I was out running errands this morning, and was on my way home when I saw that my LYS was open. I just received a copy of 101 Designer One Skein Wonders, and really like the look of a Mistake Rib vest in it. I thought I'd just pop in and see what was what, and am I ever glad I did! The owner of the store, Darlene, is excellent - she always remembers me, and came right up to say hello. We chatted for a few minutes, and then she looked at me and asked, "Was it you that was looking for a knitting machine on Freecycle a while back?" I was surprised, but said, yes it was. Just recently, an older lady was moving away from Prince George, and left her old knitting machine in Darlene's care, to pass on to another knitter! I am pretty excited, I've been listening to the hosts of Stash and Burn talk about using their knitting machine, and have often wished to give it a try. I personally favor plain knitting for my own garments, but don't really enjoy knitting miles and miles of stocking stitch, so this is perfect!
I haven't tried it yet, although Darlene warned me that it is quite old, I'm sure it will be completely fine for what I would like to use it for. And it did, fortunately, come with an instruction book and a few odds and ends, so I'll have to sit down and give it a read one day very soon!
Oh, and I did find some yarn for the vest - I wandered around and around, trying to make a decision, but I kept coming back to the Noro Kureyon, so I went with that. I think the self striping yarn will look interesting with the mistake rib texture, and the vest only has one button, so will be able to spread open until I'm a little smaller again. I think this smacks of Startitis, but I'm sure I'll survive.
So Cool!! I can't wait to see what you do with the machine and to hear how it feels to give your hands a break. Old Scmold. They made things better back then it will probably last longer than any new one they make today. Enjoy!
P.S. You have a really nice LYS owner for her to remember that!
Posted by: SpiderWomanKnits | February 12, 2008 at 11:50 AM
New toy! We have a lady's name and number at the store who wants to sell her knitting machine. I have no idea what she wants for it. I'll be interested to see what you think of it.
Posted by: Sheri | February 12, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Don't you just love that, a Knitomat!!! heh :^) good going!
I think you chose one of my all time favourite colourways in the Noro!
hee, now..... 'start' in... ;^)
(I read a couple of blogs this morning about lys 'manners', the kind the customer gets from the owner or staff, sounds like you have a good one!)
Posted by: marianne | February 12, 2008 at 01:27 PM
wow a knitomat! so cool! you 'll have to try it out and tell us what you think.
the vest should look pretty cool in the Noro- and sounds fun
Posted by: Colleen | February 12, 2008 at 04:02 PM
How exciting about the knitting machine! I'll be interested to see what you do with it.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 12, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I visited an older lady a couple years ago who eagerly showed me her knitting machine. She had been making sweaters for her family and friends for years. Thought I was batty for knitting socks by hand.
Have fun with it. :-)
Posted by: Wanda J | February 12, 2008 at 09:52 PM
How exciting! There are so many things I would knit if I had a machine that could do the large chunks of stockinette for me! I can' wait to see how it works out for you.
Posted by: Tammy | February 12, 2008 at 10:13 PM
A little dose of startitis never hurt anyone
Great luck with the machine - looking forward to seeing that in action
Posted by: Sarah | February 12, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Charity are you sure we're not Universal twins or something! I recently got a knitting machine too (I'm picking up a special table for it Friday)I also like that rib vest in that particular book, yep Noro is a great choice of course!!
Posted by: Jo | February 13, 2008 at 05:34 AM
Cool! Can't wait to see what you do with it!
Posted by: tiennie | February 13, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Charity, that is so cool! I've never knitted with a machine but would love to try it. I can't wait to see what you do with it.
Posted by: Hasbu | February 13, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Knitting machines sure would speed up the interminable stockinette stitch!
Your Amanda hat is really cute.
Posted by: Carrie K | February 14, 2008 at 04:13 PM
I got back into knitting by using a Bond frame, and while I prefer the company of family while I knit most things (instead of being relegated to my basement "studio"), I agree that the machine does speed up big stretches of stockinette. My only problem is trying to match the guage when I combine machine and hand knitting in one piece.
Have fun!
Posted by: Judy G. | February 16, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Very cool. You get so much done.
Posted by: stefaneener | February 16, 2008 at 07:27 PM
What a fun looking contraption! I can't wait to see what you make with it.
Posted by: Miss Scarlett | February 16, 2008 at 09:00 PM
It's Angie but logging in and out is a pain ! I love that knitting machine. It looks very well made so I am sure it will work. I have toyed with getting one and maybe will one day. Have lots of fun and happy knitting. angie x
Posted by: Holly | February 17, 2008 at 08:54 AM
does anyone know where i can find a manual for a Knitomatic DeLuxe 160 knitting machine? maybe the lady who has the knitomatic 180 with the manual can help me?? thank you so much
Posted by: jean | March 07, 2008 at 09:29 PM
I've owed lots of machines but have never seen this one. How cool!
I have some free knitting machine manual links on my site (click on links in the navigation sidebar). I'd try the one for Brother machines. The pdfs won't match your machine, but a lot of the information is generic. And it's free so no loss if it doesn't work.
Posted by: Kathryn | April 17, 2008 at 09:23 PM
I bought a Knitomat deluxe 180 at an estate sale two weeks ago, but it didn't come with any instructions. I would love to play with it, but I don't have any idea how to do anything with it. You're the only other person I have seen with this machine. Mine is exactly like your pictures. Would you mind sharine information out of the manuel?
Posted by: Denise | April 26, 2008 at 07:12 AM
My mother has a number of knitting machines that she cannot use any more would you have any sugestions what we can do with them. Would we be able to sell them or are their any charities which would be greatful of them.
Posted by: Mrs Wendy murdoch | July 18, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Hi, I lost everything in a house fire in June and lost all my belongings including my knitting machine and all my supplies. I really want a machine that can handle fine yarn and even crochet thread. Does anyone know what type of machine available for such a purpose?? I also would love to get my hands on a standard gauge bed and ribber. I do not have much money, so anything in the higher price range would not be for me. Thanks in advance!
Randi :-)
Posted by: Randi Hellman-Flaherty | August 21, 2009 at 06:08 PM
I have been a hand knitter since a child. In 1986 I bought a knitomat 180 at a flea market for $20. I actually forgot I had it until until Sept. 2009. I rediscovered it when moving. I opened the case yesterday. It does have instuction book and the little tools. The machine appears to be in excellent condition. I am going to start experimenting with it. If anyone would like a copy of the instruction booklet please email me at toypudel@lek.net I can send it email in a pdf. file
Posted by: Kim Sharpless | September 13, 2009 at 05:48 AM
Hi Ladies:
I just purchased a knitomat deluxe 160 knitting machine. There is no manual with it and I would truly need one to figure out how to use the machine. Can anyone out there help me - - Please?
Posted by: Judith Elder-McCartney | October 08, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Very old post reply.
My mother has a Knitomat 180 in our attic that I was searching for information on. How did yours work for your four years ago?
Posted by: Kevin Orr | May 25, 2011 at 08:23 PM
I'm looking to buy a machine like this currently and wondered how your experience has been with your Knitomatic? Any major problems? What about needing parts? Is it pretty solid or?
Thanks!
Posted by: Patty Marshall | July 01, 2011 at 10:17 AM