The Newsletter

The Newsletter is dedicated to the care and use of collectable circular knitting machines known as Circular Sock Machines (CSM). It is published four times a year. There are generally four pages per issue. The newsletter has colored pictures illustrating techniques, etc. There are no ads.

In 1993 Bonnie, the newsletter's publisher, wrote an article for the Spin Off magazine about the circular knitter. The article generated so many inquirys from around the world that Bonnie decided to publish a short newsletter to provide answers. The Newsletter started in March of 1997 and presently is in its 23th year.

What is in the Newsletter?

Regular features include:

• Patterns and Techniques, At least two new patterns and techniques are include in each issue. Patterns found in the first 20 years of newsletters have been assembled and available on a CD here.
• From the Past, providing new articles by Richard Candee, author of The Hand-Cranked Knitter and Sock Machine: A Social History and Catalogue of 19th and 20th Century Home Knitters of American Invention or short news clips published in the early 1900s.
• Yarn Connections, giving information about where to obtain appropriate yarns for the machines, what works best, etc.
• Machine Use, gives tips and trouble shooting information, and Readers Comments, allows readers a voice in the publication.
• Regional Happenings, Where and when groups of knitters in a local region are getting together for a 'knit-in'.
• Other avocation happenings, Who is doing what, where, and the outcome.

Techniques

Over the years people who use these machines have assembled a plethora of knowledge about the old and the new. Extant records dating back to the machines invention times have provided an abundance of 'how to' techniques. Many innovative people, today, have improved, changed, invented, or tried new and different techniques and equipment. The newsletter tries to keep up with these old/new ideas.