I should think I could even use my straight knitting machines to make the  
stockings if I wanted a seam up the back. And even if you knit them by hand  
you're going to have some give because of the nature of the stitches. But right 
 
now I'm more concerned about sewing myself a couple more outfits than making  
stockings for other people. It's really hard trying to get some sewing done 
with  a retired husband around. Every time I want to go in my sewing room, he 
thinks  of some other work I should be doing instead.
 
Chris P.
 

On May 13, 2008, at 11:05 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

> I  also own a very old stocking knitting machine that is circular. I  
>  haven't  done anything with that yet. I am curious to see if I   
> could make stockings on it  that re enactors could  use.


It depends on the era and accuracy you're  aiming for.  Circular  
knitters were used for stockings in the  19th century.  Prior to that,  
machine-knit stocking were knit  flat to shape and seamed up the back  
and along the sides of the  foot.  Hand knit stockings were always  
around and knit in the  round.

With a circular sock machine, you could make  accurate stockings  
for the 19th and 20th centuries.  For earlier  times, you can offer  
colors and materials beyond what is commercially  available currently.

Early knits for stockings, both  hand and frame (machine) knit,  
are dense without much stretch.   Latch hook machines make a stretchy  
knit, and even with the tension  set very high it's not exactly the same.

Considering  that a most historic costuming means compromise,  
you can provide  something that will be useful to earlier reenactors.

-Carol



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