Bernat Mohairlaine Yarn

In the 1960's, Mohair yarns changed from being an available commodity to a 'must have' essential in the woman' wardrobe.  Now, I don't know if these was due to the many blends being developed, or a surge of the wool to the market, or fabulous promotions from the suppliers, but either way, it proved very popular.    Emile Bernat and Sons were among the leaders of the pack bring the 'blended' mohair to market.   They introduced Bernat Mohairspun Yarn in 1959, and quickly followed up with  Astrakhan,  Mohair Plus and Mohairlaine  in  early 1960. 

Photo from Etsy seller.

Brushed Texture - 62% Goat - Mohair, 19% Wool, 19% Manufactured Fibers - Nylon / Polyamide

The first newspaper promotion takes us back to June, 1960.   It was also featured, through patterns, in the Bernat Mohair Collection Book 118.

On a small scale (in comparison to Bernat's other mohair brands), patterns were supplied to the individual pattern shops to 'give away' with yarn purchases - August 1962.  (This pattern was also offered as a complete kit later in the year).

Bernat offered a number of Kit patterns in the early 1960's - this one from 1964.  The kits were made up in the Bernat factory, each in a variety of colors, and distributed to the individual yarn shops for sale to the needlework customer.

Bernat had teamed up with Judy Love, of Stitchin' Times newspaper column, where a Bernat Mohairlaine pattern was featured.   In these cases, the pattern was offered as a Mail Order through the newspaper itself.  This article / offer appeared in newspapers on June 30, 1970.

And the last newspaper promotion appeared in December, 1973 with this Fuzzy Snuggler offer. 

And from there, it seems to have quietly disappeared from the market.  There did not appear to be a lot of product growth over the 13 years (1960 - 1973), with the suggested price starting at $0.99 and ending at $1.39.    Also, in the realm of Bernat, newspaper and magazine promotions were very light. I'm making a guess, that Mohairlaine was most frequently used in combination with the other Bernat Mohair yarns (as in a number of the patterns in the Bernat Mohair Collection Book and faded away in the same time frame as the other Bernat Mohair blends from the late 1950 / early 1960's. 

Now, there are still a number of patterns out there that deserve consideration .... I have a couple in the shop as well, should you care to browse.  For a replacement, select a lightweight brushed mohair that will meet the stated gauge of your pattern.

Thanks for dropping by.

Kentucky Soft Spun Yarn, Variegated

Kentucky brand yarns were produced by January & Wood Company in Maysville, KY.  Originally well known for their Carpet Warp brands, after WWII they began introducing other 'types' of yarn from the secondary market.    Among these brands .... Kentucky Soft Spun. 

Photo from Ebay seller from Fourhuvsrider

A thick, fluffy yarn - soft and resilient.  Gives body to rugs  - a bulky, textured look and feel to jackets and stoles, hats and bags

                                         25% Cotton, 75% Rayon in 70 yard skeins 

.

Photo from Etsy seller Feeling Groovy

A unique 'tweed' yarn.  Fours colors twisted together in a single strand create a varicolored effect that is uniform throughout the entire skein.  For unusual textures - with even the simplest stitches - in fashion and home accessories.   There was also a Soft Spun Decorative, which had metallic fibers to added pizzazz which was sold in 60 yard skeins.

The yarn was delivered to market in late 1947 in 100 yard hands at a mere 29 cents.

As noted in the above advertisement, they released a pattern book to promote their rug yarn - Kentucky Rug Yarns, Vol 5. 

And, to catch up the customer with one more opportunity to try the yarn, a Free beginners pattern was given out with yarn purchases.  (This pattern is available in the shop).

To keep up interest in the yarn, as well as 'catch' new potential customers, January & Woods regularly ran newspapers ads for free patterns ... Just mail away to the Women's Editor of the paper.   I don't know if the patterns were distributed through the paper themselves, or the requests sent to January & Woods.  This 1954 offering combines crochet and sewing with cloth sleeves and collar.  There were many ... many ... many of these leaflets offered that I'd so like to find.   (Do you have any hiding away that we could perhaps trade for?)

And, it late to the market (in comparison to other yarn manufacturers, January & Woods added the 'Rug Kit' to the product offerings in 1963.

And, in the early 1970's, January & Woods began selling their 'factory seconds' of the Soft Spun Yarn.   Now, this may have been practiced by others .... I don't know .... but this is the first time I've seen reference to this.   The 'seconds were sold for skeins to a bag.

