What to Bring with to a Sock Machine Gathering

Use this check list of items to bring with to a retreat, crank-in, CSMSA Conference or anytime you take your sock machine out in public.

Ensure your sock machine is in good working order prior to attending the event.  This will enable you to attend all the classes, as most classes start promptly the first day.  Classes are often times only held once  and if you are tinkering with your sock machine for half a day or more,  you will be missing out on many classes.

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Print a copy of this checklist

Sock Machine Items

• Sock machine -  in working order

• Manual

• Buckle

• Stem Weights

• Heel Forks

• Yarn Mast & Rod (topper)

• Screwdriver

• Oil

• Ruler or Sock Stick to measure socks

• Cylinder (s) of choice

• Ribber dial (s) to match if desired

• Needles and spares - make sure they are for the correct machine

• Machine stand - something to attach your machine to

• Carpet square, or throw rug to catch any drips of oil from your machine

• Lamp, or magnifying light if you use one regularly, some locations lack good lighting

• Extension cord and power bar/strip

• Transfer hook   crochet hook

• Set-up basket or bonnet, or other method of casting on

• Ball winder or cone winder – always great to have one for others to share

• Scrap yarn

• Good sock yarn

• Needle to Kitchener toes

• Scissors

• Small trash can for your trash

• Sock log record book if you use one to track socks made at the event

It is a good idea to mark your items so they do not get lost.

Personal Items

• Reading glasses

• Pen and paper

• Calculator

• Business cards with your name, and email address

• Clothes that will forgive an oil spill (jeans, t-shirts)

• Small rags or hand wipes

• Vitamins/medicines

• Road Atlas

• Information on event (classes, address, hotel, phone numbers)

• List of questions and/or concerns – someone may have an answer

• Cork screw or bottle opener

• Socks that you have made

• A treat to share (fruits – fresh or dried, juices, small wrapped candies)

• Cash, in small bills, Checkbook, credit cards (Someone is likely to have something you need or want.)

• Camera, lenses, manual

A retreat, a gathering, a convention…they’re what the participants make them. If you have a nifty idea, consider sharing it with the organizer, offering to do a little demo. Your idea may be brand new to some or all.

Are you having trouble with dropping stitches, heels, ribber use, hanging hems, etc  write these things down in a notebook and bring the notebook with so you can remember to ask for help.  Bring samples of items that you have had trouble with to show someone who can help you over come the problem.

Bring along some skeins of yarn, small hand made items, these are always nice to hand out to folks who go above and beyond helping you with your sock machine. 

An article to pin up for all to enjoy, a relevant picture, a contest, whatever might provide enjoyment and interest… all are welcome. Your contribution adds to the gathering.

You may wish to sell some items. Check with the organizer. Ask permission. People who take cones of scrap yarn, for example, rarely have to pack much up to take home. Perhaps you make your own soaps or creams. Some knitters are avid spinners. Fleece and fiber will catch their attention.

If the event includes a potluck meal, take the recipe for your contribution. Someone surely will ask you for it.

When you arrive at the event, ask the organizer where you should set-up your machine.  Try to keep all of your items near your set-up table.  Keep all walk ways clear during the event.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Write your questions down on a pad of paper, so when the teacher comes around you can ask.

Above all, take your sense of fun and adventure. Leave your cares at home, make new friends, learn a new skill, and pass one on.

Learn from as many people as you can at the event, there is more then one way to do many things on a sock machine,  find the method that works for you.  You will be amazed at how many ways there are to make a heel, transfer ribber needles, Kitchener a toe, etc.  Look at the various tools people use, yarns, stands, lights, counters.  

Remember there is no Right or Wrong way to make a sock,  if it works for you and you have a sock to wear  that is all that matters.  How you made it does not matter.   It's just a sock.

This list was provided by Julie Michaux

Please if you see anything we have missed on the list, email me and I will update the list.