Vintage thoughts from Finnfemme, a practical fashionista
Crochet a Granny Square Floppy Hat, 1976.
Since today is Halloween (BOO!) I was inspired to post this candy-corn-color crochet pattern. Thick glossy yellow and orange rug yarn makes a brilliant casual hat. Designed by Susan Fairfield, the crown is granny squared and scalloped brim is single crocheted. Instructions are below. Please click on photo to enlarge.
~Marilyn
Vintage 1940s Hare and Tortoise Zip Cardigan Knitting Pattern
This is a fabulous graphic sweater knitting pattern from the 1940s! Featuring a lively tortoise and hare frolicking across the sweater, it is a gentle reminder that there were some fun fashions in the 40s. Knitting instructions and chart are below. Please click on photos to enlarge.
~Marilyn
Long Tailored Vest Crochet Pattern, 1976.
This is a fab vintage 1976 crochet pattern using granny squares to make a long tailored vest! Knee-length vest designed by Sally De Gaetano is made of large grannies connected with shells. Lower back and side seams have gussets of shells to give the gentle ease of a slight A-line. Shoulders and shaped neckline are also worked in shells. Make it with knitting worsted.
Instructions below. Please click on photos to enlarge.
~Marilyn
The 1976 Virginia Slims Tennis Sweater. Model: Cheryl Tiegs
This is a Virginia Slims cigarette ad from 1976, featuring model Cheryl Tiegs modeling the ‘tennis, golf, visit Aunt Martha, stroll-in-the-park sweater’. It’s interesting to note that in the 1970s smoking was still considered rather benign and socially acceptable. Case in point: here we have the healthy All-American model Cheryl posing with a cigarette and happily grinning. Virginia Slims, which was marketed for women, capitalized on the slimmer and longer cigarette as a contrast to men’s cigarettes.
The tennis sweater was made of 100% acrylic and was completely machine washable (very handy when getting rid of smoke stench). It was embroidered with a tennis racquet-wielding flapper lady and their slogan. “You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby”. Available for $9.00 and two pack bottoms from Virginia Slims Regular or Menthol.
I have seen these tennis sweaters go for a pretty penny on eBay. My guess is that they are rather rare, considering the rigamarole you had to go through to buy it!
~Marilyn
Long & Silky from Clairol, 1976.
I had long hair in the 70s – at least until I got my Dorothy Hamill wedge cut – and I loved it. My hair was thick, straight, and my natural red color. It grew fast too. I never spent much time fussing over my hair because, like when you have good skin, you don’t have to do much to it. I drew the acne/bad skin card, so I guess it was evened out?
Anyway, this is a great ad from 1976 for Long & Silky Conditioning Lotion from Clairol. Three gorgeously thin and beautiful models wearing the shortest denim cutoffs possible are playing volleyball on the beach. “In summer, long hair needs the protection of Long & Silky more than ever”. Their hair is long, thick and glossy. Apparently using Long & Silky let it stand up to the harsh sun, wind and water of the beach. The graphic tee shirt is a nice touch – so very 2018!
~Marilyn
Just in time for winter, you will love knitting up this Peruvian sweater jacket that’s in tune with all of Mother Nature. A bold red stripe on each sleeve accents the rich natural Andean colors of the yarns. Design by Del Feldman. Click on the photos to enlarge.
Knit a Peruvian Primitive Sweater Jacket, 1976.
Knitting Instructions for Peruvian Sweater Jacket, 1976.
~Marilyn
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I'm Marilyn, and I'm obsessed with vintage clothing, thrift stores, clotheslines, and Chanel. Welcome to my down-to-earth world!