vintage fashion moments

all posts that feature vintage fashion magazines, books and other vintage fashion images

1965 Fashion: Terylene Goes On Holiday

1965 Fashion: Terylene Goes on Holiday, the artyologist

There are exciting sunny days to look forward to, and how easy it is to look our best in summertime when there is a wealth of gay, prettily patterned fabrics to choose from. We have selected our favourites from Cavendish’s extensive Terylene range- fabrics that wash like a dream, are easy to pack, shed their creases and need little ironing. For home dressmakers there are five patterns that make the most of Terylene’s marvellous qualities.

Today’s Fashion Moment is brought to you by this Woman and Home magazine from May 1965.

(Sorry for being terribly out of season! We don’t have sunny days ahead, but I really wanted to post these while it’s still summer, before the calendar flips from August to September, and we start to turn our thoughts to colder days. Except, of course, for my readers from the Southern hemisphere; in which case- Happy Springtime! These are right on time for you!)

1965 Fashion: Terylene Goes on Holiday, the artyologist, Woman and Home Cover

Have you ever read any vintage magazines? I found a few of these British “Woman and Home” 1960’s magazines at the thrift store a few years ago. Sometimes vintage magazines are great, and the fashion is often wonderful (or amusing if nothing else), but often the “self help” and advice is just Terrible. Yes, with a capital “T”. This magazine’s target audience, as far as I can tell, is the 30-something housewife, who is trying to keep up appearances with the neighbours, raise two neat and tidy children who dress in adorable clothes, remain fashionably attired herself, and above all keep her “youthful bloom” from fading, because if her husband starts fooling around with the secretary, who really could blame him? (But don’t worry, because with Melody hair dye, you can cover your grey hair, and keep your husband at home where he belongs.) Seriously, it is very depressing. But, then again, I find most modern “advice” columns to be pretty bad too.

Fortunately, I was not looking for advice when I picked up these magazines- I was after the 1960’s fashion columns! There are not many photo spreads, but there are enough to be interesting. (There are also some great advertisements, one of which I shared back in February!) I thought you all might like to see the fashion photos, so today I am sharing a column about the new “Terylene” fabric. Here are the rest of the magazine captions, and some lovely pictures to inspire you to 1960’s fashion greatness!

1965 Fashion: Terylene Goes on Holiday Woman and Home Magazine, the artyologist

For late afternoon wear, a “special” dress that is so appealing because of its relaxed and unruffled charm in a cool turquoise printed pique voile. (The colour is so off- it looks cerulean!)

1965 Fashion: Terylene Goes on Holiday, the artyologist, Woman and Home

For lazing in the sun, the ever popular shirtwaister brought right up to date in a dreamy lavender, pink and brown Terylene lawn, with a permanently pleated skirt and short raglan sleeves. And, an elegant yet comfortable two piece for carefree travelling in Terylene and viscose which has an easy fitting bloused top and a detachable ring collar in a toning abstract design. 

1965 Fashion: Terylene Goes on Holiday, the artyologist, Woman and Home

For the beach, a dazzling white two piece in Terylene and viscose, worn under a stunning beach shirt in filmy transparent pique voile. And, to offset a newly acquired sun-tan, a deliberately simple sheath in yellow and green printed crepe with the back revealing a deep slashed V trimmed with frills.

1965 Fashion: Terylene Goes on Holiday Woman and Home Magazine Beach Suit, the artyologist

1965 Fashion: Woman and Home, Terylene Goes on Vacation, the artyologist

And this one was not from the Terylene article, but I thought I’d include it, as it fit in nicely: Prettiest 4-ply cardigan with well-styled favourite raglan sleeves. A contrast colour picks out the focal points- delicate bands of pattern and fancy borders.

I absolutely love the first image, of the ruffled V back sundress. It would be so perfect for the sunny summer days. Which outfit here is your favourite? Would you wear any of these? And have you ever heard of Terylene before? (I hadn’t!)

A Fashion Moment With McCall’s Treasury of Needlecraft: Dresses

A Fashion Moment With McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft: crocheted dresses The Artyologist

(This is the prettiest crocheted dress I’ve ever seen, and it is by far my favourite of all the knitted and crocheted dresses today. It is made out of a “Morell Woven-Edge Silk Organdy Ribbon No. 192”. I am not familiar with this material, but it sounds heavenly, and the dress is beautiful as a cocktail dress, paired with some lovely sparkly jewelry.)

