1948 Needlework Bureau Pattern Book

I was absolutely thrilled when I came across this Needlework Bureau Pattern Book languishing away on Ebay.  I purchased it immediately (in case there were a slew of other customers searching for it!)

When working a pattern, the biggest challenge is putting identity to a Mail Order Pattern book is dating it.  The book contains no date of any kind; not even a copyright notice.  (This particular booklet doesn't even list an address should the reader have wanted to purchase one of the patterns).

 

My typical starting point is Newspapers.com.    I look up each individual patterns to find dates in common, as they generally fall together.  This book, however, came as a surprise; there was no close commonality.  On this page, the pattern dates ranged 1942, 1944, and 1946.   On another page, one dated back to 1938.  

In pulling up each individual pattern advertisement, I learned some were published under the Martha Madison, Ellen Bruce and Peggy Roberts brands as well as Needlework Bureau.  Anne Cabot, also a relative, did not make an appearance.   (This makes sense as they are all related to the same parent, I just didn't realize they marketed together).  

 

An additional thing I learned was the "C" prefix number before each pattern.  The "C" stood for Catalog, so, in order fulfillment, it was known where the order came from for statistic purposes.  

So, to date the book, I identified the oldest pattern appearing -- 1948.  And then, in reading the advertisements a, I caught the words "more than 100 suggestions, in color, for needlework.  IN COLOR.  This book is in color, and it is the only one that was produced in color - some sepia, but not color.  Mystery solved.  

Needlework Bureau produced pattern books between 1946 and 1952, sometimes naming them Pattern Gift Book.  In 1953, they discontinue the Needlework Bureau brand catalog, and the patterns were marketed through the Anne Cabot Needlework Album.   

 

I collect the Mail Order patterns and catalogs.  The patterns I sell in the shop; the catalogs I place in the shop for your viewing pleasure.   These are wonderful snapshots into history.

The only other Needlework Bureau Pattern book I have is 1950.   If you have any of the catalogs (or patterns) that you would be willing to share, please let me know.  (lorrie@vintageknitcrochet.net

 

Jul 16th 2026 Lorrie @ Vintage Knit Crochet

Recent Posts