This afternoon I was updating one of my old patterns, which included Dritz Luxury Chenille and decided to take a bit of time to learn more about this yarn. Here's what I learned . . .
Vintage Knit Crochet - Bits of History
Bits of Knitting and Crochet History collected and researched from vintage pattern books, newspapers and magazines. A fun look at old advertisements and tid-bits about the makers of threads, yarns, tools, pattern books and more.
Sunday, January 10, 2021
Dritz Luxury Chennile Yarn
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Spinnerin Touchdown Yarn
I was working on a pattern last night that called for Spinnerin Touchdown Yarn. Out of curiosity, I slipped over to Google to see what it was. Well, sometimes, these vintage yarns can be quite challenging, which is the case with this one. Google results, other than a couple pattern references, had nothing. That means, not a single skein for sale on Ebay or Etsy, a blog post showing off a stash., nor a single detail page at Ravelry. Nothing. Now, the challenge was on. I headed right over to Newspaper.com.
The yarn was introduced to the market in late 1948.
Friday, August 7, 2020
Filet Crochet Deer Pattern, Mail Order
This newspaper ad takes us to September of 1960 and was published in the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper. I've seen the 'N' designation before, but have further study to determine if this was used solely by the Inquirer, or if it simply ties it to the original pattern by Needlework Bureau. I also found 9/1960 advertisement showing it released as Audrey Lane in Oklahoma.
Typically the pattern numbers did not change when rebranded. For example, the American Weekly designs were all Alice Brooks Designs. I'm sure I'll find more references to rebranding of numbers.
Thanks for dropping by,
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Mayfair Needle Art Designs, Mail Order Patterns
Monday, June 8, 2020
Vintage Crochet Cape Pattern, Alice Brooks 5360
This pattern is best described as fragile .... as it should be ... going all the way back to 1936.
In case you can't make out the print from this photo -- the official write-up: "A summer night, starlilght and your sheerest frock call for this lacy capelet, which, in turn, calls for crochet hook and a bit of white, pastel or black string. You'll love the soft scarf collar that ties so fetchingly 'neath your chin, so hurry - if you'd enjoy this cape all summer. It will do equally well for a neighborly visit or a more formal occasion". I have to say, as far as pattern descriptions go, this is nothing less than a charmer!
The pattern is now available in the shop, should you be interested.
Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie
Friday, June 5, 2020
Crochet Snowflake Doily Pattern Series, Anne Cabot
The series, six patterns in all, began in April, 1942 and continued at sporadic intervals into September 1942. "The snowflake, brilliant white and lacy, lends itself as a perfect motif for the crochet doily pattern". Now, I'm sure the description of duplicating from a photograph under a microscope is a bit of a stretch. But, you know, it's all about marketing!
Here's the collection. I've duplicated the exact wording below each from the newspaper descriptions.
The same series was released in a number of newspapers in 1943 and a couple also appeared randomly, with different descriptions, not referencing the collectors series.
As I said, I have just two of them in my current collection. I would, of course, like to have them all! If you happen to have the missing 4 in your collection, would you be willing to share them? I'll trade for other patterns!
Hope you enjoyed the series. Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie