Okay, so I’ve been messing around with this Addi Express knitting machine, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. I saw some folks online talking about making socks with it, and I thought, “Why not give it a shot?” So, I grabbed one of these bad boys and got to work.
Getting Started
First off, I unboxed the thing, and honestly, I was a bit nervous. It looked complicated, but I was determined to figure it out. I started by setting it up, which was pretty straightforward. The instructions were okay, but watching a few videos online helped a lot. Once I got it all set up, I grabbed some yarn. I went with a thicker yarn because I read somewhere that these machines handle heavier yarns better.
The First Few Tries
My first few attempts were, well, let’s just say they didn’t turn out so great. The yarn kept getting tangled, and the stitches were all over the place. I almost gave up, to be honest. It felt like I was wrestling with the machine instead of knitting. But I’m not one to back down from a challenge, so I kept at it.
Figuring It Out
After a bunch of trial and error, I finally started to get the hang of it. I learned that the key is to keep the yarn tension just right. Too loose, and you get a mess; too tight, and the machine struggles. I also figured out that going slow at first helps a lot. Once I got the rhythm down, it was smooth sailing. I was cranking out tubes of knitted fabric like a pro.
Making the Socks
Now, for the socks. I followed some tips I found online, starting from the cuff and working my way down. The Addi machine makes it super easy to knit the whole sock in one go, which is awesome. No need to mess around with short rows or heel turns like you have to do when knitting by hand. I just kept cranking until I had a long tube. Then, I worked on the heel and toe, which was a bit tricky but manageable. I had to unhook some stitches to shape the heel and toe, but it wasn’t too bad once I got the hang of it.
The Final Product
After all that work, I finally finished my first pair of socks! They weren’t perfect, but I was pretty darn proud of them. They fit well, and they were super cozy. I’d say they fit a shoe size around 38-40, so that’s something to keep in mind. I even made a few more pairs, and each one turned out better than the last.
Overall Thoughts
So, would I recommend the Addi Express knitting machine? Absolutely! It’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get it, it’s a game-changer. It’s perfect for whipping up socks, scarves, and even baby hats. If you’re new to knitting machines, this is a great one to start with. Just be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to mess up a few times. Trust me, the end result is totally worth it.
- Pros:
- Easy to set up and use once you get the hang of it.
- Handles heavier yarns well.
- Makes knitting socks a breeze.
- Cons:
- Takes some time to learn.
- Can be a bit frustrating at first.
All in all, I’m really happy with my Addi Express. It’s a fun and rewarding way to knit, and I can’t wait to see what else I can create with it. If you’re thinking about getting one, I say go for it! Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, and you’ll be knitting up a storm in no time.