| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| sally_in_wales |
Knitting, especially socksI have brief and occasional knitting phases. I quite like knitting socks on four needles, but ever since I discovered that the world held such devices as hand cranked circular knitting machines, I've lusted after one. However, although they were allegedly made into the 1980s and should therefore exist second hand, I've only ever seen antique ones. Anyone got one, know of any current affordable makes, got any cunning sock churning-out plans, that sort of thing??I'm sure I even once saw a kids plastic version. I've tried the giant knitting nancy type sock frame, and its much faster just to knit on 4 or 5 needles, but I like the idea of cranking out a pair of socks in an evening just by turning a handle... |
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| culpepper |
knitting them flat on a knitting machine can be quite speedy.
I havent done any in a while but could easily do a pair of ankle socks in an evening. |
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| wellington womble |
Good lord, I didn't know such things even existed. Mind you, I have only this very day, mastered purl - and knitted about half a hat! | ||
| knitty visitor |
Knitting, especially socksHi - I think you are talking about a knitting "loom". A quick internet search will get you on your way for either a restored machine or a new one - although if I remember correctly there is more of a market for looms in the USA. I have never tried one and I applaud you for fashining four/five needle socks. I can only do 2 needle simple ones! |
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| hardworkinghippy |
It only takes about an hour to do socks on a single bed ordinary knitting machine.
I posted how to do it in here a while ago - I'll look it out.... You can do circular knitting on most twin bed machines - I've a pattern if anybody wants it. HWH |
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| hardworkinghippy |
Sock making on a single bed machine:
http://forum.downsizer.net/viewtopic.php?t=999&highlight=so ... |
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| sally_in_wales |
Oh no, I now want a knitting machine! But I havent got anywhere for it aargh... | ||
| sally_in_wales |
Just had a quick look online for a twin bed knitting machine- so I know what I'm keeping half an eye open for. But I can't seem to find one. Is there a specific term I should be searching on? |
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| tahir |
Re: Knitting, especially socks
Didn't Wallace and Grommit have something like that? How big is this circular knitting machine? The only ones I've ever seen are huge (but they've been in knitwear and t-shirt factories) |
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| sally_in_wales |
This is the sort of thing http://www.angoravalley.com/ak.html though there are lots of models, a bit like with the early sewing machines | ||
| tahir |
That's a lot smaller..., never seen em but I'll keep my eyes open | ||
| otatop |
I was "asked to leave" the brownies before I finished knitting the string dishcloth. I much prefer my sewing machine. I don't have to get very far into a project before I can step back and admire. | ||
| Bugs |
 
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| Guest |
hi have been reading the posts on knitting with great interest. i have knitted before using needles but only baby garments. i would love to experiment with a knitting machine. i have looked at a few and they do look rather confusing.
so hopefully somebody will be able to answer my questions on this matter. 1. are these machines easy to use ? 2. any particular make/model i should look for ? 3. is it more expensive than with knitting with needles ? thanks |
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| Róisín |
Sally, I worked in a haberdasheries and those needles are still for sale in your normal fabric/ haberdashery shop. If you really can't find them, the staff should be able to source them for you as they definitely are still being made, and made in England too 
I was asked to leave Brownies too! This is the first time I've met someone else who was! *waves furiously* What was the reason behind your leaving? Mine was that I was sick for three weeks and refused to pay the fee for those three weeks ...
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| nora |
Sally, what about these for something to knit while you wait for a sock machine to turn up?!
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/PATTnosewarmer.html I've also just noticed that there is a pattern on the same site for making big socks and then felting them down to the right size. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/PATTfuzzyfeet.html |
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| sally_in_wales |
Ooh! Nosewarmers! Can we start a fashion trend??? | ||
| sally_in_wales |
DP needles are no problem, I can make those out of dowel as well as buying the modern metal versions. But do you mean you've seen sock knitting machines still on sale??? |
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| Róisín |
No, sorry, just the needles, no machines 
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| Guest |
Second hand domestic sized sock machines come along every now and again - keep your eyes out in eg EXchange and Mart, or textile-related industry magazines. I have seen one or two on e-bay, and there is a firm in Lancashire (I think) who make new ones. They are also demonstrated at the Knitting & Stitching shows, if you ever get to any of them. Quite pricy, ie in the high hundreds.
they are exceedingly heavy and cumbersome, though, even the ones for sue at home - my friend has one she is threatening to lend me, but I reckon I can knit a sock in the time it would take me to thread hers up and make a start.................but I may be wrong. You have to have something weightly on which to put it as well - she uses the base of an old Singer machine, the one with the cast iron legs, etc, otherwise it can "walk" a bit, and you don;t want that falling off your table................. |