Spinnerin Touchdown Yarn

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.   

The yarn was introduced to the market in late 1948.

This 1949 advertisements tells us, it's 100% wool in a variety of colors and white.  

This 1950 advertisement advises it's tough, lightly spun and soft and springy to the touch in a range of 36 colors, including tweed. 

This 1951 advertisement, doesn't shed any additional information, but it's the closest I could find to an actual picture of the yarn! 

And this 1952 advertisement sheds a few more details.  'Fine hard twist, 4-ply virgin wool yarn, Non-shrink, moth-proof.  

The Spinnerin Touchdown Yarn stayed active for several years, disappearing from the active market in 1959.  

There are a number of vintage patterns out there in internet land that have 'worthy' all over them.  I have a several in the shop as well.  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.   

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!

Thanks for dropping by,  Lorrie  

Spinnerin Duet Yarn

Spinnerin, a fine dress yarn, made its debut in mid-1951.  The yarn was made in Switzerland for Spinnerin marketing.

Photo from Etsy Seller Laysdaysgoneby

78% all Virgin Wool and 22% Rayon, sold in 120 yard, 1 ounce skeins.   Skeins were purchased individually, or by the box.  

Advertising was completed in a limited market - Pennsylvania - and not spreading into other markets for several years.  

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. 

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.  

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.  

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.  

There are a couple patterns in the shop.   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.    

Thanks for dropping by, 

Lorrie

Spinnerin Marvel Twist Knitting Worsted

Spinnerin introduced their Marvel Twist Yarn to the United States market in 1943 in limited supply.  This time period was nearing the end of World War II, and wool was still scarce for uses not related to Military knitting.

This 1943 newspaper advertisement is among the first promotions, offering the yarn in 4-oz skeins at $1.00 each in a choice of 13 colors.

Picture from Ebay seller gretel3042

Marvel Twist Knitting Worsted, Mothproofed, 100% wool

4 oz skeins at 275 yards

Substitute:   any 4-ply knitting worsted that meets the stitch gauge of the pattern

This 1951 advertisement increases the yarn promotion to include coats, sweaters and headwear.  The selection has greatly increased to 85 solid colors, 12 heather colors and 13 umbre colors.

In the late 1960's, technology changed the marketplace with 'Superwash', a fiber coating that allows the yarn to be machine washed without felting.  This change spurred the update of their label.

This highly prized yarn was featured in a number of Spinnerin pattern books for Afghans, Jackets, Pullovers, etc.  This book, Spinnerin 148, is featured in a blog post at Shop Talk.  It was a multi-use material that not only brought joy to the consumer, but profits to both Spinnerin and the individual yarn shops.

And, among the many newspaper advertisements, was the periodic promotional reminder that Knitting Worsted was for crochet as well ... as in the dress featured in this 1974. 

But, all things come to an end, and in 1975, Spinnerin discontinued production of their Marvel Twist yarn.   There, of course, was no announcement so buyers could stock-up, other than the typical .. Sale Pricing. 

I, of course, have a number of patterns for Spinnerin Marvel Twist Yarn in the shop, should you care to browse.

Thanks for dropping by.

Spinnerin Coquette Yarn

Coquette = A woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men. 

Spinnerin introduced their Coquette Yarn in 1948.   It was post war time, beginning of the baby boomer generation, and the ladies were hungry for 'that something pretty' and this lightweight nubby yarn was one that fit the bill.  

(Picture from Ebay seller fibertextilemadness)

At introduction the yarn was 100% Virgin Wool in 1-oz skeins. 

(Picture from Ebay seller lanie042273)

In the mid 1950's the brand was changed to 96% Virgin Wool and 4% Nylon.  Also note the change of the Spinnerin label to a 'more modern' look.  This is a thin 2-strand nubby yarn woven into the crinkly texture.   It is specifically designed for dress making.   More details can be found at Ravelry.

"For sentimental reasons ... the dreamy softness of Coquette".  This 1950 full page magazine advertisement  was a dual promotion with Spinnerin Startime; also a dress yarn.  

"Go everywhere classic boucle yarn with the smoother texture and the longer wear blended right into every lovely inch of your dress or blouse".   This 1952 advertisement is the first promotion I've found from newspaper sources.  

