Modern Purveyors of Vintage-Camp Kitschy Knits

I find that one of the biggest misconceptions about vintage style is that people awesome, vintage mean dressed up.   In fact their a plethora of comfortable and casual vintage options.  Much of my wardrobe is pretty casual and I find my casual vintage items to be much more comfortable then vintage ones.   One cold weather causal vintage item I really appreciate is the Cowichan sweater.

These colorful zip front sweaters with their fun novelty prints are inspired by the knitting style of the Cowichan people of British Columbia.  They first became popular in the 1950s with the advent of the Mary Maxim sweater patterns and they've since been worn by everyone from Marilyn Monroe to the Dude.  

Kitschy motifs like curling, cowboys, bowlers, country western dancers, and skiers are de-rigeur for Cowichan sweaters.  

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That kitsch appeal is one thing that Camp Kitschy Knits on Etsy really understands.   This fun repro shop makes hand crafted sweaters using the original Mary Maxim patterns and warm thick wool. 

 Their patterns include a copy of the famous Marilyn sweater, 

as well as other fun prints.

They even have a copy of the Apollo 11 sweater worn by Danny in The Shining.

I ordered my first Camp Kitschy Knits sweater after Christmas, using an etsy gift card I was generously given.    I choose an ice dancer pattern.

The sweater is beautifully made and toasty warm. Perfect casual vintage winter wear.

I wanted a 1950s fitted look so I ordered a small, but Camp Kitschy sweaters come in a wide range of sizes for men and women.

I even found a cute vintage ice follies pin to wear with it.

I really love my sweater and I'm sure I'll shop from Camp Kitschy Knits again.  I have my eye on the Apollo 11 sweater it be great for Halloween!