Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Vacation Treasures

I just got back from a 2 1/2 week trip to Pennsylvania and Maine to visit relatives. Overall we logged in 3100 miles of driving. I'm definitely glad to be back home.



My family is selling our family home of a hundred years. While cleaning it out they came across a "circular-type knitting machine." Of course, I immediately laid claim to it and identified it as a sock knitting machine. My grandmother claims to have never seen it before and she has lived in the house since the 1940's. Since the machine dates from 1922, I would guess that my great-grandmother had a little side business knitting socks in the 20's. Unfortunately the machine is in poor condition after 80 years in the attic.



The Autoknitter










A Broken Gear Ring










A Broken Cylinder

Although many have suggested that this machine is beyond hope, I am hoping with a couple new parts that it might be usable. It would be nice to have that connection to the past. Any wisdom would be appreciated!

In other news, I visited Halcyon Yarns and purchased a drop spindle and some wool. Not a pretty sight so far but I am hoping to improve with some practice.

3 comments:

miyamojo said...

That's a lot of driving!
I hope you find replacement parts. DH says a skilled machinist could make parts, but it would cost a fortune.

I AM worried about finishing Lyra! But look what I'm doing right now... reading blogs! ;) Can you say 'denial?' :)

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