So, I saw this thing called an Addi Express knitting machine online the other day. It’s like a little crank-operated machine that you feed yarn into, and it knits stuff for you. I’ve always wanted to knit, but I’m terrible with needles, so this seemed like a fun way to try it out. Plus, there’s a cheaper version called the Sentro that basically does the same thing.
Got My Hands on a Sentro
I ended up getting the Sentro because, well, it was cheaper. Figured I’d see if I liked this whole machine knitting thing before dropping a bunch of money on the Addi. When it arrived, I ripped open the box like a kid on Christmas morning. It’s this plastic circle thing with a bunch of needles around the inside and a handle on the side.
First Attempt: Total Disaster
I followed the instructions (kind of) and threaded some yarn through the machine. Started cranking the handle, and for a second, I thought, “Hey, this is easy!” Then the yarn got all tangled, stitches were dropping, and it was just a mess. I had to untangle the whole thing and start over.
Second Attempt: Still a Mess
Okay, so I tried again, being a lot more careful this time. I watched some videos online, paid attention to the tension of the yarn, and went super slow. But nope, still ended up with a jumbled mess of yarn. It was frustrating, to say the least.
Figuring It Out (Finally!)
After a few more failed attempts, I started to get the hang of it. I realized that the type of yarn really matters. Some yarn just doesn’t work well with these machines. Also, keeping a consistent tension is super important. And going too fast? Forget about it.
Making Stuff
Once I got the hang of it, I was able to make a few things. I made a simple tube scarf, which was pretty cool. Then I tried a hat, which was a little more complicated but still doable. I even tried adding stripes, which involved some manual yarn switching, but it turned out okay.
Here’s What I Learned
- Patience is key: These machines aren’t as easy as they look. It takes time and practice to get it right.
- Yarn matters: Use the right type of yarn, or you’re gonna have a bad time.
- Tension is everything: Keep the yarn tension consistent, or your stitches will be all over the place.
- Start slow: Don’t try to crank the handle like a maniac. Go slow and steady.
So yeah, that’s my experience with the Sentro knitting machine. It’s a fun little gadget once you get the hang of it, but it’s definitely not as simple as just turning a crank. Would I recommend it? Maybe. If you’re patient and willing to put in the time to learn, it can be a neat way to make knitted stuff without actually knowing how to knit.
