Machine Knitting Online

	Autumn is a very good time to look for inspiration in nature. Leaves a very simple shapes which are easy to use for knitting. A picture like this can also be used as inspiration for colour - this autumn in the UK the colours are gloroius. (Apologies to those in Australia and New Zealand - but the soft colours of spring are also very inspiring).
The simplest way to use leaves is to find a group or a large leaf like this piece of bracken. For scanner owners, scan it in at a low resolution, or take a picture with a digital camera. Notice that this picture was taken against the sky so that there is a good contrast between the leaves and the background, making it easier to keep the detail when it is converted.
	In DesignaKnit set a tension appropriate for the garment. Use the Graphics Studio (ver. 7) or File - Convert Graphic (ver. 6) to convert the picture to a suitable size for the garment and save as a new stitch pattern. Use File - New and select the front of the garment, then Edit - Import to place the design on the piece.
.It is also possible to use individual leaf shapes. These can be taken into DKnit in several different ways: 1. copy the shape in Stitch Designer 2. scan the leaf 3. take a picture of the leaf For options 2 and 3, the picture can be converted with DKnit, then draw round the shape. Owners of Paint Shop Pro or a similar program can draw round the leaf using that software before importing into DKnit.
	Don't forget to add some detail of the veins of the leaf - this is very important if using the design for Fair Isle. Display the garment piece (File - New then select front etc.) Use Edit - Import to bring in the leaf shape. Box and copy it then paste repeats. Use the Tab or / and Control key to flip it. This front has two leaves, one upright and the other at 45 degrees

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