The WWI Sock Knitting Machine

So I finally got my WWI Sock Knitting Machine. These machines were given (along with the yarn) to anyone who would make 30 pairs of socks for the GIs during WWI. Alas, they are no longer being given away free.

I tracked this one down via eBay, and bought it from a couple in Vermont who restores them. It arrived in a large wooden box, in about 50 pieces (not to mention the 70+ needles that have to be inserted in the cylinder). So first I had the challenge of assembling it, and THEN the task of learning to use it.

The Sears workbench was NOT original Standard Issue.

Yes indeed, that's a paint roller. The yarn winds up very nicely on empty toilet paper rolls, which then slide onto the roller.

The sock sort of generates itself down the middle, creating a long, snaky tube. Some fancy maneuvering of needles creates cuffs, ribbing, heels and toes. Magic!

I started off making chains of cuffs and heels out of scrap yarn. It actually takes some practice to get the feel of the machine. One dropped stitch, and you have a big run down the length of the sock. Good thing it can be unraveled, re-wound, and re-knit.

Here it is - my first complete sock. It would be very wearable, if not for the fact that I accidentally sewed the toe seam from the wrong side, so there's a big ugly welt across the toe. I won't make that mistake again.

Now THIS is more like it!