HOW TO SEW WITH TRUE VINTAGE STYLE

Sometimes I come across patterns or notions from the true vintage eras that I love.  It’s worthwhile to pick them up, and I’ll explain why , , , , ,

Whether you sew or not, if you want to copy or have someone else re-make a true vintage garment,  a pattern is a necessity in order to get it right.  Unless you are a master at pattern-making yourself, the original cut of the garment will be impossible to recreate and the result will look like retro – not true vintage.

Beyond the qualities of the true vintage fabric and decorations that are used, the identifying factor of a true vintage design is the cut and, therefore, the way that it fits the body.  There’s no way to cheat on it and the look of the finished garment is unmistakable.

True vintage notions can make a big difference, too.  Buttons, of course, but zippers are probably the most important closure item with regard to getting the fit to be authentic.  Nothing will be more correct than a zipper that is like the original in looks and function.  And, we know how often one of those might need to be replaced . . . . . . .

So, there’s my little rant on that subject.  Of course, there’s lots more to get into if you are a couturier or just an expert needle-worker.  But, it’s worth knowing about, and very interesting when you want to get it perfect.

However, nothing is true vintage except real true vintage, no matter how well it has been reproduced.  But, if you’re very, very good at faking it, it’ll take a master sleuth to expose you . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

SWEET TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – ’50’S COTTON DAY DRESS – END OF SUMMER COLORS

SWEET TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S – '50'S COTTON DAY DRESS – END OF SUMMER COLORS.

A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S – CUSTOM TAILORED

SENSATIONAL SIXTIES SHEATH STYLE FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE FOR FALL

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960'S - CUSTOM TAILORED

This pretty dress is in an unusual shade of blue that echoes the hue of yesterday’s shirt.  A combo that I always love and don’t come across often enough – blue and brown. It was custom – made, with hand-done crewel embroidery on the front.

The easy sheath style is always perfect, and the short sleeves make it less summery.  I love their fluttery cut and the brown lining peeking out.  The main material is a sort of hop-sacking weave, which was very popular in the late ’60’s. Just the right weight for going into Fall.

Back metal zipper and fully lined in a lightweight cotton blend material. Flattering but simple.  Madge fills it out beautifully, no?

Looks just right for a teacher, or, or, or . . . . . . . . .
I wonder who . . . . . . . . . . . …

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A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S – CUSTOM TAILORED

A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960'S – CUSTOM TAILORED.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S EVERY-DAY SHIRT/BLOUSE HOME-SEWN IN ATOMIC PRINT

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S EVERY-DAY SHIRT/BLOUSE HOME-SEWN IN ATOMIC PRINT.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S EVERY-DAY SHIRT/BLOUSE HOME-SEWN IN ATOMIC PRINT

IMG_1503This shirt was very ordinary in its day and not too stylish but, for Yours Truly Magicvintagespy, it was a plum to be picked because of its perfect parking spot in the mid-1950’s era.  A garment like this has lots to say about its history.

It was home-sewn, of cheap synthetic knit material in a print that was designed with the Atomic and coming Computer Ages in mind.  Much less elaborate and artistic than the boats at harbor on yesterday’s blouse, but more characteristic of the time when it was made.

The buttons, too, are interesting (take a close-up look) and are good examples of the stemmed plastic ones that were commonly made in the mid-century.  Lots of them had novelty shapes and fun designs, even if they were very cheap.  Many buttons of that era are gorgeous works of art, but that’s another story . . . . . . . . . .

Some time maybe I’ll do a post of my true vintage button collection.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S AT-HOME FASHION VELVETEEN ROBE

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S AT-HOME FASHION VELVETEEN ROBE.

WHAT I WEAR EVERY SUMMER – 1940’S OR ’50’S CIRCLE SKIRT AND BLOUSE

WHAT I WEAR EVERY SUMMER – 1940'S OR '50'S CIRCLE SKIRT AND BLOUSE.

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LITTLE GINGHAM DAY DRESS

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S LITTLE GINGHAM DAY DRESS

Don’t you just love this one? Well, I do. Gingham isn’t for every day, but it is for always. I love it in shirts, shorts, skirts, frocks, tablecloths, curtains . . . . . . . . . nothing says “vintage” like gingham!

The best things about this one, aside from the great fit, are the neckline detail and the cross-stitch embroidery near the hem. I think that this must have been handmade (oops – as if all clothing were not!).

Anyway, it’s cute as can be and has a very fetching, though lady-like fit. I’ve seen a number of garments with cross-stitch embroidery from this time period, and it seems like it’s often done on gingham. Duh – wonder why – saves a lot of counting – have you ever done cross-stitch? Then you know what I mean – shades of 8th grade home ec.

My, how I do…

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