CSM Traveller Workcase - have CSM will travel!

I've had been looking for an easy way to travel to and from events with at least one of my very heavy, antique Circular Sock Knitting Machines. After purchasing my favorite CSM, a 1914 Gearhart from a seller on eBay, I decided to check out the link to her business site - The Appalachian Sock Company. This is where I first caught site of the CSM Traveller Workcase.
Each case is handcrafted from solid wood and built to your brand specific machine (i.e. the wood machine base for a Gearhart CSM will be slightly different from that of a Legare CSM).

Not only can my fully assembled Gearhart fit inside its CSM Traveller, but it comes out easily, still attached to the wood machine base, then securely fastens to the workstation with no screws to turn - just slide the base onto the workstation and slide the bolt into place. Done! Now, not only do I have a great way to securely travel with my CSM, but I no longer need to bring a table or stool to clamp my CSM onto. The CSM Traveller does it all, and in a nice neat little workcase that is very portable and extremely light for an all wood item.

Thanks Kim and Greg!

CSM Eye Candy

I put together a small slideshow of some of my CSMs for someone on Ravelry who's conducting a CSM survey. I figured I'd share it with you all :)

A New CSM! This time its twisted!

I'm VERY psyched about my new CSM. Its a 1929 Swedish CSM called, "Favorit". Not only is it my very first non-North American CSM (I've had Canadian and American so far), but its also my first non-traditional functioning CSM. This CSM is twisted, in that it knits inside out! Knitting happens at the top and spills down over the center tube. No weights needed when knitting, only during the cast on stage. Oh yeah, and there's no ribber. It shortrows for heels and toes just like a cylinder CSM. I've enlisted Caprifool's help in translating the manual and patterns. Time to brush up on my Swedish perhaps?

Check out the slideshow:

Before and After CSM Stool Pics

A little Salvation Army find: a vintage metal stool with green leather seat cushion. Only, I didn't realize the cushion seat was leather until I started cutting it away. Luckily, I salvaged the seat circle. I'll use it for something, maybe a pillow - one side knit, the other leather? Who knows...

The transformation: A new CSM stool workstation! Light and portable. I take it with me whenever I venture out to a knitting group and feel like showing off my cranking skills. Also works great for sitting on the couch and cranking while I watch American Idol. Jason's my Idol!

Spring cleaning with a twist

Its spring! Time for a fresh start so I decided to make one by cleaning up. Look at my lovely desk, so neat and tidy. A computer, a holder for pens and other items. But wait, what's that knitting doing there? And, aren't those picks and a brush in the holder and a pair of scissors in front of the laptop - hey, what gives?

April Fools! Its not really my desk. Its my CSM knitting station! Ha ha! It may seem a bit odd at first and completely unusual, but it works damknit and I like it. So, I cranked open my workbench an laid my Ikea mini side table on top of it. I decorated the sides of the table with a few cup hooks and hung weights and tools. I even managed to get all my stray yarn cones and balls off the floor and packed neatly away back into their plastic totes. My workstation now reminiscent of something out of a functional art exhibit. This might be a good time to start working on my own portfolio. Ah, but who can concentrate on sculpture when there's so much yarn to be knit?

As Promised...

Ok, so as I mentioned, I spent most of my Friday night practicing CSM sock patterns from Jenny Deter's book, "Unique Fancy Sock Patterns". Here's a pic of my practice tube. Can you make out the patterns? A Heart, Candy Canes, Diamond, and other random shapes (sounds like a box of "Lucky Charms"). I'm thankful Jenny actually wrote out the directions and didn't force her readers to rely on a graph for following the pattern. It was so simple I thought I was doing something wrong. Before I knew it, I was making up my own patterns (hence the randomness of my tube's designs). I said it before and I'll say it again, you can't go wrong with this book - get a copy today. After you finish reading my blog of course.

Deliveries

Maybe its the thrill of not knowing exactly when it'll arrive... Or perhaps, the joy of ripping open a package? I tend to think its the adrenaline rush of forgetting what I've ordered and being genuinely surprised by its arrival (I'm sick and I know it). But, whatever the IT is, I love it! Today's deliver is two-fold: one at the office, the other at home.

Delivery #1
At the office - a 2.7 pound cone of blue/grey wool from Webs' cone sale! I was browsing their site earlier this week on the sofa sitting next to my son when I innocently mentioned to him just how much I'd like to try that yarn out. Being the well-raised gentleman that he is, he ordered a cone for me. I was so happy with this purchase I grabbed my credit card and headed back to Webs for more, um, about 7 more cones to be exact. I know what you're thinking - "this chick is crazy!" Well, as my daughter would say, "Chill-lax". Read on and you'll understand why. Their cone sale items are $5, $5.99, $10 and $15 cones. The cone listed here on my blog is a $15 cone. Shipping was just $5. Imagine all the socks I can make now! See? I told ya you'd understand.

Delivery #2
Now, with so much yarn on this single cone, plus the yarn on its way, AND not including the yarn already in my stash - I guess I need a few new ideas for making socks, right? Enter "Unique Fancy Sock Patterns" by Jenny Deter. I searched high and low online to find Jenny's contact info so I could order her CSM sock pattern book. To my knowledge, its the only one like it around today. Not only is it a great book with patterns ranging from easy to difficult, but the book is signed and includes a personal note from Jenny! What a nice touch.

If you own a CSM or are thinking about owning one, you need to get this book. It'll open up a whole new world of CSM sock making to you. I'll be practicing my patterns all weekend. I can't wait to post pictures! CFN (Ciao For Now)

Making it work.

So, this week I've been busy and creative, thinking up ways to utilize more of what I already have and spend less. This does NOT include spending less on Ebay. Why you ask? Well, because I'm just too addicted. But anyway, back to my point - I've managed to make some really great heel hooks from a pastry blender, key rings and fishing weights. I got the idea from a post by Pat Fly in a Yahoo Group.

Since I had to unscrew the handle to cut the wires on the pastry blender, I wanted to find a use for it as well. The handle was a comfortable rubber, with finger grips - so I thought it might make a great handle for a pick tool. I used a cylinder needle, heated the butt on my stove and placed the butt end into the handle. After cooling, I added some glue and voila!

My second project of the week was recycling scrap tubes as CSM weight covers. Most antique CSMs have lead weights. While I'm not excited about handling lead, I do like the fact they're original to the machine and work very well. I even use the weights by inserting the stack into the center of my tubing while its still on the machine. This helps to keep the stitches tight against the needles. I have 3 sets of weights and even the set in the best condition is still pretty beat up. So, instead of ripping out my unused tubes, I reused them as weight covers. Aren't they cute?

What a difference a yarn makes!

Have you ever struggled with something so long and overcome it, only to find out there was a much easier way? Enter my struggle with hand-cranked socks... I've been killing myself for over a week, working hard to make socks with worsted weight yarn. Struggling to keep stitches from dropping, to maintain tension and even to simply crank! It wasn't until I gave sock yarn a whirl that I realized it'd been fighting an up hill battle to victory when level ground was so readily available. What a difference a yarn makes! Sock yarn, real sock yarn - not the baby yarn I'd been using, makes a whole heckuva lot of difference. From socks that took 2 hours to make, to socks that take 20 minutes. What was I thinking! Now that I've discovered how easy it is to make socks using sock yarn, I'm even more impressed at my ability to do it the hard way. Its more rewarding in a sense because I've learned a lot about yarn, tension, weights, latches, oil, needles and all of the little things that got in the way of making my worsted weight socks. With sock yarn, I rarely run into a problem, but if I do, my days of working with worsted have more than prepared me for it.

24 Hours Later... What a real pair of socks look like

Actually, less than 24 hours later. Look, a real pair of socks, knitting in sucession, attached and knit like the pros. I'll admit, last night's blue pair of socks were knit one at a time. But these beauties, these were knit by actually following a CSM sock pattern - not winging it like I did last night. Next up, kitchener stitching to close up the toes. (no, last night's blue pair weren't done the right way. There's a wad of yarn and ungodly stichery inside the sock toe). These were knitin acrylic using Bernat's Softee Baby. They're super soft and really feel more like a soft cotton blend than they do acrylic. Anyway, 120 grams for $3.99 is a steal considering I'm still in sock training camp and I'm saving the good stuff for after "graduation". Aren't they just darling?
Now, for the hard part, kitchener stitching up the toe. I used blue/green waste yarn between the socks and a solid blue on the toe of the last sock. I'll remember not to use waste yarn too close in color to my knitting yarn next time. Wish me luck!

So I tried the Kitchener Stitch! Voila! It wasn't half as hard as I thought it'd be. Thanks Laurie! - a woman on You Tube with a CSM who just happened to make a video on closing a sock toe using the Kitchener Stitch. I followed Lauries direction and it worked flawlessly!

Call them what you want, I call them socks.

Hurray! I've finally knitted a pair of "socks" on my circular sock machine (CSM). They may be too small, too bright and funny looking, but just like ugly babies, they're cute to you when they're yours. I've recently ordered the full DVD instructional video set from Roxana Baechle (CSM knitter and restorer) and I'm amazed at how much I've learned. Tension, tension, tension! I can't express how important that is. I found it strange though that I can make tubes like nobody's business on my 54 slot cylinder, but I drop stitches like a mutha on my 72. Go figure. I've also learned that oiling my needles helps keep the latches open, which in turn helps prevent the yarn snags and hang ups I had been getting so frequently. I am getting better with every hour I work on my CSM. Now, if there were only more available hours in the day...

