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:
September 29: Autumn Leaves
Adapted for machine knitting from the Rowan Knitted Leaf pattern by Vicky Sedgwick, this small project packs a lot of practical learning opportunities. Barb will demonstrate: casting on and making i-cord for the stem of the leaf, using the side levers and positioning needles to knit and slip stitches, transferring stitches to create eyelets and to increase and decrease to create the leaf shape. Knitted leaves can be hung on a garland, sewn together to make a beautiful wreath or used for trim or embellishing on garments, accessories, or home decor projects like pillows, napkins or table runners. When knit in 100% wool the leaves can be felted to make a thicker sturdier leaf. Find your favourite autumn coloured yarns and start making your own machine knit autumn leaves.
This 2-hour seminar takes place on Sunday, September 29 starting at 12:00 pm PDT, 1:00 pm MDT, 2:00 pm CDT, 3:00 pm EDT, 4:00 pm ADT and 4:30 pm in NL.
Additional classes on the horizon:
- December 15 : Focus on Fairisle - Holiday Project (more info coming)
Previous workshops are available on video recording:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Favourite Cast-Ons and Bind-Offs Knowing a variety of C/Os and B/O’s can be empowering, especially when you understand why and when to use each one. This knowledge can expand your creative choices because many of the same methods that serve a functional purpose, like casting on, can also be used or adapted for decorative effects as well. Barb will review and demonstrate her favourite techniques for gettting started (casting on) and for finishing (binding off).
June 2024: A Year in Review and a Summer Project Option Barb will share her pattern for an easy knit bandana that will add a fashionable option to your summer wardrobe and give you an opportunity to practice some of your skills: fully fashioned increases and decreases, stripes, casting on, binding off, edge stitches. Barb will also give you an overview of the seminars held this year. This summer might be the "summer of socks" for example, or the "sultry days of diagonals/intarsia/lace" or reviewing the Top 10 "charts". (We just can't resist a pun or two.) Come and join us!
💙 There is no registration fee for this session; put 1 seat in your cart and enjoy this year-end review and free machine knit pattern. 💜
The Zürich Hat (aka) Reform, Reduce & Reposition There is something classic about rib stitch and the Zürich Hat pattern is one of our more popular beanie style hats because of it's vertical columns of rib stitch that start out wide and gently reduce in width towards the top of the hat.
The pattern is written to be hand knit, in the round with circular needles. In this class, Barb will review the modifications she made to the hand knit pattern and demo how to knit the hat flat, on the knitting machine, with extra stitches to create a selvage for seaming. She'll share tips and techniques on how to reform stitches to make shapely ribbed columns as well as cast on tips for a stretchy edge and preventing stitches from dropping off the needles. Barb will demo reducing and repositioning stitches to shape the crown of the hat and show how to seam the hat along a selvage edge. You will get a handout of the modifications as well as a copy of the hand knit pattern, in this class. Join in to refresh your skills on reforming stitches from purls to knits and gain the confidence to tackle some of the ribbed knit designs you've been wanting to make.
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 email info@yarniversity.ca to inquire about making 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.