Make it a Manos Christams

-Manos Del Uraguay Ad from Vogue Knitting, Winter 1987

What do you know? The Loop has received Manos Del Uruguay Wool Classica and Maxima just in time for Crimbo.  Not in time, unfortunately, to make this holiday jumper.  Can you imagine it made in Manos' 2011 colours?

Going Dutch?

-click to enlarge and read

Scheepjes ad, 1987

I think this is very funny, and had no idea how to pronounce Scheepjes until I read this. Duh.

I Play Crewel Games.

(Click to Enlarge)

"Have fun. Be clever. Win every time.

If it's your first go-round START with something simple like the pin cushion or any starred item. PROCEED with pillows and pictures as you wind through the Living Room, Bedroom, Dining Room, and Den.

Crewel your way to a fabulous FINISH and instant heirlooms that become exquisitely yours."

In 1968 Erica Wilson and Hiawatha Needlework Kits wanted you to "Spin A Winner" on their astounding full page ads. They appeared on the back cover of McCall's Needlework & Crafts Magazine.

"Have Fun. Be Clever. Win Every Time". An excellent motto!

The Way They Were #3

Classic Elite Fall 2011 is coming soon! It's beautiful...not as colourful as these old collections.

I think these old ads are stunning. Nutso, but fantastic.

Amazing Classic Elite Yarn ads, Vogue Knitting 1987

Tonic Wine

Woman's Weekly, Front Inside Cover Ad, 1965

No knitting, but you must zoom in.

My new motto is

That's lovely...that's better

Vintage Needlework Ads #15

The Cat's Face!
-Malina Company Ad c.1979

The Way They Were #2

Brown Sheep does know classics. The Loop carries their Burley Spun as our basic super bulky yarn. 'Classic Chunky' is a hoot.

PS I also like Laurel & Hardy for advertising knitting; I play their theme song in the store on cruise ship days.

Vintage Needlework Ads #14

It's another saucy one. Click to Enlarge.

-Magazine Ad for Aunt Lydia's "Pa-Qel", a new form of acrylic yarn . From Woman's Day Super Special, Granny Squares and Needlework, 1982.

The Way They Were #1

There was something fishy going on at Classic Elite Yarns in '86

Strong branding prevails, and for Fall 2011 Classic Elite is offering beautiful blends of yarn in predominately natural colours. As always, the collection has been worked into very usable garments and accessories. They are highly wearable, even if you have fish hands to accommodate (though you may have trouble working cables).

Each new season The Loop carries a selection of their pattern books. These books are beautifully photographed and are styled in a very North East American way, which is perfect for Maritime Canadian knitting.

Vintage Needlework Ads #13

Nature Spun Yarn's 2 page spread in Vogue Knitting's 1987 Holiday Special.

Slick & Bizarre. Just how I like it.

How Were you Feeling in 1987? #2

Click to Enlarge to read the "Beautiful Feelings" Bernat's Panama and Splash were trying to inspire.

Note: It may be necessary to click the image twice to zoom in. So worth it.

How Were You Feeling in 1987?

Click to Enlarge to read the "Beautiful Feelings" Bernat's Cajun and Garden Party were trying to inspire.

Note: It may be necessary to click the image twice to zoom in. So worth it.

Funny Lux Ad

-Ad from Lux's 'Patriotic' Knitting Pattern Book 1939

Vintage Needlework Ads #12

Me thinks these ladies should beware of any lit flame in those getups...let alone two.
I've met more people looking for cro-hooks lately. They are strange to me...I'm not sure that I understand how to use them. I like an afghan hook and just don't understand why I would want one of these tools.
Magazine Ad for Boye Cro-Hook, circa 1975

Cats Sell Yarn.

Easiest Crochet Related Word Puzzle Ever

For a long time I convinced myself that Coats & Clark's O.N.T. thread was made in my native Ontario. It wasn't, just like Naughty By Nature did not write a song about the Ontario Police (but Sir Paul McCartney is a real O.P.P. Sergeant-he serves in Tweed, keeping an eye on Elvis who works at the gas station).

O.N.T. stands for Our New Thread.
Don't these guys have a way with words?
Aren't Rebuses supposed to omit the illustrated words?

Best Use of a Llama at Christmas

Happy Holidays.

Country Woman Magazine, Nov/Dec 2002

Real Ads From The Back of Vintage Needlework Magazines #3

Real Ads From The Back of Vintage Needlework Magazines #2

Real Ads From The Back of Vintage Needlework Magazines #1