She’d just pull out the latest edition of her McCalls Needlework magazine. And, of course, there is the Christmas Pageant, too . .. . .
I can’t believe the intricacy of these home-sewing DIY patterns. Women used to do this all the time!
Once when I was a kid, my (I thought) non-sewing grandmother did whip up a very convincing 1960’s black collarless jacket for me when I wanted to be a Beatle for Halloween. Who knew? . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m over-the-moon with this one!! Last year I found a wonderful sweater made like this, with soft, fine suede – but this one is a full jacket WITH A ZIP-OUT PILE LINING! – and braided leather buttons. Just LOVE the quality and style of jackets made between 1940 and 1960. What a fabulous mid-century vibe.
It was another magic moment for the Magicvintagespy because this coat is in virtually perfect condition. Just like stepping into a Happy Days episode or going Back to the Future. What fun! More to come . . . . . . . stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
No, you just never know – and that’s what I love so much about sleuthing. Will post tomorrow. Stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s a plain,white oxford shirt so I won’t bore you with the photo. The label is worth the whole find and all the details from the 1950’s to early 1960’s – – – – – –
there’s a cellophane collar prop still in place, a paper tag hanging from a button, a paper square in the pocket that was placed there by the final inspector, and an inventory stamp near the hem. An interesting thing about the fabric (besides being Sanforized) is that the weave gives it stretch, without any of our modern spandex. An extra tag sewn at the neck advertises this.
The sleeves will be too long for me so, of course, I’ll end up selling it but the best thing is the way that the story still unfolds. From what I can resource so far, this may have been a British brand. A find like this is always worth picking up just for the fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Now we’ll go, almost, to the other end of the spectrum for some standard-issue men’s or boys’ cotton PJs – though they’re spiffed up with some really neat prints.
Plain and basic in their style, they’re well-made enough to have survived in good shape. They could even have been from the ’40’s, but I don’t think so. Somewhere between 1955 and ’65 probably hits it.
Though not luxurious, they are comfortable (I can wear them!) and a lot of fun! The red fans on the right are an unusual, to me, motif for men’s pajamas but, hey, what do I know? They are a traditional East Asian motif and may have been an influence of the Pacific arena wars the U.S. had just been through in the Forties and Fifties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This pair could be a mate to another that I found last spring. The other was tortoiseshell, so these black ones would be a nice switch-off. I like the pearlized inside, too.
Although they may be only 20 – 30 years old, they were retro-style when made, designed after the styles of the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Good, heavy construction, though, and strong metal hinges. These will last a long time, too.
Definitely a worthy addition to the collection.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, you can also make your husband’s, son’s, father’s, boss’s (lets not get carried away) next necktie, etc., etc, etc, . . . . . .
This red shirt was custom-made, but by a western-wear retailer out West, sometime in the ’40’s, ’50’s or maybe the early ’60’s. Bespoke attire was a common luxury, even here in the U.S. Of course, it’s been a tradition and beautifully done in Europe for decades (centuries?)
I’ve recently seen some ads for what looks like business and formal clothing that can be ordered custom-made, with one fitting or at-a-distance alterations near the end of the process. An improvement on ready-to-wear, but not like having it constructed from the first detail by a tailor having that in-person relationship with you and your body, giving you a perfect fit, exact style preference and real-time preview.
And what a nice luxury it was to have that done for you, or to have the leisure time to do it yourself . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The miracle fabric called Orlon – machine washable and dry-able at home! Oh, my . . . . . .
Back when sweaters had to be dry-cleaned or hand-washed, this was a revelation for homemakers and a big time-saver. However, I must say that even today they still haven’t gotten it just right – pilling remains an issue. So, I don’t mind treating my vintage acrylics with special care.
This one is so “from that time” and it’s always fun to find a guy’s clothing item. But, even though it’s a LARGE size, looks more like something for a medium-sized woman now. Maybe it will even fit me under the right styling conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What could be more classic than this? Made by a company called Peters; they produced this basic style for several decades. We can still find some companies making similar ones, but I always like the REAL true vintage. Just saw a classic film last night, made in 1950, where many young men were wearing “this” jacket!
Dacron easy-care water-repellent – nothing is more smart and practical than a well-made jacket like this. And, it’s in almost perfect condition (they stood up well!). In spite of that, they’re not easy to find because they were usually worn, and worn, and worn – and eventually gave up the ghost. Someone took very good care of this one, just for me . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What fun to find this!! Love true vintage men’s and boys’ shirts and tops. Since men usually tend to be much harder on their clothing than women do, it’s unusual to encounter garments that have survived, especially in wonderful condition like this one.
Just an everyday casual shirt, it’s still got a great fit, fun collar and wonderful lightly-brushed cotton fabric. Happy Days all over again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 