2019 July 15 - New Cast-On with any Split Ring Video

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Announcing the upload of a new YouTube video - a new “How to cast-on with any split ring cast-on bonnet bonnet - whether it’s the original by cylinder or Universal style” Video shows 96 cylinder Universal Cast-On Bonnet being used on a 54 slot cylinder. Beginning to end.

Click here for the YouTube VIDEO

Want to know how to hang split rings on a bonnet you’re making?

Check out my other videos on YouTube.
http://youtube.com/c/CSMLove

How to work flat CSM web/make a universal flat split-ring cast-on bonnet will be uploaded soon.

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 July 13 - Protective Work Mat

An easy solution that protects your floor and feet!

Protect your floor and your toes with an inexpensive mat. This is a great and inexpensive option from Dollarama in Vancouver, BC Canada

Basic floor oil protection - how to make a cupboard liner into something more :)

Basic floor oil protection - how to make a cupboard liner into something more :)

Also on INSTAGRAM

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 July 8 - DIY Yarn Mast

What is this for?

I wanted yarn mast on my machine which would work whether or not I added the DIY metal Mini-Mast I built. I realized I could use the three color Mini-Mast and if I wanted to add a FOURTH color with the regular yarn mast - all that would be needed would be a mast that wouldn’t collide with the width of the Mini-Mast as it travels around the machine during use. I also didn’t want to have to swap between a straight mast and a shaped one - just ONE that did both jobs.

The first result is shown on the lower left.

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After making the mini-mast to use up to three yarns in a multi-color-work project, I created a new bent rod yarn mast to accommodate the mini-mast. Using a steel rod from the hardware store works well. Made Nov 15/18.

Also on INSTAGRAM - REF1

See the blog entry on the MINI MAST Nov 10, 2018

See the blog entry on my first project June 9, 2021

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After determining the measurements, I wrote Dave Lord of Chambord CSM to request a custom version of his two piece Travel Yarn Mast. This is the fantastic result.

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 July 6 - Harbor Freight Table

My Goal: Configure a Pelican 1510 to secure my CSM and also contain a sturdy but lightweight table.

JULY 6: Inspired by the idea to have a lighter CSM travel with table option, today my boyfriend and I are overnighting in Bellingham, Wa to pickup a Harbor Freight inexpensive and light but sturdy table.

Photos of the modifications and timeline steps

I never seem to have one thing on the go so forgive me for jumping around.

Ok back at it - I am in lust with the idea of having a table which can be assembled and stored in a secure case also holding my machine. Having this for car travel events would be ideal but being so would allow for future airplane travel event destinations as well.

REGARDING FOAM

Foam is NOT CHEAP - but if you purchase non-pluck (non-pre-cut into cubes) foam it should last with extensive wear and tear if you protect the foam from oil contact.

The only person who really spoke about foam when I was seeking info suggested 1” thick layers purchased by the Foam Mattress shop - after having done this I realized that perhaps I’d prefer some thicker layers than what I’d ordered. Darn. Using foam one has to decide how to best align the parts within the case in a 3D layout. One has to decide whether to glue layers together or to leave the multiple foam layers like a puzzle. I would strongly caution against an extensive and confusing series of foam layers as this makes putting all back inside more difficult if flying - the harder it is for airport staff to return items the less likely they will be returned safely to the case - I’ve heard stories. :(

REGARDING CASES

A couple months ago I found a great deal for a larger 1650 Pelican online so I bought it (then upgraded the latches and wheels), and then I ordered two styles of special foam for it from a foam mattress shop. I didn’t finish customizing the foam to the case as I wanted to keep my options open (room for a second machine sometime in the future?!)

Ok so about the brand of cases I have and want to plan this for….

(I went with these because I was wrongly told this case will 100% cover the contents if something should happen when using the case and flying)

**Before we go any further I have had confirmation from Pelican itself that their guarantee ONLY covers the cost of the case - not the contents - so be SURE not to over pack a smaller case with too much weight!

