A Fashion Moment With McCall’s Treasury of Needlecraft
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?
A closer look at these two lovelies- the hats are nice, but look at that eyeliner!!! Gorgeous!!
Not sure how I feel about wearing a doily on my head. . . thoughts?
A Sequin Set, and Three Accessories That Glitter- add a bit of sparkle to your look!
I love that hat. . . crown . . cap? Whatever it is, I’m adding it to the list of projects now!
A Queen Amidala inspired look. . .
Put your money on the outside of your bag rather than inside it. . .
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?
June 10, 2016 @ 9:42 pm
I crochet and I like the purses and the beret. I don’t have any vintage pieces and I do need to spruce up my wardrobe. BTW, I really liked your make-up box and hats. As for blogs, I only follow you and one other. 🙂
June 11, 2016 @ 12:22 am
Wow- I am so honoured that my little blog is one of the two you read! Thanks so much- your comments never fail to brighten my day 🙂 That is so cool that you crochet- that is one skill I fear I will never master 🙁 If you would like some of the patterns from this book, I can share them- just let me know!
June 11, 2016 @ 8:56 pm
That would be awesome! I would like the drawstring bag with the matching hat. It looks like the bobble stitch was used. Thank you so much for offering. 🙂 As for the “doily” hat, I can see it in a dark color. Navy, maybe.
June 14, 2016 @ 4:44 pm
I’ll totally send those to you! And, now that you mention it- the “doily” hat would be nice in navy. Good idea! 🙂
June 14, 2016 @ 5:26 pm
Must remember to breath…. 🙂
Oh my stars and then some! These accessories are so incredibly lovely + chic. I scrolled, leisurely, through all of the photos here three times and am going back for fourths! Thank you for sharing this complete and total gem of a vintage book with us. I’ll be daydreaming about some of these beauties for a long, long time to come.
xoxo ♥ Jessica
June 14, 2016 @ 6:03 pm
Aren’t they just the greatest? Not only the items in and of themselves, but the hair, the makeup, the dresses- everything. I’m glad you enjoyed them, and don’t fear- there will be more to come!
June 14, 2016 @ 9:08 pm
Well since I don’t crochet or knit either, I was also drawn to that little cocktail hat thing. Very doable! The little sequined band would be pretty easy too, I reckon!
June 14, 2016 @ 10:16 pm
Yes, I think that the sequin band would definitely be neat- it’s kind of a hybrid between a headband and a crown 🙂
June 15, 2016 @ 12:37 am
I’m loving these all. Especially the Queen Amidala, heehee 😉 But really, these all are so lovely. And the makeup is fantastic! Makeup drawer, here I come…
June 15, 2016 @ 9:29 pm
You should definitely do the Queen Amidala 😉 But seriously you should try out that eyeliner- it’s great!
June 24, 2016 @ 4:50 am
I love that winter set with the pixie hat and mittens. There are some super hats and bags here. I knit and crochet, need to make more accessories!
June 24, 2016 @ 2:08 pm
Oh yes! Knitted/Crocheted accessories are so great- and they can be fancier than plain old toques and mittens 🙂