Category Archives: handmade

TRUE VINTAGE “SUMMER OF ’42” HALTER DRESS FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

This dress would also be fabulous for the Fourth of July!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

Just which decade is this dress from? I don’t know – it’s so classic in style, that it could be from the 1940’s – 1950’s. I’m going to bet on the earlier times, but can’t be sure. Dare I say that it could be from the ’30’s?! Could be, but probably not.

I am certain that it’s true vintage and I love it to pieces! The back, of course, is open to mid-back and there is a metal zipper on the side. I expect that it was custom -tailored.

This is a favorite style of mine, and I really responded to the fabric when I discovered it. Love the colors! I also like the fact that the cut of the top is modest without being unnecessarily so. Makes it very easy to wear.

Just right for a beach town, vacationing or a hot summer day anywhere. Put on a big…

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TRUE VINTAGE BOLEROS, CAPES, SHRUGS AND SHAWLS FROM McCALL’S

TRUE VINTAGE BOLEROS, CAPES, SHRUGS AND SHAWLS FROM McCALL'S.

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE FIND – CLASSIC PINK WOOL STRAIGHT SKIRT FROM THE SIXTIES

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE FIND – CLASSIC PINK WOOL STRAIGHT SKIRT FROM THE SIXTIES.

AUTHENTIC TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED SHIRTWAIST DRESS – 1940’S/1950’S

AUTHENTIC TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED SHIRTWAIST DRESS – 1940'S/1950'S.

A FABULOUS EARLY 1950’S JUNE WEDDING – IN HANDMADE LACE

A FABULOUS EARLY 1950'S JUNE WEDDING – IN HANDMADE LACE.

A GORGEOUS TAILORED DRESSY FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE FROM THE SIXTIES

A GORGEOUS TAILORED DRESSY FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE FROM THE SIXTIES.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SLEEVELESS FROCK IN PRETTY YELLOW POLKA-DOT FABRIC

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S SLEEVELESS FROCK IN PRETTY YELLOW POLKA-DOT FABRIC.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! 1950’S NEEDLE-WORK PATTERNS THAT FOLLOWED RUNWAY FASHION IN EUROPE . . .

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! 1950'S NEEDLE-WORK PATTERNS THAT FOLLOWED RUNWAY FASHION IN EUROPE . . ..

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! 1950’S NEEDLE-WORK PATTERNS THAT FOLLOWED RUNWAY FASHION IN EUROPE . . .

IMG_1478McCall’s magazine  was a real stand-by for our thrifty and talented Grandmas who wanted to keep up with the latest fashion trends.  They could knit and crochet wardrobes that kept them feeling stylish at a fraction of retail costs, and have a lot of fun doing it!

From what I’ve seen online, the well-known pattern makers for seamstresses like Butterick and Simplicity did the same and were even more popular.  Practically every home had a sewing machine, but some women probably still had the skills to do everything by hand if necessary.

Although it was a lot of work and must have felt like another chore in times of necessity like the Depression, it also gave women a lot of creative freedom.  When they had the time and the funds to  be choosy about fabrics and to adapt their own touches to a pattern or add decorations, knowing how to do this and having the support of companies that sold the things that they needed was a real relief from economic and social limitations that may have faced them every day.

Today, people find that creative freedom by doing things online and go to Walmart to ease their financial hardships during tough times, but it’s not the same.  Somehow, the old way seems more attractive in some ways.  Your thoughts?

By the way, I’ve got several fabulous “new” discoveries and am preparing them to show you . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960’S DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960'S DRESS.