Wednesday 15 February 2012

I love my new Garter Carriage!



Ive finally decided to take the plunge and buy a garter carriage for my Brother machine, not only so I can do some nice fancy garter patterns, but also so I can cast off quicker!!!! The other day I had to cast off the whole needle bed width and it took forever! With this monster it will get it done much quicker than me. Im really chuffed with it. It casts on, knits ribs and garter patterns.

Cant wait to get making some garments with it!

Phil

Thursday 2 February 2012

New machine - Brother KH 836!!!!


So, I'm pretty excited at the moment, as I have a new to me machine. It's a Brother KH 836 punchcard machine, and I have never owned a Brother until now, but thought it's about time to broaden my machine knitting skills and get working with other makes of machines. It's a Passap next!!!!

I was originally going to go for a KH 950i electronic machine, but having given it a lot of thought I decided against it, for a number of reasons. Firstly, the only reason I wanted a Brother machine was so I could get a garter carriage and try some garter stitch fabrics - well you can get a garter carriage for the punchcard machines!
Number two - when am I realistically going to use the full capacity of the electronics? I hardly use the punchcard mechanism now with my Knitmasters as I tend to knit plain garments in nicer yarns. Number 3 - I really cant be bothered messing around learning how to use the electronics. And number 4 - I cant justify spending over £400 for a machine that is similar to my other machines. If I am going to spend that amount of money, I may aswell just put it towards getting a Passap E6000 - as I really would like one of those. Then that can be the only electronic machine to learn!

I think I am going to love this machine though. It is in pristine condition and is WHITE all over!!! No yellowing whatsover. The sponge bar was ok but not perfect so I ordered a new one from BSK yesterday and it arrived today - hows that for fast delivery!

So next up I want to get a garter carriage for it, and a ribber. I've already bought it a single bed colour changer, and not so bothered about a knit leader just yet, however this may change.

Here are some photos I took - hope you like.

Speak soon

Phil