Tag Archives: cardigan

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DRESSY SHAWLS & TOPS TO MAKE AT HOME

IMG_1021IMG_1022     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 . . . .

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MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME! 1950’S/1960’S SWEATERS THAT MOM & GRANDMA WERE BUSY KNITTING . . . . .

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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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY '60'S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

A most lady-like sweater-jacket, lined in acetate. The heavily-beaded design is repeated on the back, as well.  3/4 sleeves add to that vibe – so Kennedy Era . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Jackets like this were worn over sheath dresses, with slacks and skirts. This one is by Banff, a former maker of fine knits.  Remember the yellow summer sweater I showed a couple of months ago?  Same maker.

These were available for sale at fine department stores and in small specialty shops, sometimes in popular vacation areas.

Again, not my color but, hey, the right necklace or scarf/blouse/dress underneath can take care of that in no time . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – MOHAIR CARDIGAN SWEATER

IMG_1732Red, 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

TRUE VINTAGE DECORATED CARDIGAN SWEATER FROM THE 1940’S

WHAT COULD BE MORE PERFECT RIGHT NOW?

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE DECORATED SWEATER FROM THE 1940'S

Another classic specialty from the 1930’s to the 1960’s was decorated sweaters.  This one is  a unique favorite. It’s casual/dressy and has applique’ and beads on the front.  Most of this decoration was done by hand and would be fabulously expensive today.

I like the 3/4 sleeves, the little collar and the dusty green color. Looks great with a skirt or pants.  By our standards today, women looked “dressed up” almost no matter what kind of outfit they were wearing.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

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MID – CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE ELEGANCE: WHAT REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

MID – CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE ELEGANCE: WHAT REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.

McCALL’S NEEDLEWORK SPRING CARDIGANS FROM 1961

McCALL'S NEEDLEWORK SPRING CARDIGANS FROM 1961.

WAY SPECIAL TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S CARDIGAN SWEATER FROM THE 1960’S – READ ON . . . . . .

WAY SPECIAL TRUE VINTAGE MEN'S CARDIGAN SWEATER FROM THE 1960'S - READ ON . . . . . .

Say what?! That thing looks pretty ordinary to me . . . . .. but, it’s extraordinary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes, it has very subtle, inconspicuous looks. “Who, me? I’m just a nice, well-made sweater like a million others . . . . . ..” But, this guy is one in a million!

If just being from the 1960’s, superbly made and like new is not enough, this is Mr. PURITAN AQUAknit himself!
100% lambswool that can be machine washed and dried – says so on the label!!

Well, if this Mr. P. A.q. has gone through the wash even once, then I’d say Bully Idea! But, we don’t know for sure if he has – I kind of think not. Could be why we don’t tend to see a lot of these – OR maybe they were just so good that they eventually wore out from so much use, OR they are still lurking in closets . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. you really just never know . . . . . .

Anyway, this one is prime and was such fun to discover, with all his secrets . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

A MEN’S TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S WOOL CARDIGAN WITH CONTRASTING TRIM

A MEN'S TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY '60'S WOOL CARDIGAN WITH CONTRASTING TRIM

Sticking with men’s fashion, we’re still in the ’50’s/’60’s era when cardigan sweaters were a big thing for both sexes. This one’s a very nice, heavy button-front knit for cold weather, with sculpted metal buttons, little pockets at the hips and smart-looking trim.

A favorite for Dad or Grandpa while they watched sports on TV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S – ’70S “HAPPY DAYS” UNISEX JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S – '70S "HAPPY DAYS" UNISEX JACKET.