A case of the Sewing "Now whats?"

Readers, do you ever finish a project and have no idea what to sew next?  Maybe you feel tired or even a little burnt out?  If so, you may be suffering from a case of the "Now whats?"

I know I am.

See that men's pattern up top?  It happens to be in my stash, and while it's not a designer pattern per se, isn't it basically the same thing as this -- minus the pants?



OK, I see there's no button placket on the Simplicity pattern, but goodness, I could draft that.  Do I need to spend the $10 on a pattern just because it says Halston on it?  Of course not.  Yes, it would be more fun to be able to say, This is a Halston, but how much more fun, readers?

I'd like to sew something for ME for a change (some of my male readers get impatient if I only sew for Cathy and who can blame them) but I don't want to sew something I'm not going to wear.  Unlike my cousin, I won't wear vintage looks or anything too kooky.  I'm conservative (relatively speaking).

In a similar Seventies/Halston vein, I was admiring this Butterick pattern, if only because the pants remind me of that classic from my youth (though I never owned a pair), Ocean Pacific corduroy shorts.  Remember those?

 



Why do I hear James Taylor songs every time I see those shorts -- and visualize a young Kris Kristofferson in a canoe?

Of course I have other patterns that have that topstitched patch pocket, so I don't need the pattern in this case either.  It's almost exactly like the pocket on my Sixties jumpsuit pattern.



I'm trying not to buy so many patterns, especially because I just purchased what's in this box (which happened to have been delivered at this very moment).  More about that in the days ahead.



There are a few new patterns in my Etsy "Favorites" file, including these two vintage Vogues that practically scream "You're gonna make it after all..."







But I'm trying to resist and I hope you will help me, if only through prayer or gifts, if you happen to have them in a size 14.

I'm going to see if I can wrangle some Ultrasuede out of the brand manager of Toray Ultrasuede (the company that manufactures the stuff).  I mean, he offered me some in his comments yesterday, didn't he?  I don't think he realizes that I'm the type of person who, when you say, We should have lunch sometime, am calling the next day to make the date.  I take things literally. 

Friends, that's all the stream of consciousness I have the energy for today.  I must open my box.

In closing, do you ever suffer from the Sewing "Now Whats?"?  How long does it usually last and does it just go away by itself or do you take something for it?

Maybe I need to dig through my virtual pattern stash and see what catches my eye -- you can join me here (for men's patterns) and here (from women's).  Anything look like fun?

Have a great day everybody and if you're suffering from the "Now Whats?" my condolences.  This too shall pass.

Ultrasuede - Yea or Nay?

Blame Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto.

In 1970 he invented a 100% polyester, machine-washable, suede-like microfiber fabric that went on to define an often-derided decade of fashion.  Indeed, who can talk about Seventies style without mentioning ultrasuede (or rather, Ultrasuede)?

Do You Sew Like You Live?

Readers, I've always been intrigued by the apocryphal saying, The way you do anything is the way you everything.  I don't even remember where I first heard it but it stuck with me.

Cathy models the 70's pantsuit and coat ensemble!

Friends, they say, in Hollywood, you always want to finish ahead of schedule and under budget.

That's why I am so excited to announce that Cathy's latest photo shoot is done, one day early!  Who knew Cathy would be enjoying a glamorous Friday night out at the theater, as Michael had an extra ticket and I wasn't feeling up to going out?

Positively the (next to) LAST faux fur coat post!

Friends, they say all good things must come to an end, but honestly, I could keep working on this coat forever.  And not because it's such a treat, but rather because there is an endless amount of finishing work to be done on a garment like this.

Pocket Love + Don't Call Me!

So much to cover today, friends!

First the big news.  For the first time in my life I have no land line telephone service (and no 212 area code).  Since both Michael and I have cell phones, and now that we have cable Internet (we needed the land line for our lousy DSL), we decided to turn it off.  Since I rarely received calls on my land line anymore, it doesn't feel very different, but the event does warrant memorializing, don't you think?

MPB Valentine's Day Wishes!

Friends, a brief message of Valentine's Day good wishes, from all of us here at MPB as well of as some of our very special guests and sponsors.

"Bling-a-Ding-Ding" - Faux Fur Coat Update!

Friends, if you're like me you have poor impulse control.  That's why I'm just going to go ahead and show you how my faux fur Seventies coat looked earlier today, right after I performed the "turn of the cloth" (flipping the facings to the front), revealing my very understated feral cat lapels and collar.

Fervently fighting faux fur fatigue!

Readers, where did the weekend go?  I can't speak for you, but mine was spent fondling five pounds of fuzzy faux fur.

I'm not complaining though, because miracle of miracles, this fuzz is beginning to look like a coat!

Further Fur Coat Adventures!

Friends, the coat is coming along.  I cut all my shaggy white fur (sheared pink rabbit, for want of a better name) today: fronts, backs and sleeves.  Wanna see one of my sleeves -- undersleeve and oversleeve -- all sewn up?  

70's Faux Fur Coat MUSLIN + Tools at the ready!

I just finished my muslin, readers, and that little voice inside is already asking, Do we really have to do this all over again in faux fur?

Faux Fur Fabric Haul and MORE!

OK, readers, what would you say if I told you I went to the Salvation Army yesterday ("Family Day" -- 50% off most clothes) and found a terrific blue faux fur peacoat in my size for $4.99? 

Put on your sunglasses, and behold!

The Coat Project: friend or faux?

The latest on the Seventies coat saga:  After digging around in the Garment District yesterday, I have decided to go ahead and make my coat, and -- tentatively -- to make it in faux fur.

Random Thoughts about Seventies Coats

So here's the deal: Cathy will model the Seventies pantsuit, Simplicity 7295, but she isn't willing to freeze her a** off in the cold.

Which got me thinking...

Glitzy Fabrics and the Sewing Headache

Readers, I am happy to announce that the top (I'm calling it a jacket) that goes with my Halston-inspired outfit, Simplicity 7295, is almost done.  But oye, the headaches!