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The Grande Dame
'Blueberry'
Blueberry was the beginning of my Circular Sock Knitting Machine Family.
As a veteran Flat Bed machine knitter, I loved making sweaters, shawls, skirts, hats and scarves, but I was intimidated when it came to the concept of making socks. When I heard there was machine made just for making socks? You guessed it! The search took me to Tenino Washington, where Blueberry, a Legare 400, manufactured in 1904, was the last available machine from that restorer at that time. 'Blueberry' had been experly restored and attractively powder coated in her brilliant coat of blue. It was a love / hate relationship for a few months, but now like any old friends we are tolerant of one another's mistakes and moods and mostly get along just fine. She is my 'go to' machine for many of the finer knit items and always gets to go to the fairs and shows to show off her reliable working style.
The Second Lady of the group
'Blackberry'
This heavily used and well-loved old girl came to me a few parts at a time. Bit by bit she came back to life and now is a real workhorse when the season calls for extra thick and cozy. Blackberry is a Legare 400 cam shell and crank. The rest of her parts are of unknown age. Her 6-hole topper, originally designed to make using multiple yarns easier as in when making argyle socks, came from BC, Canada, and her new yarn mast came from Home Depot. She sits well on her custom made stand that came from somewhere near Tenino, WA. The sum of all her parts create a reliable circular sock knitting machine that produces dependable results and beautiful quality. The following items were created using this incredible antique from 1902. Women's and children's socks, fingerless mitts, neck scarves and miniature jewelry items.
The Newest Addition From New Zealand
BB for now as this toddler is still earning her name
This slick, sleek, shiny machine came from down under and joined the girls in 2009. Like most babies, it needed a little coddling and feeding, but she's growing into a fine little wonder. With various size cylinders and ease of use, this baby girl can produce many items that make store bought goods look really lacking. She can manage fine lace yarns on up to sport weight and adapted well to a small light on the yarn mast. When I remember to ask her, she even keeps counts my rows for me. Wish she could write it down.