Great Idea For A CSM Travel Case

With so many people traveling to the 2008 Conference, I thought I'd share my take on a new rolling travel bag I purchased for my Legare. Its small, has a retractable handle, lots of compartments and 3 sizes of removable clear zippered pouches that attach to a backboard with velcro. The plus side - it doubles as a surprisingly strong seat. Its called the Seatcase by Karen Foster http://www.scrapbookexpress.com/sebykafo.html. To secure my CSM, I purchased a pack of pre-cut crib bumper foam pads from my local craft store. My daughter covered each bumper piece in fabric and sewed them closed along the edges. I used several pieces to line the inside of the case (all sides) overlapping at the backand bottom, and used the remaining pieces to wrap around the various parts of of my Legare. I'm able to fit the entire machine packed with the bumper cushions and lining, ribber, extra cylinder, a plastic shoebox of yarn, the weights, heel hooks, yarn mast, a wood bobbin and all my accessories into this case - with a nice secure fit. It even has a place for your drink bottle, cell phone, keysetc. You can find these cases online from $39.99 to $94.99 suggested retail price. HSN has them for $39.99. They come in four nice colors: blue, green, pink and black. Enjoy!

ITS HERE!

I received my Legare 400 yesterday after much anxiety and stalking of the DHL carrier, I practically snatched the 30+ lb. box out of his hand and hugged it tightly until he forced me to sign for the package. I purchased my machine from Katy at Legacy Farms and I have to say, Katy has been amazing! I'm sure I've run her ragged with questions and emails and emails and questions, but she managed to hang in there with me somehow. She sent me a couple of DVDs early in my decision-making process to help educate me on various machines. Once I decided on the Legare 400, Katy continued to stay in touch almost daily. And, with temps reaching below zero in Iowa she miraculously managed to get out to her workshop and get my machine ready for me in no time. When it arrived there were a number of surprises - a DVD slideshow of my Legare's before and after photos, a wide assortment of CSM videos and info on disc, documents, etc. and a special thank you gift. After viewing the Legare instruction video and manual numerous times before my CSM arrived, I had no problems putting it together. I chose to make the Legare my first CSM because I wanted something solid and sturdy that could take a beating. I'm absolutely in love with it. Only 24hrs after receiving it and I'm already making tubes! And by the way, my CSM is officially christened, Miss Maybelle.

If you're interested in CSMs or Majacraft Spinning Wheels, check out http://www.thelegacyfarm.com/ and tell Katy that "Vanessa" sent you! She won me over with her patience, knowledge and expertise. I highly recommend her. *This is NOT a commercial* just my personal experience.

It's on its way! (CSM)

Its not fair! My package arrived at 7:29AM in Elizabeth, NJ and hasn't moved all day. No updates from DHL - nada! Elizabeth isn't that far from Secaucus. 14.5 mi – about 22 mins, up to 30 mins in traffic according to Google Maps. What gives?



Its in NJ!!! Not far from my office - I'm hoping they process it at the location quickly so it makes it on the delivery truck today. I'm so excited!



Could it be that it shipped on Friday, but will be delivered on Monday? I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!



My CSM shipped! I'm checking tracking so often its a wonder DHL doesn't charge me for the extra bandwith usage on their site!

I'm expecting! (CSM)

No, its not what you think... I'm expecting my very first sock knitting machine, aka CSM, aka Circular Knitting Machine - a Legare 400. I'm ordering my machine from a really sweet woman in the Midwest who restores and sells CSMs. We've been communicating for just over a month. Back and forth, she's answered all my questions, made suggestions and even sent me a couple of DVD videos to whet my appetite for CSMs while I stockpiled the cash for the machine. And, boy do they cost! However, its about what you'd expect to pay for a functional piece of history that's available only in limited supply. What's really great about CSMs from this restorer, all original parts! Guaranteed to knit and rib. Tons of support. I'm sold. Now, the wait begins...

(actual photos of my machine - still waiting on a final polish,

then its on its way to its new home - mine.)

Whats Up?

Hello again. I've been so busy I haven't had time to write. My daughter and I took Biggs, our Chihuahua to his play date. He spent the day with his Chi friends, running, jumping, peeing and growling at another dog who was 10 times his size and weight. Fearless or stupid?

I also spent some time working my new NSI circular knitting machine. I gotta say, I was really excited when I got it. Now, not so much. I've managed to knit a few pieces but quickly began ripping them out again. Still, I can't get by without dropping stitches. The first try was my mistake. The yarn got tangled on the needles and I continued to crank away forcibly. The second time around (no pun intented), I was ever so careful not to get the yarn caught up, but, when I finished my piece it could have been mistaken for a chunk of green hairy swiss cheese. What a drag. I'll pick up the crank again soon...

I'm expecting a new circular machine, a vintage Mattel Knitting machine from the 70s. I won the auction on eBay, actually it was a best offer. The woman took forever to ship it and now I must wait - check FedEx - wait some more - check FedEx *ugh!*