I've not yet researched the subject, but in the late 1970's, for a short period, the yarn was also sold under a brand name of Majesty -- i.e., Majesty Kentucky Soft Spun Yarn.   Another note, the same yarn was also sold under the Woolworth and Sears Brands.

The yarn was discontinued in 1978 and had disappeared from the primary market by the end of 1979.  What a great run it had ... 30 years.

Now, there are a number of patterns out there in internet land (as well as a few in my shop, should you care to browse).  Many of the patterns are quite easy, perfect for beginners.    The yarn can still be found on Ebay in the misc. resale shops (Etsy, Artfire).   Or, for a substitute any of the current bulky rug yarns should do.

Thanks for dropping by, 

Laura Wheeler Designs in Australia

I spent a fair amount of (enjoyable) time researching 'bits of history' in Newspapers.com.   I just never know what's going to present itself ......  drumroll please ... like Laura Wheeler Designs in Australia !

This advertisement set takes us back to (almost) the beginning ...  Laura Wheeler 1411 - Crocheted Doilies was offered in United States papers January 30, 1937, and in Australian papers August 22, 1938.  Did you notice the different spelling of Doilies ... Doyleys? 

This beautiful Peacock - Laura Wheeler 766 - a combination of embroidery and crochet, was published in the US on January 20, 1944 and October 20, 1945 in Australia.  Here, the pattern descriptions and pictures are the same.  A note of interest, it does not appear the Needlework Catalogs were an offering. 

Here's another 'Gay Topper' example of almost the 'same advertisement' spaced about a year apart.  Laura Wheeler 391 is available in the shop.  

Now, I found these in what's called The Trove - National Library of Australia, where a small accumulations (for historical significance, I'd assume), were clipped from newspapers.  The dates available were just a handful (142) between 1938 and 1947.    So, until I find another access to online Australian newspapers, I don't know if the offerings continued into the late 1970's, as did the Readers Mail Laura Wheeler syndication.

It was truly naive for me to  that Laura Wheeler was purely a United States pattern syndication.  (I've no doubt the syndicate appeared in Canada as well ... but haven't followed up on that yet).  Why wouldn't Readers Mail want to capitalize wherever might be possible. 

There's a hint on The Trove page that the patterns were offered in New Zealand as well.  I wonder what other countries offered the Design Mail Order catalogs.   I know there are a number of International Readers ... perhaps you can let us know. 

Thanks for dropping by.

Botany Saxatones Yarn, Art. 251

For this post, let's go all the way back to 1944, nearing the end of World War II.   Wool was still in scarce supply, however, some brands were beginning to re-introduce wool based yarns to market for uses 'other than' military knitting. 

 The first newspaper advertisement, interestingly enough, appeared in in Des Moines, IA.   There were several other ads that appeared during 1944 / 1945, but overall a very sparse product introduction.    (no doubt, due to the wool shortage)

About the yarn .... 

Botany Saxatones - 100% Pure Virgin Wool 

Lightweight 3-ply yarn for sweaters and skirts.  

Introduced in 2-oz skeins, and later 1-oz skeins.  

In 1946, wool was again readily available for mainstream knitting and the re-introduction of Botany Saxatone commenced.   The yarn, in 2-oz skeins, sold for 70 cents (same the the 1944 price).    It is described as a Saxony type yarn (A fine grade of woolen yarn twisted somewhat harder and smoother than a Zephyr yarn).  

In 1947, Botany added kits to their line of products.   The kits were delivered to yarn shops for sell to the knitters.  The kit included "matching Botany flannel" for the skirt part of the kit.  

 

Sales continued strong into the 1950's.   This 1954 advertisement "Ideal for stoles, socks, sweaters and sportswear".   The color line has been extended to 'over' 40 colors. 

By the end of the 1950's, sales apparently began to decline.   Now, whether this was due to declining interest in the yarn, or Botany Brand emerging into the Fleishers/Bear Brand, I've not yet investigated.   But, in the early 1960's, the promotions stopped.   

Although there were no pattern books issued directly for Botany Saxatone Yarn, it was included in a fair number of other promotional books, as well as featured in several of the women' needlework magazines.   There are a few of these patterns in the shop, should you care to browse.   Finding a substitute yarn should not be difficult.  You are looking for a 3-ply lightweight saxony or fingering yarn that meets the pattern stitch for the pattern.  

