Workshop "Machine-Knitted Baby Set"

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Teacher: Lee Reinula

Lee Reinula (b 1966) is a designer and master of machine knitting. She has a long practical history of machine knitting which started during her studies at the Estonian Art Academy. Lee is a teacher at UT Viljandi Culture Academy. She has conducted many courses for hobby makers, elderly people, etc. Besides teaching, she is an entrepreneur and is glad that during recent years she has been able to fill a huge number of private orders, half of which have been machine-knitted.

With machine knitting, it is possible to do almost everything that one can do with hand knitting. A knitter who wishes to save time chooses machine knitting. The advantage of using a machine for knitting is the speed and the smoothness of the knitted surface. Only archaic knitwear cannot be copied on the machine.

For this workshop, you can be a beginner or someone who already knows how to use a knitting machine. For those with some experience, it can be refreshing to remember and practice some basic methods.

A quick overview of important elementary methods of machine knitting will be provided: cast-on, cast-off, increases and decreases, different methods of short rows (pocket, sock heel), clean edges, buttonholes, different methods of pattern knitting (fair isle, tuck), partial knitting and seaming edges.

During the workshop, a baby set consisting of a jacket and pants will be made. The size fits a smaller doll. The cut of the set is simple, but it is detailed enough to allow participants to practice as many different techniques and tricks as possible. The colourwork pattern will be decorated with folk motifs. Shetland sheep's wool with a thickness of 15/2 will be used. It has a nice natural feeling but is pleasant to knit on a machine.

The participation fee includes the use of knitting machines on site and enough yarn to make one set of baby clothes. The workshop is suitable for both beginners and advanced-level participants.