Aprons - Glamorous and Practical

McCall's Needlework & Crafts magazine from 1956 shows apron patterns worthy of your time. The Bavarian style asks for a lot of cross stitching. But the iron-on roses are easier and the pattern makes up for "mature figures". 

Do Your Christmas Shopping Early - 1924

In 1924 the nice people at the Montgomery Ward Company sent out their Fall/Winter catalog to show you everything you could want or need. Here they give you suggestions for Christmas gifts. Choose from watches, rings, silver set, cuff links, pens, clocks and pearls. I would like the beaded bag with tortoise shell frame, thank you very much. 

Montgomery Ward Catalog 1924 Christmas Decorations

Are you putting up decorations already? You could choose from the 1924 Montgomery Ward Catalog. These are exquisite! Be sure to enlarge for details.
(A repost from December, 2008)

Montgomery Ward Catalog Christmas Toys - 1924

Great Sport For Little Folk...Choose from the doll Babette, a Velocipede or the Kiddo Bike!
(A repost form December 2008)

Bella Hess Ladies Shoes from 1940

I am surprised how cool these are. Not a lot of color choices, but some exotic shapes. Which ones do you want in your closet?
(This is a repeat post from February 2009)

These are not the Barbies you are looking for.

OK, these outfits are weird enough...but look at the dolls! I think these were all Barbie knockoffs and I'm sure that first guy is NOT Ken.

Fabulous Colors For Fabulous Knits- 70's Fantasy Flowers

We are getting ready for a snow storm which we don't really do here in Seattle, but it put me in mind of sweaters. Then I found these hippy chick knits for you to make.
(If anybody really wants instructions I'll try to accomodate you, but I'm not sure this sort of thing should be encouraged.)

Knitted patchworks play a visual game on a color-sliced cardigan that rides atop a pair of matching pants. Garter stitch strips knit in varying colors are joined with strips of crochet. Pants, knit in the round, have a drawstring waist, crocheted trim at bottom. Coats & Clark's Red Heart Knitting Worsted.

Multipatterned vest is knit in one piece. Patterns are traditional Scandinavian designs-hearts, flowers, roosters, and little people. Coats & Clark's Knitting Worsted.

Yoked pullover, a mosaic delight, is worked in the round to underarms. The sleeves, worked separately, are then joined to complete the yoke. Coats & Clark's Knitting Worsted.

Stripes and patches pattern a wrap skirt that may be made in any length, any width. "Patched" strips are knit, then joined with bright crochet. Coats & Clark's Knitting Worsted.

At-home warmth is reflected in an elongated knit that will go anywhere. Same motif, worked in different colors, gives a multipattern effect. Drawstring waist lets you nip it in as much as you like. Of Bucilla Superwash Knitting Worsted.

A long, long column of single crochet-the perfect field for the blossoming of super-sized flowers! Quick to work up, dress has a back zipper for a trim fit. Simple-stitch embroidery is done in the same yarn. Bernat Knitting Worsted.

Curl up under a shower of flowers! Giant blooms splash over a four-paneled afghan that is easy-and quick-to make. Each panel is worked in single crochet; then all are joined with a crocheted fagoting stitch. Of Bernat Knitting Worsted.

Two little maids in a row wear pinafores that are just as pretty coming or going! Flower sprays-each slightly different-continue around the back of each for a posied hemline. Work both the same in single crochet with a picot edging; then embroider the flowers she likes the best. Of ColumbiaMinerva Knitting Worsted.

"Coordinated Plan for a Woman's Wardrobe" McCall's 1964

I think the emphasis here was on Woman...this was intended for the mature, older woman. You were to wear muted tones and "handsome tapestry" while your hippy kids were wearing rainbows and afros.

"The whole trick is starting with a congenial, fashion right color (not necessarily a basic) and resisting all temptation to change your plan on impulse."

Is that understood? Resist all temptation!

Miserable Models in McCall's - 1964

These gals look like they stayed out way too late last night, or maybe these gowns are what they wore to the party and they haven't made it home yet.