Vintage Treasures
Monday, March 15, 2010 at 6:00AM I came home from a recent visit with my family toting some new old finds. My sister gave me a box of old sewing patterns and a bag of wool yarn. Now, I am not sure what, if anything, I will do with these treasures but vintage items are always fun to look at, and sometimes you learn a thing or two.
I sorted through the box of patterns and pulled out four “Big Four” patterns from the 1960’s
along with six patterns from a company called Spadea.
Now, I had never heard of Spadea so I did a little internet research. The most inclusive information can be found in this article at Fuzzy Lizzy Vintage Clothing. The creators of Spadea Designer Patterns worked with fashion designers in the 1950’s and 60’s to create sewing patterns taken from ready-to-wear garments. These patterns were unique in their sizing (using RTW sizing) and appearance – there are no printed markings on the pattern pieces, everything is punched or notched and the pattern pieces come precut.
The previous owner of my patterns must have been a Dinah Shore fan since most of the patterns carry that stars name.
The yarn I received has an interesting history as well. It was manufactured by the Quinnehticut Woolen Company in Taftville, CT.
In 1995 the New York Times ran an article about the rebirth of this company under new ownership, who believed in the revitalization of the textile industry.
This lengthy article details the history of the Ponemah Mill (meaning "our future hope," from Longfellow's "Song of Hiawatha"), the mill village of Taftville (all of the original structures are still standing and on the National Historic Register) and the revival under new owners in 1990. Sadly, it appears that the mill is no longer in operation and has been turned into luxury condos and retail space. The wool I own looks ideal for felting, one of my favorite things to do with wool yarn. I might also use it in a needle felting project – I have not put my embellisher to much use recently. Regardless, I certainly have a rainbow’s worth of lovely colors to choose from.
Reader Comments (3)
Julie - Thanks for the website link on the glass artist, I enjoyed the site in general, but especially the glass kimono. We own a lot of glass art, but it still amazes me to see how they weave the strips of glass pieces - quite a feat.
I really enjoyed your article on patterns, I used to sew for myself, back in the 60s and think I know that I had the McCalls with the vest. I finished the hems on a road trip to Montreal for Expo 68, wow that was a fun memory chill.
I went to a baby shower yesterday and a friend made a wonderful stuffed toy and used old pattern pieces as the tissue around the gift and placed it perfectly in her homemade box. Delightful.
Oh, I'm so jealous! Felting is one of my favorite things to do with wool too.
Enjoy, and please post about what you felt with this lovely, historical yarn!
This is really cool. I love vintage.