Talks

My first overlocker purchased in 1978 was used mainly for dressmaking - over the years I have changed my model of overlocker twice and now use it for dressmaking and cut and sew machine knitted garments. I also use lots of different types of knitting machine yarn on my overlocker. These can be used to create amazing edgings on knitting or fabric.

I will bring my machine and lots of samples of the exciting finishes that can be produced. I will also give a demonstration on my machine to show just how easy it is to use.

Patterns, needles and haberdashery items will be available for purchase.

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. I will bring some sewing machine presser feet for sale - if you think you might like to purchase then it is helpful to bring along a presser foot from your own machine to check the fitting. Patterns, needles and haberdashery items will be available for purchase.

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 a very fast way to make the hanging cord, which can also be used for piping in soft furnishing or on knitted garments. Even if you think you are unlikely to ever make a tassel, you will learn lots of very useful techniques along the way. Related items will be for sale. Everyone who has been to this talk has said how entertaining it is, and great fun!! It is also 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.

I include knitting, knotting, braiding, machine embroidery, overlocking, silverwork, origami and string games.
I bring lots of examples of my work. It opens peoples eyes to lots of new ideas - kind of 'thinking outside the box' and quite inspiring.