tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75442161448190880562024-03-12T22:45:17.295-05:00Vintage Knit Crochet - Bits of HistoryBits 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. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-56300063541554346502021-06-11T08:15:00.000-05:002021-06-11T08:15:41.054-05:00Vintage Crochet Medallion Pattern, Alice Brooks 5560<p> For this post, let's go back 87 years ... all the way to July, 1936. In newspapers across the country, Alice Brooks Needlework Design pattern 5560 was offered. </p><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/4937/22787/Pattern-5560-Crocheted-Medallion-Newspaper-Clip__01186.1623415388.jpg?c=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/4937/22787/Pattern-5560-Crocheted-Medallion-Newspaper-Clip__01186.1623415388.jpg?c=2" width="320" /></a></div> <div>It's a mail-order design. Just "write plainly pattern number, your name and address, along with 15 cents. And then, several weeks later, your pattern arrives in the mail. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/4937/20204/Alice-Brooks-5560-Crocheted-Medallion-Pattern__67652.1594079255.jpg?c=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vintage Crochet lace Medallion Pattern" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="622" height="400" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/4937/20204/Alice-Brooks-5560-Crocheted-Medallion-Pattern__67652.1594079255.jpg?c=2" width="311" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Each lovely lace square medallion measures 5 inches. -- "the best bedspread, the dressers matching scarf. You'll have reason indeed to be proud of this lacy pair, to say nothing of a tea or dinner cloth, buffet or vanity set, which grow little by little as you crochet a simple medallion". </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/4937/20206/Vintage-Lace-Crochet-Medallion-Pattern-No-5560__30142.1594079274.jpg?c=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="784" height="320" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/4937/20206/Vintage-Lace-Crochet-Medallion-Pattern-No-5560__30142.1594079274.jpg?c=2" width="314" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><u><a href="http://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crocheted-square-medallion-pattern-alice-brooks-design-5560/" target="_blank">Alice Brooks 5560 </a></u></b>arrives; printed on a large (20 x 30") sheet of paper and includes stitch detail diagrams to assist you in the design. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/4937/22785/Alice-Brooks-5560-1936-Pattern-Advertisement__75958.1623415387.jpg?c=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="524" height="400" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/4937/22785/Alice-Brooks-5560-1936-Pattern-Advertisement__75958.1623415387.jpg?c=2" width="262" /></a></div><br /><div>Design 5560 was quite a popular pattern in this time period as evidenced by additional newspaper promotions. The newspaper promotion was offered several times over a two year time period. The picture here is quite historic for the time period. Here, the woman dressed up every day, even if the major plan was to crochet! I'm sure this pattern would have also been offered under the Laura Wheeler, and possibly American Thread, brands as well, however, I've not yet identified the specific pattern numbers. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is just one of the many Mail Order Medallions for this time period. My search will continue to find more to <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/categories/mail-order-crochet/home-decor/squares-medallions.html" target="_blank"><b>add to my collection. </b></a> If you have any of these patterns you'd be willing to share, please let me know. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for dropping by, </div><div>Lorrie </div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-87420894633475591512021-04-13T08:17:00.001-05:002021-04-13T08:17:06.402-05:00Laura Wheeler 2040, Jiffy Crocheted Cloth PatternSome of these vintage patterns are so lovely, they deserve a blog post all of their own. And this, is not only lovely, but has a few interesting bits (or not), as well. Typically, the syndicated mail order patterns appeared in newspapers with just one picture .... the same that showed on the printed pattern itself. In the early years, however, there were a (very) few, that had multiple picture promotions. As is the case with this Design ... Mail Order 2040.. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmJpYcuzPXo/XyliJNOFngI/AAAAAAAAqag/sR8w6EthhN0dXYaJKjZNojiWFG2BVP4FACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Laura-Wheeler-2040-Crochet-Tablecloth-Pattern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmJpYcuzPXo/XyliJNOFngI/AAAAAAAAqag/sR8w6EthhN0dXYaJKjZNojiWFG2BVP4FACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Laura-Wheeler-2040-Crochet-Tablecloth-Pattern.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
This is the original pattern picture, that appeared on the over-sized pattern page (when marketed under the Laura Wheeler name). It's a 'most lovely design' that ranges in size of 17 inches to 60 inches. It's marketed as Jiffy Crochet. When marketed by the 'others', only the 'Jiffy Crocheted Cloth, Pattern 2040" would be printedl<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJz_O9Uy81I/Xymz1AB4NMI/AAAAAAAAqas/Mjfe6IPBJD8Fjm7rvm-cETqDRPVncLXYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Laura-Wheeler-2040-Crochet-Cloth-Ad-7-29-39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="661" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJz_O9Uy81I/Xymz1AB4NMI/AAAAAAAAqas/Mjfe6IPBJD8Fjm7rvm-cETqDRPVncLXYACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Laura-Wheeler-2040-Crochet-Cloth-Ad-7-29-39.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
In this advertisement we have an actual person displaying the finished cloth. Note that the marketer on this ad is referenced with the newspaper itself being the marketer. Send to 'newspaper name', c/o of Needlecraft Dept. An interesting note on the ads with the newspaper name .... they sold for ten cents, versus fifteen cents if through The Sewing Circle and Laura Wheeler<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3m0-j04Atc/Xym4ivO6bMI/AAAAAAAAqa4/lCZniOQnqPsFfNLpLjVHmYCnrdKJlAxmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sewing-Circle-2040-Crochet-Cloth-Ad-10-5-39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="414" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3m0-j04Atc/Xym4ivO6bMI/AAAAAAAAqa4/lCZniOQnqPsFfNLpLjVHmYCnrdKJlAxmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Sewing-Circle-2040-Crochet-Cloth-Ad-10-5-39.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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Here is the third advertisement version. This design shows the marketer as The Sewing Circle, 82 Eight Ave, New York. This was the same address for Laura Wheeler in this time period.<br />
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In the pattern sales for this time period, postage was included in the price. <br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-42652435900337118792021-04-02T07:26:00.003-05:002021-04-13T08:14:53.441-05:00Crochet Baskets Pattern Numbers, Laura Wheeler 619<p> I was processing Laura Wheeler 619 for two crocheted baskets, when I realized I already had a basket pattern numbered Design 619. But, this post is really about the pattern numbers, versus the pattern themselves. Let's go ahead anyway, and take a look at the two patterns. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/2546/16689/Laura-Wheeler-619-Crochet-Planter-Pattern__60994.1559047630.jpg?c=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="622" height="320" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/2546/16689/Laura-Wheeler-619-Crochet-Planter-Pattern__60994.1559047630.jpg?c=2" width="249" /></a></div><br /><p>This is the Oldest of the two <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crocheted-pineapple-planter-basket-pattern-design-619/" target="_blank">Design 619 patterns, dated 1957</a>. It's for a pineapple basket that measures 7-1/2 inches. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/8965/22181/Laura-Wheeler-619-Crocheted-Baskets-Pattern__09159.1617315747.jpg?c=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="622" height="320" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/8965/22181/Laura-Wheeler-619-Crocheted-Baskets-Pattern__09159.1617315747.jpg?c=2" title="Laura Wheeler Design 619, Two Crocheted Baskets Pattern" width="249" /></a></div><p>The second <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/two-crochet-baskets-pattern-design-619/" target="_blank">basket pattern, dated 1976, also Design 619</a>, are crocheted in two slightly different styles. These baskets feature a handle and are also 7-1/2 inches in diameter.</p><p>So, why did Needlecraft Services give two different basket designs the same number. Well, I course, do not know for sure, however, I'd venture to say "they" (whoever the numbering person may have been), gave it a thought. </p><p>I keep a rather extensive spread sheet of these Mail Order Design patterns (knit, filet, crochet only) and have come to realize that an individual pattern number was reused multiple times. In the case of (Laura Wheeler) Design 619, </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1943 - Filet Crochet Rose Chair Set</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1945 - Crochet Waffle Weave Hats</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1947 - Crochet Two Color Oval Rug</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1949 - Embroidered Sacred Heart Panel</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1957 - Crochet Pineapple Planter</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1958 - Crochet Pineapple Doilies</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1963 - Crochet Afghan Squares</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1972 - Embroidered Vest Sewing Pattern </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1976 - Crochet Baskets in two styles</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">1978 - Knitted Hip Length Jacket</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p>See what I mean? In this case, the pattern name Design 619 was used 10 times. When I research an individual pattern number, I typically find there will be between 6 and 12 repeats. The highest duplicator among doily patterns - because there were so many of them. I continue to study the pattern number sets to determine if there is some hidden logic. So far, I have not, BUT I'm waiting for the AHA moment. </p><p>Both of the Basket patterns are in the shop, should you be interested. Just click on the links below the picture. </p><p>Time for me to get back to work (I'm quilting today!). Thanks for dropping by. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-56234355564277155252021-03-01T14:26:00.002-06:002021-04-13T08:15:35.905-05:00Anne Cabot Introductory Pattern Offer<p>How about a bit of Anne Cabot trivia? The brand of Anne Cabot, often referred to as Mrs. Anne Cabot's Needlecraft Corner, entered the pattern market in March 1941 with an assortment of sewing, crochet and embroidery patterns. This was a syndicated column that began in Iola Kansas and quickly spread across major metropolitan areas. </p><p>The Anne Cabot brand had touch competition from the likes of the Alice Brooks and Laura Wheeler brands, which also were advertising Mail Order Patterns that were established in 1939 and had a strong customer following. </p><p>In an attempt to gain following, Anne Cabot offered a coupon promotion on their individual patterns. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRoBK0kSIpM/YD1JDlxnL4I/AAAAAAAAqnA/By1DArNB3HII8JuerhmigOElnbAx2O-lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/Anne-Cabot-Introductory-Pattern-Offer-1941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRoBK0kSIpM/YD1JDlxnL4I/AAAAAAAAqnA/By1DArNB3HII8JuerhmigOElnbAx2O-lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Anne-Cabot-Introductory-Pattern-Offer-1941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER was printed in the bottom corner of the individual patterns. The concept being, purchase five patterns and get one free with an expiration of December 1st, 1941. In this particular instance, the pattern was a <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crochet-bunny-nursery-rug-anne-cabot-5228/" target="_blank">nursery rug with bunny cross stitch marketed under No 5228. </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocRlNn4ngpw/YD1JDqsfgWI/AAAAAAAAqm8/B04llntK35AsGgOXoGjQeCCG034YQKNmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s672/Anne-Cabot-Save-Me-Coupon-Offer-1941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="672" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocRlNn4ngpw/YD1JDqsfgWI/AAAAAAAAqm8/B04llntK35AsGgOXoGjQeCCG034YQKNmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Anne-Cabot-Save-Me-Coupon-Offer-1941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Simply collect the coupons printed on your purchased patterns and mail in, with a note showing your requested pattern, to the New York city address. The value of this free pattern ... 10 cents, which was the cost of the patterns purchased in this 1941 time frame. <div><br /></div><div>To date, among the mail order needlework pattern suppliers, this is the 'Promotional Sale' that I've seen. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if others show up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for dropping, </div><div>Lorrie </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-24159806298947571062021-02-16T16:07:00.001-06:002021-04-13T08:16:02.647-05:00Crochet Medallion Pattern Story, Alice Brooks 6406<p>In processing the Mail Order patterns, I've seen this particular story repeat many times. I thought I'd take a couple minutes and share it with you. The centerpiece of the story .... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/8892/21916/Alice-Brooks-6406-Crocheted-Medallion-Pattern__49718.1613505782.jpg?c=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet Star Medallion Pattern Design 6406" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="689" height="322" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/8892/21916/Alice-Brooks-6406-Crocheted-Medallion-Pattern__49718.1613505782.jpg?c=2" title="Vintage Crochet Medallion Pattern, Alice Brooks 6406" width="277" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crochet-tablecloth-medallion-alice-brooks-6406/" target="_blank">Alice Brooks 6406 - Crocheted Medallion - 5 or 8 inches</a></b></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p>This particular story takes us back to 1939. Every couple days in newspapers across the country, an advertisement for a pattern would be printed in the women's section. The advertisement were written to resemble an article, a woman' feature. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lk-0KxW7syc/YCws4vCSHKI/AAAAAAAAqls/KeBqsTtnItUd3srHjOofqosuRnob3zQIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/Crochet-Medallion-6406-N-ewspaper-Description.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Medallion Crochet Pattern Newspaper Ad" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lk-0KxW7syc/YCws4vCSHKI/AAAAAAAAqls/KeBqsTtnItUd3srHjOofqosuRnob3zQIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w249-h320/Crochet-Medallion-6406-N-ewspaper-Description.jpg" title="Crochet Medallion Advertisement Alice Brooks 6406 from 1939" width="249" /></a></div><p>Such as this article, which appeared in the Denver, CO paper on June 8, 1939. Miss Doris Biggar, read the ad, and decided to purchase the pattern. She mailed her letter, along with 10 cents to the newspaper's department. On the bottom of the pattern clipping, she wrote in the date she mailed for the pattern. (I frequently find this in the Mail Order patterns - the pattern and clipping inside the original mailing envelope). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_i8fa99HWcM/YCwvaQpEo9I/AAAAAAAAql4/uxMfx4jDtsMbEVjg1EIMFdqn1q0q-pzGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/Alice-Brooks-6506-Crochet-Pattern-Envelope-1939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_i8fa99HWcM/YCwvaQpEo9I/AAAAAAAAql4/uxMfx4jDtsMbEVjg1EIMFdqn1q0q-pzGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Alice-Brooks-6506-Crochet-Pattern-Envelope-1939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A couple weeks go by, and the pattern is returned. (Note, the envelope reads mailed from the Denver Post, however, the Post Office stamp reads San Francisco). <div><br /></div><div>Now, what happens next I cannot say. Did Miss Biggar stitch this medallion? Did she make a tablecloth or a bedspread? Did she later tuck the pattern away, or give it to a friend? That part is a mystery. What I do know, is someone came across this pattern, probably at an Estate sale, listed it as a lot on Ebay, and I purchased it ..... some 81 years later. </div><div><br /></div><div>And now, I've processed it into PDF format and listed in my shop. It's been carefully preserved in a sleeve and store away with all the others. And what will happen to? Well, that I cannot say. Perhaps, before I die, I'll donate them, or someone will take over the shop and continue to preserve, or perhaps they'll end up at another Estate sale 20 or 30 years from now. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you have these mail order patterns or catalogs, tucked away in drawers, I'd truly appreciate your sharing them. I am trying to create a historical collection of these little 'Bits of History'. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for dropping by, </div><div>Lorrie </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-53196919696725085372021-02-10T14:55:00.001-06:002021-02-10T14:55:22.815-06:00Molly Darling Crochet Chair Set Pattern No 1275<p> Last night I picked up the next Mail Order pattern waiting to be processed and was surprised that it had an actual name -- "Molly Darling Chair Set". </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pGr6QskyKdo/YCQDexLtniI/AAAAAAAAqk8/GHyf_RW-Mnsc9RO6-TiwekTUyhynHYjqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/Needlework-Bureau-1275-Molly-Darling-Crochet-Chair-Set-Pattern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pGr6QskyKdo/YCQDexLtniI/AAAAAAAAqk8/GHyf_RW-Mnsc9RO6-TiwekTUyhynHYjqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Needlework-Bureau-1275-Molly-Darling-Crochet-Chair-Set-Pattern.jpg" /></a></div><p><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/molly-darling-crochet-chair-set-no-1275/" target="_blank">This pattern was marketed under number E-1275 in January 1949 by The Needlework Bureau.</a> The "E" designation on the pattern number indicates it was also marketed under the name of Ellen Bruce.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5k446dyOUY4/YCQHBO7EcnI/AAAAAAAAqlM/EnYHZst1yJ0G60wuggKHbKoQZIEMxH9OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/Molly-Darling-Chair-Set-Newspaper-Description-1949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5k446dyOUY4/YCQHBO7EcnI/AAAAAAAAqlM/EnYHZst1yJ0G60wuggKHbKoQZIEMxH9OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Molly-Darling-Chair-Set-Newspaper-Description-1949.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> Now, I know that a number of Anne Cabot patterns (who's in the Needlework Bureau family), have an official name with a background, such as the <a href="https://bitsofhistory.vintageknitcrochet.net/2018/02/the-lincoln-doily-mail-order-patterns.html" target="_blank">Lincoln Memorial Doily</a>, but I knew nothing about Molly Darling. And, it took only a couple Google searches to find the answer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jzjv-d3gbP0/YCQ_bvp5MNI/AAAAAAAAqlY/6oMLitCFPdcSXw5kE5vdDG-CCeKdLYvPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/Molly-Darling-Song-Cover-1948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jzjv-d3gbP0/YCQ_bvp5MNI/AAAAAAAAqlY/6oMLitCFPdcSXw5kE5vdDG-CCeKdLYvPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Molly-Darling-Song-Cover-1948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuk_xGUJb0" target="_blank">Molly Darling, a song, </a>was originally released the Haydn Quartet in 1907. It then was re-released by Eddy Arnold in 1948, where it went to the top of the charts where it remained for a long time period. <span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span></div><p align="CENTER" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Won't you tell me Molly
darling<br />That you love none else but me<br />For I love you Molly
darling<br />You are all the world to me</span></p>
<p align="CENTER" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Oh
tell darling that you love me<br />Put your little hand in mine<br />Take
my heart sweet Molly darling<br />Say that you will give me time</span></span></p>
<p align="CENTER" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Molly
fairest sweetest dearest<br />Look up darling tell me this<br />Do you
love me Molly darling?<br />Let your answer be a kiss</span></span></p>
<p align="CENTER" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Molly
fairest sweetest dearest<br />Look up darling tell me this<br />Do you
love me Molly darling?<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Let your answer be a kiss</span> </span></p><p>A very sweet song indeed! And that, is the answer to the Molly Darling Chair Set. It was named, in 1949, after a top of the charts song. And the motif .... well, she's reminiscent of the then current crocheted chair set -- <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=old+fashioned+girl" target="_blank">Old Fashioned Girl, or Sunbonnet Sue</a>. </p><p>Should you decide to crochet this piece, perhaps you should learn the song so you can hum it whenever you walk by. </p><p>Okay, I'm going back to work now. Thanks for dropping by. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-37220880176623397602021-01-10T19:48:00.002-06:002021-01-10T19:48:27.626-06:00Dritz Luxury Chennile Yarn<p> 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 . . . </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjGIc1_zSIM/X_XEeegmTPI/AAAAAAAAqiI/u7Ex8AO96_gu6xqsIGqkd6wlHGsNHJ6mACLcBGAsYHQ/s700/Dritz-Luxury-Chenille-Yarn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjGIc1_zSIM/X_XEeegmTPI/AAAAAAAAqiI/u7Ex8AO96_gu6xqsIGqkd6wlHGsNHJ6mACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Dritz-Luxury-Chenille-Yarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: left;">Photo from</span><a href="https://www.ebay.com/usr/elven41" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"> Ebay seller Elvin41</a></span></div><div><b>Dritz Luxury Chenille </b>- A Velvety yarn in colors, or combinations, for personal accessories. The yarn, containing 72 yards per skein, is 80% Rayon (for luster) and 20% cotton (for additional strength). </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NYDIM9mWYU/X_XPnKoIvMI/AAAAAAAAqiU/OgaRvA-CtJMjOxWNHqkJPLTW9jZ6G86fgCLcBGAsYHQ/s645/Dritz-Luxury-Chenille-1950-Advertisement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="645" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NYDIM9mWYU/X_XPnKoIvMI/AAAAAAAAqiU/OgaRvA-CtJMjOxWNHqkJPLTW9jZ6G86fgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Dritz-Luxury-Chenille-1950-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Luxury Chenille was introduced to the market in 1950 with the first newspaper promotion advertisement appearing in May. The introductory price was 49 cents/skein. The yarn was first sold at 49 cents, no doubt to span interest, and went to the regular price of 79 cents within a month.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4wkwp50nMI/X_upGofkc4I/AAAAAAAAqjE/aYtjFYsD-rAhE4vkUFmgrBgn-jGPJFxygCLcBGAsYHQ/s886/Dritz-1951-Yarn-Promotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4wkwp50nMI/X_upGofkc4I/AAAAAAAAqjE/aYtjFYsD-rAhE4vkUFmgrBgn-jGPJFxygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Dritz-1951-Yarn-Promotion.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In 1951, Dritz issued a pattern book, and a promotion blitz on four of their popular yarns on the market. </div><div><br /></div><div>In these time periods, the yarn makers typically published pattern books to promote their product. Dritz did not follow this course. Instead, they printed pattern mail away offers in newspapers and published their patterns in the monthly magazines, such as McCalls Needlecraft and Modern Knitting. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_40UkegQL4A/X_XowVpISrI/AAAAAAAAqig/vSRhVPu0WYYjCRZ88ZUZc9AD1Vkq0PczgCLcBGAsYHQ/s762/Dritz-Luxury-Chenille-1953-Hat-Pattern-Advertisement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="687" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_40UkegQL4A/X_XowVpISrI/AAAAAAAAqig/vSRhVPu0WYYjCRZ88ZUZc9AD1Vkq0PczgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Dritz-Luxury-Chenille-1953-Hat-Pattern-Advertisement.jpg" /></a></div><div>Dritz also ran advertisements (in the format of an actual newspaper article) for mail order patterns for featuring their yarn. In this case, the pattern(s) include Dritz Luxury Yarn. The majority of their patterns were distributed through magazines. Most of the patterns in my shop coming from Modern Knitting and McCalls Needlecraft. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTD-tt3fLjk/X_YegV5mBjI/AAAAAAAAqis/vn86DE_zBKMJS7eG2EIMbmcAxypCcBwjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s495/Dritz-Luxury-yarn-1955-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="495" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTD-tt3fLjk/X_YegV5mBjI/AAAAAAAAqis/vn86DE_zBKMJS7eG2EIMbmcAxypCcBwjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w242-h191/Dritz-Luxury-yarn-1955-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>The Luxury Chenille peaked at 85 cents a skein, and at it's final appearance in 1957 dropped down to 50 cents. Why it was discontinued ... well, I of course, do not know. However, this was a novelty yarn for the time period and it's profitability was most likely of issue. <div><br /></div><div>There are many vintage patterns calling for Dritz Luxury Yarn. <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=Dritz%20Luxury%20Yarn%20&section=product" target="_blank"> I have a number in my shop,</a> as well as others out there in internet land. So, what do you substitute? Any chunky chenille yarn that meets the pattern stitch gauge will fit the bill. <a href="http://vintagecraftsandmore.com/tag/chenille/" target="_blank">Debra, over at Vintage Crafts </a>suggests Lion Brand Chenille Yarn. </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, it's time for a break and then I'll get back to pattern processing. </div><div>Thanks for dropping by, Lorrie</div><div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-49348840590216887142020-11-17T06:16:00.002-06:002020-11-17T06:48:14.511-06:00Spinnerin Touchdown Yarn<p>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. </p><p>The yarn was introduced to the market in late 1948.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul1u-MorX30/X7O7Te0pJ3I/AAAAAAAAqf0/9CpEd9RhTTgf56chPc37nswwwRu4UVGNACLcBGAsYHQ/s634/Touchdown-Yarn%252C-1949-advertisement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="634" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul1u-MorX30/X7O7Te0pJ3I/AAAAAAAAqf0/9CpEd9RhTTgf56chPc37nswwwRu4UVGNACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Touchdown-Yarn%252C-1949-advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This 1949 advertisements tells us, it's 100% wool in a variety of colors and white. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBoqvqeBCWM/X7O7pFvBVXI/AAAAAAAAqf8/WUgvt7o3DNMZjlDogdrOYQ0PgQJ-PG37gCLcBGAsYHQ/s667/Touchdown-Yarn%252C-1950-Advertisement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="667" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBoqvqeBCWM/X7O7pFvBVXI/AAAAAAAAqf8/WUgvt7o3DNMZjlDogdrOYQ0PgQJ-PG37gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Touchdown-Yarn%252C-1950-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This 1950 advertisement advises it's tough, lightly spun and soft and springy to the touch in a range of 36 colors, including tweed. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lEgZqb5vbI/X7O8BHOkdwI/AAAAAAAAqgE/AMRLnzSWGa0fPUmyvoeVzjEAO6esaB1CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s899/Touchdown-Yarn%252C-1951-It-Grows-Advertisement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lEgZqb5vbI/X7O8BHOkdwI/AAAAAAAAqgE/AMRLnzSWGa0fPUmyvoeVzjEAO6esaB1CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Touchdown-Yarn%252C-1951-It-Grows-Advertisement.jpg" /></a></div>This 1951 advertisement, doesn't shed any additional information, but it's the closest I could find to an actual picture of the yarn! <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWnW7qxUeGQ/X7O85pHiX0I/AAAAAAAAqgQ/bhaZ1DcGulMOMCenzNnl2wcFUmswlV_QwCLcBGAsYHQ/s636/Touchdown-Yarn%252C-1952-Advertisement-a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="636" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWnW7qxUeGQ/X7O85pHiX0I/AAAAAAAAqgQ/bhaZ1DcGulMOMCenzNnl2wcFUmswlV_QwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Touchdown-Yarn%252C-1952-Advertisement-a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And this 1952 advertisement sheds a few more details. 'Fine hard twist, 4-ply virgin wool yarn, Non-shrink, moth-proof. <div><br /></div><div>The Spinnerin Touchdown Yarn stayed active for several years, disappearing from the active market in 1959. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are a number of vintage patterns out there in internet land that have 'worthy' all over them. <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=touchdown&section=product" target="_blank">I have a several in the shop as well</a>. Should you decide to knit one, let's suggest as a substitute - a 4-ply, 100% wool fingering or sock yarn that meets the pattern stitch of your particular pattern. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've set up a Google alert to search for additional information to update this post. Should you have pictures, or know more, please let me know!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for dropping by, Lorrie </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-22583480667565901452020-08-07T08:36:00.001-05:002020-08-07T08:47:43.873-05:00Filet Crochet Deer Pattern, Mail OrderAs I've indicated many times, I consider each one of these mail order patterns a small bit of needlework history. And, my fascination continues grow. Each time I figure one bit out, additional questions arise. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/8699/20390/Filet-Crochet-Baby-Deer-Pattern-No-334-N__94578.1596804392.jpg?c=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Filet Crochet Deer Pattern No 334-N" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="404" height="320" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/8699/20390/Filet-Crochet-Baby-Deer-Pattern-No-334-N__94578.1596804392.jpg?c=2" title="Mail Order 334-N, Filet Crochet Fawn Pattern" width="162" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I processed this sweet <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/filet-crochet-fawn-chair-set-mail-order-334-n/" target="_blank">Filet Crochet Fawn Chair Set pattern yesterday - No 334-N</a>. I've seen the 'N' designation on mail orders a couple other times, but had not taken the time to investigate. Now is the time .... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huXV3xxQwOk/Xy1URuOwV9I/AAAAAAAAqbk/dEidTgfzlAkCFV9AJoI5d5koXGuHXrDcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/Anne-Cabot-2387-Newwspaper-Ad-filet-crochet-fawn-334N.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="308" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huXV3xxQwOk/Xy1URuOwV9I/AAAAAAAAqbk/dEidTgfzlAkCFV9AJoI5d5koXGuHXrDcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Anne-Cabot-2387-Newwspaper-Ad-filet-crochet-fawn-334N.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This newspaper advertisement, for the exact same pattern, was released as Anne Cabot 2387 in February and March, 1953, primarily in the Northeast. The Anne Cabot patterns in the 2000 number series tie back to Needlework Bureau patterns marketed by that name, as well as Peggy Roberts. I've not (yet) found the advertisement for the initial release. I have a number of the Needlework Bureau catalogs to be processed, perhaps I'll find it there. </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ftPVFGq2lc/Xy1RussuN3I/AAAAAAAAqbM/Emcc9WHvRnMeZSd2GH4hToGfzzOFLKuCACPcBGAYYCw/s772/Inquirer-334-N-Filet-Crochet-Pattern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Filet Chair Set No 334-N from Philadelphia Inquirer" border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="772" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ftPVFGq2lc/Xy1RussuN3I/AAAAAAAAqbM/Emcc9WHvRnMeZSd2GH4hToGfzzOFLKuCACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h171/Inquirer-334-N-Filet-Crochet-Pattern.jpg" title="Vintage Filet Crochet Fawn Pattern No 334-N" width="400" /></a></div></blockquote><p> 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. </p><p>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.</p><div>See what I mean? The more I learn, the more I wonder about. Perhaps you know something about this mail order history and can help fill my gaps? </div><div><br /></div><div>But, back to the pattern itself .... It's a simple filet crochet design that can be created in two sizes depending upon materials used. I have a number of <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=Deer&section=product" target="_blank">filet crochet deer patterns</a> in the shop, this is, however, the first time I've seen one that represents a fawn alone. </div><div><br />Thanks for dropping by, </div><div>Lorrie</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-86792376805092117952020-06-25T14:57:00.000-05:002020-06-25T14:57:51.601-05:00Mayfair Needle Art Designs, Mail Order Patterns<div style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-size: initial !important; border: none; box-shadow: none !important; color: #5d5b66; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3334; margin-bottom: 10px !important; padding: 7px 15.0008px 7px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Next up in my stack of Mail Order Patterns to pr<span style="border: 0px; color: #34313f; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ocess is a crochet pattern branded as Mayfair Needle-Art Design. I recalled I already had one Mayfair pattern, however, had not yet taken the time to learn more. Well, now is the time!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6fv1Jlt5xw/XvSnAaRIHpI/AAAAAAAAqWo/-16ZPQm8if4QUYrNzP97aGpO_R-SiuhOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mayfair-Needle-Arts-Dept-Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="700" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6fv1Jlt5xw/XvSnAaRIHpI/AAAAAAAAqWo/-16ZPQm8if4QUYrNzP97aGpO_R-SiuhOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Mayfair-Needle-Arts-Dept-Pattern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #34313f; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The official name of the pattern line - Mayfair Needle-Art Design. In the newspaper clippings they simply branded 'by Mayfair'. They marketed a line of sewing, knitting and crochet patterns in 'The Tribune' franchise of newspapers across 17 states. The advertisement promotions appeared bi-weekly in the Womens Pages. The ads first appeared in April 1936 and ran through October, 1937, then disappeared .... no more 'by Mayfair' tag lines. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #34313f;">There were approximately 140 marketed, all three digit numbers ranging between 120 and 350. Now this number range implies there may have been more patterns. If so, I've not found them! There was also no sequence to how they appeared, one week 220, the next 135. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: initial !important; background-size: initial !important; border: none; box-shadow: none !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3334; margin-bottom: 10px !important; padding: 7px 15.0008px 7px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #34313f;">I've just two of these patterns .... </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-My_4Bg3rAXI/XvStY9urBWI/AAAAAAAAqW0/istKMzDXbL85JWbFTcDCXEMCG6XtcAIeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Design-233-Crochet-Edings-Newspaper-Clipping-1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="556" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-My_4Bg3rAXI/XvStY9urBWI/AAAAAAAAqW0/istKMzDXbL85JWbFTcDCXEMCG6XtcAIeACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Design-233-Crochet-Edings-Newspaper-Clipping-1937.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crochet-laces-insertions-pattern-mayfair-no-233/" target="_blank">Design 233 Crochet Laces and Insertions</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS5cIPYpYys/XvT9n6H72bI/AAAAAAAAqXM/B5Aq9M7Y-rAmiv5gp-bpBoV6MOs7QcJdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mayfair-Needle-Arts-Design-344-Knitted-Blouse-1937-Newspaper-Ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="559" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS5cIPYpYys/XvT9n6H72bI/AAAAAAAAqXM/B5Aq9M7Y-rAmiv5gp-bpBoV6MOs7QcJdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Mayfair-Needle-Arts-Design-344-Knitted-Blouse-1937-Newspaper-Ad.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/knitted-blouse-pattern-mayfair-needle-art-design-344/" target="_blank">Design 344 - Knitted Blouse</a></b></div>
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This blouse an unusual factor - perhaps consistent with it's age. It was ordered by size (32 to 38), and came with tissue patterns for blocking purposes. </div>
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I looked to see who preceded Mayfair Arts in the Tribune publications. Well, for sewing patterns, it was Household Arts. At that time, Household Arts did not market knit or crochet Designs. Perhaps, Mayfair was, for a short time period, a part of Household Arts. </div>
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And who followed Mayfair Needle Arts? Household Arts, of course, under the name of Alice Brooks. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWvUCHigr6A/XvUAP2Pnl2I/AAAAAAAAqXY/P3qaIgJ7004VLvBIcimNc22ks4tdMG7aQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Alice-Brooks-11-1937-Advertisement-in-Tribune-newspapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWvUCHigr6A/XvUAP2Pnl2I/AAAAAAAAqXY/P3qaIgJ7004VLvBIcimNc22ks4tdMG7aQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Alice-Brooks-11-1937-Advertisement-in-Tribune-newspapers.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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And, that's all I (currently) know about Mayfair. Should you know more, or perhaps some of these patterns in your collection that you would be willing to share, I'd be most appreciative. I'm trying to create a directory of mail order designs for that 'Bits of History' concept. </div>
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Thanks for dropping by, Lorrie</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-31010015980936472542020-06-08T14:51:00.000-05:002020-06-08T14:51:43.834-05:00Vintage Crochet Cape Pattern, Alice Brooks 5360Each day I strive to process one or two mail order patterns for the shop. Today, at the top of the pile (or, actually, at the front of the container) was Design 5360, which seemed as good as any a place to start. Now, at this point, I could call this pattern .... how I spent a good portion of the day.<br />
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This pattern is best described as fragile .... as it should be ... going all the way back to 1936.<br />
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Fortunately, I'd scanned this pattern back in 2014, before it became quite so fragile. (Yes, sometimes it takes me a long time to get around to a pattern - I've several hundred waiting). Still, it needed taped back together at the folds for the checking process. An interesting note about this Alice Brooks Design pattern is it is written entirely in caps (which made it a real bugger to check). I do not recall seeing this in any others. A second interesting factor is the pattern number itself - 5360. The very early Alice Brooks patterns are in the 6000 number series. This is the one and only I've seen in the 5000. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75k1uPeCO1s/Vyf7IAJW7dI/AAAAAAAAlaY/6e_QEg1c6V8Y_V8aXGHLhOIdpGSNU3xYQCKgB/s1600/Lace-Cape-Crochet-Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75k1uPeCO1s/Vyf7IAJW7dI/AAAAAAAAlaY/6e_QEg1c6V8Y_V8aXGHLhOIdpGSNU3xYQCKgB/s320/Lace-Cape-Crochet-Pattern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, I do not crochet so I cannot truly attest whether this is a difficult pattern, (the directions say it is a simple stitch), but it is definitely a large pattern .... lots of directions. It's a lacy delight with a jabot type neck tie and a one size below breast / above elbow design. Some might even call it a capelet.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jr6SFEk6XU8/Vyf7ISJP_EI/AAAAAAAAlaU/dRr96w239-4wHhOJ6stS-V9mxLiL1LoMgCLcB/s1600/Alice-Brooks-5360-Crocheted-Cape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jr6SFEk6XU8/Vyf7ISJP_EI/AAAAAAAAlaU/dRr96w239-4wHhOJ6stS-V9mxLiL1LoMgCLcB/s320/Alice-Brooks-5360-Crocheted-Cape.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
In case you can't make out the print from this photo -- the official write-up: <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;">"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".</span> I have to say, as far as pattern descriptions go, this is nothing less than a charmer!<br />
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The pattern is now <a href="http://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crochet-cape-pattern-alice-brooks-design-5360/" target="_blank">available in the shop</a>, should you be interested.<br />
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Thanks for dropping by.<br />
Lorrie<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-45572881861767938502020-06-05T19:08:00.001-05:002022-08-31T14:26:00.073-05:00Crochet Snowflake Doily Pattern Series, Anne CabotI (currently) have two Anne Cabot patterns in my collection that reference "Snowflake Series" which brought me to wondering more. I've processed several thousand Mail Order patterns, researching each one to the extent possible, and have to say this is the first time I've seen an actual series. It's definitely worth an hour to investigate.<br />
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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!<br />
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Here's the collection. I've duplicated the exact wording below each from the newspaper descriptions.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVuTwh1HyIA/XtqmHWoNi_I/AAAAAAAAqSM/7rrEnppjkN0khJxEVHL7UdCtyheSsJuuACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-1%252C-Anne-Cabot-5351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVuTwh1HyIA/XtqmHWoNi_I/AAAAAAAAqSM/7rrEnppjkN0khJxEVHL7UdCtyheSsJuuACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-1%252C-Anne-Cabot-5351.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crochet-snowflake-doily-no-1-anne-cabot-5351/" target="_blank">Anne Cabot 5351</a> - Released April 07, 1942</b></div>
"The first in my series of snowflake doilies - done in crochet. This doily has been painstakingly copied, under a microscope from a photograph of an actual snowflake. It's a genuine museum piece - a six inch handful of delicate loveliness! One ball of No 40 crochet cotton is all it calls for - make it in your spare time - you'll have an exhibition piece that will call forth gasps of admiration. And, a whole collection of snowflake doilies - such a collection would be a valuable heirloom! Make this first snowflake for yourself, or use it as a most charming wedding present".<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCbDCqemCZw/XtqpxG1F3oI/AAAAAAAAqSY/QNDakx4hi6gZzq7cJqCMJVs1ECciKQgpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-2%252C-Anne-Cabot-5360.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCbDCqemCZw/XtqpxG1F3oI/AAAAAAAAqSY/QNDakx4hi6gZzq7cJqCMJVs1ECciKQgpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-2%252C-Anne-Cabot-5360.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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<b>Anne Cabot 5360 - Released April 24, 1942</b></div>