A while back I introduced the “Fashion Moment” series I am going to have here on the blog, (until I run out of magazines, books and publications from which to share pictures, that is!) I still have plenty of pictures to share from this wonderful book, “McCall’s Treasury of Needlecraft”, though, which was published in 1955. Last time I shared pictures of knitted and crocheted hats and accessories sets. This time, I have gathered pictures of knitted and crocheted dresses and skirts. I am not a knitter or a crocheter, so I cannot imagine the work that must go into creating these amazing garments!

I love these pictures, as they offer not only a glimpse into the fashions of the era, but also what the average woman in the 1950’s was wearing, and creating herself. Coco Chanel once famously said, “A fashion that does not reach the streets, is not a fashion.” These pictures show that the styles we associate with the era: a full skirt, cinched waist, hats and gloves, were not only runway styles, but indeed did trickle down to the garments that everyday women were making for themselves. I hope you enjoy this peek into the year 1955!

knitted skirt and dress from McCall's Treasure of Needlecraft the artyologist

A lovely classic skirt on the left, and a perfect ensemble of hat, gloves and pleated dress on the right.

trio of knitted crocheted dresses McCall's Treasury The Artyologist

A trio of “The Beautiful Basic(s)” that can be made as a dress or as separates. I can only imagine the time it would take to create pleats! These would be a beautiful addition to any wardrobe.

red knitted dresses the artyologist

A stunning dress and bolero set of flaming red, accented with a lovely green scarf. (Which also appears to be modelled by a member of the walking dead, or perhaps a wax sculpture?)

a closer look at red knitted dresses the artyologist

And let’s take a closer look at it. . . the ribbing adds some lovely texture. I also have a feeling that some shapewear is at play here. . . 😉

knitted dresses McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

This lovely dress is longer in length and I think it could play well as both the 1950’s or even the 1930’s if it was paired with a halo hat, gauntlet gloves and soft curls. Knitted / crocheted dresses were very popular in the 1930’s as well.

knitted skirt and dress McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

Another pretty dress, on the left, accented with pearls on the bodice. I love the unique fuller skirts of these, as usually they are more fitted in shape. Also, the black pumps on the right are what I have been searching for my entire life.

blue crocheted dresses the artyologist

Another colour photo, and this time in a lovely shade of blue. This one is accented with ribbon and glitter to create a distinctly pretty cocktail dress. Paired with classic pearls, this is definitely an amazing evening outfit! Bouffant hairstyle optional. 🙂

Would you wear, or do you if you are so lucky as to own, a knitted or crocheted dress? Which of these dresses and skirts is your favourite?

(Also, if any of my readers are knitters or crocheters, and would like the patterns for these, I would love to share!)

A Fashion Moment With McCall’s Treasury of Needlecraft

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft front cover the artyologist

Today’s Fashion Moment is brought to you by The McCall’s Treasury of Needlecraft.

We inherited this book from my Grandma. It was published in 1955 and is a pattern book and resource guide for all kinds of needlecraft, including knitting, crocheting, embroidery, tatting, lacework, and more. It is a great book that offers a glimpse into what crafty ladies from the era were making. I sometimes think that so much of what women wore back then was store bought, or came from the famous fashion houses, when of course women were (and still are today!) replicating many of the trends of the day themselves, either because of cost or just creativity. It’s nice to see what everyday women were wearing.

If I could knit or crochet, I would own almost everything in this book in a heartbeat. However, since I don’t knit or crochet, I will have to content myself with just looking at the pictures. (And perhaps seeking out someone whom I can bribe to make me everything in this book.)

This book includes plenty of patterns for hats and accessories, and many of them are matching sets. Today I bring you hat pictures, but don’t worry! There are so many good images here, there will be definitely be future instalments!

So, without further ado, shall we take a peek inside?

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

A closer look at these two lovelies- the hats are nice, but look at that eyeliner!!! Gorgeous!!

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

Not sure how I feel about wearing a doily on my head. . . thoughts?

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

A Sequin Set, and Three Accessories That Glitter- add a bit of sparkle to your look!

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

I love that hat. . . crown . .  cap? Whatever it is, I’m adding it to the list of projects now!

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

A Queen Amidala inspired look. . . 

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

Put your money on the outside of your bag rather than inside it. . . 

McCall's Treasury of Needlecraft the artyologist

And let’s end on this sweet classic look with a lovely bag and hat combination. I really want to see the rest of the outfit. . .  is that a shirt or a coat? I can’t tell!

So, which one caught your eye? Do you knit or crochet? Would you make any of these styles?