Knitting Pal/Mate

Knitting Pal or Knitting Mate

What ever you know this knitting device as they are essentially the same thing a hand knitting machine originally invented and made by Walter Palange. The round knitting pal was first made in 1978 followed by the more common straight version of the Knitting Pal. Improvements were made in 1994 with the more well known segmented straight Knitting Pal being made with plastic handles on the needles which can be joined together or used individually.  https://patents.justia.com/inventor/walter-palange

I was lucky enough to purchase a Round Knitting Pal (RKP) with it arriving on 16th October 2012 from Mechanicsville, VA in just 2 weeks. Other than the round shape the needles that come with the RKP are also different to those of the straight Knitting Pal (KP). The needles are just the metal strip section without the plastic handle covers. It also came with a manual, a leaflet with 4 patterns, 4 needles and an unknown tool.

The needles and tool are in a sealed packet, so we know the tool belongs with the Knitting Pal just not what it is or even what it is used for as there is no mention in the manual or elsewhere.

This RKP appears to have only had a small amount of use since 1978. I tried it with needles from a newer Knitting Pal as the original needles look like they would be uncomfortable to use. The RKP is made of curved segments. Each segment consists of 36 slotted pegs with every even peg numbered.

The knitting pal versions that I own are all different colours - red, blue and pink. Both the RKP and the red KP have Knitting Pal embossed on the surface.

The RKP was made in Florida and the red KP was made in Italy.

Both the blue and the pink Knitting Mate (KM) are made in China. While they can be joined end to end the blue KM is slightly different in make to the red KP and does not line up fully. This does not prevent them from being used to extend a knitted piece as they clip together easily.

The Italian made red KP comes in a plastic case with a place for each part including a little flip book that shows the motion of knitting with the KP. This particular KP also came with a manual and 4 double sided, glossy pattern sheets.

One of my KMs came with a VHS video tape which I have preserved by adding a digital copy on my YouTube channel in 2013.  https://youtu.be/lLS4QqJorZI
Once I check out copyright for the manuals, flip book and pattern sheets I just might share them in a future post to preserve these resources for future users.

Elusive Crochet Doilie

PART 1

This pattern has come about due to some keen interest in a doilie by some lovely ladies in the “ “Krista” Crochet Group ” on Facebook.  All that could be found was a rather grainy photo and no signs of a pattern or designer could be found.  With myself also being curious I just had to reverse engineer this beautiful doilie and write up my version.  Photos will be added later once I have tested the pattern.

This pattern at this point in time has not been tested by me, but I hope to correct this sometime soon.  The pattern calls for colour changes and as this is a present for someone who only loves ecru coloured doilies (mine will be done entirely in DMC Petra Size 8 ecru).  I give no recommended hook size and will indicate what I used for my test piece once I have this done.

Abbreviations used:

Symbol	Meaning	US Equivalent
R1	Round 1, etc.
ch	chain	ch – chain
dc	double crochet	sc – single crochet
htr	half-treble	hdc – half-double crochet
tr	treble	dc – double crochet
sl st	slip stitch	slst – slip stitch
st	stitch

Foundation:  Ch6, sl st into 1^st ch.

R1.     Ch3 (counts as first htr and ch1 space); 1htr in same ch as sl st, ch1, (1htr, ch1) twice in each ch of foundation; sl st into 2^nd ch of beginning chain.

R2.     Ch6 (counts as first tr and ch3 space); (1tr, 3 ch) in each htr; sl st into 3^rd ch.

R3.     Ch3, 1tr into same st as sl st, ch1; (2tr, 2 ch) in each tr; sl st into 3^rd ch.

R4.     Ch3, 1tr into same st as sl st, 2tr in next st, ch2; (2tr in next 2 tr, ch2) repeat around; sl st into 3^rd ch.

R5.     Ch3, 1tr into next st, ch3; 1tr in next 2 tr, ch2; (1tr in next 2 tr, ch3, 1 tr in next 2 tr, ch2) repeat around; sl st into 3^rd ch. Fasten off colour 1.

Join colour 2 in any ch3 space of round 5.

R6.     Ch3, 2tr in same space, ch3; (3tr, ch3) twice in each 3ch space to last space; 3tr, ch3, 3 tr in last space, ch1, 1tr into 3^rd ch.

R7.     Ch3, 4tr into same space as ch3, ch5; (skip next 3ch space, 9tr, ch5, in next 3ch space) repeat around back to first 3ch space; 4tr, sl st into 3^rd ch.  Fasten off colour 2.

Join colour 1 in any 5ch space.

R8.     Ch6, tr in 5^th tr, ch5; (dc in next 5ch space, ch5, tr in 5^th tr, ch5) repeat around; sl st into 2^nd ch.

R9.     Ch3, 1tr in same st, ch 5, 2tr in next tr, ch5; (2tr in next dc, ch5, 2 tr in next tr, ch5) repeat around; sl st into 3^rd ch.

R10. Ch3, 1tr in same st, 2tr in next tr, ch4; (2tr in next 2tr, ch4) repeat around; sl st into 3^rd ch.

R11. Ch3, 1tr in same st, 1tr in next 2tr, 2tr in next tr, ch3; (2tr in next tr, 1tr in next 2tr, 2tr in next tr, ch3) repeat around; sl st into 3^rd ch.

R12. Ch3, 1tr in same st, 1tr in next 4tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2; (2tr in next tr, 1tr in next 4tr, 2tr in next tr, ch2) repeat around; sl st into 3^rd ch.

R13. Ch3, 1tr in next 3tr, ch5, 1tr in next 4tr, ch1; (1tr in next 4tr, ch5, 1tr in next 4tr, ch1) repeat around; sl st into 3^rd ch.  Finish off.

Join colour 2 in any ch5 space of round 13.

R14. Ch8, 5tr in same space, ch2; (5tr, 5ch, 5tr, ch2) in each 5ch space around; 4tr in first space, sl st into 3^rd ch.

R15. Ch3, 10tr in 5ch space, ch7; (11tr, ch7) in each 5ch space; sl st in 3^rd ch.  Finish off.

Join colour 1 in 5^th ch of any 7ch space of round 15.

R16. (dc in 5^th ch, ch5, 1tr in 6^th tr, ch5) repeat around, sl st in first dc.

R17. As for R9.

R18. As for R10.

R19. As for R11.

R20. Ch3, 1tr in next 2tr, ch3, 1tr in next 3 tr; ( 1tr in next 3tr, ch3, 1 tr in next 3tr) repeat around; sl st in 3^rd ch.  Finish off.

Join colour 2 in any 3ch space of round 20.

R21. As for R6.

R22. Ch3, 11tr in same space; 12tr in each 3ch space around; slst in 3^rd ch.  Fasten off

Weave in any loose ends.  Block to shape and enjoy!

If you make an item using this pattern you may sell the item or give it away as a gift.  If you like the pattern you may post a link to the pattern on this page.  As this is a free pattern you may not sell the pattern for profit nor place a copy of it elsewhere, simply use a hyperlink to this page.  I have taken my time to make sure this pattern was correct at time of posting, however, if you see any mistakes let me know and I will make corrections accordingly.  In time I hope to add a chart of this pattern for those whom prefer to follow a chart rather than written instructions.  If you make this item send a photo in for inclusion in this blog post with created given to the crocheter.

Wow has it been this long since I posted!

I know it has been a while since I last posted, but I have been busy being back at work. I am currently working on some new designs including some rather cute machine knit flowers. My endeavours into the fibre arts now include Knitting Boards and I am even enjoying a "Block of the Week" Crocheted throw. Photos and maybe a pattern or two to follow.

Fruit with Attitude for the Teacher

I have finished knitting the last of the fruit with the help of my creative kids.  Patterns will hopefully be up in a couple of weeks after exams are marked and reports are written. 

Here is the fruity class of 2011.  The apple in front has a lot of attitude, so look out for him and Bashful Banana is a rather shy girl.  Note how she is wearing her peel pulled up.


Fruit Medley Class Photo





Apple Friends Forever




Merry Melon and Alan Apple are
 very tough lads in their workboots



Bashful Banana is about to pirouette 

off  into the distance on her ballet slippers

Ainslie (5) even discovered that they stack with ease as well.

Watch out Ainslie that stack
is about to topple over

Apple with Attitude for the Teacher

My daughter (Ainslie – 5) loves making things for her teachers.  With the end of the school year approaching fast she decided that she would like to knit an apple for one of her teachers and give that apple some attitude.  This apple is soon to be joined by a Bashful Banana for her second teacher and a Merry Melon for her Teachers Aide, so look out for them in future posts.  This apple was knit on the original Bond knitting machine that belongs to my 6 year old son (Alan).  It has been specially shortened to 25 needles for him.  The apple can be knit on any Bulky machine just check your gauge by knitting a swatch.

Please be considerate in using this pattern as I have spent many hours developing and testing it.  You may make a copy for personal use, but not post elsewhere on the web or sell this pattern.  Apples made from this pattern should be made as gifts for teachers or for that fruit lover in your life, but not sold for profit.

Yarn:  Worsted weight red or green (8 ply Australia, 4ply US);  Oddments of plain green for leaf and brown for stalk

Other items:  Pipe cleaners (approx. 16 cm in length;  Dimensional fabric paint; 

                     Goggle Eyes

Gauge:  20 sts 28 rows to 4” using KP2

Abbreviations: KP = Key Plate;  COR = Carriage on right;  COL = Carriage on left; 

RC = Row Count;  HP = Hold Position;  K = Knit;  FWP = Forward Work Position;  

Rs = Rows or Rounds;  st = stitch;  sts = stitches;  St st = Stocking stitch; 

dec = decrease;  inc = increase;  WP = Work Position

Body

Hang hem on 25 needles and knit 8 rows with waste yarn.  Knit 1 row with ravel cord ending COR.  K1 row with main yarn and set RC to 000.  COL

Row 1: Push 8 needles on right edge into HP and K1 row.

Row 2: Push 2 needles on left edge into HP and K1 row.

Row 3: Push 2 needles on right edge into FWP and K1 row.

Row 4-9: Repeat rows 2 and 3 ending COR.

Row 10: Push 8 needles on left edge into FWP and K1 row.

These 10 rows represent a completed wedge.  Knit till 8 wedges have been completed (RC = 80)

Remove from machine on waste yarn leaving a long tail of main yarn for grafting.

Draw tail of yarn through edge stitches and fasten tight.  Graft starting row stitches to last row stitches.  Firmly stuff the apple.  Draw tail of yarn through edge stitches and fasten tight. 

Stalk

Pick up three stitches from the centre top of the apple (the end were the tail of yarn is).  Hang weights from the bottom of the apple.  Knit a 1 ½ inch length of i-cord with the brown yarn (approx. 10 rows).  You may need to hand knit off the first 3 rows.  Cast off the 3 stitches to form a flat end for the i-Cord.

Optional Attitude

You may decide to leave the apple plain or to give it some attitude.  To turn this apple into a fruity person with attitude knit some i-cord arms and legs with matching feet and hands.   Placement of legs and arms is up to your own personal preferences.  The ones on the apple shown have been placed so that from one side we see an apple with attitude and on the other side just a plain apple.

For legs: 

Using earth brown yarn, pick up 4 stitches, using top and bottom of 2 sts making sure the bottom of the apple is facing away from the machine.  Knit 30 Rs of i-cord.  Change to green or red and KP1.  K1 row increasing 1 st at each edge (6 sts).  K 10 rows St st. 

Toe: Short row dec to 2 ndls in WP and then Short row inc to all ndls back in work.

K 2 rows St st. 

Heel: As for toe. 

Knit 3 rows St st.  On next row dec 2 stitches and knit row.  Cast off. 

Sew seams of foot inserting a rolled up pipe cleaner inside the foot.  Shape the foot as either a ballet slipper (girl - shown) or boot (boy).

For arms: 

Using earth brown yarn, pick up 4 stitches as for the legs and knit 25 Rs of i-cord.  Change to green or red and KP1.  K 2 rows St st. Inc 1 st at each end of next row. K 3 rows.  Complete short rowing as for toe.  K 3 rows.  Dec 1 st at each end of next row. K 2 rows. Cast off.  Sew seams of mitts.

Make sure legs are knit, so that the shoes face in the correct direction.

To give the apple some extra character, give the apple a face using either dimensional or puff paint.  Maybe try a set of fancy goggle eyes.

Finishing

To give the apple more shape attach a doubled over piece yarn to just under the stalk.  Thread both strands of yarn through the centre of the apple from top to bottom making sure that the strands exit separated by at least one stitch.  Pull firmly to form an indent on the apples top.  Fasten off and weave in any loose ends.

If you need further clarification of this pattern leave a message below.

Lanofix Knitting Machines

It has been awhile since my last post and I have been busy designing and collecting vintage items from the 40s and 50s.  My latest addition to the knitting machine collection is a Lanofix "Mininitter".  It's an unusual machine in that it has no carriage, but can knit stocking stitch with ease and other stitches by manipulation.  These machines were produced in the later 40's to very early 50s in Italy.  With an advertisement for the machine being produced in 1949 (http://www.artifiche.com/cms/front_content.php?idcat=6&article=929&lang=2).


The Lanofix company of Negri Milano first started production of knitting machines in 1938.  I also have in my collection the first model Lanofix made by this company.  It knits garter stitch as well as stocking stitch and other stitches by hand manipulation.  The photo for this machine is below.



Lanofix 1938 Model with complete set of tools

This machine was given to it's original owner as a wedding present in 1943.  She was not sure if was new or not, but I suspect that it may have been a second hand machine at that time due to World War 2 and lack of production facilities.  The machine was only used once and then packed away as she preferred to knit with needles.  This appears to be the case with many of these vintage knitting machines.


Here are some photos of the Lanofix "Mininitter" before cleaning.  All it will need is a light dusting, hooks polished and a light oiling.  The machine appears to have had minimal usage and then been stored away.



Lanofix "Mininitter" unboxed

 

Lanofix "Mininitter" Tension dial and Latch Hook Bar

 



Lanofix "Mininitter" Tools and manual

The Lanofix machine was also produced as a double bed machine in the early to mid 50s.



Lanofix Double Bed Machine, with weights, clamps,
transfer combs, and other tools in original pouch.
There is even the table top from the table that was
originally bought new with the machine in the mid 50s.

Please note that I am unable to provide valuations for these machines as it depends on overall condition, vintage knitting machine market and potential buyers.
 

Despicable Me "Minions" Hat (Almost!) - Miners Lamp Hat

My adventures into knitting the Despicable Me hat for my son's has been very long.  The first hat was way to big to fit the one eye in between the ends of the eye strap, so I went with a smaller size and a rolled brim.  To my surprise and that of my 10 year old I came up with a totally different idea.  The pictures below are of the 2 miners hats that I came up with as a great mistake.  Don't worry I am still working on the Despicable Me hats and there won't be alot of differences to the way they are knit from these hats (except no rolled brim).  The hats have been knitted in different colours with a large 3D Miners lamp on the front. The pattern for the miners hat will follow in a later posting along with the adaptations for the Despicable Me Minion hats.

This is Callison (10) wearing his miners hat.  The rolled brim makes the brim of the hat stick out just like that of a miner.  The hat and the miners lamp were knit entirely on the Ultimate Sweater Machine.  The only finishing was whip stitching the lamp to the hat and using ladder stitch on the back seam.

The red miners hat was knit by Callison on the Ultimate Sweater Machines and was knit up in less than 2 hours.  It is an easy pattern and anyone will be able to knit it up either on any bulky knitting machine or by hand.