1. hobbies and interests
2. arts and crafts
3. knitting

PRESIDENT
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Shirley Hooper
Rita Divine
10 York Street
Valley View SA 5093
(08) 8264 0723
28 Aldrin Crescent
Modbury North SA 5092
08 8264 8377
[email protected]
[email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT
Wendy Smith
NEWSLETTER
1 Fergusson Bowl
Craigmore 5114
(08) 8254 3488
Issue No. 98
FEBRUARY 2014
FROM THE PRESIDENT
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Gillian Gittins
5 Acorn Place
Blakeview SA 5114
(08) 8284 2009
gilliangittins
@adam.com.au
COMMITTEE
Gillian Gittins
June Kelly
Margaret Murray
Anne Partridge
Chris Pritchard
Jill Rashleigh
Sue Whyte
WEB PAGE
www.knittersSA.info
MKASA
ACCOUNT DETAILS
BSB 105-135
Account number 065312940
Mail the relevant forms to
Rita Divine
Happy New Year to all of our members. What a start to our new
year! The heat wave left me feeling worn out, and all those plans to
be very active were put on hold.
January seems to be disappearing at a great speed, but I have kept
to my promise to make a start on going through some of my books,
materials and wools. I have much more than I thought, and I now
have to find somewhere to store them and start using them.
I haven’t been using my machine yet this year, but as I am to
become a great grandmother again mid year, I am trying to finish a
hand knitted blanket and a quilt.
A small group of knitters attended Isa McMillan’s funeral in
December. Isa was a keen knitter and attended all of our camps
until she went into a nursing home. She has been missed at our
club.
The November Craft Show went well. Many thanks you to all who
helped out with items to show and on the stall. It was lovely to have
children pick out a favourite Nursery Rhyme or story book.
With Clubs restarting next month it is time to start thinking about our
first camp for the year at Victor Harbor. This is always a time of fun
and friendship, and a place to get our ideas revitalised, so if you
haven’t been to a camp for a while why not start planning now to join
us at Victor.
Happy Knitting
Shirley Hooper
ONE-OFF ADVERTISING
―Wanted to Sell/buy‖ adverts:
$5 for non-members,
free for members
CORPORATE ADVERTISING
Quarter page
$25 annual fee
DEADLINE FOR MAY NEWSLETTER ITEMS
15th APRIL 2014
Please send items for the Newsletter to
Newsletter Editor GILLIAN GITTINS
[email protected]
CLUB NOTES
INGLE FARM, SMITHFIELD KNITTING CLUB AND SMITHFIELD PASSAP CLUB
MEETING DATES
Smithfield Knitting Club usually meets on the first Monday of each month, followed by Ingle Farm
on the second Monday, and Smithfield Passap Club on the fourth Monday.
Public holidays can alter this pattern.
Each Club meets at 10:30 a.m.
For more information, contact Shirley Hooper.
Smithfield Knitting Club
Ingle Farm Knitting Club
Smithfield Passap Club
February 3rd
March
3rd
April
7th
May
5th
June
2nd
July
7th
August
4th
September 1st
October
13th*
November 3rd
December 1st
February 10th
March
17th*
April
14th
May
12th
June
16th*
July
14th
August
11th
September 8th
October
20th*
November 10th
December 8th
February 24th
March
24th
April
28th
May
26th
June
23rd
July
28th
August
25th
September 22nd
October
27th
November 24th
EDITORIAL
So many of us do many other things besides machine knitting. I dare say that a lot of us
hand-knit as well as machine knit, and do many other crafts besides.
Hand-knitting is so useful when waiting for ages in medical waiting rooms, but the cut-down
Singer machines are handy when on caravan trips.
It has been interesting hearing about what people do over the summer break, and at other times
when they’re not machine knitting.
I haven’t had much of a break from machine knitting this summer. My grandchildren all wanted
socks for Christmas. One of my grand-daughters chose the yarn for everyone sometime towards
the end of last year, and I managed to complete the project in time for Christmas.
Immediately after Christmas I began making curtains for our local Girl Guide hall. What a
mammoth job! Two thirds of the curtains are finished and hanging in the hall, but I still have the
last two pairs to make.
