Interested in sock knitting machines? Yes! Me too! I’ve been thinking about it for years now and finally jumping into this whole world of circular sock knitting machines (CSM). Join me for some sock cranking fun…
In this Taking Back Friday episode, I want to take you on 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 mentioned 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. 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 discuss 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.
See more CSM sock cranking posts…
- Learn more about knitting socks on a circular sock machine (CSM) with handspun yarn
- Learn to use the ribber on a CSM
- Step-by-step video of how I crank a sock on a CSM
- Step-by-step video of how I graft the toes of a CSM sock
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!!!
Aloha, Felicia Lo ! I’ve had an antique CSM for years, and not used it yet. I just watched and listened to your “How I knit with a CSM” video. THANK You ! My CSM is so old, I don’t find the maker’s name on it. I do have many parts
for it, including the bigger and smaller weights. I wonder if I can buy a buckle to hold the wts down, when cranking. I’ll check with csmLove.com and Grocery Girls; and I’ll make a habit of watching you knit, and studying my instruction books. Thank you for your excellent examples/instruction. Sincerely, Susan C Gilman
Thank you so much Susan! I’m so glad the video was helpful. I hope you enjoy your machine too. You can find buckles for your machine at Erlbacher here: https://erlbacherknitting.com/product/buckle/ and also at Jamie Mayfield’s CSM Supplies store here: https://csmsupplies.com/hand-tools/personalized-buckle/
I am so glad to have found your video on CSMs. I have an original cast iron CSM that I rehabed years ago and have yet learned to use. I knit socks with double pointed needles currently. You have inspired me to locate all bits and pieces to my CSM and get back to learning to using how to use it to start cranking out some socks. I actually think we have a couple ladies in the local guild who might have a CSM that can help me learn in person. If not, I am checking out your video suggestions. Thank again for the inspiration.
Am also interested in the circular machine and to learn how it works am a Zambian single mother who really needs your help l even have five children who needs to be school if you help me l will appreciate very much God bless you.