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
What a wiggle dress this is! Marilyn Monroe – move over!! What a rare find – couldn’t believe it when it appeared (no, I fib. Of course I could). It’s hand-knitted, as was the one given to me several years ago by my friend Rosalie, who had made it herself in 1952. Likely, many women who were competent needle-workers did so when this style was popular.
This example is made of the same glossy yarn I wrote about several days ago. My other garments made from it are casual sweaters, so I was floored to find this lovely dress of the same material! Just perfect for a sophisticated occasion. I’m keeping it for wearing at just the right vintage venues (local museum events come to mind) or theme cocktail parties, Halloween . . . . . . . . ..
Anyway, I’ll be having LOTS of fun with it. That’s what it’s all about!!! Too much enthusiasm? Never . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although this kind of carry-all has never lost popularity in general, it seems like the 1960’s was a really big time for smart, tailored bags like this. Many were used to carry needlework, like knitting and crochet. No matter the use for it, totes like this are always SO handy. In this case, a very elegant design . .. . . . . . . .
Not sure why, but fashion needlework was kind of a “fad” in the Sixties among everyday women even though lots of people have always done it and certain people still do. I picked this bag up when I found it because it is beautifully made, in pristine condition, and just spoke to me of that Mod time in fashion.
The tortoise shell plastic handles were really “in” then, as well as the printed lining. I’ve left the closure flap turned up so that you can see the lovely lining material, too. It’s fully-lined, with metal hardware.
Just a simple bag, but with a shift dress and flats (or a sheath and pumps if you’re at the Club or an appointment) you’d look just like any photo from a popular magazine of 1964 or so. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Needlepoint totes and sassy little clutch purses were very popular in the late 1950’s – mid-1960’s. I’m tickled to find these great examples that will be so practical and fun to carry! Love the touch of asymmetry in the designs of both.
Although modern shoulder straps can make today’s monster purses quite handy when only a large handbag will do, I often prefer the design of older ones – and they’re better-made, too, unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars (and even then, it’s no guarantee – shame, shame on modern makers).
Anyway, these pretties got tucked into my closet and will come out soon – so perfect for the season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This little handbag shows the best of the trademarks of it’s time. Crocheted cover and full lining. Handmade. The natural bamboo frame is lovely and the medium size with inside pocket makes it very practical.
Although I have others similar, this example was special enough to make me snap it up. One this clean and undamaged, especially with a needlework cover, is a super-rare find! But, doesn’t surprise me – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Lime green was a huge color in the mid to late-’60’s. Some gal decided to whip up a little mini dress in that hue for Spring or Summer. The style is almost like the tent dresses that were popular then, too, but with more fitting on top. It’s a little small on Stella, but the basic fit is right.
Again, it’s made of the looser-weave hopsacking kind of material that I’ve talked about before, used a lot in the Sixties. You can’t see them well, but I also love the opalescent plastic vintage buttons. Plain design, but a very distinctive true vintage style and cute, cute, cute!
It’s the right dress to wear when you want to be very COOL, in more ways than one . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAESPY
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These types of sweaters/capes/ponchos were popular in the ’60’s and a lot of women knitted them themselves. This one is made by the Banff company, which produced a lot of really nice knits. I have a beaded sweater, knit dresses and suits by them, too.
The greatest feature, to me, is the armholes that allow you to have hands free. Any cape with this design is wonderful because it raises the convenience level big time!
Another nice thing is the button front. Also convenient. The fringe is lovely and the acrylic yarn also great because it washes so nicely and gives warmth but doesn’t have the weight and care issues of most wool items.
Sweet little sweater things, whether cardigans, pull-overs, jackets & coats, dresses and skirts,etc. were really popular in the ’60’s and early ’70’s and are very different from the things made now.
I love finding these beautiful vintage garments that are so unique, stylish and of exceptional quality. This one is an open-weave, so perfect for late Spring, early Fall and cool Summer nights.
True vintage sweater knits are not common finds (are any really common?) but definitely worth the treasure hunt . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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With all the graduation parties going on and the weddings coming up, we’re sure to need little cover-ups like these for the cool nights. Despite the hot days in some places, it’s still Spring!
Well-dressed ladies in 1956 loved pretty “wraps” to wear over their dressy finery at times when a jacket or coat just wouldn’t do. What could better than to pick the perfect style, material and color for your own custom-made accessory?
Skilled needle-workers could whip up one of these in no time. Inspired? . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Need a new coat? Well, in just a few minutes of your spare time . . . . . . Right! McCalls Needlework Magazine used to publish patterns for projects like these all year. In the 1950’s and 1960’s it was so common.
Aren’t they beautiful? – But, can you imagine making one?? Your grandmother might have. I rarely find a hand-knitted one now, but once in a while . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This unusual ensemble was hand-tailored – and beautifully done! I just love finding true vintage garments that have been custom-made. The workmanship is often astoundingly fine.
Just look at those great buttons, too! Rarely have I found these, plus that hat. The fabric is a beautiful marled woolen weave in Autumn colors and both pieces are fully-lined.
A wonderful discovery from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s. Wowee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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