Thursday, September 23, 2010

Calling all CSM Fans!!

Greetings Sock Knitting Machine Fans!  I am Jamie, daughter number 4 of Peewee's clan.  It was/is my job to make the socks on the CSM...I am thrilled to report that the old Gearhart has been put to pasture, I am using the first prototype of the all new Erlbacher Gearhart CSM!  However, I need your help.  

Question 1:  What's your favorite brand of sock yarn?  We would like to partner up with a yarn company/supplier but there are so many out there, I'd like to know your favorites!

Question 2:  Can you share your EASY sock patterns with me?  Remember that I am a newbie and that sometimes I end up with a big old wad of mess that I just have to wind back up into a center pull ball!  I'd like to know how to start off a sock without having to hang a hem...is that possible?  I'd also like to know the very easiest way to close a toe....

I can't wait to hear your comments/suggestions/responses!

In the meanwhile, I'll be cranking away....

5 comments:

Laurie said...

For sock yarn, I would recommend Wool2Dye4's Platinum Sock yarn. It is really fantastic, and since it is available on cones - makes it very easy to use with the sock machine (http://www.wool2dye4.com).

Jessica said...

As a hand dyer (Midnight-Designs.com), we use Wool2D4Dye4's platinum sock as one of our bases - it makes lovely socks on the CSM - the owner also has a CSM -extra bonus!

For sock patterns, you can do a toe up (no kitchnering) and latch off the top - if you don't want a hung hem, but really they are sooo simple. my favorite sock is a 3x1 mock rib on my 1924 Gearhart... take out every 4th needle, then knit 20, hang the hem, then continue with leg, put the back half of the needles back in for the pre-heel- I knit 5 to 10 rows, then the heel, then continue the foot, all needles in for the last two rows before the toe (makes kitchnering much easier), then the toe. pull off, kitchner and your done!

Unknown said...

I agree with Midnight Designs sock pattern, easiest to learn. Joann's sock yarns seem to be the smoothest in my machine, 1925 Gearhart 80 cylinder, and least expensive for a beginner. I've only been cranking for three years, so I still classify myself as a beginner!

Erlbacher Gear and Machine said...

Midnight Designs, can you please explain how to start a sock toe up and how to latch off the top? I told you guys I'm a newbie!!!

I understand the second sock recipe (ok, I had to read through it a few times, but I think i might have to skip lunch to try that one out!!!)

THANKS!!

Unknown said...

Here's a YouTube video that shows how to do the Toe-Up sock, if you watch it a few times I think you'll be able to figure out how to turn your pattern around and do it from the Toe-Up.
Terry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv4Os_QwCB0