Crochet Daisy Tablecloth, American Thread Pattern Promotion

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'. 

Here's a great example - American Thread Leaflet No 5701; 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

 I must say, it is a delightful square, that would be lovely in a number of home accessories.

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.  

Note the colorful description here -- rather a play on the other syndicated patterns of Alice Brooks, Anne Cabot etc. - "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".

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.      

If you'd like to put this one on your hook, it's available in the shop at the link above. 

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie 

Dawn Baby Yarn, American Thread

Dawn Baby Yarn, from the American Thread Brand ....

(photo from collection of  Ravelry member)

Dawn Baby Yarn - 100% Wool, 3 ply, Art W45 in white, pastels and multi-color  skeins

This American Thread Yarn was introduced to the market in late 1946 with very little fanfare .. just a simple yarn shop advertisement in Lubbock, TX only.  This would imply that American Thread did not finance the introduction with a 'typical' major  markets promotion.

The yarn started at 1-oz skeins; by  the  mid 1960's, it was expanded to include 2-oz skeins as well.

Other than a limited number of sale ads (like  above), the only other promotion was this 1961 Free 'mail-away' offer for an adorable baby set.  I'm sure the baby  yarn was featured in an American Thread pattern book, or two, however, I've not yet identified them.   (Perhaps you know?)

In 1977, the yarn disappeared from shops with as little fanfare as it was introduced in 1946.  A random guess, on my part, would be the growing of popularity of the Dawn Wintuk Baby Yarn -- which was a nylon blend, led the sales for  American Thread in baby yarn.

And, that's all I know.   If you have a design that you'd like to try, substitute a lightweight baby yarn that meets the  gauge of of your pattern ... be it 100% wool, or one of the  marvelous blends.

If you know more .... Please share. 
Thanks for dropping by,

Dawn Bulky Yarn, American Thread

This afternoon, I decided to take a break and cover one of the vintage yarns.   Now, how do I decide which one?  Well, today I went to knitting page 27 in the shop and selected the first pattern.   And, what was the yarn?   You guessed it ... American Thread "Dawn" Bulky yarn.

Dawn Bulky Yarn made it's appearance in yarn shops -- and newspaper advertisements -- in 1958, with an initial price of $0.79 per 2-oz skein.  

American Thread Co., "Dawn" Bulky Yarn, Art W33; 2 fold, 100% Virgin Wool.  This is a super bulky yarn, worked on big needles - great for sweaters, hats and bags.

The yarn promotion was supported by release of American Thread Star Book 176 - Sweaters Crocheted and Knitted from Him and Her.

As well as American Thread Star Book 117 - New Hats, Bags, Bulkies

Another newspaper promotion that took place, in New York only, between 1959 and 1965 was a free mail order pattern offer.   It's interesting that there is no mention of the book the individual pattern was associated as an additional promotion.  I wonder ... if these were perhaps the same patterns given away at in Yarn shops with purchase. 

The last advertisement found was from 1965, still at 2 oz.   The price here is less that the introduction of  $0.79/skein.  It would be my guess that was  close-out price.   Also note the the makeup now says 50% wool, 50% Dupont Nylon.   I'm thinking this was an advertising mistake, as American Thread also had a Dawn Bulky Wool and Nylon yarn, which was a 50/50% blend. 

So, there was not a lot learned about this yarn.   We know that it was in the 'super bulky' category that was available in the market between 1958 and 1965.   If you are looking for a substitute, you will need to rely on the stitch gauge for your desired pattern.    AND, there are quite a number of patterns available that called from this Bulky Yarn.    I have a variety in the shop as well, should you care to browse. 

Thanks for dropping by.

Dawn Knitting Worsted Yarn, American Thread

American Thread Co., past and present, brought us many fine yarns for our creative pursuits.   One, being Dawn Knitting Worsted.

Dawn Knitting Worsted appeared in the market place in December of 1934.  Note here that 'Famous' is simple what you call it.   At introduction, the yarn certainly not yet Famous .... but, by the end, it just may have gained that status.

Photo from Etsy seller VintageVivvy

Dawn Knitting Worsted Article W43, 100% Virgin Wool, 4-ply yarn.  It was sold in a variety of skein weights - 1.25, 1.34, 2, 3.5 and 4.

Another proclamation in this 1934 newspaper advertisement -- 'one of the most popular knitting yarns'.   At this stage, the yarn had been in the market less than 6 months.  These same advertisements appeared in newspapers across the country, obviously issued by American Thread to the individual 'selling stores'.  (I'd love to know if American Thread carried a portion of the advertising costs.)

This 1943 ad reads 'especially adapted .... for Men in the Service'.   During WWII, wool became a scarce commodity, making wool yarns hard to come by in the general market place.  It would be interesting to know if 'especially adapted' meant a temporary change to the fiber make-up of the Knitting Worsted.

And, consistent with their name, American Thread, all the knitting worsted were produced in the USA at their Willimantic, CT plant.

American Thread, as was typical, in had a fair number of promotions in the Needlecraft magazines.   This particular 1962 advertisement, in a subtle manner, brings home the point that the ever-popular afghan yarn is also a great option of garments. 

Through the 1960's promotions of Dawn Knitting Worsted remained strong.  Another (possible interesting) note about American Thread is they don't publish their name as part of there advertisements.   Most brands lead the way, their name first, followed by the type/brand of the yarn.   Do you suppose that American Thread knew that their brand speaks for itself?

AND THEN, Spring of 1972, it was all over.   American Thread discontinued their Dawn Knitting Worsted, and (I assume) dedicated their equipment to another 'fabulous' yarn.

There were, at least, a  dozen American Thread pattern books and leaflets that featured Dawn Knitting Worsted.   They also published a fair number of patterns in magazines, such as McCalls Needlecraft and Modern Knitting.   There are, of course, quite a few of these patterns in my shop, should you be interested in browsing.   As for a substitute yarn, well, any 4-ply knitting worsted weight yarn should do the trick. 

Thanks for dropping by.

Aunt Lydia's Star Spun Yarn, American Thread

I've not been able to find much on this American Thread yarn -- Star Spun -- however, I'll share here what I know and/or guess, since it a) existed and two, I have at several patterns calling for it in the shop.   

This photo appeared in American Thread Star Book No 134 - Crocheted Rugs.  

Photo from Amazon seller 

According to the label, Star Spun is a blended yarn, 69% Rayon, 23% cotton and 8% Metallic Thread. There were 60 yards per skein.

From appearance, I'm going to suggest that this is a variation of Aunt Lydia's Heavy Rug Yarn.   In 1955, when Star Rug Book No 134 was issued, the blend on Aunt Lydia's Heavy Rug Yarn was 75% Nylon and 25% Cotton, a 4-ply yarn.   The design variations where I've seen this yarn used in patterns is the contrast color and the bit of sparkle added by the metallic thread.

So, I would say that should you wish to make a design (probably rug) that calls for this product, that any heavy rug yarn that meets the gauge will work.   You might even be able to find one with the sparkle.

Aunt Lydia's Heavy Rug Yarn, American Thread

Aunt Lydia's Heavy Rug Yarn was a favorite yarn of many.   It's primary use, of course, was rugs, but some used it for placemats, scrub cloths, bathroom sets and hats.   A few patterns were presented promoting the yarn sweaters, however, the yarn did not hold it's shape well enough for essential clothing.

 It was initially sold in 70 yard skeins.  It was a 50% Rayon, 50% Cotton, 4-ply blend.

American Thread brought the yarn to market in 1949 at the average price (for that time period), of 25 center per skein.

In the mid 1950's the fiber blend was changed to 75% Nylon and 50% Cotton. 

In 1978 another fiber change was made to the product; it is now 100% Kodel Polyster and is now referenced as a 3-ply yarn.   Shortly after, skeins sizes also expanded to include 60 and 180 yards. 

Over this long life-span, American Thread issued several pattern books, all termed "Star Rug Book", followed by the actual book numbers.   These books largely contain rug patterns .... a rather great assortment, I must say.  

And, of course, advertised in many of the needlecraft magazines.

Photo from Ebay Seller ksn3229.

Sales of this plugged along until it was discontinued on 1979.   It had, indeed, a long and successful life.

Now, if you have one of the patterns and are looking for a substitute, I'd suggest that about any brand of Heavy Rug Yarn, 3 or 4 ply, that meets the stated gauge, is going to do.    Or, should you be looking for a pattern, I have quite a few in the shop.

Thanks for dropping by,

Star Blend Yarn, American Thread

American Thread Co., introduced their Star Blend Yarn in 1948. 

"For knitting, crocheting, tufting, weaving, braiding.  75% rayon; 25% cotton in a range of fast colors, advises this 1951 newspaper advertisement.

American Thread issued a couple patterns book that featured this yarn into 1954.  It was periodically cross-referenced with Aunt Lydia's Heavy Rug Yarn (same composition) as a substitute for each other.  (Which would be my recommendation for these old patterns).    Now, why American Thread would want to have two yarns that compete with each other .... I have no idea.

The yarn never gained great popularity and fizzled out well before 1961 ... according to this salvage sale notice.

There are a couple patterns in the shop that call for the Star Blend yarn.   I would recommend you substitute a heavy rug yarn, in brand of your choice.

Thanks for dropping by.

Dawn Nylon Yarn, American Thread

American Thread Company did not heavily advertise their products, with the exception of the Womens Needlecraft related magazines. 

This 1957 advertisement was a promotion of Dawn Nylon Yarn, as well as their newly released Star Sweater Book No 127 - 4 to 14 Fashions.

Photos from ebay shop casavantclassics

Dawn Nylon Yarn was introduced to the market in 1951.  It's a 3 ply permanent 'Crimp-set".  Anti Shrink, Moth-proof.   You'll find a few more details over at Ravelry.    I do not have the pattern book 127 in my collection, but do have a number of patterns that use Dawn Nylon in the shop from magazines and 'other' pattern books.

 The first reference to a sales price is October 1951 at 39 cents.  I found a variety of newspapers ads that were all sales promotions from individual stores.

Dawn Nylon remained active in the market until 1969, this being one of the last advertisements I found.   Really, an 18 year life on the yarn was a pretty good run.

I'm sure I'll come across more magazine ads for Dawn Nylon; there's still quite a number of magazines awaiting review and processing.   Should I come across anything, I'll add it to this post.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Update - 3/17/2019.   Here's another fun ad from McCalls Needlecraft Magazine - 1959.

American Thread Crochet Pattern Leaflets AM & AASQ

I learn a little more each week as I work my way through these vintage pattern.  When working through a McCalls Needlework and Crafts Magazine (1962), I came across this American Thread Advertisement. 

I have quite a number of American Thread Leaflets in my collection.  Typically the pattern leaflets are an excerpt of a pattern from one of the American Thread' books, presumably issued as a book promotion.  But, in looking at this advertisement, I see that there is no pattern book referenced; just two separate leaflets that are mail away offers.

Leaflets AASQ for cardigans and a skirt, and AM for three block motif skirts.

One just had to clip out the pattern offer and mail away with 15 cents (apiece).  Now, this was still an American Thread promotion in part ... a promotion for their Dawn Knitting Worsted.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

American Thread, Star Puritan Book 132

During the 1950's American Thread was one of the larger advertisers in Needlecraft related magazines.     Within an individual magazine, there would be advertisements for the latest pattern book release, as well as a number of American Thread Patterns.   Interestingly enough, the patterns in the magazine were not the same patterns are in the booklets.

This Puritan Star Book No 132 was released as a promotion to their then 'new' line of Famous Puritan Crochet Cotton.  

The lovely tablecloth gracing the ad was one of the highlights of this particular pattern book -- called The Big Round Puritan Tablecloth (available in the shop).  

If I come across additional advertisements for this pattern booklet, I'll be sure to update this post.  

Thanks for dropping by,

Dawn Mohspun Knitting Yarn, American Thread

" Dawn Mohspun is a luxuriously soft 2 ply yarn made of 100% Orlon Acrylic fiber.  It may be machine washed and dried.  It is moth-proof and non-allergenic.   Dawn Mohspun has a fluffy surface.  A deeper, even fluffier texture may be obtained by gently brushing the garment with a wire brush."  

This yarn was introduced by American Thread in the early 1960's.   To accompany the release, they issued one pattern book - New Dawn Mohspun Fashions

This book is reviewed  in the Shop Talk Blog, should you be interested.   There are also, of course, a couple patterns in the shop calling for Dawn Mohspun.  

I've done a number of Google searches and see no direct substitution recommendations for this yarn.   If you have worked any of these patterns, or know of substitution info, I'd love to hear from you ....I'll update this post with the information for others use.  

Thanks for dropping by,