"Here is the second "snowflake" in the series of doilies for fans and doily collectors. It's even lovelier that the first one - and will be a beautiful compliment to it! Each doily is the same size - about 8-1/2 inches across. Each doily has been copied from an enlarged photograph of an actual snowflake - and, as you know, the variety of the forms of snowflakes is infinite. A collection of these rare doilies will make a most unusual exhibit. And, as decorations for the home they are unsurpassed. Use them under glass flower bowls, or the shelves of your china closet, as a deluxe present. Take just one small ball of No 40 crochet cotton".<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XxRW1LFo8o/XtqsXJBeolI/AAAAAAAAqSk/OddDJWY9EfI_C4VJoH6J761HmWqkmIajQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-3%252C-Anne-Cabot-5372.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XxRW1LFo8o/XtqsXJBeolI/AAAAAAAAqSk/OddDJWY9EfI_C4VJoH6J761HmWqkmIajQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-3%252C-Anne-Cabot-5372.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crochet-snowflake-doily-no-3-anne-cabot-5372/" target="_blank">Anne Cabot 5372</a> - Released May 18, 1942</b></div>
"This is the third doily in my series of "snowflake" designs. You've doubtless seen the first two - they appeared in this column a few weeks ago. There will be at least six in the complete series - three more will appear during June and August. You'll be able to exhibit all six (if you are out to capture prizes) at your state fair in the fall. Each doily is about 9 inches across and each one has been copied from a real snowflake. You can make as many as you like of any one design and use them as a set, or you can make one of each "snowflake" and have a glorious collection of the most unusual doilies you've ever seen".<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYA7RShT7B0/XtqwMPJUfLI/AAAAAAAAqSw/wAN6w836OBEIRg5CNNIBUQD8Amp1aBWEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-4--Anne-Cabot-5396.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYA7RShT7B0/XtqwMPJUfLI/AAAAAAAAqSw/wAN6w836OBEIRg5CNNIBUQD8Amp1aBWEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-4--Anne-Cabot-5396.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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<b>Anne Cabot 5396 - Released July 05, 1942</b></div>
"This is No. 4 in my series of of six "snowflake" doilies. Each one is exactly the same size - 9 inches in diameter. You can make four or six of any one of the doilies - this one illustrated - for instance, or you can make one of each design. The complete set of crocheted snowflakes is indeed an unusual and lovely set. You'll take prizes at home or at exhibitions with this beautiful heirloom piece".<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIEwvWJLsZ8/XtqylwYRhKI/AAAAAAAAqS8/8MulHVQNkyI_uA9Krd0FdljPd3TjuASzACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-5--Anne-Cabot-5410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIEwvWJLsZ8/XtqylwYRhKI/AAAAAAAAqS8/8MulHVQNkyI_uA9Krd0FdljPd3TjuASzACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-5--Anne-Cabot-5410.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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<b>Anne Cabot 5410 - Released July 31, 1942</b></div>
"Here it is - the first doily in my snowflake series. There are so many uses for these lovely doilies that you'll have a wonderful time trying to decide just where in your home they look prettiest. Each doily is just 9 inches in diameter. Make a whole half dozen of any one of them or make your "collection" of one of each design. It will soon be county fair season - you'll certainly want to enter a Snowflake Doily - they're prize winners".<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnSl2CCwpko/Xtq1KUGeC4I/AAAAAAAAqTI/iEHwaZPCGcInyIb-Oqt5mkhbIPTrUfMwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-6--Anne-Cabot-5441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnSl2CCwpko/Xtq1KUGeC4I/AAAAAAAAqTI/iEHwaZPCGcInyIb-Oqt5mkhbIPTrUfMwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crochet-Snowflake-Doily-No-6--Anne-Cabot-5441.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crochet-snowflake-no-6-doily-anne-cabot-5441/" target="_blank">Anne Cabot 5441</a>, Released September 24, 1942</b></div>
The sixth and last in my series of "Snowflake" doilies - each one 9 inches in diameter - each one lovelier than the other! They're really collectors doilies, though easy to crochet. Make a set of six to use as dessert plate doilies - make one of each design if you wish to have an unusual "show" or exhibition collection".<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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Hope you enjoyed the series. Thanks for dropping by,<br />
Lorrie<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-63605525306308519302020-06-05T08:56:00.000-05:002020-06-05T08:56:38.584-05:00Nantuk 4-Ply Knitting Worsted, Columbia Minerva<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For this post, let's go back to 1964. Columbia Minerva introduced their Nantuk 4-Ply Knitting Worsted. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/597175144/columbia-minerva-nantuk-4-ply-knitting" target="_blank">Photo from Etsy Seller</a></div>
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Nantuk 4-Ply Knitting Worsted</div>
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100% Orlon Acrylic - 2 oz</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d15w2RkVAfY/XtpCyyw_rhI/AAAAAAAAqRo/79LhOoM7yksQBBq-Q3ddzj_Uzdecb4IkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Nantuk-4-ply-knitting-worsted-1965-advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="600" height="259" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d15w2RkVAfY/XtpCyyw_rhI/AAAAAAAAqRo/79LhOoM7yksQBBq-Q3ddzj_Uzdecb4IkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Nantuk-4-ply-knitting-worsted-1965-advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The yarn made it's debut in the market at 74 cents per skein. Notice the 'Du Pont' on the advertisement? Du Pont introduced the fibers that became the Orlon identification. The hope was Orlon would become a replacement for wool. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iSoJzkmD_E/XtpEPd_jbnI/AAAAAAAAqR0/r4YXDPX_5PQJJ3fggUYrEFHP_6QrQxfDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Columbia%2BMinerva%2BVolume%2B742%2BAfghans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iSoJzkmD_E/XtpEPd_jbnI/AAAAAAAAqR0/r4YXDPX_5PQJJ3fggUYrEFHP_6QrQxfDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Columbia%2BMinerva%2BVolume%2B742%2BAfghans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To coincide with the Nantuk 4-ply introduction, a pattern book, with 17 patterns for knit and crochet. was released - <a href="https://shoptalk.vintageknitcrochet.net/2012/03/afghan-patterns-columbia-minerva-742.html" target="_blank"><b>Afghans by Columbia Minerva</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6R1l3pmzNN8/Xsgvx6mIXDI/AAAAAAAAqMY/tTX7JhDY-ew47qTJrA4M93SiTQ0c7j1awCK4BGAsYHg/Knitted-Mens-Sweaters-in-Nantuk-Yarn%252C-1967-Advertisement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="900" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6R1l3pmzNN8/Xsgvx6mIXDI/AAAAAAAAqMY/tTX7JhDY-ew47qTJrA4M93SiTQ0c7j1awCK4BGAsYHg/s320/Knitted-Mens-Sweaters-in-Nantuk-Yarn%252C-1967-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As was typical for Columbia Minerva, they also offered 'free patterns' through newspapers advertisements, where the 'reader' would send for the pattern and then, of course, purchase the yarn,</div>
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There were several of these offerings between 1967 and 1971. The yarn was also featured in several other Columbia Minerva pattern books. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoRaXVS88lw/XtpKgDLZbhI/AAAAAAAAqSA/Soyr3KmfEZ483Ay0HB_F9M-6My04GS9hACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Nantuk-4-ply-Knitting-Worsted-1971-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="669" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoRaXVS88lw/XtpKgDLZbhI/AAAAAAAAqSA/Soyr3KmfEZ483Ay0HB_F9M-6My04GS9hACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Nantuk-4-ply-Knitting-Worsted-1971-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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By late 1971, the general price had risen to $1.90, with, of course, promotional sale prices varying dramatically. This price point held for the rest of the yarns' life span. </div>
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And then, around 1986, production stopped and through 1987, the yarn was discounted until inventories disappeared. </div>
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Now, there are quite a number of vintage patterns that call for Nantuk 4-ply Knitting Worsted. <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?mode=1&search_query_adv=Nantuk%204-ply&brand=55&searchsubs=ON&price_from=&price_to=&featured=&shipping=&section=product" target="_blank"><b>You'll find, of course, quite a number of them in the shop</b></a>. For a replacement yarn ... well .... any 4-ply Knitting Worsted will do. Just do a quick check of your gauge. </div>
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Hope you found this helpful. Thanks for dropping by, </div>
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Lorrie</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-60259614234934712932020-06-03T09:28:00.000-05:002020-06-03T09:28:48.505-05:00Crochet Daisy Tablecloth, American Thread Pattern Promotion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
American Thread Company, from the early 1940's through the 1950's, employed a number of pattern promotion techniques. The pattern promotions were to entice the user to purchase their thread. Along the lines of .... love the pattern .... purchase the thread. Patterns might be advertised as 'mail order' through magazines or newspapers, or handed out at the local 'yarn shop'. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1KypY0JIJM/XteqQNYKkdI/AAAAAAAAqQg/U9GIOMVuM4cDfRpi5BqSei9M6nQ-rug6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crochet-Daisy-Tablecloth-Pattern-ATL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1KypY0JIJM/XteqQNYKkdI/AAAAAAAAqQg/U9GIOMVuM4cDfRpi5BqSei9M6nQ-rug6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crochet-Daisy-Tablecloth-Pattern-ATL.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
Here's a great example - <b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crochet-daisy-medallion-tablecloth-pattern/" target="_blank">American Thread Leaflet No 5701</a></b>; a delightful Daisy Tablecloth made up of 2-1/2 inch square medallions. (From my collection of leaflets) shows it was distributed by the Local Sewing Club with a side caption of "As near as your postman", making it an obvious mail order. Although the leaflet references American Thread, they do not<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFFEq9oAeOA/XteqQCr9qPI/AAAAAAAAqQc/_TvOCdjaU08CGYRjXvZfeurD9FtL77wTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crocheted-Daisy-Medallion-Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFFEq9oAeOA/XteqQCr9qPI/AAAAAAAAqQc/_TvOCdjaU08CGYRjXvZfeurD9FtL77wTACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crocheted-Daisy-Medallion-Pattern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I must say, it is a delightful square, that would be lovely in a number of home accessories.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yyMWq5X66U/XteqQPkVgJI/AAAAAAAAqQk/GMUp-IKaodoYulUqnC8jO5DJHxJ_6jnwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Daisy-Crochet-Tablecloth%252C-1948-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yyMWq5X66U/XteqQPkVgJI/AAAAAAAAqQk/GMUp-IKaodoYulUqnC8jO5DJHxJ_6jnwACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Daisy-Crochet-Tablecloth%252C-1948-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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A search of the newspaper database brought another example in this newspaper clipping from early 1948 requesting the reader send a request to receive the pattern by Mail. </div>
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Note the colorful description here -- rather a play on the other syndicated patterns of Alice Brooks, Anne Cabot etc. - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"When friends come for tea, your lace tablecloth adds a special welcome. Here's a lovely cloth of square motifs with daisy centers as white, informal and graceful as a field of daisies. These lacy pieces make cool summertime needlework for crocheters".</i></span></div>
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It would be my guess that this pattern was a specific promotion for the Gem Mercerized Crochet Cotton; which American Thread introduced in January of 1948. </div>
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If you'd like to put this one on your hook, it's available in the shop at the link above. </div>
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Thanks for dropping by, </div>
