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
In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes. The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.
This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress. It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt. There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.
What a fun little mystery-history to unravel! More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .
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
Talk about RARE! This one is a real treasure. Cotton comfort with smocking detail and vintage shell buttons in back. There’s an embroidered cotton tag inside the neck from the high-end department store retailer Lord & Taylor.
Love finding old things from Saks Fifth Avenue, too. They’re always nice. No babies at home for me, but how could I resist?
Several decades ago, little girls (and boys) were routinely dressed in beautifully-made clothing of very high quality – even it it came from a mid-priced store. Mothers enjoyed dressing themselves and their children nicely and it wasn’t such a competitive brand-driven thing like today.
If I were parenting a child, it would be so much fun to dress him/her in true vintage, along with myself! Yes, these garments take a little more care, but the rewards . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Old cotton and buttons; hand-stitching – this little frock is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s. Can you imagine a little girl’s everyday dress surviving till today?????? Read on . . . . . . . . . . . .
Once in a while, in an unusual venue, I’ll see something out of the ordinary – like a piece that is very antique or something made for a child. Although children’s clothing is not my usual focus, I’ll take a second look.
Well, this was another Wowee, look at THAT! moment so, of course, I had to bring it home. What a relic so well-preserved, with the added bonus of having been hand-made. Several things about the construction are unusual.
In these situations, it’s common to see something that was made for a special occasion – that is, dressy clothing or christening gowns, etc. that are often preserved after one or two wearings; maybe baby shoes that are tough enough to stand up over time (no pun intended).
BUT, not everyday items!! These usually have gone by the wayside decades ago because of the normal wear-and-tear a child puts on their clothing, not to mention outgrowing it and passing it on or Mom turning it into a dishrag.
So, I feel like a museum curator with a new discovery laid before me. The mystery goes on . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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