Parade Mail Order Pattern Catalogs

According to Widipedia: "Parade was an American nationwide Sunday Newspaper Magazine, distributed in more than 700 newspapers in the United States until 2022".

In 1961, Parade joined the Mail Order Pattern business, following in the path of the already established Peerless Syndicate of Anne Cabot, Peggy Roberts, Needlework Bureau, etc. The parade patterns were a combination of sewing, knitting and crochet -- leaning heavily towards sewing. The pattern books averaged 48 pages and were advertised in a blitz campaigne in March, as well as an offering at the bottom of the individual pattern newspaper advertisements, that appeared weekly. The weekly pattern advertised was frequently referenced with the by-line of: Patterns by Pauline.

In a newspaper search, I found the pattern book photo covers for 1961 to 1969, when the yearly blitz was discontinued. The pattern books themselves (later renamed Pattern Album; to coincide with the name of the Anne Cabot pattern books).

Here are the Pattern Book covers - advertising blitz that I found for 1961 to 1969.

I, of course, collect these pattern books as part of my Mail Order collection. As I find them, I add them, free to view, in my shop. I've added one book to the shop, if you'd care to browse. Parade 1978 Pattern Book.

I you happen to have any of these Pattern Books, (or those of other designers) that you'd be willing to share, I'd appreciate your help growing my collection and making these 'bits of history', available to others. If you have any questions, or additional thoughts, please let me know.

Feb 9th 2025 Lorrie@vintageknitcrochet.net