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
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
Can you imagine?! You’re planning to set sail in a few weeks. Why not spend that time knitting and crocheting your entire wardrobe for the trip? Sound like a good idea? Think of the money you’ll save! Imagine the compliments and envious looks when other women see your gorgeous, custom-made outfits. Just pull out the instructions in your latest issue of the McCall’s needlework magazine.
Such ambition those mid-century women had! My pillbox is off to them . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
LOOSE SHEATH IN CUSTOM-TAILORED SILK
I absolutely love this! The seamstress was almost finished with it, only needing to remove some basting stitches and do a little final finishing. It has loops for a belt, and there’s no way to tell if one ever existed. After a final fitting, I’ll see if and where some extra fabric exists that could make one.
Love the collar, and the pocket trim – the whole vintage styling. It will be very attractive and comfortable to wear. With the right finishing, it could be a day-dress or a simple house-dress. And it’s French! From Paris!! What more could I ask . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A handful of fun separates when I had a bit of time on my hands: 1. a cute poly/cotton pajama top from the Fifties or Sixties that doubles as a summer blouse 2. RARE, RARE, RARE FIND of Fifties pajama bottoms – although they’re not a perfectly-matched pair, I think they’ll make a great lounging outfit together with the bed jacket shown earlier today. It’s always great to have these on hand. Nice lace at the ankles 3. a home-sewn Sixties shirt. I’d wear it with jeans, but it’s not the best job. However, worth buying just for the buttons.
Never miss an opportunity to uncover more clues . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
In the midst of my series of mid-century finds, lets take a little break for the latest discovery. I was out sleuthing the other day when I spied this. Although it’s not the type of thing I usually get excited about, because so many cheap imitations have been made over the past 10 years or so, I liked the quality of the knit fabric and the fact that it was home-sewn. So, I picked it up . . . . .
Thinking it would be too small for me and I’d just have to end up selling it or giving it away, I slipped it on and – WHOA! – it fits me perfectly and it’s really cute! Maybe some teenager made this in Home Economics class back in the 1960’s (when they were still offering that in schools). Kind of a cross between a bomber and a bolero style – it’s a simple-sew item that would have been an intermediate pattern for someone learning how to set in sleeves.
Originally, it would have had a matching print skirt or slacks – or maybe a sheath dress in one of the solid colors in the print. Alas, those pieces are long gone, but I’ll enjoy wearing it with my turquoise jeans or my regular jeans until an alternative comes up. Won’t be one of my prized true vintage possessions, but it may be a go-to super casual jacket on cool-weather days when I’m just out and about.
A little variety is always the spice . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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
The cut and design of this frock, as unremarkable as it looks (especially in this picture), told me immediately from when and what it was! It’s a soft wool knit from the late 1960’s.
Beautiful fabric! And, like the wool dress from a couple of days ago, no itch factor here. Of course, I’ll still enjoy a gorgeous lingerie slip underneath on a cold, wintery day. The crocheted trim breaks up the plain lines and the fit is lovely.
So glad that I’ve discovered so many in-season items recently that are appropriate for this cold that most of us are experiencing now. For those of you who are not, I’ve still got several summery finds coming up, too.
Later today, I’ll post a little rant about design with pictures of the true vintage tailoring tools I recently found and how they’re a help to sewing and altering, if that’s something you like to do. If not, it’s still good to know some of the things that make the difference between real deal vintage and the copy-cat retro fashions. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Red, red, red! I’ve found several outstanding red items in the past little while – getting me in a Christmas mood a little early. This beautiful sweater was hand-knitted at a time when lots of women were still doing needlework on a regular basis.
In the favorite yarn of the time – mohair – maybe with some angora blended in. Every girl had to have a mohair sweater, usually knitted by herself, mom or grandmother. In this case the knitter put her own name at the neckline. I think that a few were commercially made, but I’ve rarely seen that.
The buttons are even cute – red plastic, with sailboats stamped on the front. The nautical theme has always been classic and popular for Spring and maybe says something about the person who wore this.
Anyway, I know I’ll be snuggling in it when I’m in the December holiday mood and right on through February . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
SENSATIONAL SIXTIES SHEATH STYLE FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE FOR FALL
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 . . . . . . . . . . . …
View original post 29 more words
Magicvintagespy 