Tag Archives: cotton

SUCH FUN! TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR KITCHEN LINENS

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!

Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too.  I just love the funky and funny prints!

As always, these items tell a story.  You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.

Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband.  I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.

These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently.  I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY COTTON FROCK

A bit off-season, for sure, but who cares!  This pretty frock has many hand-tailored details, though I suspect that it was commercially-made, in Fifties or very early Sixties.

I’m having so much fun!  Who can resist a swingy, light-hearted dress like this?  Cool and comfortable on the hottest days of summer.  Great for leisure or work.  There’s nothing like being cool as a cucumber even in the tightest situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S SUNDRESS FROM WEST GERMANY

IMG_1759This fabulous 100% cotton dress was made in West Germany, obviously   before 1989 and maybe many years before that.  Yes, it’s another new find that’s out-of-season right now in North America and most of Europe, but I love, love, love this anyway and couldn’t wait to show it!

Forties style is so wonderful.  I love the cut-in shoulders that give a halter neckline feel without the bare upper back.  It’s one of my favorite styles and I’ve been so fortunate lately to find some true vintage Forties, too. Shirtwaist ease is always great – red and white polka dots – a nipped-in waist and midi hemline ………… Fashion heaven!!

Plus, it’s got that true vintage West German quality of workmanship and materials that make it a really good investment, no matter what.  It’s in perfect condition and will continue to last.  What could be better? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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LONG-SLEEVED WESTERN-WEAR MEN’S SHIRT FROM THE 1960’S

IMG_1484I’ve been on such a roll finding women’s blouses and shirts these past two months; it’s nice to be able to show a men’s shirt now, and one that’s suitable for the weather.  Classic Western wear styling by a company that specialized in this kind of clothing.

In the western U.S., men wear these shirts and bolo ties to almost every kind of event.  If it’s dressy, the jacket, pants or the fabric will change but a Western shirt can always be a dress-up style.  That’s not quite so true for women, but a Western-style outfit will often be business attire for them, too.

With a well-made version, you can’t go wrong with at least one or two of these garments in your wardrobe.  Some of the true vintage women’s styles have beautiful embroidery, also.

I stay away from modern versions that aren’t so nice.  Some are decorated too much and have lost their classic elegance.  There’s only one way to be sure he’s a real cowboy . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY IN THE BLUES: A TRUE VINTAGE COTTON HOUSE-DRESS FROM THE FIFTIES, WITH MORE TAILORING TRICKS

IMG_1754IMG_1749Another beautifully-soft cotton print day-time house dress with fun, plastic sculptured buttons.  This one wasn’t made with a belt, but I think I’ll add one. The most interesting thing about this frock is that, like yesterday’s, it tells another story. . . . . . . . .

I don’t know if the seamstress ran out of fabric when cutting her last piece, or whether this was a repair or alteration made later to widen the shoulders in back but these extra pieces of another material were put in very expertly.  When I see the patching and stitching and creative add-ons that mid-century seamstresses used to do at home, it really amazes me!

Little details like this make a find even better, as far as I’m concerned.  And, it’s in an unusual color palette – this kind of all-blue print is not common, so it’s a good addition to my wardrobe and more fun to wear.  Wow, I’m on a roll – love these!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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HOME-SEWN VINTAGE SUNDRESS WITH SURPRISING “MYSTERY” TAILORING

IMG_1748This frock just looked like a plain, old cotton sundress – rather inexpertly made – and I almost passed it by.  The fabric felt kind of stretchy.  OK, right – lots of today’s fabric feels kind of stretchy because it has Spandex built in  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

But, the fabric also told me that it wasn’t recently made.  When I looked more closely, it became apparent that the entire dress had been cut on the bias!

Take that, Spandex!!  The tailoring trick for adding some give, drape and a fabulous, molded fit that was so popular in the 1930’s was used by this seamstress to make her summer frock unique.  And, it will probably look killer on! Can’t wait to try that . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A REALLY NEAT CLASSIC 1950’S HOUSE DRESS FIND!

IMG_1735I just love the fun cotton prints on so many mid-century house dresses. The sleeve cuffs are fun, too.  Can’t wait for warmer weather!

Although the original belt is missing, it will look nice  with a black one or, maybe, there’ll be extra fabric in a hem or side seam to make a matching replacement. This is a great find, in such good condition.

Mid-century women wore these so much, every day, that it’s always a treat to find one that didn’t wear out!  Back to the future again . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RARE MID-CENTURY FEMININE COTTON LINGERIE FULL SLIP

IMG_1692Remember I said I’d show this one a bit later – very different from it’s fancier nylon cousins.  I’m always thrilled to discover a true vintage one, because they aren’t common.  Absolutely the best  for wearing with summer dresses (or even as a nightgown).  Some people wear them as dresses alone.

No one wants to smother in a nylon slip on hot days, no matter how gorgeous it is!  But, many vintage and some modern dresses really need an undergarment like that in order to look their best.  Smooth cotton will enhance the fit just as well as nylon or rayon, while being wonderfully comfortable.

This piece is short, too, compared to most of the slips of that era so that’s a plus. So pretty!  I love the innocent style of the lace and embroidery decorations.  So, even though it’s out of season here in North America, it’s another sleuthing success . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY NOVELTY SKIRT – CUTE AND PREPPY

IMG_1701This is another new find – just about two weeks ago. The Country Club set loved things like this in the Sixties and early Seventies (they probably still do) – well-tailored cotton with strawberries and dandelions all over.  It is very cute.

The style is perfectly classic, with a button-up front and gathered tie waistline. Despite its fashion history, it stands on its own as a really fun and high-quality piece that I can get a lot of mileage from.

From the same era as the pink sleeveless dress I showed about 2 weeks ago. In a casual setting you can never go wrong with this one, but you might keep them guessing just a little . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S WHITE COTTON BLOUSE

IMG_1704There’s nothing like cottons from the 1960’s and before.  And, the gorgeous, lady-like styles from those past decades have never been done as well since then.  I’m always so excited to find another one!

The trims are beautifully made and the tailoring is impeccable.  Nice buttons, too.  The fit is excellent.  The fabric feels soft but substantial and lasts forever.

Although sometimes a little fussy, styles from the late 1960’s are fun and have that British flair that was popular then.  Of course, it looks great with the ribbon skirt shown yesterday or a mini, but I like them with jeans, too, or bell-bottom pants.

The new finds just keep on coming.  Groovy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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