Page 27 - Country Living - USA (January - February 2020)

FIELD GUIDE
HUNT

Appraisals

What Is It?

What Is It Worth?

Our team of antiques experts
weighs in on your treasured finds.

READER DISCOUNT!
ENTER CODE
“COUNTRYLIVING” FOR
20% OFF PATTERNS
AND KITS SITEWIDE AT
MARYMAXIM.COM.

OBJECT LESSON:
Mary Maxim Sweaters

WHAT TO KNOW: In 1935, Willard and Olive
McPhedrain acquired Canada–based
Spinwell Mfg. Co., a maker of spinning
wheels and wool yarns. The company’s
path changed forever in 1951 with the
introduction of its “graph-style” knitting
pattern for a Cowichan-style cardigan
sweater. A few years later, they expanded
into the U.S., changed their name to Mary
Maxim (a shortened name of an employee),
and launched a crafting craze. Along with
their sweater patterns (“Thunderbird,”
above, and “Reindeer,” right), they off ered
yarn and knitting needles, but never
completed sweaters. While the cardigans did you know...
lost their cool factor beginning in the 1970s, Originating with the native
the popularity of vintage Mary Maxim Cowichan people of British
sweaters is now on the rise, and the Columbia, Cowichan sweaters
still-family-owned company continues to (and those, like Mary Maxims,
thrive with new—and vintage!—patterns. designed in a similar style)
are recognized by their bulky
WHAT IT’S WORTH: weight, shawl collars, and
up to $300 zipper fronts.

produced by JENNIFER KOPF photograph by BRIAN WOODCOCK COUNTRYLIVING.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2020 ſƄ