Category: Book Review

Meet the Author: Hannah Mann

by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Book Review, Information

The other day, we sat down with Hannah Mann, author of The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting to learn a bit more about the addiExpress Kingsize Knitting Machine and her incredible book.

MM: Thank you for taking time to chat with us today, Hannah! We are so excited about your book and want to know, what was the inspiration behind writing it?

HM: I became interested in making patterns with the addiExpress Kingsize once I discovered how easy it is to use, and how quickly it knits. I wasn’t finding exactly the kinds of patterns I was looking for out in the world and thought it could be beneficial to new and experienced addiExpress knitters alike to have a guidebook that included detailed instructions for finishing, embellishment, and modern patterns that were easily customizable.

MM: So, the book also includes all that extra instruction? That's fantastic! Do you think the book is suited for people new to the addiExpress, or is it for folks more experienced with the machine?

HM: Both! But especially for newbies. This essential guide brings you completely up to speed on all things addiExpress—the history, the parts, how to cast on, bind off, embellish, do special techniques, all from the very beginning. And all 30 patterns are arranged with the most beginner-friendly at the start, all the way up to more advanced projects by the end. So, by the time you make it through to the end of the book, you’ll be an addiExpress Expert!

MM: Aah! It's a bit of a course in how to become a brilliant user of the machine. We have a number of customers who ask if the machines good for kids as well?

HM: Absolutely! Anyone can learn how to use the addiExpress knitting machines! Cast on is simple, and turning the handle is all it takes to knit round after round. No matter age or ability, the learning curve for the addiExpress is accomplishable by anyone willing to learn.

MM: I know you can make hats, but what else can you make with these machines? Can you make other things like sweaters?

HM: Anything you can imagine! They can make tubes, flat panels, and you can increase and decrease just like with regular hand knitting. The online community of addiExpress knitters has also gotten ingenious with hand-manipulated alternative stitch patterns, as well.

MM: A LOT of our customers ask for information about what yarns work best in the machine. Do you have any ideas/suggestions as to what size yarn works best?

HM: Generally, worsted weight is just the right size, but fiber content can make a big difference in your stitches per inch. Natural yarns usually work the best, because of their stretchy animal fibers, while acrylics and cottons tend to have less flexibility. The needles on an addiExpress Knitting Machine are about the equivalent of a US 10.5 [6.5mm] knitting needle. Weights from Lace to Aran will work in the machine, but each yarn is unique, and it is recommended to make a swatch before committing to a project with a new yarn. 

Some of my favorite yarns available through Makers’ Mercantile® include:

HiKoo® Simpliworsted, Simpliworsted Spray, Simplinatural,  Sueño Worsted, as well as Schoppel Reggae, Zauberwolle, and Nimbus, & Luv & Lee by Zitron (Click on any of the names to learn more about that particular yarn).

MM: One last question. With all the fluff and fuzz that might build up in a machine, how do you keep it clean?

HM: Keep some canned air on hand! After a few projects, take your addiExpress outside, hold it upside-down and spray as much as you can inside the top with the canned air. This will help get out any residual fibers that get caught inside while knitting. You can also disassemble your machine to spray out the inside, just be sure to keep track of all your screws so they don’t roll away!

I have done a number of videos demonstrating how to remove/replace parts on the addiExpress as well. Even if you don't need to replace any parts, they are a good resource to learn how the machine is assembled.

Watch the Videos

MM: Wow! What an accomplishment it is to have created such a comprehensive book. Thank you for taking time to chat with us today!

HM: My pleasure!

Interested in getting The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting with the addiExpress Kingsize by Hannah Mann? Click the link below to get your copy today!

Buy the Book
Buy the .PDF download
Get the addiExpress Kingsize Knitting Machine

The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting with the addiExpress Kingsize

by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Book Review, Makers' Inspiration, Product Information

Knitters! Crocheters! Crafters of all types who love yarn!

If you haven’t heard about the addiExpress Kingsize yet, meet the knitting machine that will keep you busy in quarantine. This machine just got a brand-new pattern book released digitally as a complete companion guide; with 30 patterns, extensive instructions on how to get started, special techniques, and even troubleshooting!

“The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting with the addiExpress Kingsize” is a collaboration between our friends at skacel, and Hannah Mann (the designer behind Dear Ingénue on Ravelry).  

In this book you’ll learn about the machine, addi® (the manufacturer), details on fabric characteristics, how to set up your machine, and detailed photo step-by-step instructions for all included techniques, and of course 30 unique patterns. Some examples include finishing options, embellishments, on and off machine techniques, detailed yarn information, and even how to block your finished creations! It truly is an all-in-one guidebook, suitable for any skill level or ability!

We especially love the variety of patterns, which are arranged by level of difficulty and range from hats, to sweaters, and even home décor! Each pattern lists what types of skills are needed, materials, helpful hints, and a time estimate for how long each project may take to complete. Designed to lead you from zero experience, to knitting machine professional.

Ready to make the most of machine knitting this holiday season?

Available on our website as a digital download!

PLUS, the addiExpress Kingsize machine just came back in stock, and is ON SALE!

Wondering why they call it the “Express?” Because it’s capable of knitting hats, scarves, and more in under an hour! Able to make tubes, flat panels, increase, and decrease, the type of projects possible are only limited by your imagination.

We can’t say enough good things about this new book, we’re sure it will become an essential tool for beginners and experts, alike!

Treat yourself or pick up a copy for a crafty friend or loved one!

Digital copy only, printed copies coming soon!

Ergonomics of Knitting – Carson Demers

by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Book Review, Uncategorized

"I’ve been a knitter much longer than I’ve been a physical therapist or an ergonomist, but I still remember my first addi experience.  I was knitting an afghan with let’s say “rustic” wool, and (horrors) bamboo needles.  Ah, the ergonomically unenlightened knitter that I was.   More time spent than one would hope for the amount of fabric produced, I confess my forearms were positively sore.  Then one evening while working on that project in a knitting circle at a local yarn shop I spied them.  Shiny, sleek, and downright sexy (yes, a knitting needle can be sexy!), someone across the table was working with an addi Turbo®.  I can’t lie - I was indeed first impressed by how beautiful those needles looked.  But, it didn’t take much observation to see how effortless they made that knitter’s work.  Stitches were soaring.  So then and there I bought a circular to replace the bamboo needle I was using.  Smooth, fluid, and best of all comfortable, my knitting experience was transformed.  

That was my first addi Turbo® and I’ve been a fan ever since.  I’m a lot more ergonomically savvy now than I was at that time and I still love my Turbos.  They pair perfectly with yarns that offer resistance on other needles, reducing the work of forearm and hand muscles. Their cables are strong, smooth, well behaved and support even a heavy afghan without fuss.  I love how the reflective surface of the needle creates value contrast with nearly any yarn - which makes using them easy on the eyes in more ways than one.  Comfort is always an ergonomic priority and addi Turbos® help me knit comfortably."

It's no secret that we are fans of Carson Demers and his work to help fiber artists continue making with less opportunity for injuries. his book, Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting contains all the information you could need to help ensure a long life of comfortable crafting. We are also delighted to offer this book for purchase in our shop and online. 

Imagine being told you have to stop knitting because of discomfort in your hands, arms, neck, or back. Imagine the sense of frustration and the longing to get the needles back in your hands. Imagine the lingering doubt you might have when you can pick them up again: “What was I doing wrong after all these years of knitting?” “Will I get hurt again?” “Will I have to stop knitting forever to make this pain go away?” Maybe you’d like to be a faster, more efficient knitter, or a knitter who produces more projects, but you’re not sure what’s getting in the way.

This book will help you understand the ergonomics of knitting so you can improve your safety, efficiency, and productivity in knitting. You’ll learn to identify ergonomic risks that contribute to injury and reduce knitting efficiency. Throughout the book, you’ll be provided with activities and guidance to improve your knitting ergonomics so you can knit more confidently and comfortably. Through instruction in stretches, exercise, and self-care, you’ll also learn how to manage the discomfort common to knitters before it becomes an injury, and how to recognize when it’s time to seek help from a health-care professional.

Want to knit comfortably? Get your very own copy of Carson's book here:

Buy Now

About Carson Demers:
​By day, Carson is a physical therapist who runs an ergonomics program for a San Francisco Bay Area medical center. Every other moment, he’s knitting, spinning, designing, teaching, writing, or otherwise up to some fiber fun with a watchful eye toward ergonomics. His passion and experience in fiber arts combine with his expertise in physical therapy and ergonomics to create a unique skill set that he eagerly shares with the fiber community at local yarn shops, guilds, and major knitting events across the country. He is a regular contributor to Ply magazine.