Knitting is one of those age old crafts, historical patterns and stitches produce inspired knitting pieces even today. In this blog I take you along on my fascinating hand knitting and old Empisal PB8  knitting machine journey. Being a beginner and a bit knitter I have a lot to learn and sharing my discoveries may be useful to all.

Introduction to my thrilling discovery

Knitting has always been a craft I have been interested in. Taking a very long piece of thread and creating an item that is wearable and warm is amazing. My father bought my mother a brand new Empisal PB8 knitting machine in 1968. She gave it to me in 1987 to produce inspired knitting items for my children.  Now 25 years later I discovered my machine once again in the loft. My blogs are going to be about servicing and fixing my machine to produce inspired knitting pieces once again. Sharing my knitting self drafted machine patterns and reviewing and discussing my hand knitted projects.

What makes it an inspired knitting piece?

• Using a yarn that has no use at all.
• Knitting a pattern that looks classy even though the yarn is “no good”
• Producing a garment or item that is just perfect

To put it simply, in my book an inspired knitting piece is making something astonishing out of something that was considered waste.

Discover the benefits of knitting for seniors

Miss Marple comes to mind, quietly knitting away whilst listening to others conversations.

• You are never to old to learn how to knit. If you have arthritis, use light weight bamboo needles and knit for short periods at a time, this can help your joints.
• Knitting improves  physical and mental health. The repetition of each row allows on the just switch off and knit without thinking.
• Producing an inspired knitting piece is relaxing and rewarding which leaves you feeling stress free.
• Meeting up with other knitters is a great way to meet new people.
• Charities often request knitted items, like prem hats, chemo caps. Being able to knit a square or two and stitch them together to make a blanket is also something which is often done in groups.
• Share your knitting knowledge with others.
• The internet is full of free patterns to suit everyone, online chat groups and podcasts are good to join in with.

I find that having a hand knitting project on the go, allows me to keep busy when I am really just watching T.V or travelling or chatting. I never take a huge project out of the house, so I knit socks, that for me is the perfect small knitting project to take anywhere.

Where to find incredible old knitting machines

• Charity shops often have old knitting machines.
• Ebay and Gumtree are always good places to have a look.
• One of the better places is online machine knitting groups. Here you find members who have been using machine for many years often have one or two to sell. They are usually in good working order.

Unknowingly bought an old machine that doesn’t work properly?

• Buy spare parts from Andee Knits and  knitting machine spares.
• You tube is a world of information. This channel is one of the best for carrying out repairs. View all video’s and select the most useful to your problem.
• Download free knitting manuals and pattern books.
• Setting up your knitting machine. This channel has so much good information, it is one to save.

Amazing yarn /wool in every colour possible

• Wool or yarn comes in every thickness and colour, for hand knitters the pattern will be written out for a particular thickness or weight of yarn.
• A knitting machine depends on the machines needle gauge. Most knit 2, 3 or 4 ply if they are older models.
• The new Silver knitting machines can knit modern thicker yarns.

Helpful knitting wool and knitting needle sizes

UK YARD TYPE	US YARN TYPE	AUS YARD TYPE
1 PLY	LACE	2 PLY
2 PLY	FINGERING	3 PLY
4 PLY	SPORT	5 PLY
DOUBLE KNIT (DK)	DOUBLE KNIT (DK)	8 PLY
ARAN	WORSTED	10 PLY
CHUNKY	BULKY	12 PLY
SUPER CHUNKY	SUPER BULKY	OVER 12 PLY
JUMBO	ULTRA ROVING	OVER 20 PLY
NEEDLE METRIC	NEEDLE UK	NEEDLE USA
2mm	14	0
2.25mm	13	1
2.5mm	-	1.5
2.75mm	12	2
3mm	11	2.5
3.25mm	10	3
3.5mm	-	4
3.75mm	9	5
4mm	8	6
4.5mm	7	7
5mm	6	8
5.5mm	5	9
6mm	4	10
6.5mm	3	10.5
7mm	2	-
7.5mm	1	-

Where I buy my wool for all my breathtaking items

• I only use one online shop to buy my wool, The Wool Warehouse. This company packs the wool beautifully, deliver on time and are very reasonably priced.
• An internet search for stores around you is usually a good way to find an online store.
• I have used Ebay to buy cones of 4 ply machine knitting wool. Often people get rid of  cones and sell them in job lots at reasonable prices.

“In the rhythm of the needles, there is music for the soul.” – Proverbs