There’s something about using vintage equipment that is comforting; reassuring solid structures, rhythmic clunks, handles smoothed by countless turns. I lived on Skye for a number of years and it was on a trip home that our ageing car decided enough was enough. We were stranded in Spean Bridge until the parts arrived. There are worse places to be with time on your hands. Spean Bridge has a woollen mill and there it was at the back of the store, a circular sock machine (CSM) used to crank out kilt hose. That such a thing existed was a revelation but to watch it being operated was mesmerising, another addition to the ‘one day I’d like a....’ list. ‘One day’ arrived and I am the proud owner of a Golden Fleece CSM; a fully functioning machine with three drums and ribber plates. She has her moments but it’s all part of discovering how to get the best out of 100 year-old piece of engineering.
Contemporary sock yarn comes in glorious pre-patterned colours. Superwash wool gives them softness and nylon gives strength, so machine washable at up to 40◦C. There’s also a cotton rich version. And just in case, there’s a tiny skein provided should it be needed for darning.
As the label states:
These are no ordinary socks.
These socks were hand-cranked on an antique circular sock machine.
These socks were chosen to match your personality – bold, bright, beautiful.
These socks were selected for a special someone!
