Bond Girls
A while back, I introduced my new toy -- a Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine. I'm still waiting to watch the video, so when Bonne Marie offered to give me an introductory machine knitting lesson, I just couldn't refuse!
It's a lot of fun to go on a knitting adventure with a fellow blogger -- someone who understands your compulsion to take pictures of every little thing just in case it is important to the perfect blog entry. Bonne Marie was kind enough to let me take pictures while she showed me how to set up the machine -- and then to take some of me so that I would have something to share. I'm going to try to put together another pictoral essay for my TechKnit section for others who might want to share in some of the pointers I learned from Bonne Marie.
After a quick tour on her machine, with a basic introduction to weights and yarn control and key plates and silcone spray, it was time for me to go it on my own. And I have to admit, geek girl that I am, it was just too exciting to be combining automation and knitting.
My First Bonding Experience
Bonne Marie recommended standing up for best results and I did find it to work very well for me. And a little of that silicone spray across the area where the keyplate slide meant for almost effortless motion.
After a Little Bonding
I just couldn't get over how fast and easy this was. I kept stopping to admire the lovely grey acrylic masterpeice that was descending from the machine. Before it was over, I had tried all four of the keyplates to get a sense for the tension effects they had on the worsted weight yarn. One thing that surprised me a little bit was that it's the purl side of the fabric that faces you -- and that with all the weights, the fabric looks so stretched out that you just don't think that it is going to come out right. But when you finish your work and detatch the piece from the machine, you get this:
Bonded
How cool is that?
This machine is the perfect solution to dealing with sweaters with lots of stockinette. I've been planning on making Bonne Marie's Eyelet Cardigan in some icy pink CottonEase. So after I find a good place in my house to set the machine up and practice setting things up and swatching, I may take that project on as my first "mission".
Before anyone gets worried that I might give up hand knitting for a tech toy -- fear not! The machine is fun, but it can't do everything. Ribbing isn't a simple option, and it really is made for worsted/bulky weight wool. I'll still be handling most complicated things by hand. But it is neat to have a new tool in my arsenal of knitting options!
Very impressed. And what a great teacher to have! :)
T, can you tell me more about the silicone spray, like where to get it? I've only waxed the plates, and have ahd some cussin' moments when the carriage sticks.
Having just finished my Sitcom Chic, I'm wondering how you'll accommodate the increases on the Bond . . .
I put mine away when I adopted. Been looking to get it back out lately. I found a website selling easy Bond patterns and that got my mind going again. Wondering about short rows on the bond...thinking about a Shapely Tank. I am sure it is possible. I have a gadget that hubby made so that I can do garter stitch on it.
Have fun!
Thanks for the interesting entry - I have been debating buying one of the machines but haven't yet. It seems as though they are pretty simple to use. Thanks!
I've pondered the idea of adding a knitting machine to my arsenal, too, and I've wondered whether it is possible to combine the machine with hand-knitting on the same project? For example, can you use it to finish an expanse of stockinette, and then take the piece off the machine when you get to the shaping?
I kust order one from Jo ann Frabic. Hope its not real hard to work. Have 4 grandchildren ,plan to make some sweaters. Hope this dosenot collect dust in closet. You made it look easy Thank you,
Nancy