Cranky Striped Socks

Last month I learned about an accessory for the circular sock machine. The mini-mast is a great way to add stripes to your machine knitting. The first thing you need is a split yarn carrier. I found one through Chambord CSM. The yarn carrier showed up before the mini-mast, so I had some time to get used to it before trying two yarns. It works great and I'm not sure why I didn't buy one before.  

The mini-mast is sold by TurtleMade on Etsy. I purchased the Hybrid Mount Mini Mast for Erlbacher Gearhart Circular Sock Machine and made fun, two-row stripes. This is my first attempt. I lost track of where I was and started the heel too early. After dropping a stitch on that heel I broke the yarn and pulled it off. I'll wind this back up for monster socks. 

My first sock with the mini-mast. I miscounted, again, so I'll end keeping these. They are one row too short. I used a solid purple (Knit Picks Stroll) and a self-striping yarn (Knit Picks Felici) to get these great stripy socks. I can't wait to do this with all my leftovers. Monster socks are going to be great!

This is what the side looks like where I switch between yarns. 

Split Yarn Carrier by Chambord CSM

Hybrid Mount Mini Mast for Erlbacher Gearhart Circular Sock Machine

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)
RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc)