Seabreeze Spinners

Photos of newly acquired Franz & Pope Sock Machine originally manufactured in the late 1800′s in Ohio. These are the “before” pictures. My goal is to clean him up and get him knitting. My first task was to remove the partial sock and bathe the entire machine in Ballistol. The “Sportsman’s Oil” “feeds the metal”, lubricates and protects but doesn’t lift paint. I’ve ordered needles from Pat@AngoraValley so I shouldn’t run in to the problems I’m having with the Twombly.

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“Restorer”, Jacquie Grant, at Kiwi House, NZAK, home of the newly manufacturered New Zealand Auto Knitters, provided photo of needle which was modified to work in her Twombly. That working Twombly is one of over 200 sock machines in her collection.
(click on image to see photo of needle)
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This is the Twombly Sock Machine, Family Knitting Machine, Circular Sock Machine, cleaned and restored, waiting for needles.

To view larger image click on any photo in this blog and then when new image appears, click on that image.

To mount the sock machine I modified a stool from the bare furniture store, cutting out a bit to accomodate the screw clamp and adding a hidden weight underneath (10# barbell weight) to help offset the cantelievered weight of the sock machine.

She’s a beauty. Now all I need is needles.

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12/4/2010 UPDATE Loom SOLD

10/12/2010 UPDATE Owner has lowered asking price. Please contact her directly to discuss purchase.

Harrisville 45″ weaving width floor loom, 8 harness, 10 treddle in good condition. Asking $1200. Warp assembly folds up into castle. Included with loom is 20 yd. warping reel, adjustable bench, tool tray, bobbin winder, and boat shuttle. Price does not include shipping, but if within a reasonable distance of Venice, FL I can deliver.
Contact me at lfnm63@gmail.com

If you’re interested, please contact the seller directly. I am not affiliated with the seller in any way and am just passing this information along for anyone who might be interested. Tropical Twister

This is my first foray into Steampunk/Viking Knitting chain jewelry, my most recent obsession. First, I used a 1948 Hobby-Knit, which I found on eBay, to create the chain. (Hobby-Knits are in production again and available through “Knit It Now“.) Wire is trickier than thread. When working with wire, I worked without the plastic dome and tended to my stiches carefully. I also used more weight. I’d recommend working with 28 guage or finer uncoated wire.

The wire was then pulled, always the same direction, through a draw plate. Each time it was drawn through it was passed through a successively smaller hole. Wire is tough on finger tips; I’d recommend holding on with needle nose or other pliers.

Here are two finished, rather funky necklaces (to see larger images of any pictures on this site, first click on image and when you go to page with that alone, click again on the image to see a detailed image):

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UPDATE: SOLD 8/16/2010

LOUET Hatbox Spinning Wheel Demo

Louet S40 Hatbox spinning wheel for sale.

Video HERE demonstrates the wheel spinning and how to set-up for spinning or take down for toting. It is easier than I make it look; I was trying to put things together one-handed and upside down while making video:) Hatbox will be listed on eBay … will update with address.

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In Search Of (ISO) needles for Twombly Sock Machine. Photo below shows dimensions needed. From “heel” (bottom tip) to “butt” (protrusion), 1/2″; overall length needed 1 7/8″. Could actually be a bit longer. Any suggestions?

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Dr. Richard Candee, historian and author of Hand-Cranked Knitter and Sock Machine, forwarded this photo to me of an early Twombly showcased in a German museum. Wow! Tropical Twister

Am in need of needles for Twombly Sock Machine …. collectors help me out. Photo of needle. Two on the left are from an Auto Knitter (knitter and ribber needles), the one on the right is a Twombly.

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Just picked up an eBay find, an extraordinarily rare Twombly Circular Sock Machine. The patent dates are 1873 & 1876. I don’t know the age of this machine, but it’s old. The sock machine and the bobbin winder were apparently displayed on an old table leaf. The machine is displayed in an upright manner but when in operation, would have been attached to the edge of a table and the gold gilt would have been up and the brass basket would have been down. Photos below as found. (Will take more photos as the restoration process continues.) It appears mechanically sound, and if I can find needles to fit, I plan to get her up and running. Beautify gold leaf trim over black enamel finish. Delighted with my find.

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