Friday, November 27, 2009

December Meeting

Our December Charity Evening is almost upon us. Tuesday will be 1st December. We might be a bit early for Father Christmas to visit however we can still get into the Christmas spirit and do a little giving of our own.

Please bring along anything that you have made or found to donate to the Friends of the Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton Branch. They do stirling work, helping to provide a few extra comforts and some much needed equipment for patients at this amazing hospital. We may live too far away to offer assistance within the hospital, but we can still help raise a few pounds to swell the kitty.

Also this month Sandra will be bringing along some things to sell in aid of another charity, this time one that helps people in less fortunate areas of Africa to become self sufficient. They raise money in the UK, which is then spent in Africa, as items we send attract huge import duties and often don't reach the end destination.

As for what else we will be doing, well mince pies will be eaten, tea and coffee will be drunk and lots of seasonal chatter will be going on as well. If you have completed any knitting projects, please bring them along to show and we will see what else we can find to do.

To remind you again, the December meeting is on Tuesday 1st December. 8pm. Visitors are welcome.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

November Meeting

At tonight's meeting we had a talk from Jill Brownjohn about the Horst Schulz method of knitting. This is a way to construct knitted forms eliminating sewing up seams wherever possible. The secret is in how you knit the edges!
Jill had many samples for us to see, in all colours of the rainbow! The main techniques used are knitted strips, and mitred squares, which can all be joined by knitting together, so no sewing!

Jill was a very interesting speaker and we thank her for sharing her knowledge!



Horst Shulz published two books about his knitting method, but apparently they are very hard to get hold of now.







An example of knitted strips and mitred squares joined together.









An example of knitted strips where instead of stocking stitch, the strips have been knitted in bands of plain and purl.
Example of mitred squares, joined together as they are knitted.
This is the end of a scarf where mitred squares have been used as decoration and the main body of the scarf is knitted in strips and joined.





Here are some more blankets and hats knitted by members and friends for SANDS
































Sheila has been busy making herself new sweaters for the winter. These are all knitted by machine!


























Liz was challenged to work out a pattern for this thread through type scarf popular in the shops!
Here is her finished scarf!




This cute little bunny was knitted by Sue!















Finished baby surprise jackets, hand knitted by Chris. The only seams to sew up when the knitting is finished are the shoulders! Sounds good!


Another fine hand knitted shawl from Chris!



Ann hand knitted this lovely shawl, her first attempt at a lacy shawl!


Jumper machine knitted by Jean.