KnitKing 4000 / KnitMaster 4500-esque

My new-to-me knitting machine has arrived! It's a KnitKing 4000 (at least that's what my research suggests), which is very similar to a Knitmaster 4500. It's the perfect machine for intarsia knitting. I simply lay the yarn across the needle hooks and slide the carriage across the bed. Changing colors is as easy as grabbing a yarn end. It's that simple and I love it.

Here's a sample I did about a day after receiving he machine:



The machine came with some great tools too. Having two of each triple and double transfer tools make for easy cable knitting.



Multiple transfer tools: this one capable of handling 33 stitches! The other is an adjustable needle pusher capable of pushing up to 33 needles in any configuration.



And finally, the piece de resistance! A Knittax pattern cam that slides across the needle bed to select needles for patterning. It came with a set of 4 cams ( one is loaded inside):





Although the machine did arrive with some damage and the incorrect needles (which I repaired and the seller rectified) I'm delighted with this new machine.

Ferdez Craft Club - Origami

Every 3rd Thursday of the month my craft club meets to chat, chew and craft. We have show n' tell and focus on a new craft for the night. Last week was quilling - Nhi, a wonderful quiller, showed us how to create beautiful paper quilled flowers. More recently, we had an origami night. Magdelena taught us the meaning behind "one thousand cranes" and showed us how to make origami cranes, hearts and (my favorite) beautiful paper boxes.

Wow. Where have you been?

Ok, the real question is, where have I been... All over actually, with the exception of this blog.

I've been preoccupied. I've been machine knitting and rollerskating, sewing and spinning, crocheting and weaving, juicing and snacking. I've also discovered Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram and Viddy - all after saying goodbye to Facebook.

Yeah, I've been busy exploring other parts of the Internet. Its good to be back. Now, what have you been up to?

iPhone 4 - is it worth all this?

My iPhone 4 Experience:
Went to upgrade at local Radio Shack. Mgr says I'm eligible for $200 upgrade. Decide to upgrade two phones. My son's is approved, mine isn't even though we're on a family plan. Pay double for my phone. We both leave happy. Get 1 block and my home button won't work. Go back, get another new phone. Go several blocks and some demo video comes onscreen. Go back to RadioShack. Mgr apologizes for putting demo software on phone in error, has to restore phone. I wait 30 minutes while he makes calls to find out how to remove the demo software. He tries again, restore takes 25 mins. He exclaims "uh oh" and informs me that there was an error and restore won't go thru. Asks me to leave the phone there till tomorrow. He's out of iPhone 4s and will get me one tmrw. I tell him I need a phone - reactivate my old 3GS. He tries but can't reactivate the sim. He gives me a new sim. I leave with my same old phone, $600 lighter. Tired, frustrated, angry and jealous that my son ha a new working iPhone 4. Maybe I'll have mine tomorrow.


- Posted using BlogPress from my (old) iPhone

Moving

Hiya folks. I've been away from my blog again but that doesn't mean it hasn't been on my mind. So, what's new? Glad you asked.

I've just moved into a new apartment. My kids are almost out of the nest (2 down, 1 to go) so I looked for something I could live and love on my own.

Here's a little diddy I picked up from my local secondhand shop. It's a vintage Kenmore fan. Totally awesome with it's wood frame and steel vents (positionable). I think it has a lot of character...







I've also had an addition to the family, my Main Coon cat named Sushi. She's a doll! Rescued from an auto repair shop. Don't ask.




I've also turned onto an Ikea-aholic.


My bathroom.


My lovely slotted Ikea bench on my bathroom.


My kitchen.


My livingroom.


And my bedroom (excuse the messy bed, I'm getting in it now).


Nearly everything has come from Ikea in some way whether directly or indirectly. And, I'm actually very happy with it all.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone