My Work At Trinity College

It has been two weeks today since I began working at Trinity College. I am employed there as Secretary to the Office of the Provost. I was trained the first week by the out going secretary, which was very, very helpful, however, I was overwhelmed and by Friday, I felt over loaded with information. Starting on Monday of the second week, I began "exploring", learning new names, trying to put names to faces etc., and by last Friday I was beginning to feel comfortable and more in control of the information.

People have been so kind and so thoughtful to me. My supervisor is a wonderful lady! Brenda has been in the job for a long time and is a treasure trove of information, she is so well informed about the college, it's staff, it's programs and on how the whole machinery of an academic institution functions. I am in the best of care and the best of hands.

Here are some pictures of the beautiful buildings, it doesn't get nicer than this in old architecture here in Toronto.

How Lucky Am I!!!

Well, I am one lucky person this month. While asking various dealers for a colour changer for my Knittax, I got an offer of a full Knittax machine with ribber, yarn holder etc. for just the cost of postage!!!!!! Of course I accepted without hesitation, it arrived last week, and low and behold, it's a beige and brown Argentinian made model with separate row counter and double pronged yarn holder. I gave it a good clean, and mended the carriage stitch dial (it was not working properly), however I think the needle spring has to be replaced. It's not knitting super well, but it was free and if it does not work I have extra parts for a life time! What more can I ask for.

While it's a different machine and I love the separate row counter, the Argentinian made models are inferior in quality. The German made models are really so lovely, smooth meshing of parts and the metal used was far superior! I can see why Knittax was headed for trouble when they moved production to Argentina.

Looking For A Floor Loom

I mentioned a few posts ago about getting a floor loom, but looking for a job took me away from that search, however, I was able to start all over again on the weekend.
I had narrowed my search down to a Lelerc Nilus 36", 4 or 8 shaft, but trying to purchase a used one locally has not been fruitful! Most of what is available are counterbalance looms by Leclerc, like the Fanny or Mira looms. I asked on my weaving list, and many people say counterbalance looms are much easier to treadle, have bigger sheds and are overall a better choice. So I began looking for what kinds of counterbalance looms were available, there are two that aren't too far away, they are priced reasonably and are 36" weaving width, four shaft. I have asked the sellers to tell me something more about the looms, both have responded and now I have to think about whether I should get one or not. I just want to make the best decision.
If I had the funds, I would have just bought a brand-new Glimakra or some other Swedish loom, but I don't have the means currently to pay $3000+ for a new loom.

Decisions, decisions...

Another Machine

One would think by now I have had enough machines. Alas! not so. I have always wanted some sort of mid-gauge to knit up all the worsted weight yarn I have. I have had the LK 150, while it's a great machine, I have lost the feel for plastic beds! I have also had 9mm machines, and didn't like them at all!
The other day I happened to chance upon an article on the Singer SK-120, an 8mm machine. Same gauge as the Bond, but metal! I wrote to a few friends who have this machine, and all have confirmed it's greatness. 8mm isn't mid-gauge, but it's between the two (bulky and mid-gauge), while I never got on with the Bond, it's gauge is perfect for worsted weight.
Now I can't wait to get one! I have had a few offers after putting up wanted ads, but the shipping charges kill every offer. Yes, it's a great machine, but I am not willing to pay too much for it.

So I keep hoping one will come up locally, at the right price and in the right location! Oh yes, I think this is the last machine I am probably going to get (note the use of the word "probably"). Last machine, the famous last words of a machine knitter!