Comments on: The knitting machine isn’t dead http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/ handcraft in a hectic world Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:20:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: maggi bloicehttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-756510 maggi bloice Mon, 03 May 2010 10:17:50 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-756510 Hi ThereRegarding the Bond Classic or in the USA "the ultimate sweater machine" I am sad to hear such negative comments. I am a collector of knitting machines and rate the Bond as one of the best inventions ever and my collection would not be complete without one. I bought mine (years ago) because I used to spin my own yarn and this machine handles a wide range of yarns easily - in my day the instruction books that came with the Bond were of the finest quality and easy to understand. I had one friend who was an expert on this machine and produced the most wonderful stuff, including one off sweaters you would not believe. Like all machine knitting, it takes a bit of patience to learn and if you go in with a negative attitude nothing gets done. I read on the web just recently (2010)that a lady actually knits here in the UK on her Bond and sells the garments to the USA - what more can I say. Start off simple and work your way through the instructions, take your time, start off with a simple pattern and work your way up. Believe me the time taken is well worth it - I personally would not be without my Bonds and I have collected around 5 of them with an old ribber. Look out for Bond Collection Books - they really are excellent and this machine handle mohair, Aran and a great range of yarns easily. Regarding the foam strips - cant think what they - sounds like packing material - run the carriage along the bed - it should slide very easily and unrestricted. As far as the plastic and metal business - the finest semi-industrial knitting machine in the world is made of this ie the Passap.Maggi Hi There

Regarding the Bond Classic or in the USA “the ultimate sweater machine” I am sad to hear such negative comments. I am a collector of knitting machines and rate the Bond as one of the best inventions ever and my collection would not be complete without one. I bought mine (years ago) because I used to spin my own yarn and this machine handles a wide range of yarns easily – in my day the instruction books that came with the Bond were of the finest quality and easy to understand. I had one friend who was an expert on this machine and produced the most wonderful stuff, including one off sweaters you would not believe. Like all machine knitting, it takes a bit of patience to learn and if you go in with a negative attitude nothing gets done. I read on the web just recently (2010)that a lady actually knits here in the UK on her Bond and sells the garments to the USA – what more can I say. Start off simple and work your way through the instructions, take your time, start off with a simple pattern and work your way up. Believe me the time taken is well worth it – I personally would not be without my Bonds and I have collected around 5 of them with an old ribber. Look out for Bond Collection Books – they really are excellent and this machine handle mohair, Aran and a great range of yarns easily. Regarding the foam strips – cant think what they – sounds like packing material – run the carriage along the bed – it should slide very easily and unrestricted. As far as the plastic and metal business – the finest semi-industrial knitting machine in the world is made of this ie the Passap.

Maggi

]]> By: kath_redhttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-675810 kath_red Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:23:53 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-675810 hi CJ I am really sorry that I can't answer your questions - may I suggest you contact your local knitters group to see if there are any experts on knitting machines. good luck K hi CJ
I am really sorry that I can’t answer your questions – may I suggest you contact your local knitters group to see if there are any experts on knitting machines.
good luck
K

]]> By: cjhttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-675243 cj Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:44:39 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-675243 Would you or anyone be able to answer a question about the ultimate sweater machine and how you set it up? I just (as in the other day) purchased Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine and am having a hard time with it. I took my time and followed the directions very carefully, step by step, and completed all successfully, until I knit the first row...it only knit like four stitches and them seemed to jam up. Earlier-When I was putting the "bed plates" together (assembling the two needle plates) I noticed this thin strip of grey foam protruding from the inside out of the plastic plates near the needles where the two ends meet to attach (where you have to fit the tiny grooves into one another0. I was trying to figure out whether this foam was extra cushion for manufacturing purposes or it served some other function as to hold the needles in place, (giving the needles a grip so they wouldn't slide all over the place when moving into various positions). My first instinct when I saw the foam was that it was extra cushion from manufacturing and to tear it out but when i examined it closer it seemed that the small piece that I had thought it was -was really apart of a much longer strip spread inside the plastic beds over all the needles-So I did not remove it but left it intact but noticed the difficulty in moving the needles into place when preparing for a row. My question is -is should that foam be removed or is it there for a reason to provide grip for the needles so they are not sliding all over the place when the carriage moves across the plates? Did you remove the foam? How did you set your machine up? Are their any tips you have for more fluid movement of the carriage in contact with the needles? Thanks so much! Would you or anyone be able to answer a question about the ultimate sweater machine and how you set it up? I just (as in the other day) purchased Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine and am having a hard time with it. I took my time and followed the directions very carefully, step by step, and completed all successfully, until I knit the first row…it only knit like four stitches and them seemed to jam up. Earlier-When I was putting the “bed plates” together (assembling the two needle plates) I noticed this thin strip of grey foam protruding from the inside out of the plastic plates near the needles where the two ends meet to attach (where you have to fit the tiny grooves into one another0. I was trying to figure out whether this foam was extra cushion for manufacturing purposes or it served some other function as to hold the needles in place, (giving the needles a grip so they wouldn’t slide all over the place when moving into various positions). My first instinct when I saw the foam was that it was extra cushion from manufacturing and to tear it out but when i examined it closer it seemed that the small piece that I had thought it was -was really apart of a much longer strip spread inside the plastic beds over all the needles-So I did not remove it but left it intact but noticed the difficulty in moving the needles into place when preparing for a row. My question is -is should that foam be removed or is it there for a reason to provide grip for the needles so they are not sliding all over the place when the carriage moves across the plates? Did you remove the foam? How did you set your machine up? Are their any tips you have for more fluid movement of the carriage in contact with the needles? Thanks so much!

]]> By: Knitting Machine Repairshttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-406377 Knitting Machine Repairs Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:29:52 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-406377 Nice Article, i think a lot of people are forced to quit knitting bacause of damage to old machines and lack of parts and people who can repair them. Its a pity really as it seems to have come back into fashion, why pay through the nose for designer garments when with a little creativity you can make them your self!!!We may be able to help you "bette", if you contact us we may ber able to ship you the passap parts you need!!!!Happy knitting all! Nice Article, i think a lot of people are forced to quit knitting bacause of damage to old machines and lack of parts and people who can repair them. Its a pity really as it seems to have come back into fashion, why pay through the nose for designer garments when with a little creativity you can make them your self!!!

We may be able to help you “bette”, if you contact us we may ber able to ship you the passap parts you need!!!!

Happy knitting all!

]]> By: Cyndiehttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-390275 Cyndie Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:55:06 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-390275 I am trying to figure out what would be the best machine to get started with, and still be able to use many years in the future. I've looked through ebay, and craig's list, there are so many types, but I want one that is smooth, and will wear well. What do you suggest???? I am trying to figure out what would be the best machine to get started with, and still be able to use many years in the future. I’ve looked through ebay, and craig’s list, there are so many types, but I want one that is smooth, and will wear well. What do you suggest????

]]> By: bettehttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-116028 bette Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:16:15 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-116028 I have 3 knitting machines. However ---- here in the U.S. , I am told that Brother is no longer being imported and Passap has stopped making their machines. Finding basic supplies such as replacement needles is very difficult. Have had to quit using my Passap because of this. I still use my 2 Brother machines, but wonder what I will do when my supply of needles runs out. Seems like they are only available "used" now. I have 3 knitting machines. However —- here in the U.S. , I am told that Brother is no longer being imported and Passap has stopped making their machines. Finding basic supplies such as replacement needles is very difficult. Have had to quit using my Passap because of this. I still use my 2 Brother machines, but wonder what I will do when my supply of needles runs out. Seems like they are only available “used” now.

]]> By: theoreticgalhttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-105781 theoreticgal Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:39:46 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-105781 totally understand the interest in machine knitting i have been playing with my ebay passap and I am having a blast. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theoreticgal/395064506/ my first effort with a punchcard pattern. I would love to acquire an electronic machine with motor but i get the feelin that the electronic are more likely to be an issue, so I'll be happy playing with a mechanical for the time being. Can't wait to get a few basic jumpers finished.I have made quite a bit on an ultimate seater machine previously but the passap is a real step up. I am also a melbourne knitter so I understand teh difficulties finding supplies here compared to the Uk and US. shipping can be very high. totally understand the interest in machine knitting
i have been playing with my ebay passap and I am having a blast. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theoreticgal/395064506/ my first effort with a punchcard pattern.
I would love to acquire an electronic machine with motor but i get the feelin that the electronic are more likely to be an issue, so I’ll be happy playing with a mechanical for the time being. Can’t wait to get a few basic jumpers finished.

