Sweater Question - Mary Maxim? (Linda!)

[amandainvermont]

A friend's grandmother made this for her great-uncle. She thinks perhaps in the late 1950's, but "...Grammy kept all her old patterns." It is thick and heavy - nicely made. Then I found the Mary Maxim pattern, which is the same except for color used on the shoulders. Will the sweater police arrest me if I call this a vintage Mary Maxim (cowichan) sweater?

 

[amandainvermont]

Thanks Linda - I appreciate the information and the keyword suggestions. She said her great Uncle was short - I guess it could be for a man or woman. My model is 5' 9", and size 4/6 ish. I'll just give measurements.

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

I live about 45 minutes from the Port Huron, Michigan Mary Maxim store... which sadly closed its doors for good only 3 days ago! I visited the store a couple times out of curiosity but it's been many years since I was there (I am not a knitter, though I love the sweaters). Now Mary Maxim's only retail stores are in Paris and London, Ontario, Canada. Their retail website remains strong, however, and some Cowichan-style sweater kits are still being sold. Here is a short history on Mary Maxim:

 

[Jonathan]

I know that 'Cowichan' is used by Etsy sellers, but so are other incorrect terms like 'wiggle' dress... These are generically known as bulky knit sweaters, and were commonly called curling sweaters in the 1950s/60s, however, think of 'Cowichan' as being like 'Chanel'. It's a trademark name and copyright protected. So unless it was made by a member of the Cowichan band and consist of the following characteristics identified on June 23, 1981 by the Cowichan Band Council, it is not a Cowichan sweater:

• Made from unprocessed water repellent wool
• Of long stranded wool yarn
• Having geometric or animal designs
• Knit in the round producing a tubular seamless body
• Sleeves are knitted or attached by yarn
• Use no artificial or natural dyes

 

[Vinclothes]

Thank you, Jonathan for clarifying the correct use of Cowichan. I feel uneasy whenever I see it used as a general term, and appreciate your reminding us of its correct usage. Is it alright to say "Cowichan style"? I once sold a wonderful double-eagle pattern verified Cowichan men's sweater and researched it then, but had forgotten the details.
Marian

 

[amandainvermont]

How interesting - thank you all for the information. I just found on pinterest the exact sweater with the same shoulders as mine. So ... did the people who knit Mary Maxim sweaters pretty much use the company's wool as well? Because mine sure seems the exact same as the advert.