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

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

TRUE VINTAGE HAND-KNIT FALL STYLES FROM THE FIFTIES – SO SPORTY AND ELEGANT

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It’s the details and the fit that make these things so wonderful!  That’s what I love about true vintage and hand-constructed clothing.  Check out these photos from a 1950’s needlework magazine, given to me by a woman who did this every year.

For a woman who had the skills to make these, it must have been so much fun to look through the new knitting magazines.  These weren’t runway styles that were out of her reach!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME! 1950’S/1960’S SWEATERS THAT MOM & GRANDMA WERE BUSY KNITTING . . . . .

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Yes, it’s that time of year again.  I don’t know how many of you had mothers or grandmas who made most of your wardrobe, all year long – BUT, it was not at all unusual back in the day.   And, aren’t these cute and good-looking!    I’ll bet no one else would have had one like it.

These kinds of needlework magazines with patterns were really popular and there used to be little knitting shops around that sold all the necessary supplies.   When I was cleaning out some of the OLD family stuff recently, I found a lot of knitting needles of every size and configuration you can imagine.   I couldn’t begin to understand how they were used . . . . .

In these old magazines that were given to me, I’ve seen ads for knitting machines, too – something small that you could set up and use at home.   Although I can’t imagine devoting the time it would take to make these garments really well, they are SO beautiful that it seems it was well worth it.

I’d love to hear about your own family stories . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE NAME BRANDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

This pretty Seventies sweater is made by Banff – a company that has made high-quality knit clothing for women for several decades.  Sweaters, suits, jackets, ponchos, etc.   I picked this up very recently, mostly on the strength of the brand name (and, it’s awfully cute, too . . . . . .. )

I can never resist (nor do I want to!) beautiful lingerie from the Fifties and Sixties,  especially when the brand name is not one I see frequently.  This lovely half-slip was made by Dorsay.  The nylon has a wonderful feel and quality, and the applique’ embroidery is gorgeous.

Last, but not least, is a 1960’s bed jacket by Shadowline.  Their mid-priced lingerie and sleepwear is never over-the-top, but their designs are attractive and I can always count on the quality.  Worth it, every time.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CO-ED NOVELTY SWEATER BY CAMPUS CASUALS OF CALIFORNIA

Source: TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CO-ED NOVELTY SWEATER BY CAMPUS CASUALS OF CALIFORNIA

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CO-ED SWEATER BY CAMPUS CASUALS OF CALIFORNIA

Source: TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CO-ED SWEATER BY CAMPUS CASUALS OF CALIFORNIA

MORE TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE ’50’S AND ’60’S

MORE TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE '50'S AND '60'S.

OUR GRANDMOTHERS AND THEIR MOMS AND GRANDMAS KNITTED SWEATERS ALL YEAR LONG!!

OUR GRANDMOTHERS AND THEIR MOMS AND GRANDMAS KNITTED SWEATERS ALL YEAR LONG!!.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S PLAID JUMPER DRESS OF SCOTTISH WOOL

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAGreat find!  My second one here, a couple of weeks ago and I was thrilled to discover this classic Sixties style in beautiful fabric from Scotland, and in almost perfect condition.

Look at the colors in that plaid – classic tartans and tweeds from Scotland and Ireland are so beautiful and of such exceptional quality.  It just doesn’t get better.

Fully lined with a metal zip up the back.  Just what a mid-sixties schoolgirl, co-ed or young career woman might have worn.  It seems that it is an unusual find here, because not many woolens are worn, due to the warm climate.  We have the British heritage to thank for this!

Finding this was almost as good as petting koalas and kangaroos . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com