Friends, I almost can't believe it. On this, National Pie Day, Male Pattern Boldness celebrates its first birthday. One whole year!
And what a year it's been. We've been through so much together: weddings, high school reunions, harem pants, fabric shopping, illness, insomnia -- events that have only brought us closer. You know so much about my life and yet I know so little about yours. Alas, that's the price I must pay.
So many friends who have been such a big part of MPB from the beginning have sent me their good wishes.
Mamie.
Troy.
Bendable leg Francie.
And the entire cast of One Day at a Time.
The list goes on and on. As I write this I am staring at a sumptuous bouquet of day lilies from Connie Stevens as well as an invitation to try her new Forever Spring men's skincare line.
I received an especially nice phone message from my cousin Cathy, who is still serving her sentence at a minimum security womens prison outside of Springfield, MA. Happy for me and could I send her recent issues of In Touch and Real Simple.
We have not one, but two special giveaways in honor of this very special day -- both Vogue patterns!
The first is this extraordinary Christian Dior Vogue Paris Original in a Size 12 (bust 34") It's complete and uncut and in great shape. C'est magnifique!
The second is a pristine vintage reissue, a gorgeous 1947 Forties frock that can be either cocktail dress or evening gown and we should all have a closet full of both. This is a contemporary Size 14 (bust 36"). Tres chic!
All MPB Followers are eligible the world over, and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment below saying which pattern your prefer, the Dior or the 1947 reissue.
Of course, if you want to add how Male Pattern Boldness has changed your life, please do. Please keep your comments family friendly however.
You have till Monday, January 24th at midnight EST, and the winners will be chosen at random and announced on Tuesday.
I'll be busy most of today putting the finishing touches on McCalls 3087, my vintage 1954 men's shirt, which is coming along nicely. Just spilled Fray Check all over your garment? Soak it in alcohol for 1/2 hour. It works!
In closing friends, thank you for a fabulous, fun-filled first year -- I wouldn't be here without you!
In honor of our birthday and National Pie Day, I invite all of you to please have a slice on me.
Have a great day everybody and don't forget to enter the giveaway!
Posts
Can I make it to be the first post? I prefer the re-issue. The design of the Dior is so classic, it is still contemporary. The reissue says, "Yes I'm vintage."
ReplyDeleteMPB is the only blog on my favorites bar.
Thank you Peter!
Hi, Sweetie! I want to be the first one to leave a congratulatory comment to mark your first birthday. My life has been enhanced by your continuing inspiration. I am astounded at what you've created over the past year. . .the humor, the information, the style, the establishment of a real *community*. I am proud of you, D.P.!
ReplyDeleteMichael
I see I was a tad late! Oh well, I'm still bursting with pride.
ReplyDeleteHi Peter! I feel as if we are good friends and if I only lived in your building we'd be stopping by daily to chat.
ReplyDeleteI'm just about the same age as you, been sewing since age 12, but just discovered sewing blogs about a year ago. I hardly know anybody in "real life" who sews, so it's been a great source of inspiration. And did I mention entertainment? I love your blog and visit every day. And I love that 1947 reissue.
Wow, one year already!? Congratulations!
ReplyDeletePeter, I recently discovered your blog and it is one of the few that I unfailingly savor. Not only have I learned much about garment sewing (already!), I love your sense of humor and quick wit. Congratulations on your birthday, and may you have many more. Thank you for all the hard work!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Peter! It's been a fantastic year of photoshoots and mini-movies. I've enjoyed every minute and look forward to another great year!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary! MPB is the highlight of my blog day! You've had an amazing first year, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI'd be coming out of the lurking shadows just to say that, honestly, but if I had to choose, I do like the Dior. :)
I love the reissue. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, happy anniversary!! Secondly, I want to know what Cathy did to be incarcerated. Thirdly, I LOVE that pie photo. My husband once bought a similar (2 for 1.50) pie from the grocery store. Note: I am a notably good baker - especially of pies! Let's just say I refused to allow it to be eaten. It sat on the counter for 3 weeks before showing any signs of spoilage. And even then, the signs were minimal.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! I have only just stumbled across your fabulous blog, but boy is it fabulous! The posts are so inspiring and I am so looking forward to reading future posts and seeing how your projects turn out! I did my degree in menswear design so it is great to finally find a blog about mens patternmaking and see how other people work!
ReplyDeleteBut when it comes to womenswear, as a vintage enthusiast, I ADORE the 1947 reissue!
xxx
I don't want either pattern. (as a matter of fact, I think I already have them both in my stash). I just want to say congrats, and uhh, that pie looks vintage! lol
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be entered for the Dior. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy one year anniversary. I love your blog, it's a little bastion of daily delight and irreverent wit. I wish you many, many happy returns. Enjoy your pie!
Well happy one year. I enjoy your blog, though of late I am behind on reading many blogs, yours included. Love to see what you have been sewing. I like the reissue 1947 pattern if I am the lucky selected person!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! I think your loyal fans have enjoyed the year more than you!
ReplyDeleteWhen are you going to do a give away with a men's pattern? I seem to remember a picture of lounge wear with a model that looked like Burt Reynolds that I coveted.....you know, the one with the high slits an tabs...
I'll throw my hat in for the Dior. As if I need another 70s dress pattern. Something about that sleek line and the front seam just does it for me....
ReplyDeleteMPB makes me happy to get up ridiculously early (my time) because you usually update JUST when I'm sitting down with my first, treasured cup of morning tea.
Congratulation to MPB first year!!!
ReplyDeletePeter,
ReplyDeleteBefore Male Pattern Boldness, I was lost. Alone. Sewing in a cave of darkness. After discovering this most enlightening blog, I've laughed! I've cried! It has become a part of me.
The size 12 Dior, please.
Claudine
Happy Blog Birthday!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a wild and enlightening year!
ReplyDeleteI'll go with the reissue.
Peter,
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me, gently nagged me, and certainly made me laugh!
I need that 1947 reissue for my daughter's wedding in April!!!
1947 please. I am all over that. BTW I am really enjoying the quality comparisons.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe it's been one year! I love reading your blog everyday. You have a gift for writing as well as sewing --thinking of all those perfect plackets you've shown.
ReplyDeleteCount me in on the Dior giveaway, please!
Congratulations, and thank you for all the hard work you do.
ReplyDeleteI love the 1947 reissue, it is just so dramatic.
Congrats and Happy Birthday! It is a hard choice as I love both patterns, but I think the edge goes to the 1947 forties frock.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on one whole year! I prefer the Vogue re-issue, and I actually think the detailing is somewhat contemporary.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a plaid bathrobe at Target because it was marked down to $4.98, and I actually checked the alignment of the armscye seams (which was excellent), which I wouldn’t have done had I not read your posts on examining shirt quality. So I think you can consider yourself an educator as well as a bon vivant and raconteur.
Congratulations on your "birthday"! Has MPB changed my life? Of course! It isn't morning without MPB. Might as well just go back to bed.
ReplyDeleteLove the Vogue 2354 cocktail frock. It's exactly what a hardworking sewist needs to be wearing at the end of the day.
Congrats on your first year! I've only been reading for a couple months, but your posts are always something to look forward to. I've enrolled in a fashion design course at my local community college which starts tomorrow so I'm looking forward to actually understanding what you are talking about sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI love the Dior, but I'm going to have to pick the 1947 because it's my size and really lovely as well.
Happy Birthday! Your blog is a joy everyday, and may it continue so! Shouldn't we be sending you presents, rather than the other way round?
ReplyDeleteYAY! happy blogiversary! Please enter me for the 1947 reissue! Lovely!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a WHOLE year! What did you think a year would bring you, when you started?
ReplyDeleteI know you bring me a grin and great information every post, so thanks for doing it!
I would love love to win the Dior pattern, such beautiful flowy lines!
Happy 1st Birthday. Love the 1947 pattern best. I just have to read your blog every day, even talk about you at breakfast table with hubby. Not sure if he listens though!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogaversary!
ReplyDeleteI'm going with the Dior and Happy Birthday
ReplyDeleteThat Dior pattern is luscious! Happy Birthday MPB, you precocious one year old! Thanks for sharing your interest and passion, and for all the top-stitching porn.
ReplyDeleteHas it only been a year? I feel like I have known you forever! MPB has provided a lot of comic relief in my life, along with some great sewing information. I also am really enjoying Michael's blog as well...you guys rock! I would be honored to own the 1947 reproduction pattern. Happy birthday MPB!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations with your one-year anniversary! It feels like you've been around for ever, and I hope you keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to enter for the 1947 reissue, I like the front details a lot! :-)
Excellent job on your first year of blogging - here's to many more!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Peter! You have done an excellent job of posting religiously everyday with content that is a pleasure to read, full of info and always makes me laugh. It is a blog like yours that makes me realize how fortunate we all are to have found such a great community. And to think, it is you who have brought us all together :)
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love both patterns, I will withdraw my name and just leave you with your much deserved adulation! Bravo!
Happy one year anniversary! And thanks for sharing all your wonderful adventures in sewing with us. I definitely learnt a thing or two through your blog and I also had a couple of good laughs along the way. :D I'm looking forward to many more years of MBP.
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to enter for the 1947 reissue. It's gorgeous!
Congratulations! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThe Dior cuts it for me.
Peter, I've laughed, I've cried, I've learned to sew again! I start every day with you! Ah! The Dior;)
ReplyDeleteHillary
I love your blog and can't believe a year has already come and gone! I love to start my day with you, but I also learn so much from the comments that are received. I hope you enjoy doing this forever because I can't imagine not having MPB to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteFirst: Many Happy Returns of the Day to MPB. To paraphrase Lena Lamont 'It is a shimmering, glowing star in the blog firmament'!!
ReplyDeleteSecond: MPB is on my list of Must Read blogs. Sadly,I don't sew as much as I used to, but I just love reading about your successes and frustrations with sewing projects.
Third: Please start an upholstery blog when you have the leisure and inclination to so!
Fourth. We share the same interest in movies...How many bloggers are familiar with the corset scene in "Two Weeks with Love"?
Fifth" Condolences to Cathy. Send her a copy of 'Mommie Dearest' for some light reading.
Keep up the fabulous work!!
Happy birthday! I'd love to win the Vogue pattern because of it's lovely proportions.
ReplyDeleteThanks to your attention to shirtmaking, my boyfriend might actually receive a handmade shirt some day.
Fun! I enjoy your blog and can't believe it's only been a year!
ReplyDeleteI think I prefer the 1947. It would be a challenge to make it fairly casual.
You're a source of daily entertainment, interest, and glee. Keep it up, please! And I do covet the gorgeous 1940s number.
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversay! I truly love reading your blog - I especially enjoyed the recent shirt construction series! I also love your sense of humor and aspire to be as stylish as your cousin someday! The Dior is lovely and, if I win, I will try to make on for my mom's day this year! Congrats again!
ReplyDeleteHappy Day! Since I began reading MPB my blood pressure went down, I've been sleeping better, the air in my bicycle tires never leaks out, and only one of my plants has withered. I have almost convinced myself that I do not need a 7th vintage sewing machine. I do desperately need one of those presser deals, and I badly require a fabric shopping trip to NYC. Thank you Peter for improving my life!
ReplyDeleteI added you to my google reader and wait with impatience for you to blog every morning. I love your sense of humor. I want the Dior pattern to be mine please.
ReplyDeletePeter, I love your blog so much -- you're such an entertaining writer! And the Dior needs to be mine...
ReplyDeletePeter,
ReplyDeleteBuon compleanno e congratulazioni! Your Neapolitan fans adore you!
I'll take that lovely vintage Vogue, if I'm so lucky!
Ciao bello,
Pam
Happy Birthday MPB! And for the record, I'm glad you're here. :) I've learned quite a bit from sewing blogs, and MPB in particular. And as for the giveaway, well, I've a yen for 40s fashion. So I'd like the reissue. In the right fabric, it'd make a nice everyday dress, too!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, MPB!! Peter, you add such style, flair, wit, and fun to the blogosphere! Keep up your wonderful work! I don't know what we did without you!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary Peter! I found you via PR sometime in the summer, and I've been hooked from day one. Love your writing style and your sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteA heretofore silent, but loyal fan in Kansas.
YAY MPB! It makes my heart happy.
ReplyDeleteI love them both, but I'd take either if that's allowed...
Happy Bloggie Birthday!!! Wow, has it really only been a year? Seems I've loved this site much longer. :) My goal this year is to remember sewing is doable and fun. MPB is the first place I check each morning for inspiration, how-to info, and smiles. Thanks so much for creating such a great blog. May your second year be productive, encouraging, and full of neat surprises.
ReplyDeleteOh, the giveaway question...Ummm. I really like the drape on the second pattern, but alas I don't have the measurements for it and small bust adjustments scare the snot out of me. So the first lovely pattern it is. :)
PammyJ (from patternreview)
Joyeux anniversaire. Is it only a year? It seems as if you've been enriching my life with pearls of wisdom, stylish photoshoots and cute pups for so much longer. And you've freed the vintage machine collector in me!
ReplyDeleteIf the Dior could wing it's way to me I promise to take it to Paris with me in the Spring! Although I wouldn't turn my nose up at the other, if we're perfectly honest....I have two baptisms this year.......
only one year? seems MPB's been in my life forever. many congrats, sir. thanks for giving me a boost back into sewing. i particularly enjoy your thrifty sensibilities.
ReplyDeletehppy brthdy! 1947 re issue for sure. I like patterns with asymmetrical gathers.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! Your video clips are my favorite =)
ReplyDeleteThe vogue reissue is fabulous- who doesn't need more cocktail dresses and evening gowns?
Congratulations on your achievement of one year of blogging! I have to say that I love reading a blog that for a change covers men's clothing - keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteBTW - the Christian Dior Vogue pattern is gorgeous!
Happy Birthday, MPB!! This blog is one of my favs to read and so useful! what more could one wish for, other than to win the 1947 reissue (in my size, no less!) fantastic!
ReplyDeleteCongrats again on such a successful year!
Happy Birthday, MPB! First the business... I'd love to be in the drawing for the 1947 reissue.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes indeed, MPB has changed my life. I haven't commented much as late (life stuff), but I definitely keep up with your adventures. I do miss the Monday nagging... thinking of starting it up on my blog. Regretfully, I won't be sewing along (that darn life stuff), but will be reading along and may make some lucky guy a shirt this year.
I'm so impressed with how fast your sewing skills have come along and your fearlessness to just try any old thing (and know when you just want to hang it up, too). I could go on and on, but keep up the great work!
Happy Birthday MPB!
ReplyDeleteI love the patterns but will leave them for someone who will be able to enjoy making them up.
You've been exceedingly open and fearless with your life and experiences. It's been a treat to watch as you grow and experience and learn. Thanks, Peter.
The Dior is just my size. Yes please! And congratulations. It has been a fun year.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog-day! I'd like to be entered for the Vogue re-issue please!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blog's birthday and for writing such entertaining and informative posts nearly every day for a whole year! Thank you for being a huge encouragement to me to just get on with it and start sewing - your amazing progress is very inspiring! Thank you. And please could you enter me in the giveaway for the 1947 re-issue? Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI'm a faithful blog reader since discovering you. I wish you were my neighbor so I could stop by and laugh in person with you. And maybe give you a hug.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is informative and entertaining and the first one I read everyday. I spend so much time reading sewing blogs I don't get enough sewing done....therefore I call sewing blog reading "virtual sewing".
If I were to win, I'd like the 1947 reissue. I'd have to tweak it to fit, but would love the style/directions for a remake.
Keep up the good writing. I love scrolling down and bursting into laughter. Thanks.
Happy Blogaversary MPB! This blog is one of the delightful webspots that I turn to for inspiration and giggles.
ReplyDeleteAnd please toss me into the batch of folks who love the 1947 reissue - OMGoddess it's a dress that I, mostly a non-dress wearer, would actually make and wear!
Happy day! And cheers to many, many more.
ReplyDeleteI dig the Dior. Oh so lovely.
i would love the 1947 re issue please.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday - love your blog, love your work, and please enter me for the Dior!
ReplyDeleteWell, you made me laugh with your pie. Happy Blogoversary. And I love the Dior pattern.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog early last summer through the Self Seamstress…. I can’t believe it has been that long already. I love getting the chance to see a glimpse of your life through your blog. Keep up the great work….. Happy Birthday!!! I would love, love, love the Dior… my perfect size :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter! I just love reading your blog -- every post makes me smile. I haven't seen one of those Table Talk pies in ages. I pretty much grew up on those (which is probably why I'm so short). Where in the world did you find that?
ReplyDeleteI'd love the Dior dress!
the 1947 reissue please
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Birthday!
Congratulations Peter and Happy Birthday, MPB!
ReplyDeleteI don't need either pattern, but wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoy the blog. Your blog is refreshing, witty and delightfully irreverent. I'm very happy to have found you, and in case no one mentions it: I have the greatest respect for the fact that you actually post every day.
Hoping for many more years!
it is too hard to choose the Dior is so modern and classic and the Vintage is just lovely. If you choose me I will take what ever is left.
ReplyDeleteHappy blog anniversary, I started reading MPB a few months ago and have since been back and read all the earlier posts. It's so interesting to hear about sewing for men, I'm going to try and get my bother to have a read here and see if he's interested. His last birthday present for me was embroidery so I am hopeful.
ReplyDeleteI woul love to win the Dior pattern.
(earlier post deleted because of atrocious spelling)
Good Evening, and Happy blog anniversary. Though I have just discovered your blog a couple of months ago. I love, love your sense of humor and outlook on life!!! I would love to meet you in person one day, and go fabric shopping with you. Actually, I am planning a fabric shopping weekend in NY sometimes this year in the Spring.