**One can easily purchase a similar, secure case from a store like Harbor Freight at a much lower cost**

PELICAN CASES (more info on this website)
The Pelican 1510 Interior dimensions (LxWxD) 19.75"x11"x7.60" (50.2 x 27.9 x 19.3 cm)
The Pelican 1650 Interior dimensions (LxWxD) 28.57"x17.52"x10.65" (72.6 x 44.5 x 27.1 cm)

Looking at costs the new Pelican case 1510 was quoted at CAD$207.

REGARDING TABLES

The table I was using that the time - the popular adjustable height Ridgid table frame ‘travel table’, has a very wide table frame that can’t be reduced in size. See BLOG ENTRY ON THESE TABLES HERE. When in stock this table frame, a “Ridgid Flip Top Portable Work Support Stand” can be purchase from many sources including Home Depot, Amazon and eBay.

Ridgid table frame dimensions: (Height x Width x Depth) 7.50” x 21.70” x 30.60’. Weighs 24.29lbs (as per Home Depot).

So then I broke down what I wanted and how I could make this happen.

I noted that the wonderful Lamb Tuttle (correctly referred to as the Lamb LT-150 which is bundled with a beautiful reinforced metal table). Sadly the table alone was outside of my budget, quoted at $410 USD (plus shipping/customs).

I also noted that the build for a table like this doesn’t appear difficult so I gave thought to making one perhaps completely from hardware supplies. Unfortunately for the cost for one metal leg I could instead buy a similar mostly finished similar design table from Harbor Freight in the States - they don’t have Canada shipping. Weekend adventuring yay! From home to the store it’s slightly over a 2 hour round trip drive if done in one visit. Harbor Freight sells this table for USD$35 with an additional 20% off coupon.

While planning our trip I continued to do my homework - I fell in love with the (Universal CSM Table) “NZAK Multi Machine Stand” offered by Jacquie Grant of Sock World however it lists at $349 CAD (plus shipping/customs). It is VERY lightweight. I need to win the lottery.

Ok back to the idea of the Harbor Freight table - the idea of a metal, easy-to-assemble style of table has been bouncing around in my head for a couple months.

Alas I discovered the American retail store “Harbor Freight”. They are a tool focused multi-location shop that does not ship to Canada. However after viewing their “29’ Heavy Duty Tool Stand” for USD$34.99 my boyfriend and I decided to make a romantic overnight trip on the weekend. When we drove the 2.5 hours to get to the nearest location (Bellingham, Washington), they had one on display and one unopened package on the shelf. (We had called ahead - they’d said they had 5 in stock). Their website even offered a 20% off coupon shown at the cashier. SCORE!

FANTASTIC!

We even picked up a totally useful Folding Platform Truck for USD#39.99

We had such a lovely time in Washington - I had my first Olive Garden visit - we walked around a near a large park with nature trails - we shopped at Trader Joes - AND we went to Bellisfair mall where we discovered a store called TORRID. We got my honey a new pair of kicking runners and three wonderful dress shirts at JC Penny.

Once we were back on home soil we stopped at home depot again and upgraded from the imperial screws used to metric to be able to also use wingnuts instead of the regular connectors that came with the table.

I am now eagerly awaiting the Pelican 1510 case that I ordered.

FOLLOW-UP: The table is complete and as amazing as hoped.With the wooden top I found the table to weigh 15-20lbs - sadly more than hoped. Assembling this table takes approximately 20 minutes however considering all I am still very pleased.

Also on INSTAGRAM - REF1,

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 July 1 - Beginning this WEBSITE :)

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Welcome!

First Blog Entry: Beginning

(Cue balloons).

Welcome to the Blog section of this website. This is my introduction and official blog starting point of the internet madness. May it be an adventure!

My name is Karen.

I grew up in with a less than affluent childhood which I felt inspired my creativity at an early age to create when something lacked (over just buy it). After all who needs to buy it if you can make it?

