Is it just me, or does the Tuesday after Labor Day (for us Americans at least) feel like a new beginning?
I suppose it comes from my school years, when the second week in September meant a new classroom, a new three-ring binder, and a new box of Crayola crayons (the 64-pack with the sharpener in the back). But enough about high school...
Given this sense of fresh starts, I've decided to pick your brains a bit. I've been sewing and scribbling away here at MPB these last eight months or so, and I've never really checked in directly with you, wise readers.
How am I doing, in your opinion?
I'd love to hear from you. What would you like to see more of here at Male Pattern Boldness? What do you enjoy the most? For the poll below, I've created a list of possibilities, but please don't limit yourself to just these (unless you care to).
Which items listed would be your top top five choices?
(I'm going to choose my top five too and later we can compare notes.)
If you could elaborate, or if what you want was not mentioned, please feel free to comment below.
Thanks for your time, your comments, and for all your continued support, everybody!
I'd buy a calendar so long as there are no more semi-nudes behind vintage machines. I thought you jumped the shark for a moment, and it's not even sweeps yet.
Since I'm one of your readers, and I don't know if I trust us, I voted twice.
Oh, and though it wasn't on the poll, no more polyester/nylon jumpsuits. I've got an orange one I can send your way if you and Michael are going to a costume party dressed as twin art-nouveau trash collectors. Otherwise, stay away.
Peter, you helped get me through some bad, and I like it just the way it is. Love the old movie star references, vintage patterns, Cathy photo shoots and your wonderful sewing and sense of humor. I am not quite sure why you are polling US since this is YOUR blog and should reflect YOU, which is what I thought you had been doing? If any are wanting changes based on what THEY want, they should start their own blog. That is what I think and I'm stickin' to it. ;-)
I voted Don't Change a Thing simply because I love your blog just as it is. If anything is "lacking," IMO, it would only be: More information about me, my background, and my current life … but only because I'm nosy. ;-)
I totally concur with all that Debbie said. You could write about anything you liked and you would surely raise at least a smile from me. It's you and your style of writing that grabs me more than the content. I think the mix is already great. Write whatever you want! x
I'm definitely in the don't change a thing camp. A little, or a lot, of anything that's on your mind is what makes your blog so lively and interesting. Oh, but more bowties would be nice - you were such a cute kid and clearly knew how to dress well at an early age!
OMG the jumpsuit is amazing. Peter, if anyone can bring it back, you can! I'm also in the "don't change a thing" camp. I think it would be interesting to know how many of us check in with you while we're having our first cup of coffee in the morning. MPB mugs might be a great merchandizing opportunity!
I don't know if my votes counted because everything went haywire for a sec but basically don't change a thing - half the fun of MPB is logging in to see what random tangent you've gone off on *this* day. P.S. You may have surmised that I have not yet put the promised material (fabric) in the mail. Put it down to the winter blahs, however, spring she is a-coming, so anything is possible in the next few weeks. xx
Your mix is wonderful because it reflects who you are.......at least I am assuming it does. At any rate, it is wonderfully titillatingly, off the wall humorous and thoroughly engaging!
Sorry I cannot concentrate on the poll. I'm just green with envy that you got the 64-crayon box w/the sharpener! A new one every year? Even senior year?? You are so lucky. What a good mom! So so lucky. . .
LOL the SHARPENER. Oh, how I wanted it, and when I finally got it, I had to share it with my brother. *Sigh*
I voted for some things, but honestly, my favorite blogs are those that reflect the authors' true interests and show their personality. I think you already do that.
In the "further explanation" category: I voted for video tutorials. I usually find those very helpful, but for some reason I cannot stand to look at still-photo tutorials. So if you must do tutorials, please stick to video.
How can you improve on perfection? You nearly always manage to crack me up, I mean belly laughs, which can only be good! I did vote on a few things, though! Whatever you do will be fine with me! :) Could not wait to get home and tell you this, Hubby and I were in Boston yesterday on Newbury Street and there was a store there, which I had never heard of and cannot remember the name of. Anyway it had a huge window display. We counted 216, yes, you read that correctly, six rows of 36 in each row, treadle sewing machines. That was it!! All lined up in the windows on either side of the door. I stopped on the sidewalk with my mouth hanging open. Sorry, should have tried to take a pic with my cell or at least written down the name of the store. Needless to say, I immediately thought of you. (No naked men standing behind any of them, though :( !!)
"I voted for some things, but honestly, my favorite blogs are those that reflect the authors' true interests and show their personality. I think you already do that."
I would agree with 'don't change a thing' but I am intrigued by the idea of hearing from Cathy directly on a weekly basis - could you please not change a thing but add that?
I love MPB as it is, but I have to stress how much I love reading about your sewing projects and seeing the details. Your perspective as an individual and a fashionable male is the best thing ever although I find your writing voice enjoyable no matter what the subject.
Please don't change a thing! I love reading your blog, it ALWAYS puts a smile on my face and makes my day better after reading. I even have my non-sewing daughter reading your blog! On the day of the "nude" I sent her a text asking if she had taken a "peek" at your blog that day, after she did...she said she was glad she looked at it on her phone because if anyone had walked into her cubicle and saw the post on her computer, she would have had some 'splaing to do!!!
Your blog makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis (Cathy on the climbing frame flashing her undies inadvertently anyone?... I say inadvertently, then again, now I've seen you naked but for a sewing machine, I suspect a family trait/ streak? might be revealing itself here!). I love the variety of subjects and sewing projects, so my view is - Don't Change A Thing!
I vote for 'all of the above' plus throw in some surprises. If you want to get sponsors, go for it. Book deal! I'll buy a couple of copies. TV show! Right after Project Runway. Guest appearances by your loyal fans. Regular chihuahua segment. Special sewing reports from around the world via video link up. I'll be your Far North Queensland correspondant. Also, let's all email the PR producers and demand a guest judge spot for Cathy.
i enjoy your blog just the way it is, but i did vote for more men's fashion and sewing stuff. also more info about you and those darling doggies (my pomeranian says hi!).
The only thing I'd change is to add a "Like" button on other MPB commenters' comments. Sometimes someone else says precisely what I was thinking (and usually says it better than I could).
Love you just the way you are, Peter! Keep doing what you want!
I chose mostly male oriented sewing topics because that's so lacking in the blogosphere. Sewing for men is a bit different from what most of us do. (This weekend I sewed rank and insignia on my Naval Reserve son's new uniforms. Interesting, his Brooks Brothers, made in USA, Service Dress uniform was a nice piece of work.) For menswear I think your treadle is perfect.
You almost always crack me up, especially when talking about your little guys (dogs)! I have a little chihuahua mix named Nacho, and he says hi to Willy and Freddie. Aren't they just the funniest little dogs? I don't think you should change anything except to add more info about you and your life. You're a hoot and a half!
Love your blog! I'm for the idea of adding Cathy-authored posts, and more men's sewing projects. But I wouldn't stop reading if you kept it exactly as is!
Your blog is among my favorites- I load it up first thing every morning. A lot of us are reading the same blogs, and while each one has its own style and something to offer (or we wouldn't bother reading, right?), I love yours because it truly seems like a passion rather than something that you work to keep up. You have a great sense of humor, and Cathy is doll of a model. Keep doing what you are doing!
Your blog is my treat at the end of the day, after working fulltime, then taking care of my two young children and getting them to sleep, finally I can sit down with the laptop on the bed and enjoy MPB. It's my reward to myself. I love your personality, your humor, your writing. You should do what you like because I'm sure it will be interesting, except I'm not in favor of guest contributors - you are what is interesting about your blog, not someone else.
I'm a native New Yorker and sewing fanatic! I started sewing in 2009 and today make all my own clothes using vintage sewing machines and vintage patterns, in addition to sewing for private clients. Welcome to the warm and whimsical world of Male Pattern Boldness, where the conversation is sewing, style, fashion, fabric, and more!
I'd buy a calendar so long as there are no more semi-nudes behind vintage machines. I thought you jumped the shark for a moment, and it's not even sweeps yet.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm one of your readers, and I don't know if I trust us, I voted twice.
Oh, and though it wasn't on the poll, no more polyester/nylon jumpsuits. I've got an orange one I can send your way if you and Michael are going to a costume party dressed as twin art-nouveau trash collectors. Otherwise, stay away.
ReplyDeletePeter, you helped get me through some bad, and I like it just the way it is. Love the old movie star references, vintage patterns, Cathy photo shoots and your wonderful sewing and sense of humor. I am not quite sure why you are polling US since this is YOUR blog and should reflect YOU, which is what I thought you had been doing? If any are wanting changes based on what THEY want, they should start their own blog. That is what I think and I'm stickin' to it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI voted Don't Change a Thing simply because I love your blog just as it is. If anything is "lacking," IMO, it would only be: More information about me, my background, and my current life … but only because I'm nosy. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think MPB get-togethers in NYC are too unfair for us, your Australian (and other non-US country) readers!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally concur with all that Debbie said. You could write about anything you liked and you would surely raise at least a smile from me. It's you and your style of writing that grabs me more than the content. I think the mix is already great. Write whatever you want! x
ReplyDeleteOh Peter... you are fantastic.. please dont change anything.. I like you just the way you are.
ReplyDeletek
I'm definitely in the don't change a thing camp. A little, or a lot, of anything that's on your mind is what makes your blog so lively and interesting. Oh, but more bowties would be nice - you were such a cute kid and clearly knew how to dress well at an early age!
ReplyDeleteOMG the jumpsuit is amazing. Peter, if anyone can bring it back, you can! I'm also in the "don't change a thing" camp. I think it would be interesting to know how many of us check in with you while we're having our first cup of coffee in the morning. MPB mugs might be a great merchandizing opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if my votes counted because everything went haywire for a sec but basically don't change a thing - half the fun of MPB is logging in to see what random tangent you've gone off on *this* day.
ReplyDeleteP.S. You may have surmised that I have not yet put the promised material (fabric) in the mail. Put it down to the winter blahs, however, spring she is a-coming, so anything is possible in the next few weeks. xx
Keep it just the way it is, write about whatever you want. I love it all.
ReplyDeleteDon't change a thing, but I like the idea of the sewing machine calendar.
ReplyDeleteI'm another one who voted don't change. You have a nice mix of many of the things you listed. Your blog, do what you want.
ReplyDeleteOh, and thanks for the treadle shot. My husband bothered me all weekend asking when I was going to "pose" with my sewing machine.
Your mix is wonderful because it reflects who you are.......at least I am assuming it does. At any rate, it is wonderfully titillatingly, off the wall humorous and thoroughly engaging!
ReplyDeleteAll of the above!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for seeking the views of people who visit.
ReplyDeleteSorry I cannot concentrate on the poll. I'm just green with envy that you got the 64-crayon box w/the sharpener! A new one every year? Even senior year?? You are so lucky. What a good mom! So so lucky. . .
ReplyDeleteLOL the SHARPENER. Oh, how I wanted it, and when I finally got it, I had to share it with my brother. *Sigh*
ReplyDeleteI voted for some things, but honestly, my favorite blogs are those that reflect the authors' true interests and show their personality. I think you already do that.
In the "further explanation" category: I voted for video tutorials. I usually find those very helpful, but for some reason I cannot stand to look at still-photo tutorials. So if you must do tutorials, please stick to video.
How can you improve on perfection? You nearly always manage to crack me up, I mean belly laughs, which can only be good! I did vote on a few things, though! Whatever you do will be fine with me! :) Could not wait to get home and tell you this, Hubby and I were in Boston yesterday on Newbury Street and there was a store there, which I had never heard of and cannot remember the name of. Anyway it had a huge window display. We counted 216, yes, you read that correctly, six rows of 36 in each row, treadle sewing machines. That was it!! All lined up in the windows on either side of the door. I stopped on the sidewalk with my mouth hanging open. Sorry, should have tried to take a pic with my cell or at least written down the name of the store. Needless to say, I immediately thought of you. (No naked men standing behind any of them, though :( !!)
ReplyDeleteBetty said it perfectly!
ReplyDelete"I voted for some things, but honestly, my favorite blogs are those that reflect the authors' true interests and show their personality. I think you already do that."
I would agree with 'don't change a thing' but I am intrigued by the idea of hearing from Cathy directly on a weekly basis - could you please not change a thing but add that?
ReplyDeleteI love MPB as it is, but I have to stress how much I love reading about your sewing projects and seeing the details. Your perspective as an individual and a fashionable male is the best thing ever although I find your writing voice enjoyable no matter what the subject.
ReplyDeletePlease don't change a thing! I love reading your blog, it ALWAYS puts a smile on my face and makes my day better after reading. I even have my non-sewing daughter reading your blog! On the day of the "nude" I sent her a text asking if she had taken a "peek" at your blog that day, after she did...she said she was glad she looked at it on her phone because if anyone had walked into her cubicle and saw the post on her computer, she would have had some 'splaing to do!!!
ReplyDeleteYour blog makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis (Cathy on the climbing frame flashing her undies inadvertently anyone?... I say inadvertently, then again, now I've seen you naked but for a sewing machine, I suspect a family trait/ streak? might be revealing itself here!). I love the variety of subjects and sewing projects, so my view is - Don't Change A Thing!
ReplyDeleteI vote for 'all of the above' plus throw in some surprises. If you want to get sponsors, go for it. Book deal! I'll buy a couple of copies. TV show! Right after Project Runway. Guest appearances by your loyal fans. Regular chihuahua segment. Special sewing reports from around the world via video link up. I'll be your Far North Queensland correspondant. Also, let's all email the PR producers and demand a guest judge spot for Cathy.
ReplyDeleteMy two favorite aspects of your blog are the Cathy photo shoots and when you show details of your sewing projects, including in progress shots.
ReplyDeleteKeep all of it coming - it's the variety that adds the spice and keeps so many people coming back every day!
Also, seriously, you need to make a calendar with the "revealing" treadle photo as inspiration, using your many machines.
Just more of more. I visit because your blog is so refreshing and besides, my chihuahua Libbet is a fan.
ReplyDeleteKind of a debonair Devo thing happening here today...I hate jumpsuits but it ain't about me and thank goodness for that.
i enjoy your blog just the way it is, but i did vote for more men's fashion and sewing stuff. also more info about you and those darling doggies (my pomeranian says hi!).
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I'd change is to add a "Like" button on other MPB commenters' comments. Sometimes someone else says precisely what I was thinking (and usually says it better than I could).
ReplyDeleteLove you just the way you are, Peter! Keep doing what you want!
I chose mostly male oriented sewing topics because that's so lacking in the blogosphere. Sewing for men is a bit different from what most of us do. (This weekend I sewed rank and insignia on my Naval Reserve son's new uniforms. Interesting, his Brooks Brothers, made in USA, Service Dress uniform was a nice piece of work.) For menswear I think your treadle is perfect.
ReplyDeleteYou almost always crack me up, especially when talking about your little guys (dogs)! I have a little chihuahua mix named Nacho, and he says hi to Willy and Freddie. Aren't they just the funniest little dogs? I don't think you should change anything except to add more info about you and your life. You're a hoot and a half!
ReplyDeleteGail D.
I voted for not changing a thing. But as someone else pointed out, we will read whatever you write :)
ReplyDeleteI'm changing my vote to More Quilting.
ReplyDeleteSigned,
Anonym... oh rats!
Love your blog! I'm for the idea of adding Cathy-authored posts, and more men's sewing projects. But I wouldn't stop reading if you kept it exactly as is!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't change a thing...well maybe more skin!
ReplyDeleteI voted for "MPB get-togethers", but I'm biased.
ReplyDeleteYour Cathy photo shoots are works of art. Please keep doing them.
Your blog is among my favorites- I load it up first thing every morning. A lot of us are reading the same blogs, and while each one has its own style and something to offer (or we wouldn't bother reading, right?), I love yours because it truly seems like a passion rather than something that you work to keep up. You have a great sense of humor, and Cathy is doll of a model. Keep doing what you are doing!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is my treat at the end of the day, after working fulltime, then taking care of my two young children and getting them to sleep, finally I can sit down with the laptop on the bed and enjoy MPB. It's my reward to myself. I love your personality, your humor, your writing. You should do what you like because I'm sure it will be interesting, except I'm not in favor of guest contributors - you are what is interesting about your blog, not someone else.
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing so much fun!