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
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
Two finds from the 1970’s, put together perfectly. I love the cute 1940’s vibe; these pieces were made in the early 1970’s when that style was revived. The shirt was from Sears Junior Bazaar and the slacks made by a company called Beeline. How fun!
The pants are long, so they’re great with platform sandals – another thing popular at that time – also part of the 1940’s retro thing. As a true vintage sleuth, it’s so fun to watch how the styles go around and come around again.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.
When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size. From the 1940’s, the fabric was a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.
It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label. I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.
After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went. I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.
So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!
Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared. Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!! Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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
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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
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I’m showing the back view of this jacket because it has the most interesting features. The front is nice, too, but plainer – vintage clothing can be very witty in this way, with little unexpected surprises.
The collar detail at the back of the neck is something I’ve seen several times. The little back “belt” and the bows on the cuffs make it so interesting.
The placement of the details makes this a somewhat unusual jacket – usually the decorations are on the front. Dresses, also, are likely to have really fun details sewn in. I think this is especially true with garments from the wartime and post-war eras late 1930’s to early 1950’s.
Finding garments like this is always a thrill. You just never know when one will turn up . .. . . . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I’ve SO enjoyed going through my skirt suit collection for this series of posts! I was reminded of how great a find this one was, during a special trip to the Big Apple.
All the suits you’ll see are from the 1940’s to the mid 1970’s. This one is so classic it could almost go anywhere in that period. In this case, the skirt has been shortened a few inches – always without cutting off material, so the original length can easily be restored!
The details most loved about this one are the great colors – always love the unusual combination of blues and browns – and the suede trim.
The classic cut is also one of the best, best things about any garment and why true vintage is usually way ahead of modern clothing. This suit, like most I’ll show, will look sophisticated and elegant for as long as I own it.
If you think “dowdy” or “matronly” when you see this photo, you’re not using real style sense. Don’t forget that an ensemble like this can be worn many ways, including using the jacket and skirt as separates, and with many different accessories, making it fresh and versatile each time.
And, there’s never any competition for true elegance . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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