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A peek at my new toy
Some of you may remember that a few years ago Freedom Kilts had access to an antique circular sock knitting machine.
If you don't here is a little background of these fascinating machines.
Invented in the late 1800's the hand-cranked circular sock knitting machine was often sold door to door by traveling salesmen before Fuller brushes and vacuum cleaners. They were sold to housewives with a contract to purchase the yarn from the same company who would buy the finished socks back.
Thousands of these machines were made and sold by over 50 different companies. Legare and the Auto-knitter in Canada, Gearhart in the US. There were English, French and German machines.
Here is just one link, to just one site, dedicated to these machines.
http://joybileefarm.com/lest-we-forg...ne-to-freedom/
In WWI The only commercial sock knitting company was producing 5400 pairs of socks a week. Far fewer than the demand. When the call went out through the Red Cross for socks, caps, and scarves for servicemen overseas everyone started knitting. Colleges set up knitting clubs. Andrew Carnegie converted a ballroom of his NY mansion into a knitting factory. Both men and women knitted on buses and trains on the way to work.
It is estimated that 40% of all the socks used by soldiers during the war to prevent trench foot were knitted on Circular Sock Machines in living rooms and kitchens all across the U.S. and Canada.
After the war ladies kept knitting socks earning a little extra income for the niceties of life. With their own money and the pride of earning it themselves it was only a matter of time before they wanted the vote.
The Circular Sock Machine holds a place in the history of the Women's movement.
Until very recently these machines were only available as antiques. Usually found at farm auctions and estate sales they were discovered by home knitters and the eccentrics like me who were intrigued by the machine itself. But re-conditioning a 100 year old machine that has sat in a barn is not easy.
A few years ago a company in New Zealand began producing a new Circular Sock Machine, AKA a CSM.
In 2007 a small gear manufacturing company in Cape Girardeau, MO also began reverse engineering one of these antiques.
http://stores.erlbachergearhart.com/
Here are a few pics of my new Earlbacher Gearhart CSM.
Last edited by Steve Ashton; 21st May 14 at 12:52 AM.
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The Following 3 Users say 'Aye' to Steve Ashton For This Useful Post:
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With the former machine we were able to make kilt hose pretty well.
At the time they were the longest and thickest kilt hose I knew of.
One the top is my Heritage Hose made on our CSM.
In the middle are the Pipers Hose from Gaelic Themes.
And on the bottom the standard Wool Rich Hose also from Gaelic themes.
We were also able to do custom hose as requested.
One customer has very thin legs and wanted to wear his hose in the Military style so wanted them shorter than today's standard.
One customer had his toes amputated so needed one foot very short.
This new machine set me back a few dollars so I will need to make about 300 pairs to pay it off. That is not the reason I bought it though.
I have yet to make a full sock. I'm still learning and perfecting techniques. But I should soon be able to again offer my Heritage hose. Custom made, hand crafted.
I even hope to be able to fit athletes with huge calves.
Stay tuned for updates.
In the mean time enjoy this 8 min video on making a sock.
Last edited by Steve Ashton; 21st May 14 at 12:54 AM.
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The Following 8 Users say 'Aye' to Steve Ashton For This Useful Post:
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Nice one Steve, congratulations on your new acquisition.
Regional Director for Scotland for Clan Cunningham International, and a Scottish Armiger.
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I never knew such a machine existed. Looks like it turns out an excellent sock.
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Fascinating. I never knew such a machine existed either.
It's great when old technologies get a new lease on life.
Tulach Ard
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Fascinating...I wish you luck with your new machine, it looks like it may take some time to master.
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Thank you Steve, as is often the case, you come up with something unexpected and interesting. When I first read the title of the post, I thought it may perhaps be a companion for the Jag.
Grizzled Ian
XMTS teaches much about formal kilt wear, but otherwise,
... the kilt is clothes, what you wear with it should be what you find best suits you and your lifestyle. (Anne the Pleater) "Sometimes, it is better not to know the facts" (Father Bill)
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Originally Posted by Grizzled Ian
Thank you Steve, as is often the case, you come up with something unexpected and interesting. When I first read the title of the post, I thought it may perhaps be a companion for the Jag.
Unlike the Jag, this toy does not require an expenditure in gasoline....only coffee to keep the cranking arm "lubricated"......
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The Following 3 Users say 'Aye' to KiltedKnome For This Useful Post:
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Hallelujah! I've been hoping that you'd figure out a way to make the Heritage Hose production work out to your exacting standards because I'd love to get some truly thick hose. PLEASE keep us apprised of your progress with that beautiful thing…
Best
AA
ANOTHER KILTED LEBOWSKI AND...HEY, CAREFUL, MAN, THERE'S A BEVERAGE HERE!
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The Following User Says 'Aye' to auld argonian For This Useful Post:
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21st May 14, 09:33 AM
#10
Fascinating; what a neat machine! Thanks for the pictures and history Steve, and congratulations on your new toy!
Allen Sinclair, FSA Scot
Eastern Region Vice President
North Carolina Commissioner
Clan Sinclair Association (USA)
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