Jacquie Grant has been collecting circular sock machines for about 30 years. She owns about 200 and a factory that makes them. "It's just the technology that interests me," Grant said.

Jamie Mayfield demonstrates the Erlbacher-Gearhart circular sock knitting machine at Fort D during Heritage Days.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A blast from the past is on display in Springfield. You may have never heard of a circular sock machine. The contraption dates back to the 1860s, allowing for quick manufacturing.

RACINE — Forty-five people from seven states gathered last week at First United Methodist Church to knit as part of the first Antique Circular Sock Machine Conference in Southeast Wisconsin. The crank ...