Free Vintage Crochet Sweater and Cap PDF

A lovely crochet wrap top with matching cap from McCall's Needlework and Crafts Spring/Summer 1974

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Free PDF download Surplice Set

Fashion, Glamour Girls and Home Decor Favorites

Some of my favorite stars, fashion and home decor pictures from the month of April Facebook posts, starting with two very famous Hollywood icons.

Mary Jane West (August 17, 1893 – November 22, 1980), known as Mae West, an American actress, singer, playwright, screenwriter and sex symbol whose entertainment career spanned seven decades, who knew she did all that and her famous line. 

"Why don't you come up and see me sometime"

She was known for her bawdy double entendres (type of speak when a phrase is understood to mean two things). West originally made a name for herself in vaudeville and on the stage in New York before moving to Hollywood to become a comedienne, actress and writer in the motion picture industry.

Mae West via OsoVictoria.com

And, Shirley Temple (April 23, 1928 - ) She began her career in 1932 at the age of three and in February 1935, became the first child star to be honored with a miniature Juvenile Oscar for her 1934 film Bight Eyes  and added her foot and hand prints to the forecourt at Grauman's Chinese Theatre a month later. Shirley retired from films at the age of 22 in 1950, but returned to acting in television in 1958. In her later years she was very active in politics and is currently living in Woodland, California 

Shirley Temple

These two couldn't be more opposite, but both received the most interaction on my Facebook fan page, and there several other Hollywood beauties for that month that were in contention.

Next up for favorites were dresses from the 1950s. All month were shown fashions from the Victorian, 1920s and through to the 2013 runway shows. But, most favorites for interaction were these dresses from the 50s.

This dress looks to be navy blue with white chiffon collar and trim on the sleeves. There was no identifying information for this dress it was shared on Facebook via Lazy Eye Retro.

Everything is pink, especially the beautiful pink dress. And yes she is grabbing a roll of toilet paper which makes me believe this is an ad from a magazine, shared on Facebook from Melancholie Soul Beauty Retro.

These three lovely vintage dresses appear to be from a catalog. 

Via Bewitched-Vintage-Clothing

But that is not all, these three mid-century home decor post also received some of the most interactions. 

Love the shape and color of this mid-century sofa shared from A Little Slice of Vintage Life

This lovely pink kitchenette was shared from juNxtaposition. Hmmm, aqua kitchen cabinets, seems there is a theme going on here.

The one photo that is not vintage but timeless just the same. Oh how I would love to curl up in this beautiful and cozy window seat! See more of this home designed by Jenn Feldman from houseofturquoise.com 

So there you have them, eight of my most popular post on Facebook in April. These are only a few of the many post I put up daily showing vintage and runway fashions, home decor and glamour girls, stop by and give a like to see what happens daily at Oso Victoria Vintage.

I think these dresses are just so pretty, and they come in several colors. These style were also well 'liked' on Facebook, thought they would be perfect for prom or that special party.
Speechless Floral Sequin Strapless Tube Dress

Vintage Litho Prints from 1913 and 1914 Fashion

I collected these Litho prints back in the 70s when I was studying fashion design. What I found interesting in these, beside that they were vintage was the odd shape shapes and designs of some of the dress, especially the yellow one and the blue-green one with the floral over skirt.

Love this print of this 1913 swimsuit, I would certainly wear this swimsuit. Translation "Bathing suit"

This vintage 1914 sailor outfit is so adorable, the jacket and hat are just too cute. "Yacht suit: jacket cloth linen skirt, leather hat"

A very sweet 1914 dress, cute boots, hat and jacket, I'll take them all and the umbrella too! "Dress facings" not sure what that means exactly.

This is one of my favorites. The skirt looks like a deep purple velvet. I would wear this 1913 outfit too! "Dress for the afternoon"

This dress confused me with that wide peplum like thing, although the over all look is rather pretty. I really like the lacing up the sleeves and the hat is perfect. "Petite Taffeta for lazy afternoon"

I love the draping and sleeves on this dress, the collar not so much, but  that sheer skirt is lovely. This was actually another one that confused me on the look with that top skirt part, but still a very nice style. "Taffeta and Chiffon painted silk"

Any favorites here? What do you think of these designs? Do you think any of these are over the top?  Let me know in the comments, that helps me when I am working on my own designs and how far I can push the envelope, thanks.

Vintage 1974 Loopy Bolero Crochet PDF Pattern

Loopy edging defines the cropped lines of a bolero crocheted in an 

open mesh pattern. Size 8-18

Free PDF instructions for this cute Loopy Bolero 

A contrasting fringe edging would make this pop!

Check out all my free PDF files at Oso Victoria Vintage

Silver Fashion from Vintage, Designers, and 2013 Runway Show

Lately I have been fascinated with fashion in silver fabrics. From the Art Deco period to this Spring and Summer 2013 runway look. So where did it all start? Doing a little bit of research I found these bits of interesting information. 

In the 14th century China cloth of gold was called Marramas and a very similar cloth was made of silver. And, to this day the silver cloth similar to Marramas is made in India and Europe. 

Throughout history metallic fabric has been very common among the nobility and those of wealth. Charlotte, Queen Victoria's cousin was married in a wedding gown made of metallic cloth.

Princess Charlotte's 1816 wedding dress, this dress has been altered, the 'apron' is not original

Dresses from the 1920s often showed flare and style in gold and silver. Although, the gold and silver in these dresses were usually accomplished by bead and sequin work.

A lovely beaded flapper 1920's dress

1920's cream and gold lame evening dress

1920's sequin dress

Today's modern metallic fabrics made in the west are known

as lamé. 

Lanvin Silver Lame Evening Ensemble 1930

Vionnet Dress - Fall/Winter 1938-39

Moving on to the 60's and 70's starting with this silk jersey, the dress below is made of silk jersey and absolutely stunning

Dior 1960 Evening ensemble, silk jersey

The lovely Françoise Hardy in a metal-link jumpsuit by Paco Rabanne, 1968

Thierry Mugler, 1979

As we go forward in time to current fashion we have more stunning silver gowns with beautiful draping and bead and sequin work.

Versace Fall 2011

Marchesa Pre-Spring 2012

Georges Hobeika Spring Summer 2013 Ready to Wear

And, one final pretty one ~ no designer's name or date came with this one.

Hope you liked my current obsession with silver (and a touch of gold) gown, dresses and jumpsuits...

And, I would love it if you joined this blog and get the next color obsession, it is rather bold and wild, but that will come after the next free PDF knitting or crocheting instructions, until then, love fashion, love vintage!

Vintage 1970s White Crochet Tops

Love these white summery vintage crochet patterns from McCall's Needlework and Crafts Spring 1977 magazine. 

Free PDF download Rose Camisole

...and these two

Download PDF for Tassel Tie Vest on left and

PDF for Romantic Sweater on right

These tops would be so fun to layer up, which one sparks your fancy?

Some of my Best Fashion Picks This Week

I found these fashions on Pinterest and shared them with my Facebook fans. These are a few from the polka dot category that I really love.

This dress was a favorite among my Facebook fans ...

This dress sold at http://www.etsy.com/shop/swingkatsvintage although she has some

other very lovely dresses.

This was one of my favorites...

This dress was from http://www.vintageous.com/v5428.htm

and sold for $135.

Love this polka-dot cotton bathing suit and jacket by Margit 

Fellegi for 

Cole of California, American, c. 1950.

Love polka dots? Do you have a favorite here? Let me know in the comment section, love to hear what you have to say.