I was introduced to crochet somewhere in elementary school (somewhere in the mid-1980’s), knitting (somewhere mid-1990’s), discovered plastic Addi Express “machine knitters” and later the CSM (2012). What an exciting creative time! One is only limited by one’s imagination and patience.

With regards to the CSM I continue to be creatively inspired and with that I’ve wanted for some time to organize my creative wanderings. Historically having found Ravelry to be a wonderful “notebook” style record keeping option (they have forums too but personally I don’t feel they provide an easy medium). I discovered a few CSM Yahoo Groups way back then and when those lost their popularity (people stopped posting there), it seemed most of us merged over to the vast array of CSM groups on Facebook. Unfortunately (or fortunately) there are just so MANY CSM Facebook groups with all sorts of moderator approaches. If someone wants to participate they have to A) be a facebook user and mostly B) locate a busy CSM Facebook group and request to join. If you want to reach many people you have to cross-post (and often that’s frowned upon).

Alas even Facebook can be quite limiting with posts automatically dropping any shared photos in a PHOTOS section and uploaded videos later being accessible in the VIDEO section - the problem I found was that if you were seeking a post by viewing it from the PHOTO section it often didn’t lead you back correctly. An active Facebook group sometimes gets a little flustered and incorrectly lists the timeline of individual shares. Photos shared in the comments section of a post often aren’t added automatically to the group photo section. But for something FREE - what more can you ask for?

Thus I’ve decided to dance a new tune. Enter this website and Blog. :)

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BLOG GOALS?

This resource is being made available to all without payment and is aimed for anyone wanting to peek over the fence of what might be happening in some CSM areas on my side of the fence. This site will NOT be mirroring any content posted by others on Facebook. I still believe those CSM Facebook groups are useful and do enjoy reading everyone’s contributions. YAY.

I certainly do not know everything (I believe we are ALWAYS learning) however if what I have learned thus far, and/or if my adventuring helps you in some way then my goals will be achieved.

May your own journey be as inspired as mine is.

CSM Love,

Karen Ramel, Vancouver, BC Canada

Also on INSTAGRAM - REF1,

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 June 26 - Marketing and Promotion

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I believe very strongly about identifying one’s crafted items - its the ONLY way people can identify those items once they head out in the world - an easy way for someone to connect after the fact!

What I’ve done to help connect…

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  • custom designed ribbon style labels (new labels include my website not just my email)

  • custom business cards

  • custom vinyl labels

  • card and promotional material displays

  • custom backpack

  • custom cell phone case

  • car license plate holders

  • car windshield decals

In addition to the above physical materials, I also ensure to include my information on all videos and patterns I create. All patterns are universally readable as they are in adobe pdf format.

Too often I am excited to find a printed pattern on something that interests me only to find it does not contain a contact info for the source of that pattern etc.

Below is the updated fabric tag as it looks now (shown much larger than it actually is)

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All the above measures are done hand in hand with INSTAGRAM and website posts with additional info being intermittently posted to some CSM Facebook Groups.

The license plate holders: July 20/19 Is it wrong to be so excited about having ordered a set of custom license plate frames for our car with “Circular Sock Machine” on the top and my almost about to be announced website on the bottom? 😉 (Was cheaper than paying CAD$100 fee + annual cost of $40 to have custom plate if available - although between you and me I’d still do it) :) See INSTAGRAM

August 2022: I have now ordered two direction fold ribbon and rivet mount labels that offer either direction text reading.

Also on INSTAGRAM - REF1, REF2

April 19, 2022: I’ve upgraded our shipping supplies to use this cool wireless label printer. While it can be plugged into my desktop, I prefer to use it wirelessly from my iPhone. :)


Dec 24, 2022 UPDATE:

I’ve ordered new business cards, a stamp, new fabric labels and a 24x36 foam board ad board for events.

Now that I’m married (May 2023) I needed to update labels and thought while doing so, why not create extras for other purposes. Label supplier: Sticker You

Connect your info!

