Don’t know where this was made, or exactly when, but it’s so classic and beautiful. White on white hand-done embroidery. Whisper-light fabric – so cool and delicate.
It does need a slip, but a pretty cotton one in a very plain style would be just right. Hard to find now, but they used to be made for the warmer seasons.
Again, it’s a versatile thing that could even be a bridal dress. I’ll just LOVE it this summer!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous late 1930’s – early 1940’s styling details, hand-tailoring and original(?) fabrics??? I know the design (a relative had one similar). The embroidered mesh on the bodice is similar to the wartime dressing gown shown a couple of days ago. The synthetic(?) fabric is like nothing I’ve felt before. The gusset at the hemline is a period feature.
IS THIS AN ORIGINAL WWI – WWII GOWN OR AN EXPERTLY-MADE REPRODUCTION? I can’t be sure. It’s in almost-perfect condition, but has been around for a while. No label, of course. Would love to know it’s story. Any ideas, you well-trained experts out there? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a beautiful handmade garment! I can’t date it and have never discovered one like it before. Because of the traditional style and motifs, it may be hard to say exactly how old it is. Could be several decades old, or very modern. I was attracted by the beautiful colors and the hand-tailoring.
The belt I have used is not original, but necessary for this robe. As I understand it, obi belts are often made separately from the robe, to special order.
Although it seems very large and long, after you wrap it it fits little size 2 Stella. What a puzzle – not sure who it would have been made for. The motif of cranes suggest a man (?) but I’m certainly no expert on these! But wait – more mysteries to come . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is such a WONDERFUL find (aren’t they all?)! It’s a bit of a mystery, which I love. . . .
The style is late 1930’s – early 1940’s and it’s been custom – made. There’s no label or sign that there ever was one. The bodice has embroidered netting (similar to the 1930’s house-dress I found a few months ago in Montevideo – remember?). It’s finished almost entirely with french seams. Little bow detail on the bodice – lots of hand-work.
The fabric is some kind of synthetic which isn’t like vintage fabrics I’m familiar with NOR modern ones!?# There is virtually no sign of wear and just a little bit of age or storage-related damage, which was easy to fix. The conundrum is – – – – – – – – — – – – – – – – – – :
it’s either true vintage from the WWII era OR a reproduction (not retro-style fashion) which has been expertly made to be identical to the originals. Whoopsie doo! Either way, it’s a fabulous gown and a rare and unique discovery which will look stunning on Stella. More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fun and interesting mid-century and antique table and bed linens often show up during my investigations. The prints are humorous, colorful and pretty. Modern copycats can’t come close! If there is handwork like embroidery or lace, it’s beautiful. I collect them, too. The mending and stain removal that is sometimes required is no big deal and anything with too much damage can be made into pillow covers and cloth napkins. I love using these things at home in my kitchen and bedroom, but there’s more . . . . . . . . . . .
Big pieces of fabric are also wonderful made into clothing and accessories. Trim can sometimes be added to other garments or a big piece of crocheted or tatted lace makes a beautiful dress or blouse. Can’t you just imagine this cloth made into a summer dress, skirt or blouse, maybe with a matching handbag? Can’t wait to use this cute tablecloth!
Potential vintage fashion treasures abound everywhere! Use your imagination and you never know what you may uncover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I still come across true vintage handkerchiefs once in a while and always collect them. This one is not fine linen or even high quality cotton and started it’s life as a commercially-made piece that probably had no decoration excepting the machine-done edging, BUT the delicate applique needlework down in the left-lower corner is the real story. Some woman who couldn’t afford more expensive linens made a dainty item with her own hands. It is almost unbelievable with the tiny, tiny stitches and the steps taken to prepare the pieces that were sewn on to make the flower.
Girls used to be taught this kind of hand work in almost every home before WWII time, and many still afterwards. If not lace-making, tatting or applique’ by the late mid-century, girls at least learned some embroidery, crochet or knitting. My own grandmothers still knew how to do it.
Even though paper tissues are more convenient now, a fabric handkerchief is very elegant and just the thing when attending a wedding or other private affair. The decoration on most of them is gorgeous, whether hand-done or by machine. Even the printed patterns are lovely or at least colorful and amusing. If you’re into home sewing, I’ve seen these hankies pieced together and turned into pretty pillow tops, table linens and even blouses, skirts or dresses.
So, another little story unfolds for me to share with you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Children’s vintage clothing is not my specialty, but when I see a classic dress that has survived in such good condition I usually pick it up. Polly Flinders brand made pretty, traditionally-designed frocks for babies and children during the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s.
What could be more classic than cotton with hand-smocked design. Babes, toddlers and pre-schoolers have been wearing similar little day-dresses for decades. Unfortunately, we all know what usually happens to children’s garments . . . . . . . it’s lucky if they last long enough for the next brother or sister to wear them before they’re ready for the rag bin.
So, here’s a piece of history that WILL get passed along many decades later.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s that gorgeous kimono found about a week ago. It has been pieced together by hand, as as far as I can tell. Some of the basting stitches are still present. The blue-tinted edge dying around the lower hem (and also inside the sleeves) is something beautiful and I can’t figure out how it was done.
Don’t know how old this garment may be, but it’s been around for a while. The lovely colors illustrate chrysanthemums and cranes – both, I think, traditional Japanese decorative motifs. I’d love to know more about it’s origin and the history of the design.
It’s also VERY long, so might have been made for a man in spite of the floral pattern (?). Not my area of expertise. What next – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Beautiful floral colors and hand-stitching throughout. Very unusual find, too. It needs a little attention, but will be coming your way soon.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Two beautiful hand-crocheted or knitted shawls for party-wear or any festive occasion. In neutral pastel shades with metallic yarn accents.
Items like this were especially popular in the years moving from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. Many women made these garments at home. Nothing dresses up a little black dress in such a feminine and beguiling way as a needlework accessory.
If you like doing handiwork, look for old pattern and instruction books from the ’50’s and ’60’s. Although many types of scarves and shawls are sold now, nothing compares to a handmade item in a soft, genuine wool yarn.
And, if you can find a true vintage shawl – go for it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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