To celebrate our Golden Wedding anniversary, my daughter booked us a day trip on the One and
All. The weather was perfect. There was enough breeze to fill the sails, and to create the magic
of being on a sailing-ship, but not so much to make me seasick.
Now it’s back to preparing for the Victor Harbor camp, running Girl Guide meetings and outdoor
camps and completing some of my WIPs (works in progress) that are rapidly becoming UFOs
(unfinished objects).
Take care, stay cool, stay healthy, stay safe.
Gillian
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
THELMA FULTON - 102 YEARS
Back in 2008 we wrote a short profile on Thelma Fulton, a member of
St Mary’s Machine Knitting Club.
Since then Thelma has moved to Sturt Palms Retirement Home where
she recently celebrated her birthday with family and friends.
She particularly enjoyed catching up with her former neighbours.
Although failing eyesight has made it difficult for Thelma to keep up
with her knitting and gardening interests, she is in good spirits and
enjoys reminiscing with friends.
This photo of Thelma was taken on her 102nd birthday.
With her are Maxine, a former neighbour, and Gloria Stephenson, a
current St Mary’s member and Association member.
MY LIFE AS A MACHINE KNITTER
Wendy Smith
I decided to buy a knitting machine to keep myself occupied after leaving the work
force, and as I had injured my wrists at work, I could no longer hand knit. I bought
my first knitting machine, a Singer 500, from the Singer shop at Parabanks in 1983,
and was told I could get lessons in Gawler Place Adelaide, and that I would have to
take my machine with me. Learning I could get lessons at TAFE in Elizabeth, I
booked up for this instead.
My teacher was Natalie Webb, and we soon become good friends. Thanks to Natalie
I started to knit for the Jam Factory, and this then lead me to knit for other interstate
designers. Natalie also suggested I apply for the position of teaching at TAFE when
she decided to return to full time work. I did this for about four years until TAFE
stopped most of the craft lessons that were mainly for women.
Soon after starting to knit, I changed to Brother machines and this was soon followed
by Passap as well. My collection has continued to grow, along with all the extras
one must have as well as the cupboards full of yarn and books.
I joined the steering committee when the association was first being formed, and
apart from a couple of years break when my late husband was sick, I have served on
the committee in all positions since then.
Through machine knitting I have made many good friends, and was encouraged by
some to start demonstrating and judging. My first demonstration was at the first
Association camp at St Luke's, Port Elliot, and my subject was the Hague Linker.
Since then I have demonstrated at most association camps and this has lead to me
being invited to demonstrate in NSW twice, and also at the Melbourne Seminar.
My love of machine knitting has never waned and even though I have done many
other crafts along the way, I could not imagine my life without my machines and my
machine knitting friends. I have seen places I never thought I would see in my
travels, not only to demonstrate but also to learn.
There are not many days that do not include my knitting in some form, whether it be
actual knitting, designing or research.
I have the full support of my Husband, Frank, in whatever I do, and as most of you
would know, Frank is now the main maintenance man in South Australia.
NEWS FROM MEMBERS
Margaret Fisher:
Last year we went camping in the Flinders Ranges with the Campervan Club.
We stayed for two nights at Port Pirie, where I called in unannounced on the Port Pirie
Knitters, and met up with three members who were preparing for the Melrose camp.
Joan Walters, Joy van Roekel, Margaret Fisher and Marilyn Smith
Shirley Jones:
Over the Christmas break I was spinning yarns, felting and knitting beanies for the Alice
Springs Beanie Festival.
Jill Rashleigh:
In the six week break between our last St Mary’s meeting in 2013 and the first in 2014, I
unpacked my embroidery machine, and using an alphabet program I made cute little
appliquéd bean bags for my grand-daughter. I embroidered each bean bag with a letter
from her name, and for safety filled the bean bags with fibre filling instead of beans.
With a new grandson due in January, I made some bibs and burpers and a few bunny
rugs, and enjoyed finding boy type designs to embroider for him.
The biggest embroidery challenge was to embroider names on a backpack, and covers for
an insulated lunch box and a drink bottle.
Now I am back to machine knitting again—until next time.
Janet Wehr,
Over the summer, I’ve been machine knitting—baby clothes for relatives and friends, but
when it has been too hot, I’ve played games on the computer.
Now the computer needs servicing!
