Bear Brand Lanadown Yarn

I 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. 

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. 

 Bear Brand Lanadown Yarn made it's appearance in a limited market early 1948.  As usual, the introduction referenced the product 'on sale'.

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.  

And, after a very short run, the last couple advertisements show it as closeout (discontinued) pricing in early 1953. 

Picture from Ebay seller CaliforniaGold

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.   

I have only two patterns, 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!

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.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Supra Mohair Yarn, Bear Brand, Fleishers, Bucilla

1960 -- It was a grand year in the yarn market; another mohair was introduced -- Supra Mohair.  -

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.

Photo from Ebay seller thesewingdoll

1-3/8 oz skeins (100% Goat Mohair in 80 yard balls)

Needle Sizes 8 to 10-1/2

Bulky, 12 ply

This is a great comparison photo, which I should be helpful in searching out replacement yarn.  

The yarn was introduced at $1.79 per ball.  As was typical however, it was available 'on sale' at most independent yarn shops.

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.

Here's another under the Fleishers name.   The hat, on the left, was also published in Bernhard Pattern Book 92 -- Hats, Hats, Hats.

In the Northwestern markets, Supra Mohair Yarn was also marketed under the Bucilla label.  (Bucilla being the alternate company name of Bernhard Ullman).

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).

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. 

A good yarn .. yep.  A supply of good vintage patterns out there ... yep.  There are, of course, a few in the shop, should you care to browse.    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. 

Thanks for dropping by,

Casa-Laine Yarn, Fleishers and Bear Brand

The Casa-Laine Yarn takes us way back to 1943 .... it was from the Silent Generation, you might say.  The yarn was introduced in early 1943 to a fairly large market across the United States.

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.

Photo from Ravelry member 'creativemind'

100% All-Virgin Wool Sports Yarn -- 250 yards in 2-oz skeins -- 4 ply

By 1950, Casa-Laine now 'proudly' bears the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.  As one would expect, the price is slowly inching up.

Photo from VintageYarnWiki

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.

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.

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 .... There are, of course, several in the shop, should you care to browse. 

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. 

Ok, back to work.   Thanks for dropping by.

National Knitting Contest of 1936

The year is 1936, Franklin Roosevelt is President, the Great Depression is nearing the end (1939), employment is up 16% and the country appreciated those 'little diversions' to get their minds off the troubles.   It was a great time for a 'National Contest"

The advertisements began in newspapers in January 1936.  The sponsor of the event is the Warner Brothers - Motion Picture Movie Classic Magazine.  In the smaller print, you'll see the co-sponsor is Bucilla Yarn.   In later ads, this was expanded to include the co-brands of Fleisher's and Bear Brand.  The ads appeared in major metro areas across the United states, as well as the magazines. 

Contest details were slowly released ... building excitement and momentum.  This early February ad let's the potential participants know they had to buy a copy of Motion Picture - Move Classic Knitting Book for 25 cents.   (Unfortunately, I've not been able to locate a photo of the book)

(From other newspapers articles):

• The National Knitting Contest may be entered by anyone who will choose a pattern from the Motion Picture - Movie Classic Knitting Book, which sold for 25 cents on newsstands.  
• Yarns of the Fleishers Trademark must be used. 
• There will be 6 judges, which include Mrs. James Roosevelt - the President' mother.  
• First Prize, an all expense paid trip to Hollywood ... and lots of other things.  

The excitement continues to mount in the various newspaper ads.  Realize the dream of a lifetime!  Knit (and wear) the smart fashions of Hollywood actresses.  The newspapers ads are published by the yarn shops selling the yarn, of course. 

Various columns were published showing the possible outfits.   In this case, the knitter could obtain the pattern for free by mailing to publisher .... however, that was not entry to the contest.

This late March advertisement reminded "Don't wait another minute".  Through the month of April, small ads continued reminding knitters .... only 2 weeks left, one 3 days left, etc.   The contest ended on April 30th.

Now, I've not seen much information on how the participants submitted their items for judging (perhaps one day), just they had to enter in advance and supply labels for the materials used.  The contest ended on April 30th, and the judging took place on May 1st in New York City.
Now, interestingly enough, I've not located a single newspaper that printed out the winners as a whole.  Perhaps this is because the individual shops paid for the advertisements, and they had no need to spend the money.   I did, however, find a couple articles in regional patterns about a couple winners.

First Prize:  Mrs. C.R. Goudie of Great Falls, MT.  All all expense trip for a week in Hollywood.

Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor wins third place and receives a Mendoza Fur Coat  

And that was that.   Bucilla/Fleishers no doubt experienced a large surge in shop orders, as well as an opportunity to introduce new yarns to the market.  The individual shops sold more than the norm in yarn.  The Movie Magazines experienced a large increase, albeit temporary, in sales, and who knows, perhaps gained a few new subscribers.

