Tag Archives: sweater

HAND-MADE SWEATERS FROM THE 1950’S

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Beautiful sweaters to make yourself – I’d love to have lots of things like this in my wardrobe (I do have some cardigans that are hand-done). Pictured in the McCall’s Needlework Fall-Winter edition of 1956 – 1957.  This year it’s been so cool that we could sometimes wear them now!

Nothing beats hand-made clothing, done by an expert. At one time, even middle-income women had this luxury because so many of them were very skilled seamstresses and tailors. It was economical to make your own wardrobe and even hiring someone to custom-tailor for you was not out of the question, at least once or twice a year.

The beauty of finding true vintage clothing is that much of it is hand done. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY '60'S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

A most lady-like sweater-jacket, lined in acetate. The heavily-beaded design is repeated on the back, as well.  3/4 sleeves add to that vibe – so Kennedy Era . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Jackets like this were worn over sheath dresses, with slacks and skirts. This one is by Banff, a former maker of fine knits.  Remember the yellow summer sweater I showed a couple of months ago?  Same maker.

These were available for sale at fine department stores and in small specialty shops, sometimes in popular vacation areas.

Again, not my color but, hey, the right necklace or scarf/blouse/dress underneath can take care of that in no time . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE NAME BRANDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

This pretty Seventies sweater is made by Banff – a company that has made high-quality knit clothing for women for several decades.  Sweaters, suits, jackets, ponchos, etc.   I picked this up very recently, mostly on the strength of the brand name (and, it’s awfully cute, too . . . . . .. )

I can never resist (nor do I want to!) beautiful lingerie from the Fifties and Sixties,  especially when the brand name is not one I see frequently.  This lovely half-slip was made by Dorsay.  The nylon has a wonderful feel and quality, and the applique’ embroidery is gorgeous.

Last, but not least, is a 1960’s bed jacket by Shadowline.  Their mid-priced lingerie and sleepwear is never over-the-top, but their designs are attractive and I can always count on the quality.  Worth it, every time.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – MOHAIR CARDIGAN SWEATER

IMG_1732Red, red, red!  I’ve found several outstanding red items in the past little while – getting me in a Christmas mood a little early.  This beautiful sweater was hand-knitted at a time when lots of women were still doing needlework on a regular basis.

In the favorite yarn of the time  – mohair – maybe with some angora blended in. Every girl had to have a mohair sweater, usually knitted by herself, mom or grandmother.  In this case the knitter put her own name at the neckline.  I think that a few were commercially made, but I’ve rarely seen that.

The buttons are even cute – red plastic, with sailboats stamped on the front.  The nautical theme has always been classic and popular for Spring and maybe says something about the person who wore this.

Anyway, I know I’ll be snuggling in it when I’m in the December holiday mood and right on through February . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RARE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S ORLON POLO SWEATER

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Beautiful Orlon acrylic is just the best for the comfy and pretty sweaters that were part of everyday wardrobes mid-century. Almost nothing feels softer and lighter, excepting a top-quality cashmere.

In a pretty butterscotch color, this sweater will be so easy to wear! It’s rare to discover one, because knits can be so vulnerable over time. Besides its wonderful feel, true vintage Orlon seems to pill less than the acrylics common today – and that is always a very welcome feature.

This one will be so pretty with skirts and slacks. I love the tiny buttons at the neckline – there is another little one right under the collar, too. And, the style! The Peter Pan collar and short sleeves are so classically flattering and feminine on a woman yet work equally well when designed for a man.

Uh, oh – elegance spotted again . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE DECORATED CARDIGAN SWEATER FROM THE 1940’S

WHAT COULD BE MORE PERFECT RIGHT NOW?

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE DECORATED SWEATER FROM THE 1940'S

Another classic specialty from the 1930’s to the 1960’s was decorated sweaters.  This one is  a unique favorite. It’s casual/dressy and has applique’ and beads on the front.  Most of this decoration was done by hand and would be fabulously expensive today.

I like the 3/4 sleeves, the little collar and the dusty green color. Looks great with a skirt or pants.  By our standards today, women looked “dressed up” almost no matter what kind of outfit they were wearing.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CO-ED NOVELTY SWEATER BY CAMPUS CASUALS OF CALIFORNIA

Source: TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CO-ED NOVELTY SWEATER BY CAMPUS CASUALS OF CALIFORNIA

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CO-ED SWEATER BY CAMPUS CASUALS OF CALIFORNIA

Source: TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CO-ED SWEATER BY CAMPUS CASUALS OF CALIFORNIA

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CO-ED NOVELTY SWEATER BY CAMPUS CASUALS OF CALIFORNIA

IMG_1670I just love this Sixties Mod sweater now that Fall is on the horizon.  In acrylic with fun fringes all over, bateau neckline and 3/4 sleeves. It’s got an open weave underneath, so it’s not as hot to wear as it looks. Just right for transitional weather.  The colors are, too – sort of a summer-sunshine-fall-leaves combination.

The Campus Casuals label may still be in existence but this item is the real deal from about 50 years ago – the last of my recent group of garments from friend Rosalie’s family.  I can just see Goldie Hawn wearing it on a Laugh-In re-run or in a Mad Men episode.

This was during the time when clothing was becoming more easy-care.  Acrylics rather than wool and machine-washable.  Of course, I’d still wash this by hand or put it into a sweater bag in the machine.

It’s unusual to come across true vintage knitwear in fabulous condition, so whenever you do it’s a treasure.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY KNIT 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S AUTUMN SWEATER-JACKET

Too Cool for School . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY KNIT 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S SWEATER-JACKET

A find from out West last time I went, this is my second jacket of this type. It’s made of a very heavy synthetic fiber – probably an acrylic, and has a real Happy Days feel to me – and unisex appeal.

I love the abstract geometric designs on these and the bright Fall colors on this one. Warm and attention-getting. Wear them with slacks, jeans ,leggings or they can even go over a skirt or sheath dress.  . . . . . .

I haven’t even seen any vintage-inspired lookalikes made for these – at least nothing that could be remotely convincing that it’s real.

But, if you are a skilled investigator, you wouldn’t be fooled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION…

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