ReplyDeleteYou sew beautifully, and I often visit your blog to see what you have created.
I would love the Christian Dior dress pattern if I win. Keep up the fantastic sewing!
The Dior please! :) You know, your blogiversary also happens to be my birthday - coincidence? probably so. But I would never have found out about national pie day otherwise. So I would say it was a lucky coincidence. Looking forward to the sew-along!
ReplyDeleteHappy National Pie Day!!
ReplyDeleteBest year of my bloggy life. Seriously.
Happy birthday, MPB! I love that you sew for both men and women and that you have great variety in your style choices which range from ethnic to vintage to jumpsuit. You also inspired me to watch old classic movies: revisiting favorites and digging up many that are new to me. I look forward to many more of your entertaining and informative posts. Yum! I love pies and I prefer the Dior pattern.
ReplyDeleteI'd love the 1947 reissue! I was lucky enough to run across your blog in the first weeks I discovered the sewing blog community, and I've enjoyed it ever since! Happy Birthday to MPB!
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy Birthday!!!! I am loving the Dior pattern and counting down the days until you teach me how to make my man a shirt - what did I do before your blog? :)
ReplyDeleteMany, many happy returns on your first blogiversary. You are ever a delight to read.
ReplyDeleteBoth those patterns are utterly divine, but if I had to choose, I'd have to say the 1947 frock.
Happy Birthday MPB!!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I prefer the Dior, so simple but elegant.
I like MPB because as a mom of 4 boys I see alot of sewing for men/boys in my future so it's nice to see a blog mostly dedicated to sewing for men. Also the male perspective is nice and I just love reading MPB.
dear heart,
ReplyDeletean ardent follower here in far Seattle. Love the news you send. And give my love to Kathy,Cathy? Hope she is doing well.
When I saw the pattern of the 40s, this pre DVF warp around: it screams MARY. you wouldn't know, but Mary is my dear friend whose birthday it is in late March and she must have this dress. And I already envision the material, a soft draping viscose in bright red.
Nick (michanick@yahoo.com)
Happy, happy birthday MPB. All these comments confirm your place as the world's most popular male sewing blog. Please enter me into the draw for the 1947 reprint. If I win, I want to donate it to Cathy. She would look *stunning* in it whereas I, sadly, would not. I'd love to see you make this for a "welcome home" gift for her. It would give her such a lift at this difficult time!
ReplyDeleteA joyful 1st birthday to you and your blog, Peter! I read MPB every morning while I'm eating my brekky (which I really shouldn't do, because eating near a laptop isn't the world's best idea!)
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway - I love the Dior pattern :) Very elegant!
Joyeux anniversaire du blog!
ReplyDeleteIf I got lucky & won it - I'd need to grade it up, but the Christian Dior Vogue Paris Original catches my eye :)
Many happy returns, MPB. Between your wit and sense of sewing adventure ... and Cathy's charm ... its always a most enjoyable read. Here's to the next 12 months.
ReplyDelete(If I was so lucky, the 1947 pattern would be a goodie).
has it only been one year ? I feel like i've known you forever. I love your blog and your 'voice' and your style.
ReplyDeletehappy birthday. Oh and if I win I'd like the'v' neck vintage vogue pattern because i'd totally rock that dress !
lore
x
and kisses to those chihuabua runners.
Congratulations on the blogiversary! What a great giveaway. I'd adore the Dior...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on MPB's first birthday! Why did I think you've been around longer? Perhaps because you have so many followers?
ReplyDeleteI like your new shirt and would consider making it for my DH. I think what's missing on this shirt is a print, stripes or plaid I think. It just looks so naked without buttons down the front!
BTW, if I'm lucky enough to win something in your draw, I would hope it would be the 1947 Forties frock. I don't think I'll be seeing size 12 for another few months. OR, if it's already spoken for, I'd be happy to take one of your men's shirt patterns off your hands!
What a generoud giveaway! I can't believe you've been around for a year, yet I only discovered you a couple months ago. I didn't know how much I was missing you!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the 1947 reissue. The Vogue pattern is lovely, of course, but it just wouldn't fit me. Le sigh.
I look forward to your posts every day. They're both hilarious and helpful, and I find reading your blog to be strangely calming and centering. It's uplifting to read at work when I'm feeling gloomy. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like the 1947 reissue.
Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and can,t wait to start sewing the shirt, pattern ordered and looking for fabric.
I like the Forties Frock.
I've only recently discovered your humor and I wish I had as much. Thank you and Happy First-Year Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThe Dior, please.
Happy anniversary Peter!
ReplyDelete