Nomotta Festive Yarn

Nomotta Festive Yarn was rather short-lived, but oh my ... what wonderful patterns were created to for it's use. 

Interestingly enough, this 1950 magazine advertisement, featuring a skein of Festive yarn, does not actually profile this yarn, just the brand itself.    The bits of information known ...

Nomotta, an import from Germany, was introduced to the United States market in 1950.   No pattern books (as was consistent for this time period), were published to promote sales, however, a patterns were offered in magazines where Nomotta promoted their yarn.

(Photo from Ravelry)

"Fine quality crepe twist yarn of 100% virgin wool, 2-ply.  One oz skeins (195 yards) in a choice of twenty colors.  Typical gauge:  8 sts = 1 inch

The first newspaper advertisement (that I've been able to find) from 1955, listed the selling price at $0.65 per skein.

The last advertisement at 3 for a $1.00.   I'd assume this highly discounted price the result of the yarn being discontinued. 

It's hard to say if the lack of success on Festive Yarn due to the quality.  It's just as likely the result of poor promotion on the part of the distributors.   Only Nomotta know!

I have a couple of patterns in the shop that call for Nomotta Festive, if you'd care to browse and have no doubt there will be a few more as I continue working through the old magazines.   If you decide on a pattern that calls for this yarn, I'd suggest any lightweight dress yarn that meets the 8 sts to 1" gauge.

Thanks for dropping by. 

Nomotta Sterling Silver Bracelet Award

Tucked in the 1953-54 issue of McCalls Needlecraft is the full page Nomotta Advertisement.

"Sterling silver bracelet award for outstanding knowledge and proficiency!  Earned by exceptionally gifted art needlework sales personnel after thorough individual testing.  Now you can tell at a glance that the person proudly wearing this coveted award is unusually qualified to advise you in the selection of hand-knitting materials, and to guide you to the successful completion of the design of your choice".  

Now, as you might image, this immediately prompted a multitude of questions in my mind.   Like ....

How did one apply to be certified?

 Was it an individual, or a needlework shop?

How was this 'award of excellence communicated to the customer?

How many of these awards were given out? 

etc. etc. etc

I, of course, headed right over to a Google and then Newspapers.com figuring I'd find a gathering a marketing information for the bracelets.   Nope.   All I found was this auction image 

Description:   A Sterling Silver Knitting Needle Bangle Charm Bracelet, Nomotta,  consisting of a knitting needle formed into a bangle bracelet and suspending a rectangular charm stamped with the Nomotta brand logo, the reverse inscribed in with German. 

And, here's another advertisement from a 1955 magazine advising locations where you'll find this trained Nomotta knowledge.

And that's all.   Now, I've set up alerts in the typical places, and one day, when I least expect it (hopefully), something will pop up!   When that happens, I come back and update this post.

Thanks for dropping by.
Lorrie