My new Knitting Machine!

I finally took the big step and bought a knitting machine - a Brother 890.  Most domestic knitting machines aren't in production anymore (I think there is one left?), so you're usually dealing with older stock. This was one barely used, if at all. I got a 6'6" desk top from Ikea for its own, dedicated space.  It was missing the manual, which I found online for free and had it printed and bound at FedEx Kinkos. Then came the daunting task of the first cast-on!  Threading the machine and casting on was easy enough, but it pretty much took three sources to hobble together one solid plan of action. Hand Knits By Machine has been a very helpful resource and I would recommend it to anyone before they even buy a machine.

The listing I bought also came with a ribber - a separate bed of needles that attaches (?) to the front of the machine. I know I'm not ready for that just yet, but I know I will eventually need it. And just because I wanted to go all in, I bought a garter carriage. Aren't I optimistic?

But there you have it; my first successful cast-on, plus a few inches of adjusting the tension/gauge. I know it isn't much to look at, but it's a monumental step to being on my way.  I suppose I'll try out some of the other simple settings next, such as slight changes on the tension, and maybe another yarn color.