CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! 1950'S NEEDLE-WORK PATTERNS THAT FOLLOWED RUNWAY FASHION IN EUROPE . . ..
Tag Archives: ’50’s
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! 1950’S NEEDLE-WORK PATTERNS THAT FOLLOWED RUNWAY FASHION IN EUROPE . . .
McCall’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 SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S
TRUE VINTAGE SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S
One of my best favorites . . . . .

This style was everywhere from about 1945 to about 1965, I think. In house dress to day dress styles, the shirtwaist with full skirt was a classic fashion. I remember my mother wearing them.
Some had fabric-covered buckle belts and some, like this one, had tie belts. All kinds of prints or solids were seen.
I love this one, which is a semi-sheer material in a print with a French motif. Not a bit high-end; just the average do-what-the-day-requires outfit for a modern 1950’s housewife.
This one came my way from a relative, which makes it very special . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’s – EARLY 1950’s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS
Need something to wear for dancing around the Maypole?

Easter is past (for another year) but Spring isn’t over yet and tomorrow is May Day. Although it might not be a day for teas or luncheons or other events which call for a dressy frock, it is still celebrated in some places. If you know about any May Day celebrations, I’d like to hear!
Shown over a slip, this dress is made of a semi-sheer cotton (maybe a blend) in a blue and violet floral print. It has a vintage nylon zipper mid-back. The skirt length is mid-calf to ankle, depending on the height of the woman wearing it. The gathered bodice and high waist (again, depending on the wearer) are so pretty.
Not quite semi-formal – just a pretty frock for a special occasion. I was so thrilled to find it! Someone kept it for many years. It’s always important to have at least one of these in…
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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’s – EARLY 1950’s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS
NEXT “NEW” FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/EARLY 1960’S HAND-MADE NOVELTY DRESS
OPENING THE TREASURE CHEST – LATEST TRUE VINTAGE DISCOVERY
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FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940’S – 1950’S
FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940’S – 1950’S
Here’s a little black & white series while I get my newest finds organized . . .

Like the last suit posted, this one has two layers. The way they used to do the little brief or shorts underneath was such a figure-enhancer for most women.
Almost like a tankini, but all in one piece. Look at those great design details, too. You won’t see that on modern suits, nor the exceptional construction. Black & white makes another appearance for Spring and Summer, as always.
Just right for sitting beside the pool, under a big sun-hat, with a Mai-Tai . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM