Kelly Green Knitted Hat

Yesterday, I pulled out my Innovations Knitting Machine and some green yarn. I decided to try my luck at knitting a hat using the machine. I followed the written directions, but I was dropping stitches. I goggled videos on the use of the machine and found several very helpful tutorials. In no time flat, I was knitting in the round at 20 times the speed of hand knitting.

I was surprised at how quickly the machine was able to knit. One of the videos that I watched was made by the home shopping network (HSN). Apparently this model was sold by them years ago. In the video, they showed off scarves, sweaters and afghans that were knitted on this little machine.

I can see how that would be possible because all I had to do was turn the handle and keep my yarn loose and flowing. I had to watch a different video to figure out how to bind off. There were several methods shown. One where a yarn needle was used to slip the stitches off of the hooks, and a different method where waste yarn was used to create a couple of rows beyond the end of the hat.

I chose the yarn needle method, but quickly determined that I should have used waste yarn. It would have been easier to see.

I think that I will try it again but the next time I will use a bulkier grade of yarn.

I also want to try knitting a scarf using the machine. This process satisfies my quest for instant gratification, but it is not as satisfying as making a garment totally by hand. I’ll have to mix it up sometimes depending on how much time I have. This hat is nothing special, but it will keep my head warm. I may embellish it with some crocheted accents to give it some flare. Until next time, stay busy.