A sample double-page spread.
I thought it would be helpful to share a sample page or two from ‘Translating Between Hand and Machine Knitting’ with you, so I have selected the pages that explain how to make an plain one-stitch eyelet on a knitting machine. These pages show the sort of clear, step-by-step photos that are featured throughout the book, and the way in which each technique is discussed in the context of hand and machine knitting, and how the technique can be used when creating your own designs.
‘An Outstanding Read’ – another fabulous review of my book, ‘Translating Between Hand and Machine Knitting’
‘Here’s a new hardback book that’s packed with all the information a machine or hand knitter would wish to find.’
‘The detail included in this book is simply amazing.’
‘The 320 pages are packed with almost 400 colour photographs and 130 line artworks.’
‘You’ll have no regrets, as this will be your best ever buy as a machine or hand knitter.’
This review was in the February 2019 edition of the UK Guild of Machine Knitters (GMK) newsletter. Since then the Guild has merged with the UK Knitting and Crochet Guild (KCG). The KCG has always had a membership that includes machine knitters, and this newly enhanced Guild will now encompass machine knitting in a fully comprehensive way.
Thank you to the Guild of Machine Knitters for reviewing ‘Translating Between Hand and Machine Knitting’, and giving it such a positive welcome!
‘I cannot tell you how much I adore this book’
‘I cannot tell you how much I adore this book. The pictures are clear and detailed, you provide instructions on more than one way of doing something, and the pros and cons of each. Coming from hand knitting, I was initially horrified at the dated and nauseatingly unflattering machine knitting patterns out there. Thanks to your work, my eyes are open to the possibilities of working on fresh and modern projects without having a background in fashion or textiles. Virtual high fives and many thanks’.
Thank you to Turtlemelon Crafts for this review on Instagram, April 2019)
Its great to get feedback about my latest book, ‘Translating Between Hand and MachineKnitting’
Today I received this message,
‘Hi, I’m Barbara from Italy and want to thank you for writing “Translating between hand and machine knitting”. It’s just great, I can now understand the differences between silver reed and brother. I have one of both but got frustrated trying to use the silver reed, so just stopped working with both… now I have the chance‘
It was such a lovely surprise! Unsolicited feedback is so valuable, and Barbara is exactly the sort of person I hoped would find my book not only useful but inspirational.
If you had a copy for Christmas, or treated yourself to one, do please send feedback, review the book on Amazon, on your own blog or on social media.
Another fab review by Akeru Joyden;
Book Review:
Translating Between Hand and Machine Knitting by Vikki Haffenden
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 10:10
“This book ought to be mandatory reading for every new machine knitter!” -me
“This book needs to be on every machine knitter’s manuals shelf, in pride of place, no matter if you use Silver Reed or Brother!” -me
“Where was this book when I was desperately trying to learn how to design lace/translate lace cards between Brother and Silver Reed?!?!” -me
This book is absolutely essential equipment as far as I am concerned! It starts out covering and comparing materials and equipment for knitting, both hand and machine versions. The pictures will blow you away and they only get better. Please, at this point, re-read the title. It does not state ‘pattern’ in the title.
Next it goes into stitch construction and compares hand and machine and final product of each. This book give equal time to both! It goes into yarn fiber types, yarn construction(spinning), yarn types (boucle vrs worsted). The details are absolutely in depth and extremely easy to understand with stupendously clear focused pin-pointed and highlighted photography and exemplary diagrams that compare every aspect of stitches, fabric, mechanics, of hand and machine knitting. It breaks down differences between brands when there are differences, and does not favor either. There are some references to Toyota and Passap, but the main info concerns Silver Reed and Brother. This covers every type of cast-on and cast-off that I could remember!! It isn’t a how-to… it compares them and shows some GREAT visuals of them on and off the needles. Refer to your manual for specifics on how-to cast-on and cast-off. Basically, this book compiled most of the answers to questions I have asked in the past, questions I have hunted down answers to, and questions that I hadn’t even thought to ask. It is utterly fantastic. Only the very last chapter goes into translating PATTERNS between hand and machine…
Buy it! Buy it NOW!
I can not say enough how much you need this book! How much I needed this book… now if I can just convince her to write one on Passap…
No! I have no affiliation with the author… I wish I could say I know her.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/13565915487/permalink/10156074340885488/
‘Translating Between Hand and Machine Knitting‘ is now available online from The Crowood Press website, and will shortly be on Amazon and in bookshops. If your local bookshop doesn’t stock it, do ask them to order it, or put a copy in stock! Ask your local library to consider purchasing a copy – it really is a treasure trove of information for knitters of all types.
For example, there is a whole section on knitted lace, illustrations of how to work individual lace stitches by hand and machine, how to read a lace chart and understand a hand knit or machine knit lace pattern and how to translate a hand knit lace pattern to a machine punchcard, plus tips and tricks to help knit lace.
The proofs of ‘Translating between hand and machine knitting’ came back from the publishers today- its very exciting to see them. Now its time to check, check, check!
The cover
The cover proof has arrived – and its looking great.
Phew, proofreading all completed
Now its time to check the corrections and compile the index. I will try hard not to get bogged down in detail in the index. However, I do think a good index makes a book much more usable.
I am thrilled to say that ‘Translating between Hand and Machine Knitting‘ is now due to be published.
See more about it here: Translating between Hand and Machine Knitting
Vikki Haffenden 