WoollyBeeKnits
@woollybeeknits.bsky.social
Taking my machine knitting adventures across the nation! Accompanied by Madge (my MK70 portable punchcard knitting machine), a LK150 as back up, my partner Rick and my wee furry companion Lilje. Stay tuned for videos, patterns and recommendations!
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Because historically, mechanical knitting machines were referred to as knitting looms (in fact historically, all mechanical machines producing fabric were called looms). However today, we distinguish looms separately from knitting machines.
November 10, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Because historically, mechanical knitting machines were referred to as knitting looms (in fact historically, all mechanical machines producing fabric were called looms). However today, we distinguish looms separately from knitting machines.
Congrats!! That’s an achievement!!
November 10, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Congrats!! That’s an achievement!!
I can’t wait to see photos of yours too!!
November 10, 2025 at 2:11 AM
I can’t wait to see photos of yours too!!
Yes, it’s the Girlfriend Cardigan! I already purchased some fingering weight to knit again on one of my standard beds when we arrive in Mammoth Lakes come January. I want a lighter weight one for spring too. I’m thinking a bit of FairIsle at the hem and cuffs next time.
November 10, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Yes, it’s the Girlfriend Cardigan! I already purchased some fingering weight to knit again on one of my standard beds when we arrive in Mammoth Lakes come January. I want a lighter weight one for spring too. I’m thinking a bit of FairIsle at the hem and cuffs next time.
Absolutely stunning! Love the fall colors. Did you use 2 variegated colors? I see color shifts; are they from top to bottom as well as bottom up?
October 9, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Absolutely stunning! Love the fall colors. Did you use 2 variegated colors? I see color shifts; are they from top to bottom as well as bottom up?
It is hand spun rather than a commercial 4-plied tightly spun yarn. It’s only 2-plied, but not loose spun either. Definitely more drape.
October 3, 2025 at 5:08 PM
It is hand spun rather than a commercial 4-plied tightly spun yarn. It’s only 2-plied, but not loose spun either. Definitely more drape.
It grew and became very limp while wet, like working with alpaca. The blooming and shrinking occurred as it was drying. It still has a very nice drape, so the row and stitch gauge may change a bit when knitted into an entire garment with the weight of the fabric.
October 3, 2025 at 5:05 PM
It grew and became very limp while wet, like working with alpaca. The blooming and shrinking occurred as it was drying. It still has a very nice drape, so the row and stitch gauge may change a bit when knitted into an entire garment with the weight of the fabric.
While wet it grew a LOT, but after drying it somehow bloomed and shrank from the original stitches and rows off my machine. I’ve never had a wool bloom AND shrink. It is so wonderfully soft to the skin after blocking, though! I’m going back to get more so I have enough for a sweater.
October 3, 2025 at 3:39 PM
While wet it grew a LOT, but after drying it somehow bloomed and shrank from the original stitches and rows off my machine. I’ve never had a wool bloom AND shrink. It is so wonderfully soft to the skin after blocking, though! I’m going back to get more so I have enough for a sweater.
It is my first time working with it, and I must admit it is really giving me some difficulty with gauge. What comes off the machine and what measures after blocking are so much different than Merino, Shetland or Corriedale. The amount of change is quite drastic, not bad, just different. But so soft!
October 3, 2025 at 3:09 PM
It is my first time working with it, and I must admit it is really giving me some difficulty with gauge. What comes off the machine and what measures after blocking are so much different than Merino, Shetland or Corriedale. The amount of change is quite drastic, not bad, just different. But so soft!
Beautiful! Excellent color choices!
October 2, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Beautiful! Excellent color choices!
On the Silver Reed manufactured machines (Studio, Singer, KnitMaster) there is a special carriage. The jacquard punch cards, because of complexity with color changes within each row, can run 6’ long. I’ve even seen one 12’ long. Ideally, you’d have a color changer attached to your machine as well!
September 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
On the Silver Reed manufactured machines (Studio, Singer, KnitMaster) there is a special carriage. The jacquard punch cards, because of complexity with color changes within each row, can run 6’ long. I’ve even seen one 12’ long. Ideally, you’d have a color changer attached to your machine as well!