knitting machine

knitting machine
Originally uploaded by bluepupae.

it's not like i need any more hobbies, but i've been dying for a knitting machine. the mechanization of a hand process is intriguing, and i really wanted to figure out how one of these things works. so here i am with a vintage knitting machine, which i spent the weekend cleaning then researching possible avenues for hacking it to connect with a computer.

the 930 model has it's own computer with built-in stitch patterns, but i would really like to be able to load in my own. a mini-computer was made to allow creation of patterns, as well as a floppy disk drive to store patterns, but those are hard to come by, but there's a port that allows for connecting to the machine, so there's some promise of communication. this one is in good condition, but it still needs a new sponge bar. no play time for me until it arrives. besides, i will be too busy until next weekend to do anything more with it anyhow. i don't expect to be cranking out sweaters any time soon. also, it is not as automated as one would think, and much more complicated than a sewing machine.