What could be nicer than a preview of coming attractions? In the next issue, the subject of carding washed fleece will be presented. Carding with hand cards and by drum carder will be illustrated in text and photographs.  Pat Lees, Sheeplady from Wildflower Farm, is familiar with both methods and has furnished some excellent photographs for the article. Her drum carder on the right was converted from crank to motor driven. Learn more about it in the next issue.

       My readers have probably been wondering when I would get around to saying something instructive about circular sock machines. No one has complained, but I think the time has come to offer my views on the mechanical problems so often encountered when bringing old sock machines back to life.
       Few parts on a circular sock machine can cause as much difficulty and mystery as a faulty latch needle. How can one know the problem is a bad needle, and not a worn out cam, broken spring, or incorrect adjustment. Some problems are due to operator error. Knitting with yarn too large for the machine, or with timing adjustments off, or with yarn carriers set too high, all relate to operator input.
       However, if a sock machine is dropping stitches or failing in any department, one of the parts that may need attention is a latch needle. The purpose of this article is to call attention to several mechanisms by which a needle may fail, and specifically because of a fault of the needle.
       When a needle is obviously rusty or bent, it is quickly recognized as a culprit. It is the needle that seems to work, or works sometimes, or looks as though it should work, that causes the most difficulty.  That is when we are likely to assume the fault is in some other part of the machine. My approach to this topic is to show how to recognize a needle that is likely to fail.

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