Hurrah for my early Christmas present!

Sorry everyone, I haven't checked in for a couple of days - I see several of you have asked me about the knitting machine and it looks as if I've been ignoring you

Willow oh yes, I'm allowed to use it - I've already made one small jumper for a small person!

Nelliemoser, Jalima and Cherrytree59 - the machine is really very easy to use, but I have to say I don't really follow the instructions to the letter. You see, it is so similar to my old one, and I had become very used to converting hand knit patterns for use on the machine and simply did it my way. For example, without a ribber attachment, it says you can do K1, P1 rib by undoing every second stitch, dropping it down and then picking it up the opposite way. Well I tried this and not only is it laborious, but it really does not finish up looking like a hand-knitted rib. So I hand knit the ribs and then transfer the stitches onto the machine, which gives a much better result. And yes, I know I said my arthritis has prevented me from knitting, but now I'm on new medication (Naproxen), I can manage small amounts at a time.
Setting up the machine and actually using it is very easy, nothing complicated about it at all. The instruction book tells you how to, for example, knit just one section of the piece and put the remaining stitches out of action. So for shaping a neck, you can knit one side, then bring the other needles back in position and knit the second side. It's very easy. And QUICK!!!! I can thoroughly recommend it
I love the sound of all your family keepsakes Cherrytree, how marvellous that you've kept them and can pass them on. I don't have anything like that to pass on to my grandchildren.

paperbackbutterfly wow, you must have had a fancier machine than mine, with a lace carriage. I must admit I have been very tempted by the more expensive models, but I'm happy with mine for now, nothing too taxing for my ageing brain, haha!

And finally, thank you all for the compliments on Bessie - last seen being wheeled round in a dolly pushchair

Indinana I love your bear what a good idea. I have started a patchwork quilt for my granddaughter, it's seemed such a good idea at the time!!

Indinana, your little Bessie bear is beautiful. Clever you to get the face so right, and the colours are lovely. Congratulations

indinana I am a hopeless knitter
And unfortunately not very good with my hands regarding any type of crafting.
I was wondering if there Is a knack to a knitting machine.
Would it be suitable for an all fingers and thumbs gran such as moi?

Your little bear is so lovely,
it would be lovely to make keepsakes for my 3 DGS
I have 2 crochet blankets to pass on to my GS that were made by my grandmother, so their Great great grandmother.
Also my DD used pram blankets that my mother had knitted for my children's pram
My DS has paintings by his great grandfather.

I would love to have something personal to pass on.

Mr indi pulled a cracker out the bag

Yes, I'd like to know too please

I saw a machine being demonstrated at the local yarn shop which stitches up the knitted pieces!

Indinana Do let me know how you get on. Be honest now how easy are they to learn to use? My arms and thumbs now start hurting when I knit. It might just work for me. A chunky knit machine would suit me. Off to Google such things.

DH is busy using his Christmas present already which he bought himself (I must remember to give him the money for it!)

Now I'll have to think of a little surprise present or two for Christmas Day.

I love your bear Indinana - and what a great idea. Good luck with your new Christmas present - are you allowed to use it before the day though?

I don't like knitting larger things btw otherwise I'd rip it all out and make myself something (not enough yarn either).

I think I've just got the hint from DGD as she shivered the other day - rather cold than wear the new handknit (little one was warm and snug in hers).
They are trendy styles - apparently - but what do I do now with a nearly finished what-I-thought-was-trendy jumper - the yarn cost quite a bit?
[sigh]

I loved my knitting machine. It's a great hobby and you can make the most beautiful things. I knitted a christening robe in a lace design and it looked really special.

I stopped knitting for my GS when he was about six, when he refused to wear anything knitted, bought or otherwise. Even I the coldest weather DD struggles to get him into a warm top. I do miss knitting for him.

I shall keep on knitting and sewing for my GD until she no longers wants any Nana-makes. Then I'll just knit for myself - won't bother sewing for myself, but will still sew craft type things, quilts, bags and so on. If I can.
At least having a knitting machine means I can knit jumpers in the colours I want and not be at the mercy of the latest fashion shades.

I am still handknitting for the DGC but notice they tend to run around in a t shirt and never feel the cold - am I wasting my time?

I used several knitting machines but when my children were teenagers they wanted to buy black/grey sweaters from chain stores -home made patterned and fair isle a definite no-no!
I sold all my knitting machines and magazines over 30 years ago but kept the Knitmaster Chunky which is stashed away in the loft

I'm not sure what became of Knitmaster, but I suspect they were taken over by Brother or Silver Reid. The machine I now have is a Silver Reid mid-gauge, i.e. it knits with DK and chunky yarns as opposed to the 4ply that I used with my old standard gauge Knitmaster.

Has Knitmaster been taken over?
I didn't realise.

Bessie is lovely Indinana

That is a lovely, thoughtful gift and I think a basic Knitmaster is best. Many years ago my MIL had a fairly basic Knitmaster and made lots of garments; she enjoyed it so much that she bought a more complicated Swiss machine but never got on with it and handed it on to me - I could never fathom it!

I hope you enjoy your present and do lots of knitting.
(And I'm sure that all machines have improved since my MIL's knitting days).

Thanks Bellanonna

Thanks Lona - she absolutely adores it. When I popped in today, there was Bessie sitting on my GD's rocking horse, while she rocked it for her

I think Bessie's gorgeous, something for little Dgd to treasure. Lovely fabrics.

I love the bear indinana, what a lovely gift!

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201612/medium-128175-img-2297.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201612/medium-972144-img-2298.jpg

Sewing isn't such a problem, except the parts I have to do by hand. I've just finished making a memory bear for my GD out of leftover scraps from clothes I've made her. Each section - body/head, arms and legs - had a 4" opening for stuffing, so I had five sections to hand sew at the end That was quite trying! Here is Bessie Bear - she stands 22" tall:

That's great indinana. Hope you can still sew? Arthur is a damn nuisance?

Pleased you can do something you love. Well done Mr I. . ?