A Fashion Moment McCall’s Treasury of Needlecraft: Evening Shawls
Happy New Years! Well, almost. In honour of the most glamorous time of the year, I thought it was a great opportunity to share these images from the McCall’s Treasury of Needlecraft, featuring some wonderful knitted and crocheted evening shawls and wraps.
Nowadays there seems to be a trend towards New Years parties where the guests are encouraged to wear pyjamas. This, Dear Readers is a tragedy. Not because pyjama parties aren’t loads of fun- they can be (although not my cup of tea), but because New Years is the most glitzy holiday of them all, and if you can’t wear a cocktail dress out on New Years, just really when are you going to wear it? So, I vote that this year, instead of continuing the trend towards casualness that our culture is embracing, if we are going out to celebrate, we instead don our most glamorous garments possible. Or, if you are staying in, your most glamorous housedress and robe 😉 To be honest, I am not going to be going anywhere on New Years Eve, so I’ll probably not be wearing anything very fancy that night. . .
Anyways, without further ado- some glamorous evening wear from the 1950’s!
I love the cape-like look to the one on the left.
This kind of looks like a table runner. . . but the rest of her outfit is glamorous, so I’ll forgive it. 🙂
Such a pretty zig zag pattern.
Which of the evening shawls and shrugs is your favourite? I personally really like the first picture, with the yellow dress and sparkly jewellery.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and that you have a Happy (and glamorous) New Year celebration however you spend it!
December 31, 2017 @ 10:56 am
These are great, the ’50’s were a good time for stole and wrap patterns. I never find them very easy to wear though, I would always be fiddling with them. Happy new year.
January 2, 2018 @ 10:54 am
Happy New Year to you too Kate-Em! And, I totally understand you there- I would probably be fiddling with them too 🙂
January 3, 2018 @ 2:33 am
Happy New Year!
Definitely a few tablecloth-like garments in there! Still very glamorous though. I think glamour and comfort can coincide – if it’s pyjamas then wear silk ones with fluffy shoes and sparkly jewellery! No need for cute animal print onesies 😉 x
January 7, 2018 @ 10:36 pm
I agree that glamour and comfort can definitely coincide! Happy new year to you too Porcelina!
January 4, 2018 @ 3:21 am
Beautiful shawls! There just aren’t enough shawls around these days, people just don’t seem to wear them do they. I like the look of this book too. Does it have sewing and other needlework projects in it? Happy new year! xx
January 7, 2018 @ 10:42 pm
Hi Cate- it’s too bad that shawls are not very often worn, and are rather difficult to find nowadays- large scarves seem to be about as close as one can get.
Yes, this book is called the McCall’s Treasury of Needlecraft from 1955, and it’s a pattern book and resource guide for all kinds of needlecraft, including knitting, crocheting, embroidery, tatting, lacework etc. I’ve done a few posts so far, featuring pictures from the book.
And, happy new year to you too!