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Lorrie </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-79817210510957763982020-05-18T16:53:00.001-05:002020-05-18T16:53:31.994-05:00Angel Crepe Yarn; Bucilla, Bear Brand, Fleishers<div>Working my way through a lovely Bucilla pattern book - Picturesque Hats - this morning, I decided I'd take a moment to learn about one of the yarns. In this case, Bucilla Angel Crepe. Now, as many of you may know, Bucilla, Bear Brand and Fleishers (under the original umbrella of Bernhard Ulman). This means, all three companies marketed this yarn. Yep, same yarn, typically the exact same price, just different brands, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnlvt6E9OuU/XsL0Te1NnNI/AAAAAAAAqEc/m_2yqKBYbxYgeQQglXMTIqJRSMYjOvuQgCK4BGAsYHg/Bucilla-Angel-Crepe-Balls-from-Ravelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnlvt6E9OuU/XsL0Te1NnNI/AAAAAAAAqEc/m_2yqKBYbxYgeQQglXMTIqJRSMYjOvuQgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/Bucilla-Angel-Crepe-Balls-from-Ravelry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="1">(<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/bear-brand-angel-crepe?set=&_rfoff=1" target="_blank">Photo from Ravelry)</a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Angel Crepe Yarn</b>: 71%Virgin Wool and 29% Rayon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">two 2-ply of rayon and wool plied together<br />Worsted weight yarn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Described as: <span style="text-align: left;">A lovely Angel Crepe yarn, a soft French Zephyr with a twist of rayon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Uses: Dresses, blouses, accessories</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hAh2reFplc/XsL1vaEkuBI/AAAAAAAAqE4/-aSTbVS12wYSXw9LLRylfsAOqREAODoXACK4BGAsYHg/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-Yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="479" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hAh2reFplc/XsL1vaEkuBI/AAAAAAAAqE4/-aSTbVS12wYSXw9LLRylfsAOqREAODoXACK4BGAsYHg/s320/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-Yarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vintageyarn.fandom.com/wiki/Bear_Brand_Angel_Crepe" target="_blank"><font size="1">Photo from Vintage Yarn Wiki</font></a></div><div>The yarn was introduced in 1-oz balls in 1934, and ended in 4-oz skeins in 1953</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEy92u4Ea-M/XsL3ARtqTsI/AAAAAAAAqFU/UnVwiBOfodADeslUE_TdgBWm4ONUMvkdQCK4BGAsYHg/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-1934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEy92u4Ea-M/XsL3ARtqTsI/AAAAAAAAqFU/UnVwiBOfodADeslUE_TdgBWm4ONUMvkdQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-1934.jpg" /></a></div><div> Bear Brand started the advertising blitz in the form of pattern offerings. Introduce an highly desired fashion pattern free of charge and you'll buy the yarn to make it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZkAwZj96jw/XsL33VPgp1I/AAAAAAAAqFo/ooy8o8Ibkm4ia8VJisugr2A45ZCi22jHgCK4BGAsYHg/Fleishers-Angel-Crepe-Yarn-1934-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZkAwZj96jw/XsL33VPgp1I/AAAAAAAAqFo/ooy8o8Ibkm4ia8VJisugr2A45ZCi22jHgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/Fleishers-Angel-Crepe-Yarn-1934-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fleishers were following the same practice. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48ZgekYXHHI/XsL4daz-Q_I/AAAAAAAAqGA/PUiLkfiWoustAcnLsEWd0-GIa5E-Qu0AQCK4BGAsYHg/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-Yarn-1935-advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="473" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48ZgekYXHHI/XsL4daz-Q_I/AAAAAAAAqGA/PUiLkfiWoustAcnLsEWd0-GIa5E-Qu0AQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-Yarn-1935-advertisement.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Several months later - early 1935, the advertisements began displaying the price. The yarn and it's pricing struggling to maintain an audience through the 1940's. Remember, this was WWII era with times being financially tough and many women working long hours without time for dress knitting, </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mdGAum5AEw/XsL7lh9H33I/AAAAAAAAqGg/6kyEdw0dToI78BPd1Nt4FrNrp08X48xAACK4BGAsYHg/Knitting-Pattern-Wrap-Blouse-with-Short-Sleeves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mdGAum5AEw/XsL7lh9H33I/AAAAAAAAqGg/6kyEdw0dToI78BPd1Nt4FrNrp08X48xAACK4BGAsYHg/s320/Knitting-Pattern-Wrap-Blouse-with-Short-Sleeves.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/knitted-short-sleeve-wrap-blouse-pattern/" target="_blank"><font size="4">Checkered Blouse</font></a></b></div><div>Late 1940's into the 1950's, the Bernhard companies continued marketing their Angel Crepe brand, but primarily through magazines. They would place an advertisement in the magazine, which would then publish one or two of their patterns to entice the reader to purchase. This blouse appeared in the 1950 issue of Smart Knitting Magazine, along with a couple dresses. I've also seen advertisements from Modern Knitting and Modern Needlecraft magazines.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3n_B3sxbnQ/XsL8j3-HjUI/AAAAAAAAqG4/RN_DOrlRwrs_jO5u3LYEnbkUZEdwHiCiQCK4BGAsYHg/Picturesque-Hats-in-Hand-Crochet-Vol-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3n_B3sxbnQ/XsL8j3-HjUI/AAAAAAAAqG4/RN_DOrlRwrs_jO5u3LYEnbkUZEdwHiCiQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/Picturesque-Hats-in-Hand-Crochet-Vol-6.jpg" /></a></div> </div><div>There was also a number of pattern books issued that featured several in each of the Angel Crepe Yarn. This book, <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=buc6&section=product" target="_blank"><b>Picturesque Hats in Hand Crochet</b> </a>was published under the Bernhard Ulman name in 1939</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuUyEP_vvEQ/XsL-DqqebCI/AAAAAAAAqHY/LwphuVaFxoIYCGhxYsT0P-WWgA2ZZRTnQCK4BGAsYHg/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-Yarn-Tie-Kit-1949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="556" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuUyEP_vvEQ/XsL-DqqebCI/AAAAAAAAqHY/LwphuVaFxoIYCGhxYsT0P-WWgA2ZZRTnQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-Yarn-Tie-Kit-1949.jpg" /></a></div><div>Both Bear Brands a Fleishers also went on a newspaper and magazine campaign for kits. This advertisement for a 'Knit-a-Tie' kit, where you received the yarn and instructions for 'only $1.75'.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WDOSIf71q8/XsL_q0S3kiI/AAAAAAAAqIY/Xnw7uhm3oig1yBami5CT927F3jeqTA7nQCK4BGAsYHg/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-is-back-1953-advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="603" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WDOSIf71q8/XsL_q0S3kiI/AAAAAAAAqIY/Xnw7uhm3oig1yBami5CT927F3jeqTA7nQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/Bear-Brand-Angel-Crepe-is-back-1953-advertisement.jpg" /></a></div><div>In 1953 came this advertising campaign announcing Angel Crepe is back! Well, it had not been gone, but sales were obviously lacking. Advertisements listing the price were were down also to the original introduction - at 50 cents for a 4-oz skein versus the 1-oz ball. We were moving into the era of ready made quick fashions and the years of knitting one's own dress was declining. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then, other than secondary markets, this yarn disappeared. Now, I can't give you exact substitutes as I don't Knit (just research), but should you fall for one of the patterns calling for Angel Crepe, look at the specs given at the top of this post and make a selection to meet the gauge of your particular </div><div>pattern. </div><div><br /></div><div>And so, you might ask, <b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=*Angel%20Crepe*&section=product" target="_blank">are there any patterns in the shop calling for Angel Crepe Yarn? Well, of course there !</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfHqJqpoWMQ/XsMA-6_jCSI/AAAAAAAAqI8/LRUGiHrkUo4AHP5PJhgUKxL_KyE18sTPQCK4BGAsYHg/Angel-Crepe-Trademark-1933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="596" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfHqJqpoWMQ/XsMA-6_jCSI/AAAAAAAAqI8/LRUGiHrkUo4AHP5PJhgUKxL_KyE18sTPQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/Angel-Crepe-Trademark-1933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh - one last note for some Trivia. Why didn't other yarn manufacturers also produce Angel Crepe Yarn? Well, the answer is ... Bernhard Ulman Trademarked it! </div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you enjoyed the post. Thanks for dropping by, </div><div>Lorrie </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-20365291815685658042020-02-22T16:35:00.000-06:002020-02-22T16:41:23.490-06:00Minerva Milady Knitting YarnWhen writing a post for one of the vintage yarns, I always like to start with a picture of the yarn itself, which I can usually locate from one of the Ebay or Etsy sellers. But, in this case - Minerva Milady Knitting Yarn, not a single picture of the actual yarn has been found. (I have set up a Google Alert, should one appear).<br />
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What I have learned .... </div>
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Lees Minerva introduced the brand early 1933 </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ioqt_z3wgSI/XlGcxzViLaI/AAAAAAAAp2Y/B_uNyrqB97Uhj5_4AX06HiwvHhJSyMhVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Minerva-Milady-Yarn-1933-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ioqt_z3wgSI/XlGcxzViLaI/AAAAAAAAp2Y/B_uNyrqB97Uhj5_4AX06HiwvHhJSyMhVACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Minerva-Milady-Yarn-1933-Advertisement.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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This yarn was 100% wool, sold in 4-oz skeins in 40 beautiful colors -- quite a variety of colors for first introduction. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcHaR8iMZek/XlGf65hQY2I/AAAAAAAAp2k/gN_jQhO-n700_i4vjPV_0q67rGfJkggAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Milady-Knitting-Worsted-1937-advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="499" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcHaR8iMZek/XlGf65hQY2I/AAAAAAAAp2k/gN_jQhO-n700_i4vjPV_0q67rGfJkggAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Milady-Knitting-Worsted-1937-advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The yarn apparently proves itself successful, gaining a full 30 cents from the introductory price of 19 cents. The yarn was touted for suits, coats, dresses, sweaters and afghans. Lees Minerva published a number of misses clothing / accessory patterns through the 30's, so I'd assume several included patterns calling for this yarn. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcMvkkRis1E/XlGngpc4nFI/AAAAAAAAp3M/SAPW_rZnb4Q_pZnin8sPBPLhqRE2VAUdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Minerva-Afghans-Vol-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcMvkkRis1E/XlGngpc4nFI/AAAAAAAAp3M/SAPW_rZnb4Q_pZnin8sPBPLhqRE2VAUdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Minerva-Afghans-Vol-66.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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In 1943, Lees Minerva published pattern book -<b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=cm66" target="_blank"> Minerva Afghans - Vol 66 </a></b>which featured the Milady Yarn in each pattern. These patterns are in the shop, should you be interested in looking. </div>
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During World War II, sale advertisements dwindled in newspapers, which leads me to assume manufacturing may have been discontinued early 1940's as wool supply to common market became scarce. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULOTtzoCjPA/XlGlDxolYgI/AAAAAAAAp3A/SsNNF9jXEGUlEqUlvvDKm4W9jlxbszy7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lees-Minerva-Milady-Yarn-1951-Advertisememnt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="600" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULOTtzoCjPA/XlGlDxolYgI/AAAAAAAAp3A/SsNNF9jXEGUlEqUlvvDKm4W9jlxbszy7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Lees-Minerva-Milady-Yarn-1951-Advertisememnt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There was a brief marketing sprint at the end of the 1940's, ending in 1951, which I assume, was final sell-off of the product line. The pattern featured in this advertisement is <b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/charleston-block-crochet-afghan-pattern/" target="_blank">Charleston Block </a></b>- a colorful classic Granny. </div>
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And ... that's all I know. But, should I come across other books or information about this yarn, I'll update this post. If you should happen to know more, I'd appreciate your sharing! </div>
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Lorrie </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-45305386241691351282020-02-08T08:23:00.000-06:002020-02-08T08:23:08.277-06:00Crochet Star Medallion Pattern, Mail Order Design Some time back I created spreadsheets to keep track of my mail order collection. This step, although a bit time consuming, has been quite an eye opener. I'll start posting some of these tidbits ... just in case anyone 'out there' should be interested. <br />
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When a Mail Order pattern proved popular, it was published multiple years and/or under multiple numbers. At each release, the pattern description would change. Lets take the example of the popular Crochet Star Medallion. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kd2uHWzGlYo/Xj6ti9FOx6I/AAAAAAAApz8/ZeegVfJUwccpwys6VwN-VCMLO7DWbRBMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crochet-Star-Pattern-Illustration%252C-Mail-Order-2675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="703" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kd2uHWzGlYo/Xj6ti9FOx6I/AAAAAAAApz8/ZeegVfJUwccpwys6VwN-VCMLO7DWbRBMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crochet-Star-Pattern-Illustration%252C-Mail-Order-2675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's an attractive hexagon medallion in star motif that will measure 3-1/2 or 5-1/2" depending upon thread. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQwbQDrSul4/Xj6tma8WmII/AAAAAAAAp0A/QOTEMULfl8sfFXVHINmPDZPf1rJFGm6kACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Laura-Wheeler-2675-Newspaper-Clipping-1941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="450" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQwbQDrSul4/Xj6tma8WmII/AAAAAAAAp0A/QOTEMULfl8sfFXVHINmPDZPf1rJFGm6kACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Laura-Wheeler-2675-Newspaper-Clipping-1941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crocheted-star-medallion-pattern-bedspread-laura-wheeler-2675/" target="_blank">Laura Wheeler 2675:</a></b> </div>
This Design was first released in October of 1940. <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">"Can't you picture a spread of this lovely crocheted medallion enhancing your bedroom. It's a beginner choice indeed for it's so easy and works up so effectively". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">And then again in March of 1941, "Beginner's, here's crochet that will win you laurels. The easy medallion repeated makes a variety of accessories large and small, as you wish.Use string, it works up quickly. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNLrfZUNiOo/Xj6y2Q6sNsI/AAAAAAAAp0Q/mu8O74jhzxowu34DKYrARSl--Mgrp22ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Laura-Wheeler-753-Newspaper-Clipping-1948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNLrfZUNiOo/Xj6y2Q6sNsI/AAAAAAAAp0Q/mu8O74jhzxowu34DKYrARSl--Mgrp22ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Laura-Wheeler-753-Newspaper-Clipping-1948.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/star-medallion-crochet-pattern-design-753/" target="_blank">Laura Wheeler 753 </a></b></span></div>
Design 2675, although billed as a Medallion, as portrayed as a bedspread in this picture. Here, the same design is shown as a tablecloth. <br />
<u>The pattern was released in July, 1947</u> - description: "Star of all medallions! Easy to crochet, quick to memorize. You'll love it's cobwebby beauty in a spread or cloth. Good pick-up work. The sky is the limit to the lovely accessories you can make".<br />
<u>Again in July, 1948, September 1948 and July 1949</u> - description: "Don't wish on a star - just crochet this one instead! The accessories you long for are yours in no time with this easy medallion. You can win prizes with this crochet at your fair".<br />
<u>And, one more time in 1950</u> - description: Star this medallion in your home. It rates applause any way you use it. "You'll memorize it quickly, then it's pure fun to do. This is a wonderfully easy was to grace your home with heirloom luxuries"<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2bSDV6oKaI/Xj66WkCOgsI/AAAAAAAAp0c/TpQQZ9aVDr4W0wE9ssr4UjbHA-YuXxwZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Alice%2BBrooks%2B7180%2Bnewspaper%2Bclipping%2B1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="626" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2bSDV6oKaI/Xj66WkCOgsI/AAAAAAAAp0c/TpQQZ9aVDr4W0wE9ssr4UjbHA-YuXxwZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Alice%2BBrooks%2B7180%2Bnewspaper%2Bclipping%2B1956.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/crochet-star-square-pattern-design-7180/" target="_blank">Alice Brooks 7180</a></b></div>
Here, the pattern has switched over to be marketed as Alice Brooks versus Laura Wheeler. Also billed as a tablecloth, the table setting itself changed. <br />
<u>This Design version was released in June 1956, March 1957 </u>- description: "You'll win prizes with this quick crochet medallion. It lends itself to both fine cotton and string. Make small articles or plan a bedspread or tablecloth".<br />
<u>Again in December 1958, February 1959, February 1960 and May 1961</u> - Description: This prize medallion is especially good for large and small articles: scarves, mats, pillows, bedspreads. A quick, thrift way to acquire lovely accessories",<br />
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Now, I've found one other occurrence of this exact pattern under the name of American Weekly.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VH_EVK1qAN4/Xj6_Jw8aAaI/AAAAAAAAp0o/XtkMAmTjWlQthq9NBKijtX5HXk71bKpSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mail-Order-3080-Crocheted-Medallion-for-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="264" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VH_EVK1qAN4/Xj6_Jw8aAaI/AAAAAAAAp0o/XtkMAmTjWlQthq9NBKijtX5HXk71bKpSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Mail-Order-3080-Crocheted-Medallion-for-blog.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/star-crochet-medallion-american-weekly-3080/" target="_blank">American Weekly 3080</a></div>
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Patterns branded <a href="https://bitsofhistory.vintageknitcrochet.net/2018/04/the-american-weekly-mail-order-patterns.html" target="_blank"><b>American Weekly</b></a> appeared only in the Sunday weekly circular of the same name. I do not (currently) know the relationship between The American Weekly and Needlecraft Services, but assume advertising space was purchased and the pattern was simply branded. I (currently) have no way to date the publications of these patterns. </div>
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Are their more occurrences where this pattern was marketed under different numbers and descriptions? Possible. These are simple the patterns that I've purchased, processed and am aware of. Should I discover more, I'll update this post. </div>
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It's obvious this was a popular, and well selling design. And, for very apparent reasons - it's a quite lovely medallion. Should you be interested in the pattern, it is available in my shop - links under pattern pictures. I've been asked, if a pattern is the same, why do I list it multiple times. That's a very easy answer. Sometimes one might be searching for a pattern of a specific number.</div>
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Well, I imagine, if you've made it to here, you've read enough about this particular pattern and I'll move on to something else!</div>
<style type="text/css"><!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--></style><style type="text/css"><!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--></style><style type="text/css"><!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--></style><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-65148126832444170822020-01-26T07:51:00.001-06:002020-02-20T07:28:54.437-06:00Crochet Hot Plate Mats, Asbestos ReplacementI'm processing a Free Download for the shop this afternoon for a crocheted hot plate mat from 1949.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuV_dZFYGTw/Xi2DqXPHHzI/AAAAAAAApxk/MG2rSncTjNo8lRJCKCIBAX5_bhk_tYk2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Free-Crochet-Hot-Plate-Mats-Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="700" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuV_dZFYGTw/Xi2DqXPHHzI/AAAAAAAApxk/MG2rSncTjNo8lRJCKCIBAX5_bhk_tYk2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Free-Crochet-Hot-Plate-Mats-Pattern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/free-crochet-hot-plate-mats-star-flower/" target="_blank"><b>Free Hot Plate Mats Pattern - Flower and Star</b></a></div>
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Of course, I've seen the material requirement before, but had never put much thought into it .... 8-1/2 inch Asbestos Mat. Now, I have a few of these mat patterns in the shop, which have never sold, which made we wonder if these have lost their vintage interest because of these Asbestos Mats.<br />
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Asbestos Mats made their appearance back in the 1890's.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCCd3zE2gnY/Xi2F6o5bQkI/AAAAAAAApxw/PrKK3AlGPdUSYsDPM7YRNgUu0GCeo_l7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1893%2BAsbestos%2BMat%2BAdvertisement.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="458" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCCd3zE2gnY/Xi2F6o5bQkI/AAAAAAAApxw/PrKK3AlGPdUSYsDPM7YRNgUu0GCeo_l7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1893%2BAsbestos%2BMat%2BAdvertisement.png" width="284" /></a></div>
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These mats were made in two parts - the mat itself being a sturdy cardboard with the top layer being an asbestos layer called Millboard. Asbestos was fireproof and absorbed heat, making it an asset for cooking. Remember, cooking in the late 1800's was a quite rustic affair. </div>
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As we moved into the 1920/30's, many homes now had kitchen stoves with burners which allowed these mats to become more decorative. What woman didn't want a more decorative kitchen! Initially, decorative covers were made using macrame cords, but then moved towards the influx of colorful crochet cottons.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYK8Y4OCHww/Xi2P27A4v4I/AAAAAAAApyI/0Gu90fm0jdU25y-z4p2N5D7CFPMDeWqgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crochet-Hot-Plate-Mat-1935-Pattern-Offer-from-Womens-Service-Bureau.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="292" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYK8Y4OCHww/Xi2P27A4v4I/AAAAAAAApyI/0Gu90fm0jdU25y-z4p2N5D7CFPMDeWqgACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crochet-Hot-Plate-Mat-1935-Pattern-Offer-from-Womens-Service-Bureau.png" width="249" /></a></div>
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Patterns for these mats began appearing in newspapers in 1935; first offerings being from the Women's Service Bureau, quickly followed by the Mail Order companies and, of course, the promotional pattern books and leaflets of the thread manufacturers.<br />
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Asbestos mats soon evolved to meet many household - heat conducive - needs. The product was found, not only in mats and table pads, but our appliances, insulation and so much more. <br />
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Asbestos use continued into the 1970's, when it was determined to be a carcinogen and removed from the marketplace. <br />
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Well, let's get me back on focus here .... these vintage hot plate cover patterns that call for the asbestos mats. You can use the covers without the mat insert; many mats pattern do not call for it.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWlBuYnyO7A/Xi2Xrko_7XI/AAAAAAAApyU/54HU6efgavoNg_ODLdZgM1lkeAtgC57kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pellon-975-interfacing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="333" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWlBuYnyO7A/Xi2Xrko_7XI/AAAAAAAApyU/54HU6efgavoNg_ODLdZgM1lkeAtgC57kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Pellon-975-interfacing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or, if you need a heat buffer to put hot pots on your tables, there's a great substitute in the form of Pellon. This particular interfacing - Pellon 975 - will function well, as will a number of others interfacing you'll find in your sewing shops. Just cut the interfacing to your desired size. The primary different between interfacing substitutes and the obsolete asbestos mats is the sturdy factor.<br />
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So, should you be partial to the particular design of a hot plate mat cover, don't discount your creativity over the asbestos mat. <br />
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Okay, I've now killed an hour .... time to get back to work!<br />
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Thanks for dropping by.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-56681265769254528692019-04-22T09:32:00.000-05:002020-02-20T07:29:58.603-06:00Dritz Luxury BellastrawWorking through the 1952 issue of <a href="https://todaystreasureshoptalk.blogspot.com/2015/03/modern-needlecraft-magazine-volume-15.html" target="_blank"><b>Modern Needlecraft Magazine</b></a>, I again came across a pattern which calls for Dritz Luxury Belastraw. And, as usual, I thought "one of these days I'm going to have to find out some information on this discontinued products". Well, perhaps this is the day.<br />
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This is the pattern I'm referring to.<br />
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<a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/6808/12301/Medallion_Crochet_Place_Mat_Doily_Pattern___16200.1501591555.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/6808/12301/Medallion_Crochet_Place_Mat_Doily_Pattern___16200.1501591555.jpg?c=2" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is a quite lovely <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/free-crochet-medallion-table-mat-pattern/" target="_blank"><b>Table Ma</b>t</a> that is crocheted in 3/4 inch medallions that will form a finished piece that is 20 inches square. It calls for an obsolete thread that was called Dritz Luxury Belastraw. Most of the patterns in magazines also appeared in pattern books and I'm making a guess this one would have appeared in Table Mats & Doilies of Dritz Belastraw - Vol 23 from 1951<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nxd32Orney4/XL3N7e6y0ZI/AAAAAAAAplk/-0krl5LWam4Cq9QmmftIsW0hSvlfVxI9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Dritz%2BBellastraw%2BLuxury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nxd32Orney4/XL3N7e6y0ZI/AAAAAAAAplk/-0krl5LWam4Cq9QmmftIsW0hSvlfVxI9QCLcBGAs/s320/Dritz%2BBellastraw%2BLuxury.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Picture used with permission from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/cheryl12108?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Cheryl12108</a>)</span></div>
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Now, there are quite a number of these discontinued yarns from the late 1940's and early 1950's. Why so many, well let's attribute part of that to World War II. During the war there was a shortage of cotton, as majority of the product was designated to uniforms and other material supplies. A fair amount of alternative materials were substituted.<br />
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Dritz Belastraw was a 100% Viscose Process Rayon thread, 5 ply, that was distributed by John Dritz & Sons (now Prym-Dritz Corp). The thread is reported to be a bit like a soft nylon straw and was fashioned for making of bags and hats. It's was a strong thread that was worked tightly. The fibers were prone to stretching when wet, and dry cleaning was sometimes recommended in the pattern books. There was also a sparkle option.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4W4OL0UlcE/XL3OLgf-8jI/AAAAAAAApls/dcaXYJNo2LcscqFWGaWWW9YzjreHejWlgCLcBGAs/s1600/Dritz%2BBellastraw%2BSparkle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="699" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4W4OL0UlcE/XL3OLgf-8jI/AAAAAAAApls/dcaXYJNo2LcscqFWGaWWW9YzjreHejWlgCLcBGAs/s320/Dritz%2BBellastraw%2BSparkle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, other than a couple of newspaper sale clippings, that's all I've been able to find. This one from 1951 . . .<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTKuRFzMeWc/XL3PbThhMhI/AAAAAAAApl4/dp4ZVk17g2QABDcZ8AWNIxVzZ_Jg9u_KACLcBGAs/s1600/Dritz-Bellastraw-1951-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="1600" height="60" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTKuRFzMeWc/XL3PbThhMhI/AAAAAAAApl4/dp4ZVk17g2QABDcZ8AWNIxVzZ_Jg9u_KACLcBGAs/s320/Dritz-Bellastraw-1951-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, back to the pattern. In looking at it, I'd say it's an easy medallion design that would be quite delightful in a number of heavier threads. I've listed it in the shop as a Free Download, should you be interested in giving it a try. (If so, I'd really appreciate your reporting back as to which threads you used !).<br />
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Okay, back to work.<br />
Thanks for dropping by,<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-77955970709070857972019-03-24T14:16:00.002-05:002021-03-19T15:15:30.394-05:00Crochet Baby Dress Pattern, Mail Order 846Some of the Mail Order Patterns were marketed using different pattern pictures and descriptions to catch different audiences. Sometimes they were also identified under different brand names, or no name at all. A good example of this is the little girls dress, which was marketed under number 846.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/288/16191/Mail-Order-846-Crochet-Baby-Dress-Pattern__11467.1553455592.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="622" height="330" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnzla4epa/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/288/16191/Mail-Order-846-Crochet-Baby-Dress-Pattern__11467.1553455592.jpg?c=2" width="257" /></a></div><div><br />
My copy of Mail Order 846 shows this sweet toddler. I've no doubt this image appeared in newspaper print, however, I've not yet found it. It portrays the younger child size of the pattern - Age 2.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2AZhe_Wwdg/XHADAxF9IiI/AAAAAAAAphI/_kyqpCZBi4Up_ODt56h51hHs5ywNz_N4gCLcBGAs/s1600/Mail-Order-846%252C-Crocheted-Girls-Dress-in-Shell-Stitch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2AZhe_Wwdg/XHADAxF9IiI/AAAAAAAAphI/_kyqpCZBi4Up_ODt56h51hHs5ywNz_N4gCLcBGAs/s400/Mail-Order-846%252C-Crocheted-Girls-Dress-in-Shell-Stitch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here, in this February 14, 1948 advertisement from the Los Angeles Times, we find the picture promotion being aimed towards the order girl - Aged 6.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wizbp-8_Ykk/XHABT-VpiAI/AAAAAAAApg8/bg7ZZX32Nt8evzCNM-CvxoHF9WoBwH7lgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mail-Order-846%252C-Girls-Crochet-Dress%252C-1948-Los-Angeles-Times.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wizbp-8_Ykk/XHABT-VpiAI/AAAAAAAApg8/bg7ZZX32Nt8evzCNM-CvxoHF9WoBwH7lgCLcBGAs/s400/Mail-Order-846%252C-Girls-Crochet-Dress%252C-1948-Los-Angeles-Times.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Again in the Los Angeles Times, May 12th, 1948, the photo portrays the mid range size of the pattern - Age 4. Released again, with same picture in 1950. February 15th, released in the Chicago Tribune as E-846 - also Needlework Bureau. The pattern was released in New York in the same date spans - 1948 to 1952 under the name of Ellen Bruce, which was also the Needlework Bureau Brand.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRborI4V9lU/XJfVsCkoFXI/AAAAAAAApjo/tw7YKhvWvR4SGh506F4nHx5x7blvrX8CQCLcBGAs/s1600/Martha-Madison-846%252C-Crochet-Baby-Dress-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="250" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRborI4V9lU/XJfVsCkoFXI/AAAAAAAApjo/tw7YKhvWvR4SGh506F4nHx5x7blvrX8CQCLcBGAs/s400/Martha-Madison-846%252C-Crochet-Baby-Dress-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
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Many of the Needlework Bureau patterns were also re-released under the Martha Madison Brand name in the 1960's. Same pattern with one addition -- it has a size option between 6 and 18 months.<br />
I've not yet found the relationship between Needlework Bureau ad Martha Madison, but have no doubt one day I will.<br />
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<a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/baby-crochet-dress-pattern-mail-order-design-846/" target="_blank">This pattern is available in the shop in the 6 to 18 month size)</a>, should you be interested in creating it for your own 'Special Miss".<br />
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Okay, on to the next pattern! Thanks for dropping by!<br />
Lorrie</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-10890922944220042482019-03-17T17:45:00.001-05:002020-02-20T07:30:51.557-06:00Bear Brand Lanadown YarnI came across a second pattern today calling for Bear Brand (Bucilla) Lanadown Yarn. As I know nothing of this yarn, thought I'd take a little bit of time to see what I could learn. Periodically I get asked for substitute information. <br />
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Now, this is a bit of an obscure yarn; evidenced by it not being referenced over at Ravelry! A Google search rendered nothing, but did find a few tidbits in the old newspapers. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iiIOZn7z-Cc/XI7HMHN6sNI/AAAAAAAApig/bIz-2qIP-2YYpv1TL993riLzDbp2rhSqwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bear-Brand-Lanadown-Yarn%252C-1948-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iiIOZn7z-Cc/XI7HMHN6sNI/AAAAAAAApig/bIz-2qIP-2YYpv1TL993riLzDbp2rhSqwCLcBGAs/s320/Bear-Brand-Lanadown-Yarn%252C-1948-Advertisement.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
Bear Brand Lanadown Yarn made it's appearance in a limited market early 1948. As usual, the introduction referenced the product 'on sale'.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93s41Vt26kE/XI7HMMeCpSI/AAAAAAAApio/gdAgQA11w5gL321O5N0o8UQOMiW8FR3WwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bear-Brand-Lanadown-Yarn%252C-1950-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93s41Vt26kE/XI7HMMeCpSI/AAAAAAAApio/gdAgQA11w5gL321O5N0o8UQOMiW8FR3WwCLcBGAs/s320/Bear-Brand-Lanadown-Yarn%252C-1950-Advertisement.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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This advertisement, mid 1950, tells us the yarn was a 3-ply Fingering yarn. The two patterns I've found indicate the yarn was also sold under the Bucilla name, but I've found no such tracks. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl6RxmiSjOI/XI7HMz1kppI/AAAAAAAApis/0k_9evSPn2QK1A_odsEY8kifEdfM3T9hACLcBGAs/s1600/Lanadown-Yarn%252C-Bear%2BBrand%252C%2B1953%2BAdvertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="601" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl6RxmiSjOI/XI7HMz1kppI/AAAAAAAApis/0k_9evSPn2QK1A_odsEY8kifEdfM3T9hACLcBGAs/s320/Lanadown-Yarn%252C-Bear%2BBrand%252C%2B1953%2BAdvertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, after a very short run, the last couple advertisements show it as closeout (discontinued) pricing in early 1953. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knhYYolrIyw/XI7HMBPSvAI/AAAAAAAApi0/Mu0gKB-tQ7Ums5bcUSXgIrcK9GRMA8DNwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Bear-Brand-Lanadown-Yarn-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knhYYolrIyw/XI7HMBPSvAI/AAAAAAAApi0/Mu0gKB-tQ7Ums5bcUSXgIrcK9GRMA8DNwCEwYBhgL/s320/Bear-Brand-Lanadown-Yarn-Photo.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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Picture from Ebay seller CaliforniaGold</div>
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So, what did we learn? Lanadown Yarn was marketed under the Bear Brand (Bucilla) labels between 1948 and 1953. It was a 3-ply Fingering Yarn, 100% Virgin Wool, in 2-oz skeins. </div>
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<a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=lanadown" target="_blank">I have only two patterns,</a> at this time, in the shop that call for Lanadown yarn. They both come from magazines. I don't know if any of the Bear Brand pattern booklets promoted the yarn, but have many in reserves waiting on me .... who knows!</div>
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So, should you come across a pattern calling for this yarn, hope this will help you finding a substitute .... any 3-ply fingering weight yarn should do you. </div>
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Thanks for dropping by, </div>
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Lorrie</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-13193252205421650602018-07-09T16:08:00.000-05:002020-02-20T07:32:47.335-06:00Supra Mohair Yarn, Bear Brand, Fleishers, Bucilla1960 -- It was a grand year in the yarn market; another mohair was introduced -- Supra Mohair. -<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCozjULvTjU/W0NeCHY57II/AAAAAAAApbI/qq8y176eG4QgSlskXioqwZe3lYMvthYHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Imported-Supra-Mohair-Yarn-1962-advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="700" height="92" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCozjULvTjU/W0NeCHY57II/AAAAAAAApbI/qq8y176eG4QgSlskXioqwZe3lYMvthYHQCLcBGAs/s400/Imported-Supra-Mohair-Yarn-1962-advertisement.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lovely Supra Mohair, an exquisite, soft brushed yarn imported from Italy in a beautiful range of colors. For dress sweaters and jackets in 19 hues. The imported yarn was branded by Bernard Ullman under all three of the associated brands - Bear Brand, Botany and Fleishers.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74u9Cy8qvKU/W0O5NJCGhjI/AAAAAAAApbg/i5hsEOsaPf0WTiiph11TFgjYg74e9_ilQCLcBGAs/s1600/Supra%2BMohair%2BYarn%2Bfrom%2BEtsy%2BSeller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="645" height="269" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74u9Cy8qvKU/W0O5NJCGhjI/AAAAAAAApbg/i5hsEOsaPf0WTiiph11TFgjYg74e9_ilQCLcBGAs/s320/Supra%2BMohair%2BYarn%2Bfrom%2BEtsy%2BSeller.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.ebay.com/str/thesewingdoll" target="_blank">Photo from Ebay seller thesewingdoll</a></span></div>
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1-3/8 oz skeins (100% Goat Mohair in 80 yard balls)</div>
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Needle Sizes 8 to 10-1/2</div>
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Bulky, 12 ply</div>
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This is a great comparison photo, which I should be helpful in searching out replacement yarn. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz585MLETSY/W0NayghYynI/AAAAAAAApaw/T6nHTim53o0gtJCQ4br4QoCScxK1wa8kACLcBGAs/s1600/Bear-Brand-Supra-Mohair-1961-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="500" height="117" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz585MLETSY/W0NayghYynI/AAAAAAAApaw/T6nHTim53o0gtJCQ4br4QoCScxK1wa8kACLcBGAs/s320/Bear-Brand-Supra-Mohair-1961-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The yarn was introduced at $1.79 per ball. As was typical however, it was available 'on sale' at most independent yarn shops.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntoc4CBjYXA/W0NY6HcxSoI/AAAAAAAApak/dmxPSnOie5s2dntYo1z5agba0T2QKAyuQCLcBGAs/s1600/Botany-Supra-Mohair-Yarn-1961-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="700" height="241" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntoc4CBjYXA/W0NY6HcxSoI/AAAAAAAApak/dmxPSnOie5s2dntYo1z5agba0T2QKAyuQCLcBGAs/s320/Botany-Supra-Mohair-Yarn-1961-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the typical fashion of Bernhard Ullman, free pattern promotions were splashed across the country. This concept was, of course, a dual win for both the brand, as well as the local shops who supplied the materials to interested knitters. Numerous ads appeared for each of the represented brands - Botany, Bear Brand and Fleishers. Each with a separate pattern selections.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XL9OoBzqUZY/W0NcjV8A_6I/AAAAAAAApa8/vB-G8jr7ShUsMbUjQ3V6gW1k9b1qe0iYgCLcBGAs/s1600/Fleishers-Supra-Mohair-1961-Pattern-Offer-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XL9OoBzqUZY/W0NcjV8A_6I/AAAAAAAApa8/vB-G8jr7ShUsMbUjQ3V6gW1k9b1qe0iYgCLcBGAs/s320/Fleishers-Supra-Mohair-1961-Pattern-Offer-Advertisement.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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Here's another under the Fleishers name. <b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/knit-chunky-beanie-hat-pattern-with-pompon/" target="_blank">The hat, on the left</a></b>, was also published in Bernhard Pattern Book 92 -- Hats, Hats, Hats.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vY4_d1eJyQA/W0NfpjHo8qI/AAAAAAAApbU/bCjqFQxpm5MkCMOGzUXeU46Wx_25EAB9gCLcBGAs/s1600/Bucilla-Supra-Mohair-Yarn-1964-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="367" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vY4_d1eJyQA/W0NfpjHo8qI/AAAAAAAApbU/bCjqFQxpm5MkCMOGzUXeU46Wx_25EAB9gCLcBGAs/s320/Bucilla-Supra-Mohair-Yarn-1964-Advertisement.jpg" width="167" /></a></div>
In the Northwestern markets, Supra Mohair Yarn was also marketed under the Bucilla label. (Bucilla being the alternate company name of Bernhard Ullman).<br />
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Although Bernhard Ullman did not issue a pattern book solely devoted to the Supra Mohair yarn, it did make an appearance in several of their issues. Patterns were also featured in a couple of the Needlework magazines. When I come across them again, I'll update this post. (I always love the old magazine ads).<br />
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And on it continued ... sales announcements from individual shop owners coupled with newspaper pattern promotions .... until 1970, when the big slash sales took place to reduce the final inventory levels. <br />
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A good yarn .. yep. A supply of good vintage patterns out there ... yep. <b><a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=supra" target="_blank">There are, of course, a few in the shop, should you care to browse</a></b>. For a replacement yarn, with the above specs, try Google-ing something like 12-ply mohair yarn, and select one that meets the gauge of your pattern. <br />
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Thanks for dropping by,<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-89652333764311998172018-07-06T07:27:00.000-05:002020-02-20T07:33:16.514-06:00Casa-Laine Yarn, Fleishers and Bear BrandThe Casa-Laine Yarn takes us way back to 1943 .... it was from the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Generation" target="_blank"> Silent Generation</a>, you might say. The yarn was introduced in early 1943 to a fairly large market across the United States.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_dOvJ4tRmg/WzokK5XOyBI/AAAAAAAApZ0/Wq8fYiV-Gc4g-41wGCCqJPLR9OU2t6g9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Casa-Laine-Yarn%252C-1943-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="504" height="198" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_dOvJ4tRmg/WzokK5XOyBI/AAAAAAAApZ0/Wq8fYiV-Gc4g-41wGCCqJPLR9OU2t6g9QCLcBGAs/s200/Casa-Laine-Yarn%252C-1943-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aI7TICo2O2Q/WzoplzNAKtI/AAAAAAAApaM/5mDg2F-JwQkv-xfX7BaRXwVyR21N6PhhgCLcBGAs/s1600/Fleishers-Casa-Laine-1945-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="650" height="178" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aI7TICo2O2Q/WzoplzNAKtI/AAAAAAAApaM/5mDg2F-JwQkv-xfX7BaRXwVyR21N6PhhgCLcBGAs/s320/Fleishers-Casa-Laine-1945-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Casa-Laine was marketed under both the Bear Brand and Fleishers label. Now one could ask why same yarn under two names? I, of course, do not know, but would guess this would be to catch preference buyers ... some might have allegiance to Fleishers or Bear Brand? Note: Some patterns also indicate that the yarn was marketed under the Bucilla Brand name as well.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cszBWqgAYCQ/WzooEgbtGfI/AAAAAAAApaA/IzibN2Iof0gQqVAoVdLYBE2LO4hqBmr1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Ravelry-Bear-Brand-Casa-Laine-Yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cszBWqgAYCQ/WzooEgbtGfI/AAAAAAAApaA/IzibN2Iof0gQqVAoVdLYBE2LO4hqBmr1wCLcBGAs/s320/Ravelry-Bear-Brand-Casa-Laine-Yarn.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/bear-brand-wonderized-casa-laine" target="_blank">Ravelry member 'creativemind'</a></span></div>