Thanks for dropping by, 

Bernat Astrakhan Yarn

And, just was does Astrakhan mean?   Well, it's the dark curly fleece of young Karakul Lambs from central Asia.

Like this one ... who lives in the Akron, OH zoo.  

Photo courtesy of Ebay Seller Gretl3042

And from the most delightful Astrakhan lamb, plus a lot of cutting, processing and color, came this Bernat Astrakhan Yarn.

60% virgin wool and 40% mohair (from the Angora goat)

2-oz skeins at 120 yards each, medium weight

Boucle - Newest looped texture for smart jackets, sweaters and coats

Bernat introduced their Astrakhan yarn to the market mid 1960, with the usual 'on-sale' fan-fair.

"Knit an ultra sophisticated Chanel type jacket or an outstanding sweater from these quality yarns at a fraction of the cost if you bought them already made up" states this 1962 newspaper promotion.    Just go to the local yarn shop, purchase Astrakan yarn and receive the pattern(s) free.

And, of course, there were a number of kits, starting in 1963, delivered to the yarn shops for sale to customers to further promote the yarn and add a 'convenience' to the customer ... everything you need, but the needles!   This marvelous sheath kit was offered in early 1967.

Patterns featuring this yarn also appeared in needlework magazines (available in shops and on stands) as well in a couple of the Bernat Mohair centered pattern books; No 195 - Mohair Book, No 118 - Mohair Collection; No 249 - Mohair Plus Knitting Patterns.

And the promotions and sales continued on until the yarn was discontinued in 1971. 

Now, there's a fair number of patterns calling for this yarn -- There are a several in the shop should you care to browse.     A substitute yarn should not be difficult to find.  You'll want a  boucle type mohair/wool blend that meets your pattern stitch.   (And, I'm sure you'd love to go to the yarn shop to search it out!),

Thanks for dropping by,

Bernat Mohair Plus Yarn

Bernat produced a number of fine mohair yarns for the textile artist to explore and create.  Today, let's talk their Mohair Plus brand.

Photo from ebay seller

The official Patent was issued November 1964,although the yarn was actually released to the market in 1963 with the advertising blitz in newspapers going full force across major city markets in the United States by the local yarn shops.  

66% mohair, 17% virgin wool, 17% nylon

1-1/2 oz balls (pre-brushed), 103 yards each

Note:  This yarn makeup is the same as Bernat Mohairspun, with the difference being the Mohair Plus is pre-brushed.   In many patterns, they are shown as interchangeable or combined for effect.  

This 1964 advertisement was one of the first.   Interesting that the same ad is placed in different markets, which, I assume means, they are syndicated through Bernat.   Ie, Bernat supplies the suggested advertisements with the yarn deliveries to the individual shops.  (Perhaps there is some type of contract agreement to ensure the promotion).    Also note that the yarn is 'on-sale' at point of introduction.   Another marketing tactic I'm sure.

This 1965 advertisement shows the Mohair Plus was originally produced in a balled shaped, versus the elongated skein.

Another highly successful ploy of Bernat' was the knit.  There were, at least, 10 different kits sold that featured the Mohair Plus yarn.    This particular kit -- Fluffi Tote Coat, in six fascinating colors, was very popular and marketed for several years.  The kits were available through the yarn shops as well.

The kits supplied everything but the knitting talent and the needles!   In this particular kit - for raglan mohair sweater - two variations of the pattern were given.

And, of course, there were a number of pattern books featuring not just Mohair Plus, but the other popular Bernat mohair yarn for this time period - Mohairspun.    This photo is the inside cover to the The Mohair Collection, Handicrafter Book 118.

In the late 1970s, Bernat apparently paired up with Judy Love of the then popular Stitchin' Times newspaper column.   The column, on a number of instances did complete columns of patterns featuring the Mohair Plus Yarn.  In these cases, 'Stitchin' Times' had patterns for the garments displayed that could be mailed away for.   Although sold under the name of Stitchin Times, there's no doubt that these designs were Bernat.

And promotions and sales continued until 1974, when the yarn was discontinued.  (For a yarn with an original suggested price of $1.40, it grew quite nicely (for Bernat) to a price of  $5.50/skein. 

There are quite a few vintage patterns for Mohair Plus.   There are a few in my shop, should you care to browse.   A substitute yarn should not be difficult; pick a mohair blend that meets the pattern stitch gauge.

Should you make create one of these designs, please share a picture (and what materials you used)!

Thanks for dropping by,

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.