1 - NEW - "Knitted Wire Jewellery"

I have been knitting using wire on my knitting machine for several years now and following the success of my knitted earrings, I have recently developed a clever braiding technique to produce bracelets, necklaces and other items of jewellery.
The talk follows the fascinating process of how I created and devised the technique explaining all the variations which can be produced. I will knit a bracelet during the demonstration showing just how quick and easy it is. The jewellery can be knitted using any standard gauge machine. I can also include details and a demonstration of the original earrings if required. Patterns, wire and jewellery findings will be available for purchase.

2 - "Sewing Machine Techniques for Machine Knitters"

I am equally knowledgeable about knitting and sewing machines and in this talk I show how, by using both machines, they can complement each other and achieve very pleasing results. As almost everyone has access to a basic zigzag sewing machine, everything I demonstrate can be done using such a machine and machines with automatic stitches and overlockers are excluded. I aim to make the sewing machine more user-friendly and demonstrate, for example, how to sew up knitted garments using yarn through a large-eye needle or a twin needle. Depending on the size of the group and time available I also cover some or all of the following techniques: - (a) How to combine knitting with fabrics in garments such as T-shirts, casual cardigans and waistcoats (b) How to do alterations e.g. reshaping jumpers and shortening skirts, including shadow pleated skirts. (c) How to make buttonholes in knitting and sew on buttons.

3 - "Sewing Sampler" (a follow on talk from 2)

The ‘Sewing Machine Techniques’ talk deals with the more practical uses of the sewing machine for the machine knitter, whereas this new talk deals more with decorative techniques, which are taken from my book “Sewing Sampler”. They include making trims, pintucks and frills with the sewing machine. Also included are techniques such as embroidered motifs, couching, easy appliqué and making fringe. If you bring them along, I can also de-mystify some of the extra feet in your sewing machine accessory box.

4 - "Trims, Tassels and Tiebacks"

In view of the current popularity of tassels and their high cost to buy, I have worked out how to make the various parts of the tassel on the knitting machine and will demonstrate the process. I also show how to make the hanging cord, which can also be used for piping in soft furnishing or on knitted garments - all done with a cordless drill! I also bring my sewing machine and will demonstrate how to make trims for tassels and tiebacks using machine knitting yarn. Related items will be for sale. Great Fun!! And an excellent way of using up that collection of yarns just waiting for a project.

See some tassels made during Erica's one day Tassel Workshop at Mytholmroyd, October 2000, click here.

5 - "Pressing Matters"

This talk is based on my book "Pressing Matters" which is a machine knitter's guide to pressing and finishing. Usually, I bring plenty of samples and go through different types of pressing, working out, for example, the order in which to press a garment, how to press ribs and neckbands and when to use blocking wires. I can also include a section advising your members on how to press a garment they have already knitted or how to try to rectify previous pressing mistakes. This talk offers constructive practical advice with lots of very useful hints. It can be adapted to include points of special interest to your group.

To all of the above talks, I bring a collection of samples and garments to illustrate the points I am making and I have information sheets and patterns for sale. I also bring a selection of items which your members may have difficulty in finding in shops, or which I can supply much more cheaply.

All the talks are informative and entertaining and learning something new is guaranteed. I have been asked to return to clubs on several occasions because I have so much to offer and time always runs out.

Please do not hesitate to  contact me  for further details - I would be very happy to tailor-make the talk/demonstration for your club. I look forward to hearing from you.