I have made quite a bit on an ultimate seater machine previously but the passap is a real step up. I am also a melbourne knitter so I understand teh difficulties finding supplies here compared to the Uk and US. shipping can be very high.

]]> By: Lisahttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-93513 Lisa Fri, 30 Mar 2007 01:07:25 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-93513 Knitting machines are to knitters what sewing machines are to sewers - a quicker, easier way to get things done faster, and with more uniform results. Don't doubt I tote things around to handknit as much as any other handknitter - I love to handknit, and crochet occasionally... but the knitting machine gives you an opportunity to play around with lace, colors and even stitches we can't readily do in handknitting... and you can do it in so much less time... handknitting a swatch to test out a stitch is why I always HATED knitting swatches... now, I almost laugh when I knit a swatch... it's GREAT! :)Cheri - I know where you are - was SO there when I started with my Bond... and you'll get it - stick to it. Once you've learned this machine, you can use ANY machine! (sure, the lingo gets a little weird... but you'll get it!) Welcome to the MK fold! :)Happy knitting everyone! :) Knitting machines are to knitters what sewing machines are to sewers – a quicker, easier way to get things done faster, and with more uniform results.
Don’t doubt I tote things around to handknit as much as any other handknitter – I love to handknit, and crochet occasionally… but the knitting machine gives you an opportunity to play around with lace, colors and even stitches we can’t readily do in handknitting… and you can do it in so much less time… handknitting a swatch to test out a stitch is why I always HATED knitting swatches… now, I almost laugh when I knit a swatch… it’s GREAT!
:)

Cheri – I know where you are – was SO there when I started with my Bond… and you’ll get it – stick to it.
Once you’ve learned this machine, you can use ANY machine! (sure, the lingo gets a little weird… but you’ll get it!) Welcome to the MK fold!
:)

Happy knitting everyone!
:)

]]> By: Cheri in Quincy Illinois USAhttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-92236 Cheri in Quincy Illinois USA Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:03:58 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-92236 I am knew to machine knitting. I bought an inexpensive ($159) model from our local Hobby Lobby store. It is called the Ultimate Sweater Machine. I am having difficulty learning because the carriage jams and doesn't move very smooth. I suspect it is because of the plastic vs metal parts. I plan to continue learning on it and possibly buying a more expensive used model.The reason I am trying the machine knitting is because I am a slow knitter AND left-handed. Need I say more? Thanks for the information and keep on knitting! I am knew to machine knitting. I bought an inexpensive ($159) model from our local Hobby Lobby store. It is called the Ultimate Sweater Machine. I am having difficulty learning because the carriage jams and doesn’t move very smooth. I suspect it is because of the plastic vs metal parts. I plan to continue learning on it and possibly buying a more expensive used model.

The reason I am trying the machine knitting is because I am a slow knitter AND left-handed. Need I say more? Thanks for the information and keep on knitting!

]]> By: Angela - in UKhttp://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-88179 Angela - in UK Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:26:04 +0000 http://whipup.net/2007/03/21/the-knitting-machine-isnt-dead/#comment-88179 I got mine in 1983, persuaded by a friend from New Zealand, who said it would be good for making my very tall, skinny husband lots of jumpers. I have NEVER made him a jumper yet!! But I have made DOZENS of cot blankets [no shaping needed!] for friends babies, and for orphanagesin Romania. Also had great success knitting up grey industrial yarn into a chain mail outfit for relative who was in a production of Macbeth! I got mine in 1983, persuaded by a friend from New Zealand, who said it would be good for making my very tall, skinny husband lots of jumpers. I have NEVER made him a jumper yet!! But I have made DOZENS of cot blankets [no shaping needed!] for friends babies, and for orphanagesin Romania. Also had great success knitting up grey industrial yarn into a chain mail outfit for relative who was in a production of Macbeth!

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