"Coquette - the Queen of dress yarns ... pure virgin wool".  This full page magazine promotion takes us back to 1952 and promotes an interesting twist -- a mail-away dress and bolero pattern.  

The yarn was frequently advertised by retail sellers into the early 1960's, when it began it's market decline.   In this 1963 advertisement we see the 'sale' price drop all the way down to 59 cents.   Also note that the regular price has dropped to $0.95 ... a $0.03 price drop from introduction (not to mention price of living differences).   

There are a fair amount of nice dress patterns out there that are still applicable today. There are a few available in the shop.   Just select yourself a substitute and knit on ....    Oh, and if you don't mind, add a note to let 'us all' know what you've used.    

Thanks for dropping by.  

Spinnerin Candour Yarn

In 1944, Spinnerin introduced their new Candour yarn to the market. 

100% Virgin Wool, "a lightweight sports yarn" in 4 ply skeins.   In this 1945 ad, notice that the Spinnerin Candour is significantly higher in cost than the other brands. 

Here's another 1945 newspaper ad that details the range of colors.   It also has a fun typo ... 40 oz skeins.

In this 1952 ad announce a packaging change "Now yours in the new 3-oz skein that reduces unit prices and eliminating overweight purchases!"  This change would move Candour more in line with the 'then' market price.

In 1956, Spinnerin ran a campaign to recharge their Candour sales.   This full page ad appeared in McCalls Needlecraft Magazine.

And was accompanied by release of a pattern book - Spinnerin Hand Knits in Candour, Volume 133.  (It was also featured in Spinnerin Vol 177.  I'm sure there are others as well; I'll add them as I come across).    Not a lot, but I do have a few Spinnerin Candour patterns in the shop.

Candour yarn began it's decline in 1963 and in 1965 had disappeared from the retail marketplace.

Photo from Ebay seller Namukale6014 

Should I learn more about Spinnerin Candour, I'll drop back in and update this post.
Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Spinnerin Yarn Company

While researching Spinnerin Nylaine Yarns, I saw on a couple sites that indicated Spinnerin was in business from 1952 to the end of the 1970's.   This raised my curiosity as I have a couple Spinnerin pattern books in my (pending) collection that date back to the 1940's.   So, in bits and pieces, the investigation began. 

Werner R. Leimgruber, was born in 1916 in Zurich, Switzerland.   In 1939, at the age of 23, he was sent to the United States by Swiss Company. Wollgarn to start the Spinnerin Yarn Co.  Mr. Leimgruber set up the business in New York (which is now part of the renowned Garment District).

First address on record - 230 Fifth Avenue, New York.   This address served as office space.

They had a second address at 1407 Broadway, New York, which served their receiving, repacking  and shipping space needs.    

Spinnerin initially imports their yarns from Schoeller Textiles and for a time period shared a label.  In 1945, Spinnerin were granted a approval for their Spinnerin logo (shown above).

The business is a niche, and they market it very well.   Their products include not only yarn, but Ready Kits & Paks and a number of pattern books.   In addition, Spinnerin was involved with knitting classes and fashion shows

 In 1948, they finish building their South Hackensack plant.  At this time, Spinnerin are still importing their yarn from various sources and dying within their plant.   This would have been quite a large scale operation.  Imagine here, receiving the yarns, dyeing, packaging, storing, distributing to needlework stores, etc. etc. etc. 

Their operation grew to over 300 employees.  By the late 1970's, Spinnerin began a business transition.  Hook rug yarns and kits were introduced, as well as crewel patterns and materials.  They also entered commercial supply of threads and yarns to garment manufacturers.

By the mid 1980's the company all yarn and thread advertisements end, signaling the end of Spinnerin Yarn as a niche market supplying needlecrafts.

The company evolves into Spinnerin Dye, LLC, where it appears to operate until 2016.

And then .... well, I don't know.  There are a large number of holes to this story that I'd love to update, but have been unable to find any contact.  The website for Spinnerin Dye is non-functional, the telephone number is disconnected and the plant property is up for sale. 

And there, this piece ends.   Now, I've added a Google alert and will update this post should new information arise.   AND, as always, if you have information to share, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for dropping by
Lorrie

Spinnerin Yarn Ready Paks and Knit Kits

I assume we all know about Yarn Kits.   You know, an offering where you receive the pattern and materials for a complete project.  In the needlecraft yarn industry, it appears this business practice began in 1946 by Emile Bernat and Sons.  Coming in second was Spinnerin Yarn Co in 1949. 

The official 1949 description for the 12-Style Sock Pak (pulled from another ad) :  Knit any one of the 12 handsome styles for men in any one of 12 rich color combinations.  Pak includes 3-oz of non-shrink virgin wool, sufficient for one pair of mens socks" 

The concept here was your local yarn and needlework shops obtained the kits (unknown if purchased outright and resold, or handled on a consignment basis).  The individual shops then ran the advertisements themselves with the newspapers to bring in their customers.    There's a second win (an excellent marketing ploy) on Spinnerin' part.   The kit gave you 12 patterns with materials for just one pair of socks.   Thus, if you want to knit the other designs as well, you'll go back to the shop and buy additional Spinnerin Yarn.

By the mid 1950's the concept had branched out and taken off.   Interestingly enough, however, Bernat and Spinnerin remained the primary Pak (or Kit) marketers. 

This 1957 advertisement expands to show a variety of kits available.   It is, of course, presumed a store would have multiple design selections.  In these cases, only one pattern is being offered.

 In the early 1950's, Spinnerin advanced to an additional service for their 'Ready Paks'.   In this 1956 magazine advertisement, Spinnerin will 'hand-loom' the skirt for you, while you make the matching top from the 'Ready-Knit Pak".

This 1956 'shop' advertisement shows the same offer.   Apparently it did not meet with large scale
response, as the offering does not continue in the following years.

The majority of the Ready Paks were geared to womens' fashion.  Once in awhile a mans selection would show up and just as seldom was home decor ... the every famous afghan.

I'm fond of this one ... marketing to the niche -- "Club" Women.  Again, this is a store ad, not Spinnerin specifically.

Here, in this 1965 ad, is a return to the 'additional patterns'.   Although only one dress is shown, the script indicates there are three patterns to choose from.

This full page 1963 add is the only one (so far) that I've found that shows Spinnerin selling ready-paks directly to the customer. 

The newspaper ads for the Ready Paks began to decline in the early 1970's and almost disappear by 1978.   I do not know if this was due to the Spinnerin transition to their business changes, or if the 'kit' market underwent a change.   (Perhaps I'll learn the answer to that when I study Bernat). 

Should I learn more about Spinnerin Yarn Kits, I'll be sure to come back and update this post.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Spinnerin Nylaine Yarns

It's 1956 and Spinnerin Yarn Co. starts introducing to the U.S. market a line of yarns branded as Nylaine.   I believe these yarns were imported from Schoeller Mills.  (I'm still researching this subject).  And I'm thinking that Nylaine is their designed name for the crimset nylon.

"Spinnerin Nylaine Yarn is lavishly fashionable, yet wonderfully practical, thanks to its soft-strength blend of 50% virgin wool and 50 crimset nylon".

I've found five yarns in the 'Nylaine' line from newspaper advertisements.  These yarns were introduced between 1958 and 1962 and stayed semi-active into the early 1970's.   Interestingly enough, I've (so far), not come across any magazine advertisements for any of the Nylaine yarns.

(Pic courtesy of Ebay seller gretl3042)

Nylaine Germantown Sports Yarn  for sweaters and lightweight afghans

50% Virgin Wool / 50% Crimpset Nylon

2-oz skeins / 215 yards

(photo courtesy of Ebay seller Montina723)

Nylaine Fingering Yarn

50% Virgin Wool / 50% Crimpset Nylon

1 oz skeins, 3 ply

(photo courtesy of Ebay seller Issybella248)

Nylaine Quick Knit

50% Virgin Wool / 50% Crimpset Nylon

Nylaine Knitting Worsted - Newspaper Advertisement 

I found no online photos or history as to Nylaine Baby Yarn or the Sparkle.   I've also found a reference to another product Spinnerin Midget Nylaine, which also has no other tracks.

Spinnerin issued a couple pattern books that featured these yarns .... a 1956 Spinnerin Nylaine Bulkies Vol 134 and Afghans Traditional and Contemporary Vol 148.    I have a number of patterns in my shop, should you care to browse, that call for the various Nylaine yarns.

 I have set up Google alerts so I'll know when new information emerges and will update this blog post at that time.   If you know more about this brand, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie