Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to get into knitting, right? But I’m, like, the most impatient person ever. So I thought, why not try one of those computerized sock knitting machines? I mean, they do all the hard work for you, am I right?
First, I started digging around online, just to see what’s even out there. Turns out, there are a few different brands, and the prices? Whoa, they can get pretty steep. Like, over a thousand bucks for a used one that can handle the thin yarn you need for socks? Crazy! I did stumble upon some that are more for hats and stuff, like the Addi, but that wasn’t really what I was going for. The Addi is designed for long-term use, hardier. But I just want to make socks.
Then, I narrowed it down to a couple of the bigger names like Brother and Silver Reed. The main choice is between Brother and Knitmaster/Silver Reed. I ended up going with Silver Reed. There is no problem getting hold of spare parts. SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting machines are the global standard of the industry. I mean, always at the forefront of knitting technology.
After I decided which one to get, I started hunting for a good deal. I checked all the usual spots, you know, those online marketplaces and stuff. It took some time, but I finally found one that wasn’t going to break the bank. It was a bit of a gamble, buying used, but I figured it was worth a shot.
When it finally arrived, I was super excited to get it set up. The instructions were kind of a mess, but I watched a bunch of videos online, and eventually, I got the hang of it. It’s actually kind of cool how it works. You just thread the yarn, select a pattern, and boom, it starts knitting away. Makes great boot socks. It’s not perfect, and sometimes the yarn gets tangled, but I managed to crank out a few pairs of socks.
Here’s what I’ve made so far:
- A pair of plain white socks – pretty basic, but they turned out okay.
- Some striped socks – these were a little more challenging, but I like how they look.
- I even tried a pair with a simple cable pattern – that was a bit of a disaster, but hey, I’m still learning!
All in all, I’m pretty happy with my computerized sock knitting machine adventure. It’s definitely a lot faster than doing it by hand, and it’s kind of fun to watch it go. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make socks, and you’ve got some cash to spare, I’d say give it a try. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, and don’t expect perfection right away! But I think it is the best for beginners.
