Summer is full of sky and color, days to walk and watch rivers flow by. Fresh corn, fried clams piled high in checkerboard-patterned paper trays, cups full of iced lemonade – all are part of summer at high tide.
Nylon and metal needles have been the types most often observed so far in an informal review of images archived from events far and near. A wonderful knitter, part of the behind-the-scenes staff at the Eastern States Exposition, is seen here getting some quiet knitting time in on her break. As her nylon Susan Bates needles flew to complete a gift, she provided information about upcoming events in the horse arena at the same time.
Founded by Carlton J. Bates in 1907, the C.J. Bates Company manufactured manicure sets, crochet hooks – and knitting needles – in Chester, Connecticut. The brand was acquired by Coats plc (that stands for “public limited company”), where Susan Bates Implements, Red Heart Yarns, Rowan Yarns, and Schachenmayr Yarns are brand names included in the company’s portfolio of well-known products. There is strength and vitality in the industry behind fiber arts and creative pursuits, and the field is growing.
So go ahead, take your knitting or leave it behind to take a day to just dream at the beach. There’s time. Each pair of old needles seen in this vintage canning jar has a story. There is a business behind each one. Knitters and their needles too.