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.

Clipson Crochet Hook from Susan Bates

In December, 1949, the Susan Bates (C.J. Bates & Sons) Clipson Metal Crochet Hook was released to the fiber arts market. 

Photo from Etsy Seller DiVintageBlessings

The Clipson Hooks were sold in the typical sizes between 00 and 14.  Note the color 'knob' tips.   Each different color was used for size identification within your collection.  

The micro-ground hook with in-line head and permanent stitch saver -- makes your crocheting easier, quicker, more uniform and so much better looking.  This clip was a half page ad from Modern Knitting magazine.  (1950, I believe).    This advertisement also tells us of two Susan Bates Crochet Pattern Books.   I've found references to a number of Susan Bates patterns, but (so far) none dating back to 1950.

The back of the packaging gave this sweet instruction sheet.

Did you note that the hook carried the Good Housekeeping seal of approval?  Here the 'money-back' guarantee is offered. 

These hooks, in several renditions remained popular in the market into the mid 1970's.  The hooks can still be found on the typical selling sites - Etsy, Ebay, etc. 

There are a few patterns in the shop that call for these hooks.  These patterns are typically from magazines and were placed opposite of the Clipson advertisement.    Feel free to substitute any hook of the required size.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Bess Wiersma Knitting Patterns

I came across this advertisement in the 1949 issue of Modern Knitting Magazine, and of course, the hunt was on. 

And, besides this lone advertisement, a very brief hunt it was. Apparently Bess was a knitting entrepreneur that came forward to offer her expertise. 

In 1948, she copyrighted a 15 page leaflet titled "Answers to Knitters Problems, as well as 5 individual knitting patterns for family cardigans and a toddler dress.   It's interesting that the ad says the patterns are full-size.    It also informs us that Bess was a knitting instructor. 

"Patterns are my original designs, never before offered".   Mail in $1.00 and receive two of the patterns, and (I'm assuming) the leaflet.   (I note that $1.00 was on the expensive side for 1949, even if it does include postage).

And that's everything I learned.   I've set up alerts out there on the World Wide Web, and who knows, maybe something more will pop up.   Or ... perhaps you know something about Bess Wiersma and her patterns?

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Double Quick Mercerized Crochet Cotton

Taking us back to 1953, Lily Mills entered their Double Quick Mercerized Crochet Cotton to the market.   This thread, most likely, was a follow-up to the heavier straw textured threads of the WWII era popular for hats, bags, mats, etc.

The Double Quick Crochet Cotton is a 8-ply cord, cable twist thread.  This advertisement promotion was issued in the 1953-54 issue of McCalls Needlecraft.  

It was sold in both rolls (as pictured from ebay seller Newthings61) and in skeins.  

  The price started at 29 cents but never went up much.  

L

There were the typical promotions for the product.   Lily Mills supplied pattern pamphlets to the retailers to be given with the thread purchase, and Lily Design Book 74 - Wrought Iron Crochet was released.

The thread was apparently NOT a huge success in that it only made a four year market run, exiting in early 1958.    I've just two (at this time) patterns calling for Lily Double Quick. 

And, that's all I know.    Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Paula Bank Knitting Patterns

Tucked away ... all the way back on page 53 ... of McCalls Needlecraft (Fall-Winter 1953/54) is this small advertisement.

Send for Paula Bank's color card and fashion catalog.  Order the finest yarn and knitting instructions from your home!.  Send 50 cents for our Color Card of nationally known yarns, includes Fashion Catalog of our complete line of knitting patterns for the family. 

The line that sent me on the Google search was "Paula Bank, nationally known knitting authority".   Oh, and the idea that there might be a catalog out there that I've not seen.   Well, Google and Newspaper.com resulted in nothing.   But, I'm putting the post out here as a placeholder.   AND ... perhaps one of you might have some of these patterns, or a catalog or know something more. 

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie

Royal Crest Yarn Contest

Through time, the various companies have employed a number of marketing strategies.   There are, of course, the pattern books, kits and paks, state fair contests, fashion shows, representatives offering help in individual shops, etc.   But this marketing ploy for this 'get to know us', came as a surprise. 

This is a full half page add in the 1953-54 issue of  McCalls Needlecraft.   In case you can't read the small print, the gest is  ... knit a piece with Royal Crest Yarn.  And then finish this sentence ... I LIKE ROYAL CREST YARNS BECAUSE .....   in 25 words or less.   Then, mail in your entry.   Enter as often as you like. 

There are 31 prizes ranging from a 1st prize of $500 down to $10.00.  YOU CAN'T Lose, because whether you win a cash prize or not, you'll discover Royal Crest Yarns will save you money!

I did my typical Google, newspaper and book searches and came up with only a couple pictures.  Apparently the yarn was not a big success.     Here's three that I did find.

Royal Crest - Moonlight 

Royal Crest  - Petite Royal - 1 oz skeins, 75% Virgin Wool, 25% Rayon

Royal Crest - Royality Yarn

I'm sure I'll find more in other magazines as I go along and will come back here with any other details. 

Thanks for dropping by.

Lorrie 

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