by Prairie Woman Designs

Every machine knitter seems to like doing things a little different that’s for sure. Machine knitters put their own unique spin on each of their projects. Some like to knit a sweater in a day. This cam be done. Once you thread the machine you can move the carriage back and forth across the needles and watch your project develop. But for beginners it is best to get all the information you can and start with simple projects. Simple hats which can be made very quickly with a ribber attachment.

Of the optional accessories that are available that can expand the range of what a knitting machine can do, or make it easier to do some things. A knitting machine ribber can greatly expand the types of knitting you can do on the machine. Machine ribbers are so well built; little can go wrong with them except for the occasional needle needing replacing.

As a machine knitter you know well it is used to make many different ribbings, everything from 1 x 1 to 5 x 5 or more. By changing the settings, you can knit an English rib or fisherman’s rib, which is a thicker, more textured fabric. By changing the position of the ribber at regular intervals with the racking lever, you can create zigzag ribs. With practice You can also knit socks, or a circular tube or a U-shaped piece of fabric twice as wide as the needle bed The ribber is perhaps the most versatile accessory you can purchase for the knitting machine, and also can be the most expensive. The ribber is a separate needle bed that attaches to the knitting machine so that the two beds are closely positioned, perpendicular to each other. It has its own separate carriage that attaches to the knit carriage so that both beds knit simultaneously. Stitches on the main bed are knit and stitches on the ribber bed are purl. A plain knitting machine is often referred to as “single bed”, but with a ribber attached it’s referred to as “double bed.” The ribber can be easily lowered out of the way any time the knitter wants to use only the single bed.

Acquiring a knitting machine ribber is by far the best investment that a true machine knitter must have. The possibilities are endless of what can be accomplished with a main bed and a ribber bed attachment. To find out more information about knitting machines visit Knitting Machine Portal

About the author:
Just an average person leading a stress-free lifestyle.

by Gen Wright

In today’s stressful times, we all need something to do that we enjoy. It helps take our minds off of our troubles and focus on something more pleasant. Crafting is an excellent hobby choice, but there are lots of different crafts to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you?

Most hobbyists are not born with an instinct to pursue their chosen crafts. They may have learned their hobbies from someone close to them, or they could have gone through a lot of trial and error before they found something they liked. Perhaps they learned to knit from spending weekends at their grandmother’s, or they learned woodburning from summer camp trips. These type of experiences tend to stick with us when we do something we enjoyed doing.

Here are some quick tips to help you find a hobby you can call your own:

** Think back to your childhood. Were there any creative things that you recall and enjoyed doing? If so, why not give them another try? This is the most common and fastest way to think of a hobby. Those summer camp projects, or mother’s day gifts that you made when you were a kid are probably floating around in the back of your mind somewhere.

I can even give you a personal example here, because this is how I found my passion in cross stitching. I did my first cross-stitch project when I was 8 years old. It was to earn a Girl Scout badge! My entire troop stitched a Christmas goose on red sweatshirts using waste canvas. It was actually a really over-zealous beginner project! I was the first one done, and I helped other girls in the troop finish their projects by showing them how to keep the thread untangled and move along the different lines. I asked my mom to buy me a new project, and it just continued from there! I’m still cross-stitching at the age of 30 and I love it!

** Consider the things you buy the most. Do you follow all the latest fashion trends? Consider trying knitting or sewing. You could make your own fashion accessories. Scarves are hot and trendy right now! Do you love scented candles? Maybe you could make your own and experiment with new scents and colors.

** Take a walk around at the local craft store. Browse pattern books and project kits and see if anything strikes your fancy. You can usually find beginner kits and books on just about any subject at the craft shop! If you’re unsure what type of craft you want to try, then pay a visit to a broad subject craft shop like Ben Franklin, Michael’s Crafts, or Jo-Ann’s. If you’re specifically looking for a needlework-related project then you may choose to visit a Local Needlework Shop (also referred to as an LNS) in your area. They’ll carry a great selection of needlework projects and the shop owner’s are usually very knowledgeable in the area of needlecrafts so they can help you find a beginner level project that’s right for you.

** See if your local community college or craft store offers any craft courses that interest you. The tuition and fees are usually quite reasonable, and you’ll learn from someone who really knows what he’s doing. Classes like these are a great way to learn new skills for your hobby as well. Most commonly you’ll find quilting and embroidery classes when it comes to needlework categories. General crafts are often offered as beginner courses as well, such as floral arrangements, wreath making, basket weaving, painting, ceramics, etc…

Finding the right craft could happen right away, or it could take months of trying different things. But once you find something that makes you happy, you’ll be glad you took the time to look. Crafting gives you a sense of accomplishment, not to mention lots of nice stuff to keep or give as gifts!

About the author:

Please visit Stitching the Night Away for a variety of free cross stitch patterns! We also have an active crafting community message board where you can share project ideas, photos, and chat it up with like-minded crafters.