Category Archives: hand-made

HALLOWEEN’S IN THE BAG – TIME FOR ALL 1950’S HOMEMAKERS TO THINK ABOUT THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS . . .

IMG_0935 IMG_0936Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November.  But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .

McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch.  Can you imagine getting all that done ?!

For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day.  And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.

I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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EARLY 1960’S FUN AND GAMES – WHAT A DIFFERENT LIFE OUR GRANDMOTHERS LED!

IMG_1039IMG_1040These McCalls magazine needlework ads would make you think that our grandmas’ lives were all about simple fun in the kitchen and scheming to get their husbands to give in to their wishes.

That’s the stereotype, isn’t it?  I wonder how much of that is true?  Don’t think I want to go back there, but the sweater is gorgeous!

Hand-knits from that era are really special, sweet and innocent styles . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

DISCOVERED! RARE 1960’S HAWAIIAN SHIRTS

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Rare fabric, rare makers, rare designs.  Men’s shirts, but small – for me!  Love these!!  I have a few, but these are unique.  So fun to find labels that I rarely or have never seen, fabric that I had to research and these great prints that just pop out like nothing else.

And, as always, at a fabulous bargain . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A WONDERFUL HAT, FROM THE SAME ERA AS YESTERDAY’S DRESS . . . . . . .

The always-dramatic Marlene models three views of this gorgeous and flattering scull-cap style, woven of black and white strips and topped with a face-framing ruffle.

I COULD NOT pass this by!  And, it came with a matching hat-pin – always a plus.  In it’s day, it was very wearable with lots of different styles from casual frocks to dressier ones. Very elegant.

When everyone wore hats daily, imagine selecting this cute one and setting it on just right before heading out for shopping or lunch.  That was when men still whistled openly at women on the street . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S WESTERN-WEAR LEATHER JACKET FOR FALL

True Vintage Leatherwear

Beautiful true vintage western-wear jacket from the 1950s/early ’60s. Notice the superb workmanship and tailoring (even though it would look best on a size 4 model rather than size 6).

I LOVE the older leather items made in the American west, or in Mexico and Europe.  So beautiful!  Forgive me if your country has made wonderful leather items, too, and I have not mentioned you here.

The materials are of high quality and have enabled it to last for 50 years with very little sign of wear.  Find a jacket of this type and enjoy it for life!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL HAND-MADE DRESSES FOR FALL

IMG_1046 IMG_1026 Yes, a lot of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers knitted dresses like these at home!  So hard to imagine.

IMG_1035 IMG_1027These photos from the Fifties and early Sixties come from McCall’s Needlework magazine – a popular and easy-to-find magazine that could be bought the way we might buy Vogue or Glamor now, on a newsstand somewhere.  Of course, knitted dresses were made commercially, too, and I’ve found several.  But, the custom-made one-of-a-kind is always the most special.

P.S. Please vote in the Presidential election if you are a U.S. citizen.  Get registered if you need to or check your registration status.  This is a very important one – not one to sit out. . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY HAND-MADE STERLING SILVER BROOCHES FROM THE 1920’S

IMG_0989     These beauties are quite large and they’re works of art.  They’d be suitable (no pun intended) on a jacket a or coat like the one shown yesterday.  Although they look like costume jewelry and are set with rhinestones  or semi-precious stones, they are hand-made of sterling silver and could be classified as fine jewelry.

Back in the ’40’s – ’50’s there were “walking suits” made, which had jackets almost like small coats and substantial enough to be worn in cool or cold weather without an outerwear coat on top.  A beautiful art piece like this on a lapel would be the perfect finish.

These are some of the most gorgeous statement pieces I own . … . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BONANZA!! LOOK AT THE MID-CENTURY DRESSES I JUST FOUND

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Just fabulous!  Custom-made by the same woman, of ultra-soft cotton in a wonderful 1940’s – early 1950’s style that I just love.  And, in my size!!!!!

Nipped waist, flirty skirt, shoulder pads and cute sculptured plastic buttons.  What could be better?  Perfect condition, washed to incredible comfort.  I don’t usually go for floral prints, but who can quibble? . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

SPEAKING OF FIFTIES & SIXTIES SWEATERS – SOME FUN EXAMPLES TO KNIT AT HOME!

IMG_1041IMG_1042IMG_1044IMG_1045IMG_1032      McCalls needlework magazine from 1961 has patterns and instructions for these neat tops.  It was one of those times when the fashion gets really playful.  My most recent finds on this trip are ’60’s!

Not quite so intimidating as trying to make some of the dresses and coats, but challenging enough!  There’s no mistaking the styles from that time and I’ll be showing more . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT AND STUNNING – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DINNER DRESS

IMG_0999 IMG_1000Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back.  I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.

The style is simple, but dramatic.  The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress.  It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.

But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM