I usually steer clear of reproduction clothing brands, simply because I have so many clothes already (as well as a constant, growing sewing list) and prefer just to avoid going down that rabbit hole of spending more money. (Reproduction shoes are another matter! :-)
Also, not too many reproduction pieces actually look authentic to me, for some reason. But when I saw Rocket Originals' upcoming knitwear release scheduled for October, I knew I had to make an exception. This was no simple, classic style that I could possibly thrift, nor was it a "vintage inspired" garment. Sweater twinsets faithfully copied from an original 1950s ad!
Vintage knitwear in good condition is often pricey and not as skin and laundry friendly, because while older fabric was better quality, older yarn is often not better quality than what we are accustomed to today.
Now, vintage appropriate sweaters are often fairly easy to find at thrift stores - but not matching twinsets with perfect 1950s shape, details, and styling!
I wear a lot of sweater and sweater tops during the winter, especially preferring short sleeve sweaters, so a knitwear purchase was practical in that I would actually get a lot of wear out of it for the money. I may have checked frequently to find out when they would be for sale...and as soon as they were up on the website, I purchased 2 twinsets in color ways that I would get the most use out of.
I have to say, working with Rocket Originals was lovely. They promptly answered my questions and even refunded the extra postage (which to the US from the UK added quite a bit to the purchase price). The shipping didn't take too long, either, considering the distance.
I love that these are so carefully reproduced in every detail, and that I'm supporting a small, family-owned company with a reputation for authenticity by my purchase!
When I was looking at the info, I did wish that the sweaters were made of a natural fiber rather than acrylic. I prefer cotton or rayon blend sweaters. But I was pleasantly surprised when the sweaters arrived and they felt more like cotton, without the fuzzy-plastic-ish feeling acrylic sweaters often have. Of course they are machine washable, which is perfect.
I love how each sweater can be worn separately, yet when worn together the arrow details are perfectly placed for tasteful decoration and balance. The cardigan, which I can also wear with my cotton dresses, is warm and cozy. They are quite comfortable to wear and work in.
On the website they reiterated that these are short in length, meant to hit just at the hip. And they do. Make sure you wear a high waisted skirt with these if you don't want your midriff to show.
Time will tell if they stand up to regular wearing and washing, but I have no reason to believe they won't.
The gray/black combo goes very well with a lot of my more colorful skirts. Here I paired it with the rayon skirt I made over to look 1950s, worn over a crinoline, black classic 1950s pumps from Two Old Beans, and the cutest little vintage scottie brooch which came from my adopted grandmother.
So many times I have leafed through my vintage women's magazines and sighed at the selection displayed in the ads, wishing they were still available and I could get one in every color. Now I actually got the chance!
I'm very happy with this addition to my fall/winter wardrobe. One of these days I will show you the other set, which is even prettier!
What a pretty twinset! As Iam a huge fan of them I will definitely check out Rocket Originals . I was wondering how is the sizing? Since it’s in England maybe the sizes are different. Since they are a bit pricey I would want to make sure I order the correct size.
Thanks!
Irene 🍁
Posted by: Irene | 10/25/2018 at 01:30 PM