VICTOR HARBOR CAMP
Rita Divine
The next Camp will be at Adare House 18-38 Wattle Drive, McCracken, (Victor Harbor)
2nd —5th of May.
It is pleasing to report that the new arrangement of three nights at the Melrose Camp was received
well by the biggest majority of those who attended, and the feedback was very positive.
A few suggestions were made about the format for the next camp in Melrose and the committee will
take these into account when making the arrangements.
In view of this, the committee has decided to extend the number of days at the Victor Harbor Camp
to three also, which will give participants a little more time to appreciate the town and its
environment on the South Coast.
It has been decided that instead of having four demonstrations on Saturday and two on Sunday
these will be spread to three for each of those days, leaving the latter part of the afternoons for
participants to do as they please. This would give everyone time to look at the sales tables, talk to
the demonstrators if they have any problems, have a little nap before the evening meal or even walk
along the coast and venture into the town. Otherwise the weekend would follow the usual format.
Charges will have to be slightly higher than previously, but it is thought that everyone who attended
last year would agree that this is a good venue, and it is still a reasonable cost for a weekend away.
Members of the Association will be charged $220, husbands $200 and non-members $240.
Day visitors will be charged $100 for members and $110 for non-members.
Demonstrators for this camp will be:
Eleanor Goldfinch – Variations with Deco Card 19.
Joy Taylor – Variations with Cables.
Jill Rashleigh – Seam as you Knit.
Gillian Gittins – Circular knitting.
Wendy – DesignaKnit.
Shirley Hooper – Hand Tooling.
The knitting competition for camp this time will be ―Socks and Hats‖. The idea being that the
Association could then use the entries for the annual display that is put on at the Craft and Quilt Fair
in November.
The committee will be looking for items that are extraordinary, unusual and eye-catching, so it is
hoped that you will make an extra effort this time.
Please note that when you make your booking a business sized, stamped, self-addressed envelope
would be appreciated for return of information.
Please bring:
Items for the static display and/or the Fashion Parade.
Raffle prize.
Competition entry.
Your own tea for Friday night. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Pillow case, sheets, sleeping bag or doona.
Donations for the trading table would be appreciated.
The campsite is open to participants at 3:00. (Demonstrators and Committee will need to be earlier.)
REGISTRATION FORM FOR
VICTOR HARBOR CAMP
ADARE HOUSE, 18—38 WATTLE DRIVE, McCRACKEN
Friday 2nd—Monday 5th May
Please complete the following details and return with your cheque/money order made payable to:
THE MACHINE KNITTERS ASSOCIATION OF SA INC.
or you may pay by EFT or Direct Bank Deposit.
BSB 105-135 065312940 and then
send the forms and the receipt number to the Treasurer immediately.
Treasurer-Rita Divine, 28 Aldrin Crescent, Modbury North, SA 5092
Final date for registration is Wednesday 16th April
Please include a business size, self-addressed and stamped envelope for directions on how to
get there and for the receipt that will be sent approximately two weeks before the camp.
Payment by:
Cheque 
Money Order 
EFT 
Direct Cash Deposit 
EFT or DCD receipt number ………………………….
NAME……………………………………………………………membership number…………….
ADDRESS………………………………………………………………………………………………
POST CODE……….PHONE NUMBER………………………………….
EMAIL ADDRESS…………………………………………………………..
SPECIAL DIET, SPECIAL NEEDS, ETC., …………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
If you need a special diet please indicate on this form.
If diabetic please state whether diet or portion, so that diets can be arranged before camp,
otherwise they may not be available.
If you have food allergies and your dietary needs are not listed, then the caterers cannot
accommodate.
If you wish to share accommodation with a particular person/s please also indicate on this form .
MORE CELEBRATIONS
Rita Divine
THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY is celebrating its 175 th
anniversary this year and has decided to extend the ROYAL SHOW by one day, which means it
will be running from Friday September 5th until Sunday September 14th which includes two
Sundays.
Anyone who attends on any of the first nine days will be able to go back on the final Sunday at a
discounted price.
Entries in the Machine Knitting classes have been falling over the past few years, and if we are
to continue to be represented it would be good if all of our members would consider making
something special this year to be entered in the Show.
If you think it is too difficult to get your entries to the showground, talk to one of the committee
who will try to help you.
The prizes on offer are quite good and the Association has decided to increase their
sponsorship to $50, which goes to the overall winner in the machine knitting categories.
Prizes last year were First $20, second $10 and third $5 and the entry fee was $5.
If you want a schedule one can be sent to you if you contact the secretary of the Show by
phoning 08 8210 5211.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I am writing to express my disappointment at the article submitted in the November newsletter,
re: "Entries in the Adelaide Show". The "Machine Knitters" have nothing to do with the entries
and displaying of same, in the Machine Knitting Section of the Adelaide Show.
Any complaints should be sent direct to the Show Office. I have seen "Hand Knitting,"
"Machine Knitting," " Crochet," etc., displayed at the top of all the show cases.
Earlier this year the Show Society held an Open Day for any interested person to attend. Any
queries regarding your chosen craft were answered by the Judges of each individual section.
Cynthia Garrick and myself sat all afternoon and did not have one machine knitter come
through. It is very disappointing when year after year garments are entered in the wrong
section, and there-fore have to be disqualified. Neither Judges nor Stewards can change
entries into another section.
Wendy Smith
VALE
Isa McMillan, a long time member of the Association, passed away on 19th December, 2013.
She attended every camp until her health declined and she moved into a nursing home.
She will be remembered for her beautiful lace and beading work.
ADVERTISING and WANTING TO SELL or BUY
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
Brother Knitting Machine KH 830
(needs a new sponge bar)
Brother Ribber KR 830
$100 for both.
Brother Electronic 940 machine with ribber,
Brother colour changer KHC 820
Brother colour changer KRC 830
Brother transfer carriage KA8300
Wool Winder
$15
$30
$50
$50
G-carriage and books.
Price negotiable.
Margaret Fisher
0427 683 639
Phone Rita
08 82648377
WANTED: YARN
The photo, bottom right, was taken by
Margaret Fisher on her caravanning holiday.
―Audrey‖ was part of a display in the Port
Pirie Library. The placard on the floor
invites people to ―Take a seat and knit with
Audrey.‖
Phone 8294 7441
2 BYRON STREET, GLENELG
(Off Jetty Road)
Knitting Yarns
Knitting Machine Specialist and Tuition
Sewing & Knitting Centre
Sales & Repairs to all makes of machines
Email:
[email protected]
STUDLEY TRUMATCH
4ply shade number 0244
(Baby Apricot)
Contact Cynthia
0412 272 189
SUE WHYTE
6 BELINYA COURT
MODBURY NORTH
SA 5092
NOEL BIRD
KNITTING YARNS
CASHMILON (HIGH BULK) 2/28
WOOL BLEND (70-30) 2/25
SUNDAY ANGORA—LIMITED COLOURS
3,4 ply DK SHAMAL.
2,3,4 ply SUPERWASH PURE WOOL
4 ply PURE WOOL
4 ply RUTLAND TWEED PURE WOOL
3 ply NATURELL
3 ply VELVETEEN
70% ACRYLIC 30% COTTON
For special prices
Phone Sue (08) 8263 7003
Country ladies use “OFF PEAK”
DORMANI
YARNS
318 Lord Street HIGHGATE
PERTH WA 6003
Telephone: (08) 9328 3050
Facsimile: (08) 9328 6696
Email: [email protected]
www.dormani-yarns.com
Opening Times:
Wed., Thurs & Friday 9:30 am—5 pm
Saturdays 9:30 am—Noon
THE MACHINE KNIT SPECIALIST
EXTENSIVE RANGE OF YARNS
WOOL/COTTON BLENDS/ACRYLIC/VISCOSE/CREPE
BOOKS—BROTHER & SINGER PARTS
Phone TONY
Ask about our buyers club
MAIL ORDER AUSTRALIA WIDE
BRIGHT ACRYLIC (LOW BULK)—WHITE, BLACK, SAGE,
LEMON, PINK
SOME CASHMILON, WOOL AND
VARIOUS BITS & PIECES AT LOW PRICES
PO BOX E26 CORRIMAL
NSW 2518
Phone 02 42836087
02 42842188
DesignaKnit
The complete computer aided
package for all hand and
machine Knitters.
Now available in Australia
From:
Shirley Swain
Phone 08 83395060
Mobile 0406 960 199
E-mail—
[email protected]