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100% All-Virgin Wool Sports Yarn -- 250 yards in 2-oz skeins -- 4 ply<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBPEoe-hDjU/WzqKdDPxjRI/AAAAAAAApaY/uf83oDoB7hYwE4gID6_UoUpKG4AqMaW1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Casa-Lane-Yarn-features-Good-Housekeeping-Seal%252C-1950-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="584" height="273" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBPEoe-hDjU/WzqKdDPxjRI/AAAAAAAApaY/uf83oDoB7hYwE4gID6_UoUpKG4AqMaW1wCLcBGAs/s320/Casa-Lane-Yarn-features-Good-Housekeeping-Seal%252C-1950-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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By 1950, Casa-Laine now 'proudly' bears the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. As one would expect, the price is slowly inching up.<br />
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<a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/vintageyarn/images/5/5c/Fleisher's_and_Bear_Brand_Casa_Laine.jpeg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/300?cb=20140521151702" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/vintageyarn/images/5/5c/Fleisher's_and_Bear_Brand_Casa_Laine.jpeg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/300?cb=20140521151702" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from VintageYarnWiki</span></div>
The yarn was also featured in full-page advertisements in a number of needlework magazines into the early 1960's. (I'm sure I'll find more when I start working my way through the magazine collection and will add them). This yarn, no-doubt, was also featured in a number of pattern books by both Fleishers and Bear Brand.<br />
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And, sales and the newspaper promotions continued on into 1968. And then, it was all over; for the next two years the only references to Casa-Laine are discounted and clearance sales to deplete the remaining shop inventories and completely disappeared by 1970.<br />
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The Casa-Laine brand had a good and long life ... 1949 to 1968. It was a good solid product and I'm sure there are many interesting patterns out there, there are deserving of a knit .... <a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=Casa" target="_blank">There are, of course, several in the shop, should you care to browse</a>. <br />
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For a substitute, a nice 4-ply Sports Yarn that meets the gauge of your pattern should do it ... you might want to consider a fingering or sweater and sock yarn, as well. <br />
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Ok, back to work. Thanks for dropping by.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-53524068138510144792018-07-01T18:15:00.000-05:002020-02-20T07:33:53.279-06:00Spinnerin Duet YarnSpinnerin, a fine dress yarn, made its debut in mid-1951. The yarn was made in Switzerland for Spinnerin marketing.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_y3lhsLW0U/WzkzcX0ytkI/AAAAAAAApY4/0fmsJEKqhoQ_A-QzN1DiwFNSvzM3JY-KQCLcBGAs/s1600/Vintage%2Byarn%2BSpinnerin%2BDuet%2B14%2Bballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="639" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_y3lhsLW0U/WzkzcX0ytkI/AAAAAAAApY4/0fmsJEKqhoQ_A-QzN1DiwFNSvzM3JY-KQCLcBGAs/s320/Vintage%2Byarn%2BSpinnerin%2BDuet%2B14%2Bballs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/581404683/vintage-yarn-spinnerin-duet-14-balls?gpla=1" target="_blank">Etsy Seller Laysdaysgoneby</a></div>
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78% all Virgin Wool and 22% Rayon, sold in 120 yard, 1 ounce skeins. Skeins were purchased individually, or by the box. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gYuJMHMAPoc/Wzk7XC01nwI/AAAAAAAApZE/I4KeKbipiKs5C_dDcYFoDIDKygjKv8GeQCLcBGAs/s1600/Spinnerin-Duet-Yarn-Advertisement%252C-1951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="654" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gYuJMHMAPoc/Wzk7XC01nwI/AAAAAAAApZE/I4KeKbipiKs5C_dDcYFoDIDKygjKv8GeQCLcBGAs/s320/Spinnerin-Duet-Yarn-Advertisement%252C-1951.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Advertising was completed in a limited market - Pennsylvania - and not spreading into other markets for several years. </div>
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I this 1965 advertisement, we see a rather significant change to the Duet blend -- now 38% Wool and 62% Nylon, as well as a price drop. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-maLY66_Icxk/WzlAOPunoWI/AAAAAAAApZc/LSTDSc4TwfMTLvYo5-CLSnwJGumNXlX2wCLcBGAs/s1600/Spinnerin-Duet-1967-pattern-promotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="281" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-maLY66_Icxk/WzlAOPunoWI/AAAAAAAApZc/LSTDSc4TwfMTLvYo5-CLSnwJGumNXlX2wCLcBGAs/s400/Spinnerin-Duet-1967-pattern-promotion.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
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Spinnerin frequently promoted the yarns in mail order give-away's through the Judy Love newspaper column. In this case, an attractive two-piece suit with crocheted shell. </div>
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Spinnerin did not publish any pattern books solely dedicated to their Spinnerin Duet yarn, however, the yarn was included in several of the pattern book releases between 1955 and 1967. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMpxrfPzPr8/WzlGQZxo1vI/AAAAAAAApZo/CHCF6Eag52AnqYD9ihvY_9gZ3ugznJVSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Spinnet-Duet-1971-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="500" height="195" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMpxrfPzPr8/WzlGQZxo1vI/AAAAAAAApZo/CHCF6Eag52AnqYD9ihvY_9gZ3ugznJVSQCLcBGAs/s320/Spinnet-Duet-1971-Newspaper-Advertisement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sales lightend up as, moving into the 70's, the average woman no longer knit their wardrobes, thus reducing the demand for dress yarns. The yarn made it's last appearances in 1971. </div>
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<a href="https://www.vintageknitcrochet.net/search.php?search_query=Duet" target="_blank">There are a couple patterns in the shop</a>. I'm sure there will be more when I start working my way through the Spinnerin pattern books in my collection. As far as a substitute ... I can't say other than the typical ... a lightweight plied yarn that meets the gauge of your particular pattern. </div>
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Thanks for dropping by, </div>
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Lorrie</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Preserving History, One Pattern at a Time</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544216144819088056.post-62373602569453935902018-05-30T16:20:00.001-05:002020-02-20T07:34:18.928-06:00Laura Wheeler, Genius of NeedlecraftI was wandering around in Newspapers.com searching out pattern notations, when I came across this interesting article from June 8, 1945. The article, titled 'Laura Wheeler, Genius of Needlecraft' was written by Helen Dudnick. I'm reprinting the article as it was written.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTJD4jcmKmw/Ww76jO421tI/AAAAAAAApYM/NJkxKOCVxNQYHi1VRZ3eQwzbby5aBgRwgCLcBGAs/s1600/Laura-Wheeler-1945-Newspaper-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTJD4jcmKmw/Ww76jO421tI/AAAAAAAApYM/NJkxKOCVxNQYHi1VRZ3eQwzbby5aBgRwgCLcBGAs/s320/Laura-Wheeler-1945-Newspaper-Photo.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">By HELEN DUDNICK</span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Knits and purls. chains and slip stitches, lazy dasies and french knots. They're all easy</span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;">when you know how. An average of ten million women each year write to Laura Wheeler for </pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;">instructions for knitting that baby bonnet they saw in yesterday's newspaper. She receives</pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;">more mail than some of our top-ranking Betty Grables or Lana Turners.</pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Recently Laura Wheeler received a letter from a grandmother who wanted her to know that </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">within a comparatively short period of time she had ordered seventy-two patchwork quilt </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">patterns—all created by Miss Wheeler. Grandma, as she signed herself, went on to say </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">that she was making twelve quilts for each of her twelve granddaughters and that soon she </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">could present the gifts to 'her girls' whom she knew would be delighted with them.</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laura Wheeler's name is known to millions of newspaper readers. She is discussed by </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">countless women everyday—over back fences, notions counters and scores of other places </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">where women and girls congregate. </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 1933, Laura Wheeler decided to close her own art a</span>tudio and become the pioneer </pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;">needlecraft designer in the field. When she started with George Goldsmith, his Reader Mail organization was fast becoming </pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">America's leading newspaper dress pattern manufacturers. </span><span style="font-size: small;">One day she asked of Goldsmith, </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Why should we produce only dress patterns? There are millions of women who like to knit, </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">crochet and embroider. Why can't we manufacture needlecraft patterns for them?"</span>
<span style="font-size: small;">And so it was that Laura Wheeler gave birth to an idea which was to revolutionize the art</span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">of needlework. She gathered a staff of skilled artists and designers who set to work under</span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">her direction, creating original designs for transfer patterns to be embroidered on guest</span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">towels, pillow cases and doilies—patterns for many kinds of knitted garments—crochet </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">patterns for centerpieces, fascinators, slippers or bootees. She hired top-notch writers </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">to describe step by step, clear and precise directions for each kind of stitch in a </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">particular design. As many as ten artists work on a single pattern.</span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Says Laura Wheeler, "When a reader sees my release in her newspaper and sends 15 cents </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">for my needlecraft pattern, it is my job to see that not only will she get it promptly, </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">but when the pattern does reach her, she can be assured that there will be no need to stop </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">and question the next step." Added Miss Wheeler, "Every one of my needlecraft patterns </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">is foolproof so that even a novice will have no difficulty finishing the sweater, purse </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">or </span><span style="font-size: small;">rag dolls she started." She stresses the practicability of her feature. "I try to </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">put myself in the position of a reader. She wants eye-appealing needlecraft, patterns </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">which can be made as inexpensively as possible and that is what, I strive to give her."</span>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laura Wheeler is a typical American woman. She is of medium height with black hair </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">streaked with gray, sparkling dark eyes and an effervescent personality. Laura feels </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">she is amply repaid for her life's work of creating needlecraft patterns when those </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">millions of letters come pouring into her once—letters from women all over the country </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">asking for more patterns, letters from grateful readers telling of the joys her designs </span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">have brought them.</span>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the war is over, Laura Wheeler plans to make her needlecraft pattern feature available</span></pre>
<pre class="western" style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-size: small;">not only in the United States, Canada and Australia but in other European countries as well.</span></pre>
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Anyone who has followed the Mail Order Pattern Syndicate will have heard that Laura Wheeler was a fictitious person created for marketing purposes. i.e., we'd be more prone to trust a 'real person' than a 'mail-away' company. But, does the article create any doubt? <br />
<br />
The picture shown is part of the article and leads us to believe this is a real person. The article tells us that Laura was previously an artist, turned business woman, hiring designers and being involved in the 'pattern business. It ends telling us that 'after the war (August, 1945) she plans on expanding the patterns to Australia and Europe. (<a href="http://bitsofhistory.vintageknitcrochet.net/2018/04/laura-wheeler-designs-in-australia.html" target="_blank">These patterns were available in Australia in 1938)</a>.<br />
<br />
So, in answer to the question -- No, this wouldn't lead me towards thinking Laura Wheeler was a 'real person. But one interesting point remains and that is the writer of the article -- Helen Dudnick.<br />
<br />
Typically, anything written (patterns and promotions) were syndicated across the country, with the same article appearing in dozens of newspapers. But this article ... No. the article was printed in one newspaper only - The News Leader, Staunton, VA. And, the writer, Helen Dudnick, was not only NOT a feature columnist, but appears to have no other writing history. A freelancer, perhaps?<br />
<br />
And, now that I've shared this, I can get back to the investigation I was on before getting sidetracked with us. And, as always, if you know anything further about Laura Wheeler or any of the pattern syndicates, I'd appreciate your sharing.<br />
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Thanks for dropping by,<div class="blogger-post-footer">Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
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