I just finished this cardigan and because it was a gift I tried really hard to make it look tidy.
The yarn is recycled yarn ("I used to be a pullover") in Murano green.
The pattern is adapted from the raglan pattern in Ann Budd's book "The knitter's handy book of sweater patterns."
Edit: a few more detail shots of the cardigan:
Back of the zipper. I made a tiny strip to cover the zipper fabric.
Front of the zipper. I knit a strip sideways along the entire edge of the front panels and folded it onto itself to make a roll that would cover the zipper.
The cuff. I had such a hard time finding a cuff I liked and that would look good and not wavy. I ended up making a 2x2 rib and I really like how regular it is.
The front panel mounted on my knitting machine, taking up 198 of the 200 needles available.
I found this one secondhand (a Toyota KS901) for £60 and the ribber for £20. But you may have to add to that other accessories such as weights, combs, other carriages, punch cards, depending on what came with the machine and what you're interested in making.
Thanks for the insight!