The contest promotion was not repeated in 1937.   I've placed a couple Google alerts and hope, one day, to be able to come back and post the pattern booklet.

Thanks for dropping by.

Bucilla Nubby Knit Yarn

I'm currently working my through Bernhard Ulman's Vol 103 pattern book, Fashion Pet which has a several yarns that I'm not familiar. 

Bucilla Nubby Knit - "Rich, luxurious yarn which is a clever combination of soft cotton with shimmering strands of rayon running through it with a profusion of nubs scattered over its surface.  This promotional advertisement appeared in Vol 108, Fashions Pet, as a nibbler.

Nubby Knit Yarn made it's 'fashion debut' in January, 1936.  The 2-oz skeins sold for $0.50 each.   This new yarn has a touted use for dresses, blouses and sweaters.

In addition to the Fashion Pets Book (Vol 108), Bucilla also published Vol 107 - New Trends in Hand Knits between 1936 and 1937. 

Nubby Knit Yarn promotions virtually ended in 1939, which I would suggest was due to the majority of cotton availability being allocated to WWII. 

It made a short term return in 1948, and was boosted with a new pattern book - Vol.158, Cool Hand Knits in 1955.  And then, it was discontinued for, what I'm sure, was a more applicable yarn for the current times and technology.

Now, there are an assortment of attractive vintage designs out there from these three books, as well as Magazine promotions that deserve a glance.   There are, of course, one or two in the shop.  should you care to browse.    But what yarn do you use ... ???

Photos courtesy of Ebay seller Lacybearshop

I really don't know.  Nubby Knit, Art 3371, was a Cotton/Rayon Blend, but percentages were not stated in advertisements or labeling.  Skeins were 2-oz - 225 yards each.    I can only suggest a lightweight dress yarn (nubby or not), that meets the gauge of the pattern you have selected. 

If you create one of these pattern designs, I'd love to have you share what yarn you used and perhaps a picture !!!

Lorrie

Bucilla Petite Wondersheen, Crochet and Knitting Cotton

Right in the middle of the great Depression, Bucilla delivered their newest product to the market .... (drum roll, please) ... Bucilla Wondersheen; a Crochet and Knitting Cotton.

The year was 1935 and Bucilla startyed with a relatively small introduction to major metropolitan areas.  An interesting (or maybe not), note is the price per 700 yard skein varied depending upon the location.   (In later years, the yardage was also available in 400 and 500 yard skeins)

In 1938, Bucilla brought an accompanying thread to market -- Petite Wondersheen.  "Is the exact same fine quality, only spun in a finer size to achieve lacier effects.

Advertising remained constant, albeit light, until the end of WWII.  At that time, Bucilla began full page advertisements in needlecraft magazine as well publishing a growing number of pattern books featuring their Wondersheen product. 

And, sales and promotions plugged right along until 1949.  Then, the product started the discontinuation phase and had disappeared from the market by 1952.

Now, there are MANY vintage crochet and knitting patterns calling for Wondersheen from pattern books and magazines.   I have a fair number in the shop as well, if you care to browse.  But, you may ask, what do I use as a substitute.    Well ..

Bucilla Wondersheen -  Substitute Size 10 Crochet Cotton,
Bucilla Petite Wondersheen - Substitute Size 20 Crochet Cotton

I hope, in some manner, this is insightful.    Thanks for dropping by,

Bucilla Hand Crocheted Cotton Kits and the NRA

Periodically I will come across a stack of loose pattern leaflets on Ebay and I almost always react along the lines of .... I WANT THEM ....   

These stacks can be a true treasure; you just never know what you are going to find.   Like this one ... 

 This is a promotional advertisement - Bucilla Hand Crocheted Cotton Kits - dated 1934 from Bernhard Ullman.   This is a three page folded over pamphlet.

"In this circular, you'll find a selection of 24 new and smart things you'll just delight in making"

Page Two  

Page Three

The back page gives us a list of Bernhard's current release of pattern books.  

One of the things I find interesting in this circular is there is no reference on how to obtain the kits.  Now, my assumption would be that you'd have to go to your local retailer, where this advertisement would have been available.  But still, no mail-order options.

Did you notice the little logo on the bottom right of page 4 ?. 

I found it quite interesting.  Not particularly that Bernhard Ullman were supporters of the NRA, but such a political statement for the time period ... it not being war-time.

The document is in fair condition only.  I've stuck it in a sleeve and stored away in the 'B' File.   Some day, when I die, I hope all this 'stuff' goes off to someone who will enjoy going through it as much as I do !

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie