What have I done.
I recognize for myself that I’m in bit of a weird place right now. I’ve mentioned before about how uncomfortable I can be with not knowing how things are going to turn out, or not knowing how things are going to happen. Just having very little control over things that happen in life. I know it’s normal and that this is how the world works, but I don’t like it. I feel like there are very few things I can control. But maybe there’s something that I can control…
In this Taking Back Friday episode, I want to take you on a bit of a field trip to check out something I’ve been interested in for some time. Plus I also want to talk about the message of this video… what are you waiting for? And why, for myself, did I wait for more than a decade before ordering a circular sock knitting machine (CSM)!
I so appreciate all the help and suggestions that Karen at CSM Love shared with me, and I encourage you to check out the many resources and patterns she has created. I’m also open to more suggestions and tips. If you have a favourite CSM video, or favourite CSM teacher or resource you would like to share, I am all ears!
IN THIS EPISODE
- what I mention in this video: Here are links to items I mention in the vlog episode …
- The Circular Sock Machine (CSM) that I ordered is by Erlbacher Knitting Machines—the Speedster with 60 and 72 cylinders, equal slot ribber for both sizes, and a reduced ratio crank.
- I mention the two-at-a-time (TAAT) socks that I had started back in October, which I talk more about in this vlog episode. And the vlog episode where I talk about Socktober, including my dream about a sock knitting machine, can be found here.
- Maurice at Dreaming Robots.
- Dean and Bean’s Sock Machines.
- The machines shown in the video are Karen’s at CSMLove.com, including a Vintage Legare 400 CSM and Chambord Accuknitter 400, designed and built by Dave Lord in Quebec – info at Chambord CSM.
- I mentioned reaching out to the Grocery Girls and Tracie gave me some great tips and suggestions.
- The stash yarn I talk about cranking out socks with includes our Mohair Silk Sock yarn and sock blanks. I also show a tube knit with Teresa’s Addi Knitting Machine.
Love your enthusiasm of the CSM. Check out the Great Canadian Crank In on Facebook. Gil Minty of Ingersoll ON organizes a get together every fall (before Covid).One day we will meet again. Crackers fly in from the US and many drive from all corners of the province. Gil rebuilt my vintage machine that I purchased from him several years ago.
I have fallen in love with your shop. I am a spinner, weaver, lacemaker and knitter just to name a few of my favorite past times.
I have met many of the crankers you spoke about. We are a very “tight knit” group! LOL
Thank you, for sharing
Pat
Thank you Pat! Yes! I’m sure you would likely know the crankers I met at the studio over ten years ago… they mentioned a big CSM event and I’m sure this was it. I’m excited to begin!
Thanks Felecia and Pat. I am from Southern Ontario and considering purchasing a CSM. I appreciate your info!
Welcome to the wonderful world of sock cranking! Definitely look at going to a CSM retreat/crank-in. They are lots of fun. If you feel like driving out to AB, there’s one the weekend after Thanksgiving. Or head south to the retreat near Lacey, WA (Pat Fly organizes it). I think that one is offered twice each year. I do spin for my CSMs and love my handspun, hand cranked socks.
That’s so great!! I’ll keep my eyes open for upcoming crank-ins. Just like spin-ins, it’s much easier to learn when you see someone else doing it! Thanks!!
Welcome to a most wonderful black hole of this aspect of fibrecraft. I like to explain that these are tools and unfortunately, the socks don’t magically appear once you have a machine – they’re wonderful, fussy, fiddly machines (learning toes and heels come with lots and lots of expletives – one of the supply items is at least a box of wine!)… the CSM community is amazing and for the most part, most local CSM communities “know” who has such and such a machine and how close they are… Steve Ashton in Victoria (The Wizard of BC) is an amazing expert who has coordinated crank-ins in victoria – maybe with Covid fading there’ll be another sometime. when you have your machine, perhaps a crank-in at the studio??? (I have 1+1+ 2/5 Antique Auto Knitters)… welcome welcome welcome!!!