HOW TO SEW WITH TRUE VINTAGE STYLE

Sometimes I come across patterns or notions from the true vintage eras that I love.  It’s worthwhile to pick them up, and I’ll explain why , , , , ,

Whether you sew or not, if you want to copy or have someone else re-make a true vintage garment,  a pattern is a necessity in order to get it right.  Unless you are a master at pattern-making yourself, the original cut of the garment will be impossible to recreate and the result will look like retro – not true vintage.

Beyond the qualities of the true vintage fabric and decorations that are used, the identifying factor of a true vintage design is the cut and, therefore, the way that it fits the body.  There’s no way to cheat on it and the look of the finished garment is unmistakable.

True vintage notions can make a big difference, too.  Buttons, of course, but zippers are probably the most important closure item with regard to getting the fit to be authentic.  Nothing will be more correct than a zipper that is like the original in looks and function.  And, we know how often one of those might need to be replaced . . . . . . .

So, there’s my little rant on that subject.  Of course, there’s lots more to get into if you are a couturier or just an expert needle-worker.  But, it’s worth knowing about, and very interesting when you want to get it perfect.

However, nothing is true vintage except real true vintage, no matter how well it has been reproduced.  But, if you’re very, very good at faking it, it’ll take a master sleuth to expose you . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-1960’S SILK SHANTUNG SHEATH – CLASSIC LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Source: TRUE VINTAGE MID-1960’S SILK SHANTUNG SHEATH – CLASSIC LITTLE BLACK DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s BLACK CREPE DRESS WITH METALLIC EMBELLISHMENTS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940's BLACK CREPE DRESS WITH METALLIC EMBELLISHMENTS.

True Vintage Belted Day-Dress from the late !940’s for Fall

True Vintage Belted Day-Dress from the late !940's for Fall.

A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S – CUSTOM TAILORED

SENSATIONAL SIXTIES SHEATH STYLE FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE FOR FALL

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960'S - CUSTOM TAILORED

This pretty dress is in an unusual shade of blue that echoes the hue of yesterday’s shirt.  A combo that I always love and don’t come across often enough – blue and brown. It was custom – made, with hand-done crewel embroidery on the front.

The easy sheath style is always perfect, and the short sleeves make it less summery.  I love their fluttery cut and the brown lining peeking out.  The main material is a sort of hop-sacking weave, which was very popular in the late ’60’s. Just the right weight for going into Fall.

Back metal zipper and fully lined in a lightweight cotton blend material. Flattering but simple.  Madge fills it out beautifully, no?

Looks just right for a teacher, or, or, or . . . . . . . . .
I wonder who . . . . . . . . . . . …

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A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S – CUSTOM TAILORED

A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960'S – CUSTOM TAILORED.

A SHEER, BLACK TRUE VINTAGE (AS ALWAYS) EARLY 1950’S FROCK WITH RHINESTONE BUTTONS

SEXY, SHEER SUMMER DRESS – TRUE VINTAGE FROM THE EARLY 1950’S . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A SHEER, BLACK TRUE VINTAGE (AS ALWAYS) 1950'S FROCK WITH RHINESTONE BUTTONS

This dress is very special. I’m sorry that I don’t yet have a photo of Stella wearing it, or a personal photographer to take pictures of me wearing it. It is VERY sheer, as you can see, and requires a slip underneath.

The little cap sleeves and dainty collar, plus the belted waist and full skirt make a very flattering and feminine impression. The small buttons down the front, which are purely decorative, have big clear rhinestones at their centers. A fabric-covered buckle belt finishes off the waistline.

This dress closes with a zipper at the left waist. It is a real wiggler to get your shoulders into. If I were any larger, it’d be a no-go! As it is, it works and the skirt swirls around because the fabric is so light, ending right at or slightly below my knees.

You could wear this dress to a party or…

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S AT-HOME FASHION VELVETEEN ROBE

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S AT-HOME FASHION VELVETEEN ROBE.

WAIT, WAIT!! . . . . . LOOK WHAT I FOUND YESTERDAY!!!!!!!

WAIT, WAIT!! . . . . . LOOK WHAT I FOUND YESTERDAY!!!!!!!.

WAIT, WAIT!! . . . . . LOOK WHAT I FOUND YESTERDAY!!!!!!!

IMG_1512Hold the runway show – Here’s Stella, still in the early 1960’s.  Imagine my delight to discover this beautiful evening dress, crafted in Hong Kong where some of the most lovely hand-tailoring was done for decades.

From shoulder to hem, it’s exquisite and deserves a detailed description.  The bodice is a shell of embroidered lacy floral openwork, lined in sheer black and decorated with sequins and beads.  It is made as a separate top which zips up the back and is attached to the dress at the shoulder seams.  Very heavy, with all the bead-work, which would have been applied by hand.

The body of the dress is ivory on top (though you won’t see this), with a classic black crepe skirt.  A crepe bow and 1″ border are attached to the hem of the shell , right at the waist.

Both the dress and attached shell have metal zippers in back so, as with many true vintage fashions, you’ll need an extra pair of hands to help you dress – – whether a partner or a lady’s maid, I can live with that.

Now for the additional little details – full lining in the skirt and a back kick pleat, little hooks and eyes in strategic places and bra strap holders sewn in at the shoulders.

I wonder who bought this, at what shop in what city, and where it was worn . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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