Stitches

Which is the better knitting machine for a novice?

I've been shopping around for a knitting machine for a while now, and I've just about narrowed it down to the two; which are both within my price range, but I'm not sure which one would be best for me. American Bond Intarsia Fashion Knitter 50 Needle Bed x 8mm Spacing with Intarsia Keyplate & Yarn -- This one is designed for a beginner, but I've heard some shady comments on the quality of it's performance. http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp09732-1341.html#See%20Comments The other is pretty supreme; American Bond Basic 100 Needle 8mm Ultimate Sweater Knitting Machine, Instructional Video & Yarn. http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp03898.html#Features This is the ultimate package, but it's more expensive and I'm worried that I might splurge and ruin it with my inexperience. It does all sorts of yarns, and it says I can learn in one evening...but I'm still in need of a final opinion. Please, please, please help! I want to make my Dad something he'll actually wear!

Public Comments

1. I see you don't have any answers, so, though I don't know about knitting machines, I will give you my opinion... I say that you should balance out the importance of a nice homemade piece of clothing that your dad will enjoy and the price of the nicer machine. It may be that a nicer machine will provide you with greater opportunities to learn anyway. I'm a pianist, and I've seen it many times that a nicer piano is much easier to learn on than an old, rickety one. And as for ruining it, just follow instructions and really it's hard to ruin any very well-made piece of equipment.
2. I don't know about the first product that you mentioned, but I have the Ultimate Sweater Machine. The video is very helpful when you are learning to use your machine. It does save a lot of time when your making a sweater, but I still hand knit the cuffs, neck, and bottom ribbing (because I think it looks better and it's a pain doing the ribbing on the machine). I am happy with this machine and it is the second one I have purchased. I also have the extension bed for doing larger sweaters. I don't believe you could "ruin it with inexperience". Happy knitting!