Casa Knitguyla has a new addition and I want to introduce everyone to my new baby! I haven't named him yet but he's like Bejamin Button, he's about 100 years old but getting stronger with every day! I finally bit the bullet and bought a circular sock machine or CSM. It's in great working condition (supposedly) and guaranteed (I use that term loosely) to knit and rib! Everything I've read about these machines begins with "be prepared for a steep learning curve". We shall see, so far everyone thinks I'm crazy.
Them: "You're going to buy a machine from 1908 for $1,000+ dollars and it may or may not work."
Me: Yeah, that about sums it up. What? No good?
The nay-sayers won out and back in February with "steep learning curve" warnings everywhere, I decided I shouldn't buy a CSM and a few months went by without incidence. Then I got the urge again and starting asking the experts really pointed questions but again, decided it was too big an investment. I told myself, it's just not something you buy online especially when you've never even seen one in action. "Wait till Rhinebeck" I told myself, they'll be a demo there and every question and concern will be addressed. That was a good plan and I stood behind it for a few more months. Then, last week I gave myself the speech. You know the one, the "this is why I work" speech and started researching with aplomb. It didn't matter that I signed up for another retreat and it didn't matter that I just purchased new living room tables... it didn't matter because "this is why we work", right?
It seems rational, like the
Oh, and for you CSM'ers out there, it's a Legare 400. A beautifully restored machine that I can't wait to show off to all of you. In the meantime, I'm plugging along on my size 1 needles working my ribbing one row every 10 minutes. LOL. Just think, soon enough (hopefully/fingers crossed) I'll be pumping out whole socks by the hour! How fun is that? I may never leave the house! Yahoooooo!
8 comments:
Whoa. Cutting edge gadgetry from the turn of the last century. I salute you, sir.
Oh, yay, another fellow CSM-er. I've got the same exact model, and have been cranking 'em out for a few years now. I once made 16 pairs in a marathon crank session, all from hand painted yarns. (That'll be your next adventure, dyeing.)
Here's the 16 pairs: http://davidtaylardaniels.com/index.php?showimage=390
Clearly you will just have to bring the machine to the MFKR in Seattle and let Kyle and I help you learn.
actually, you'll probably want to fly to Boston and have Dave Daniels show you how... Kyle hasn't been able to make his work (all that well) even though he doesn't think it's the machine...
for yarn, you can use cone yarn (think knitting machine supply places) - we have one in Orange County, CA that sells by the cone (newton's) - I'm sadly not going to the MFKR this year (can't - work won't let me have the time off) but if you're ever up for it, come to Los Angeles... bring your CSM and we'll spend a weekend getting frustrated and staring at them trying to make 'em work..
I still have dreams of making my work - last night I was in the garage painting canvasses and looked over at it all wrapped up just waiting for me to uncover it and get it going... but I didn't...
maybe this weekend ;)
either way, CONGRATS on your purchase - you're going to LOVE it! remember though that it might drip oil.... so careful! - OH and those scrubby sponge things (buff puff) that are made of mesh you can buy a bunch [4?] of them at a time from the dollar store? they open up to make a great tube that is wonderful for use as a setup bonnet! (just a little hint) - email me... I might have a book or something to share with you!!
Wow. Honestly, that's the only word I can come up with right now. Since I know little about knitting, and have NEVER made a knitted pair of socks, I'm just amazed there's a machine out there for just that purpose!
I'm definitely curious on how you make out with this.
BTW, um, did it come with insurance? :p
This knitting thing is some sort of cult, isn't it! You have patience, my dear, to be able to do the things you do with yarn. :)
nice! what a great way to deal with a project!
I'm jealous! Can't wait to see the first socks!
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