Werner R. Leimgruber, was born in 1916 in Zurich, Switzerland. In 1939, at the age of 23, he was sent to the United States by Swiss Company. Wollgarn to start the Spinnerin Yarn Co. Mr. Leimgruber set up the business in New York (which is now part of the renowned Garment District).
They had a second address at 1407 Broadway, New York, which served their receiving, repacking and shipping space needs.
Spinnerin initially imports their yarns from Schoeller Textiles and for a time period shared a label. In 1945, Spinnerin were granted a approval for their Spinnerin logo (shown above).
The business is a niche, and they market it very well. Their products include not only yarn, but Ready Kits & Paks and a number of pattern books. In addition, Spinnerin was involved with knitting classes and fashion shows
In 1948, they finish building their South Hackensack plant. At this time, Spinnerin are still importing their yarn from various sources and dying within their plant. This would have been quite a large scale operation. Imagine here, receiving the yarns, dyeing, packaging, storing, distributing to needlework stores, etc. etc. etc.
Their operation grew to over 300 employees. By the late 1970's, Spinnerin began a business transition. Hook rug yarns and kits were introduced, as well as crewel patterns and materials. They also entered commercial supply of threads and yarns to garment manufacturers.
By the mid 1980's the company all yarn and thread advertisements end, signaling the end of Spinnerin Yarn as a niche market supplying needlecrafts.
And then .... well, I don't know. There are a large number of holes to this story that I'd love to update, but have been unable to find any contact. The website for Spinnerin Dye is non-functional, the telephone number is disconnected and the plant property is up for sale.
And there, this piece ends. Now, I've added a Google alert and will update this post should new information arise. AND, as always, if you have information to share, I'd love to hear from you.
Thanks for dropping by
Lorrie
Am looking for the old patterns book Fisherman Knits. Any idea of where I can find this sweater book and how much it would cost me. Would have to send.d a money order. Please advise. 1-916-719-6278. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAm looking for Spinneran Fisherman Knits Sweater book, circa 1977. Can you help? Can be reached at Mickie Alders on Facebook and Messenger, and mickiealders@gmail.com. if you can find send me a price and will be love you for the rest of my life!
ReplyDeleteLove this article! I have a Spinnerin pattern book from 1977, and it's a good one! Great patterns, not dated at all, and strong, well-written instructions. I was looking for information about the company and delighted to find your article!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the research- i came across some Spinnerin yarn and realized it was a local company.
ReplyDeleteWhere can I find spinnerin pre cut rug yarn I need yellow # 6844
DeleteI have acquired 8 skeins of “Dressy” Spinnerin yarn. The paper wrapping looks so old that I just had to research it. Thank you for the article. I’m guessing this yarn, then, is from the late 70’s. Still works!
ReplyDeleteI have acquired 8 skeins of “Dressy” Spinnerin yarn. The paper wrapping looks so old that I just had to research it. Thank you for the article. I’m guessing this yarn, then, is from the late 70’s. Still works!
ReplyDeleteI am using a color 33260. Trying to find the name of color
ReplyDeleteIf you can give me additional information from your label ... the type of yarn, etc., I might be able to find the color in a newspaper search.
DeleteI have a spinnerin casual assets sweater kit. Colors available are: Gaelic Gold; ascot olive; Bobbie blue; dover white; seafoam green; grey sweater. There aren’t any numbers that go along with the color names but I thought I would share this info with you. Take care.
DeleteThis was fun to read. I just sorted through my yarn collection and began crocheting a tote bag with some Companion Super “Sayelle” yarn by Spinnerin. I thought it was probably something I bought in the late 60s or 70s and this confirms it.
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