things on your machine! Upcoming tutorials and previous sessions:
May 5: My Favourite Cast-Ons and Bind-Offs
Barb will review and demonstrate her favourite techniques for gettting started (casting on) and for finishing (binding off).
This two-hour seminar takes place on Sunday, May 5 starting at 12:00 pm PDT, 1:00 pm MDT, 2:00 pm CDT, 3:00 pm EDT, 4:00 ppm ADT.
Previous workshops are available on video recording:
September - Open vs Closed Cast-On - There are two basic types of Cast Ons for knitting machines. Open cast ons leave the stitches live so you can pick them up later to bind off or add another trim (decorative ruffle or ribbing). Often though, we want a closed cast-on so our edges are finished before we start knitting. Closed cast ons can be simple and plain or more complex and fancy. Barb will demo and show swatches of these cast-on methods.
October - Intarsia Knitting (and the Rutherford Vest) - this knitting style - also known as picture knitting, uses colour to create a pattern in fabric. Intarsia creates a single layer fabric and can be done with hand manipulation or with the use of an intarsia carriage. Barb will do a demo of knitting the Diamond pattern and show swatches and her finished Rutherford Vest.
November - Lace - Using your transfer tools to move stitches and create holes, you can make lace designs on your machine! Barb will talk about the relationship between slanted decreases like SSK's and K2tog's and YO's (yarn overs) and how to make these stitches on your machine. We will also share tips for adapting hand knit patterns to machine knit patterns and gift you a copy of our machine knit addendum, for Queen Vicki’s wristlets, one of our favourite “learn to knit lace” projects.
December - Diagonal Knitting - A great way to have fun with self patterning yarns, or to use up stash! Barb will demo how to knit on the diagonal and some project ideas you can make on your LK150 knitting machine, for yourself or for gift giving.
January: One Piece Seam-As-You-Go Socks - Can you make socks on the knitting machine? Yes you can! How about socks with a traditional heel flap and gusset? The answer is YES! In our workshop, Barb will demo the techniques she uses to knit her favourite heel flap and gusset style of sock, in one piece, on her LK-150 flat bed knitting machine.
March: Slip Stitch Basics. As a knitter, getting familiar with and using Slip Stitch can be a game-changer, because this technique does so many things! From making colourful stitch patterns and classic textured and raised patterned fabrics, to making i-cord and applied i-cord for beautiful edges, slip stitch is a fundamental way to create interest and functional add-ons in all your projects.
April 7: Chart-able
Machine knitters are often inspired to try to duplicate hand knit charts, but are challenged using them because the symbols and images reflect what the right side of the fabric should look like. It's more useful if our chart symbols represented what the purl side of the fabric looks like.
A well defined symbol always means one thing - no more and no less, and it contains the directions for all of the motions involved in producing the stitch it represents.
In this class, Barb will share a list of basic machine knitting symbols and a chart that she created, based on a hand knit pattern. We will discuss which hand knitting stitches can be easily replicated on knitting machines and which stitches you might want to avoid, use sparingly or even perhaps, knit by hand. We will also talk about the importance of a schematic in developing your own machine knit pattern and how to calculate fabric shape and size from tension swatches.
Join us and learn how to create your own machine knit charts inspired from hand knit patterns.
Barb Barone and Cynthia Hyslop
Barb Barone and Cynthia Hyslop are the dynamic, Canadian, sister-duo behind Podcast On! This monthly video podcast presents a behind the scenes review of fibre related products and events from their local yarn shop (LYS) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and other interesting locations. Their YouTube channel also provides tutorials, tours, and interviews with designers, dyers, and makers. These sisters have extensive experience in corporate training, management and presentation. But it was their experience as yarn shop owners that honed their skills for teaching fibre crafts.
Barb and Cynthia have always offered workshops as part of their LYS offerings. For over 20 years, they've been educating and supporting their customers and have a knack for helping you to feel welcome and at ease in their classes. They have a wide range of interests and areas of expertise that incorporate: knitting, crochet, spinning, machine knitting, colour and yarn choices. As yarn shop owners, they are also creative problem solvers!
And now, Barb and Cynthia are sharing their yarn shop knowledge and expertise with makers around the globe, via live (and recorded) virtual classes. Join in, learn and ask questions, build new skills at your pace and gain confidence in your abilities with Barb and Cynthia as your coaches.
Read these helpful tips before you register:
- You have to pay the registration fee in advance to hold your seat. You can register online or call the store at 780-477-9276 to make a payment over the phone.
- Time Zones: the class times listed are Mountain Time (MT).
- As this is an online class, you will need to have Zoom downloaded on a computer, tablet or mobile device. If using a computer, make sure you also have a webcam and microphone built in or attached.
- The class session(s) will be recorded and copies of all/segments of the class will be available for you to review for a limited time after the class session(s).
- Refunds? If you cancel 14 days (or more) prior to your workshop date, we will transfer your registration fee to a RCY gift card at no charge or offer a refund less a 10% cancellation fee. The cost of any materials provided to you will be subtracted from any refunds/transfers.
- No refunds will be made if you have to cancel less than 14 days before your class is scheduled to begin. If minimum enrolment is not met we reserve the right to cancel the class. A full refund of your registration fee will be given should this situation arise.
Questions, comments, concerns, suggestions? Please contact cynthia@yarniversity.ca.