Sock Knitting Machine, similar to one donated to

the Littlefield Lands / Duggan House Museum

by State Line Irrigation.

(This information was obtained from a book given to the Museum by State Line Irrigation, from a letter written to Joanne at State Line Irrigation, dated September 21, 1990 regarding three sock knitting machines dating from 1899, and from additional information found on the internet.)

Sock knitting machines – what are they? "The simple answer is, it makes socks. But much more than that, a sock machine is an antique, these machines are about 80 to 100 + years old. They are no longer being made, so each one you find is old and has it’s own history behind it. Someone back in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s owned it, and worked at home to make socks for the men in the war, and earn some extra money.

"You can also knit mittens, scarves, and various other items on them."

I was informed by Lana Wegner, President of the Board for Littlefield Lands / Duggan House Museum, as well as owner of Blueberry Antique Mall and Gifts, that State Line Irrigation had a sock knitting machine they wanted to give to the museum.

Just like many of you, I said, "What? What is that?" I’d never seen or heard tell of one. Shortly after that, I ran into Linda Fisher while at a board meeting. She’s helping with the auction of State Line property. Linda also is associated with the Ranching Heritage Center. She’s the person who had contacted Lana about the machine. We scheduled a time for me to see this wondrous machine. Thus I was introduced to the wonders of machine sock knitting at home. There are a number of people who still knit on these machines; in fact, there’s a "Sock Knitting Machines group".

On investigation, I learned that, at least on the machines I read about, two spools of yarn were usually used. I discovered an on-line class with instructions, as well.

"Another common question is can I make a heel and a toe with a sock machine? The answer is Yes, both can be made on the machine. The size of the sock can be made to fit large feet and small feet. You can make knee socks, ankle socks, dress socks, men’s ladies, ribbing, and you can even use the Fun Fur to make fancy cuffs.

"A sock can be knit in about an hour on a sock machine. So if you have a large sock yarn stash, a sock knitting machine might be for you. Or if you do not know how to knit, but like hand knit socks you will enjoy a machine. Many people with the machines also sell the socks for $20 + a pair.

"Another common question is what kind of yarn can I use on a machine? You can use any of the many self patterning sock yarns out now, which are a Sock weight, you can also use Sport weight yarns. And on the 54, 56, 60 slot cylinders you may also use Worsted weight yarns. When using the thicker yarns you will have to loosen the tension. Very nice mock ribbing can be done with worsted weight yarns.

Joanne (at State Line Irrigation) gave me a copy of a letter she’d received from Mayer Industrial Inc. Joanne had requested specific information on three models of machines. The response discussed the three models, giving manufacture dates of 1899, 1918, and 1906. A book was included with the letter, showing a number of different models. All of this information will be available for viewing at the museum in the near future.

We are truly a blessed country. We all owe so much to so many: our forefathers who began this town and struggled through unbelievably difficult circumstances to raise their families here; our military men and women who have gone off to fight for our freedom and continue to do so; our firefighters, law enforcement and paramedics who literally care for us on a daily basis; most of all, thank God for our community, our friends, our families. We West Texans are about as tough as they come!! Our ingenuity and stick-ability has always gotten us through the hard times, whether it’s now, or 100 years ago. May we come together united as a community whenever and wherever caring and unity are needed. (Please forgive my "soap box"; I was feeling particularly patriotic and grateful today.)