I caught up with Shelly Hatton at Maker Faire Austin, where she was demonstrating antique circular sock knitting machines! She writes, "Circular sock machines have been around since the early 1900's and were built so sturdily that they still survive and work to this day. The machines were originally advertised as a way for homemakers to make money at home by cranking out socks, but the learning curve was really high. Currently, there are a number of enthusiasts around the globe who help each other figure out how to use these really nifty antique machines." Shelly got interested in these machines when she heard a friend had knitted a pair of sock in two hours!