SUCH FUN FINDING VINTAGE CHILDREN’S CLOTHING! THIS COAT WAS HAND-MADE WITH LOVE.
What a gorgeous little sweater-coat! So well-made.
It’s so unusual to discover baby clothes and toddler’s outfits. Other than special-occasion garments like christening gowns that are made to wear only once and then folded away as keepsakes, children’s-wear tends to disappear after it’s been through months of dirty diapers, falls and messy meals.
Although this little coat probably wouldn’t have been worn every day, it would have experienced some wear and tear and has been beautifully preserved. The style and the buttons put it smack-dab in the 1940’s – early 1960’s, when the wool yarn would also have been more common for an infant’s garment than something made since then (too hard to clean when easy-care acrylic yarn is available). The knitter’s label, however, would have been attached some time in or after the 1960’s – or it could have been made with vintage materials and a vintage pattern at a later time.
Since the blue-for-boys, pink-for-girls thing was pretty rigid until recent years, I feel safe to say that it was made for a little girl. It’s so intriguing to wonder about the story behind it. Was it made by a relative or close friend or even purchased at a craft show? I’ll always wonder – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Beautifully – decorated pale pink cardi sweater from the Fifties or early Sixties. As you can see, it needs some TLC, but I can do that. In fact, I’ve already eliminated the stains since photographing it a few hours ago.
The missing beads will take a little more time – when I get back to headquarters some replacement pearls and a few rearrangements will have it in street-ready condition in no time. Is it really my favorite of the recent haul? I don’t know, but it’s so iconic, sweet and miles better than any of the lookalikes made in recent years. With a skirt or a pair of jeans it sends me right back in the day.
So, more to come . . . . dresses, dresses, dresses, and shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In these few photos 
from an early – 1960’s needlework magazine, the styles are very plain and, in some cases, they are so generic that they’re very boring! BUT, every woman pictured looks smart, elegant, fashionable and attractive.
Obviously, it’s not mostly about their clothing. Sure, they’re all slim and attractive people but that’s not the main thing, either. Take away the good fit and quality of what they are wearing (super-important as a base for everything else) and what is left that REALLY does it?
It’s their grooming, posture and ACCESSORIES. None of those ensembles would look half as good without the accessorizing touches – imagine each of them without the necklace, bracelet, gloves or handsome handbag. Makes a big difference, doesn’t it?
So, as much as I love fabulous true vintage style and details I also know that I can easily stand out in a room dressed in a plain ’50’s skirt and sweater, or even a pair of jeans with a great true vintage shirt. Our grandmothers understood that perfectly. And today, it’s VERY easy NOT to stand out . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It is just incredible that these things survive! Although this cute little coat could have been made more recently by a master needle-worker, I’m betting that it’s a mid-century creation. Much prettier in person, the yoke is composed of very intricate-looking sculptural stitches and the yarn feels like angora.
Similar to the one I showed several weeks ago, it’s pink – probably made for a girl back in the day since pink for girls and blue for boys was pretty much what everybody did when it came to babies. There are still some women around who can knit well and a few who have taught themselves in order to revive these old skills. But, they are a rare breed. A classic garment like this is worth collecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous condition, too! It needs a button, but I can do that. I may even have a matching one in my stash. So fun to find one of these in great shape.
This type of sweater was such a common and vital part of a man’s wardrobe before 1965. After that, styles changed and these weren’t seen as often. The classic golf sweater carried on the design, but is of a completely different genre.
College boys, Dad and Grandpa used to sport around in these cardigans during Happy Days and Mad Men times. Sometimes they’d be worn with a casual shirt and tie. Great- and great-great granddads had their versions, too. I don’t find one very often but, when you’re sleuthing, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Dig the hairstyles, too. Now that Christmas and New Year’s celebrations were over, women in 1961 turned their attention to Spring and travel styles, as well as Prom & Easter.
With the crazy weather, we’re also thinking of flowers and sunny colors. Although our grandmothers and great-grandmothers thought about new needlework projects in their spare time, it’s still FASHION, and we continue to think about it now, but in different ways (what’s on my favorite Internet site?).
in 1961, the subscribers to McCall’s Needlework and Crafts magazine looked forward to these styles.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
It’s unusual to find a woman’s golf sweater – very mid-century sporty. Love the turquoise color. I’m not sure yet whether this knit is of acrylic or wool – there are no tags for content or care. Regardless, I’ll get a lot of use from this one!
It’s got classic design features like the little front pockets (that are still stitched closed!) and 2-button trim on each side seam at the waist. Of course, an embroidered cloth label giving the size in inches.
Fun, fun, fun! I’ve got some men’s clothing to show you, too . . . . . . . . … . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I was so elated to discover this rare sweater knit. There are only two others in my collection so far that are similar and obviously from the same era. Possibly designed for men back in the day, but definitely unisex.
The knit is glossy and heavy and the patterns are absolutely fantastic in my others, too – very neat geometric designs – part of the atomic craze. Just look at this one! A very MOD pattern, but before that time. And, in such near-perfect condition. That ‘s one other advantage – they are quite durable.
Fun, fun, fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s the time of year when we start thinking about dressy events, dances and holidays again. I’ll be showing more true vintage formal, semi-formal and dressy looks.
These tops would look great with the velveteen skirt from yesterday. And, I’ve got some formal and dressy frocks that need a special wrap to go with them. Often what you already have in the closet just doesn’t work. That’s the time when our grandmothers would get out their knitting needles and crochet hooks . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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