Picture: A collection of historical hand-operated sock-making machines.
New Zealand's television commercials are perfect for red-necks: power tools, fishing kits, car repair machinery and other “real-men” toys are advertised. No wonder Kiwis are experts in fixing cars, boats and other machinery. It is not unusual to come across cars that sport more than 300'000kms on the clock! In Hokitika on the Southern Island I came across another skilled craftsman, or more craftswoman: Jacky. Jacky has been collecting sock knitting machines for decades and her shop-cum-museum sports a dazzling variety of vintage machines, some dating back 250 years. There are also a fully functional vintage textile machine and antique sock knitting machines. I can highly recommend Jacky's possum-merino-blend socks! Jacky is also the last person in the world that still manufactures a hand-operated sock knitting machine that is sold for NZD 2'000. The New Zealanders continue to amaze me with their inventiveness and persistency!
Sock World & Sock Knitting Machine Museum, 75 Revell Street, Hokitika, Southern Island, New Zealand (open 7 days).
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