Create an Instagram account (if you haven’t yet) and easily click connect it with your website/Facebook/YouTube/email and more via a free or paid service. I use a upgraded paid service with taplink so that my Instagram has more than one clickable link via the profile.

https://linktr.ee/

https://linkpop.com/

https://taplink.cc/


For more info see the “Marketing” section at the bottom of the SUPPLIERS page

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 June 24 - Universal Bonnet Giveaway

Working on something special for the Kathy Howland organized Spokane, Wa CSM event Sept 19-22/19 stay tuned. Contact Kathy for event info spokanecrank-in@outlook.com

EDIT: Each attendee who approached my setup at this event was given a free event-created UNIVERSAL CAST ON BONNET. :)

Also posted on INSTAGRAM

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 June 23 - Topper Lighting

A slight eBay lighting upgrade installed yesterday with plastic zip ties/zap straps. Check it out the actual inexpensive light on second photo.

Also on INSTAGRAM

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 June 15 - 108 Heritage Site CSM

When I least get expected it, we came across a CSM in a museum near my boyfriends’ parents. It’s a 1920 Gearhart with a unique ribber arm (mounted to machine opposite to yarn carrier by its own screw). Spoke with staff and was given unrestricted supervised access. Gave them my card and just emailed them some missing info on their machine. So excited!

WHERE THIS MACHINE IS

More info on gearhart: https://gearhartmachines.wordpress.com/about/

Also on INSTAGRAM

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 June 11 - DIY Yarn Carrier

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JUNE 11/19 - Working on a new CSM project using the new Dremel I picked up on sale a couple days ago (upgraded from my jobmate Dremel knockoff). Here I’m creating a mock cylinder as a sheet metal bending tool.

JUNE 18/19 - CSM accessory prototype no.3 being carved out of 16 gauge sheet metal. What it is will be announced once it’s formed and being machine tested. This is *not* a heel hold down gearhart tool.

Slow going with only small windows of making noise available before or after my full time employment at the dental office.

JUNE 29/19 - Progress on the DIY reproduction of a Slotted Antique Yarn Carrier. I then riveted the two parts and reinforced one yarn feeder spot. Testing to resume on machine soon with final adjustment.

JUNE 30/19 -  Introducing the reproduction and modification of a Slotted Antique Yarn Carrier. 

Also on INSTAGRAM - REF1, REF2, REF3, REF4, REF5, REF6, REF7,

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 May 30 - CSM Event - Lacey, WA

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This was my setup at the Lacey, Washington CSM EVENT organized by Pat Fly “Spring Sock Machine Retreat May 30-June 2/19”. This is my third CSM event, second time with Pat in Lacey (first Lacey event was Nov 23-25 in 2018). My very first CSM event was in Spokane, WA Sept 20-23/18 organized by Kathy Howland.

GIVEAWAY - for this event I made a set of Universal Cast On Bonnets for anyone attending who approached me to ask for one. :) INFO HERE.

I held a yarn dyeing workshop - was so much fun - see the INSTAGRAM POST

See my table setup at this event below - note the gauge swatch - an essential step to understand the relationship to yarn and machine settings to better predict socks and rows per inch. See more info - BLOG: Determining CSM Gauge Oct 13/18

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Also on INSTAGRAM

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 May 26 - Universal Bonnet Giveaway

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I am hard at work knitting up some universal split-ring cast-on bonnets which might be given away at next weekend’s Pat Fly May 30-June 2/19 Lacey, Washington crank-in event.

Want more event info? Email pat@angoravalley.com

Find me at this event (and any of those I’m attending) introduce yourself and be nice - you might be given one to keep! :)

Also on INSTAGRAM

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SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 May 22 - Ball Chair Cover

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A view of the (currently under inflated) ball chair with homemade csm fabricated knitted fabric cover in Birkeland Wool.

Still to do: inflate ball and sew on Velcro for securing ball to wheel mount (makes it safer to use).

Initial post:

Progress update: (silent video) here is a view of edge stitch securing with my sewing machine.

The fabric shown is Birkeland Wool worked in the round using 52 stitches of a 54 cylinder on my Legare 400. I then cut up the tube on one of the two rows of unknitted stitches.

Due to this very fibre-rich, fuzzy wool the only way to get it to knit on my csm was to set it on the loosest machine tension creating a fairly dense knitted fabric. I’ve been working though my different Birkeland Wool lately in this manner with the idea of making a blanket.
This last fabric (shown here) is being made into a new side project - ball chair seat cover (being finalized in the next day or so) 

See the sewing machine stitches on the fabric edges VIDEO

See the RAVELRY project: “Chair Cover #1”

Also on INSTAGRAM - REF1, REF2,

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 April 20 - CSM Pants!

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What’s on your csm?

I’m 96 cylinder knitting a cone of yarn to make prototype fabric I can then design with. Plans include blanket, sleepwear, sweater and pants. ;) Working flat on the machine is easy but not as fast as working in the round. Creates a wonderful inspired fabric.

Also on INSTAGRAM - REF1, REF2, REF3, REF4, REF5,

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 April 15 - Keep scissors nearby

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A helpful tip: where I keep my scissors while working on my Legare.

April 15/19 - Attaching a name tag to this is also a great trick. Milward brand scissors from Amazon.ca CAD$13

See the related VIDEO

August 12/19 - Tips and Tricks: keeping scissors on hand idea No.2

Also on INSTAGRAM - REF1, REF2,

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 April 11 - Legare cranking

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Just because it came up a few times I created a quick video on how easily one can turn the crank to go in either direction on a closed cam machine such as the Legare.

Autoknitters and those cam machines sold at Erlbacher Gearhart are open cam machines which require needle lifting to clear the needle butts, to go in reverse.

All machines are great and useful - however this is a big difference and one of the main reasons I love my Legare over all.

Check out the video.

Also on INSTAGRAM.

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 April 8 - Universal Bonnet

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APRIL 9/19 POST: Introducing the “Universal Split Ring Flat Cast-On Bonnet”

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It’s HERE! An intro video is available on YouTube

I didn’t like that in order to cast on with a fiber bonnet - I had to use a specific bonnet for that cylinder.

Why not something universal?

Introducing my ”CSM flat web/flat panel knitting universal cast on”.

As an alternate to a single ended version, consider hanging split rings on the top AND bottom row of your panel for extended future use.

This item can be built on your largest stitch count cylinder using the usual picot edge with 6 mm Split Ring (when using a cast-on bonnet you only ever hang every second needle) this works as a cast-on bonnet for the cylinder it was built on AND any lesser stitch numbered cylinders.

I built mine on a 96 cylinder and tested it on that, a 72 and a 54. I used a P. T. Legare “400”. The concept is easy - video of method to come soon. Want to make your own and see the easy way to add split rings/picot? See my video.

How to cast on with this bonnet.

Thank you Karen Ramel.


APRIL 8/19 POST: Working on an exciting new project - to be introduced after testing. Non-circular project using “Flat Web” knitting on the CSM - method introduced by @heidibears originally found in AKMC a Automatic Knitting Machine Company CSM manual (date unknown)

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Also on INSTAGRAM - REF1, REF2, REF3,

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.

2019 April 4 - Machine Cleaning

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Sometimes a handy “rag” is needed when you find yourself cleaning someone’s Autoknitter cylinder (which appears to have not ever been cleaned). What you see here is maybe 10-15 years of prehistoric yarn fluff (machine used infrequently and just for tubes). Wow.

Also on INSTAGRAM

For similar posts see CLEANING on the INDEX page. See the BLOG INDEX page. See the SUPPLIES I LIKE

SEE ALL BLOG ENTRIES ON THE BLOG INDEX PAGE | Follow us on a variety of social sites see TAPLINK | Interested in Circular Sock Machines? See the CSM START Menu first page. | Seek something specific? Checkout the Index page.