For Want of a Screw...

Readers, believe me when I tell you that yesterday at this time I had never heard of a loop guard, let alone a loop guard screw.  But life is about learning, friends, and if we're open to it, knowledge will come our way, no matter how arcane and (arguably) trivial.

Photo Album 2...and the Featherweight arrives!

More pics from the magical mystery photo album -- and so much more, my friends.  But first...

The Photo Album

I don't know what came over me, readers.  At the flea market on Sunday I did something unprecedented and wholly in conflict with my new decluttering rules.  I purchased somebody's lost/discarded photo album.  And what an album it is!

The Opposite of Sewing

Readers, what is the opposite of sewing?  If you said, not sewing, you'd be wrong.  No, my friends, the opposite of sewing is unsewing.  I know, because I unsewed yesterday.  The rose-print gathered skirt of last week is but a memory, six yards of rose-print polished cotton now neatly folded and returned to my stash.

New acquisitions + George W. Trippon

Readers, Sunday posts can tend to be idea dumps here at MPB.  Sometimes there are things I'd like to share but they don't warrant a post all their own -- or I lack the inspiration to create one.  Consider today's post an idea dump.  My mind has been unfocused of late.

In other news...

Friends, do you ever have rescue fantasies?  I do -- in fact, I'm having one right now.  I bring this up because yesterday, out of nowhere, I was rescued and let me tell you, readers, it felt wonderful.  (Don't let them tell you otherwise.)

Sewing and the (dreaded) UFO

Loyal readers, you know we don't talk about UFO's here on MPB very often.  (I'm an accentuate the positive type of guy.)   And I have only two "unfinished objects" to my name, sort of.

Liz Style

Like many people around the world, I was shocked and saddened by the death of Elizabeth Taylor yesterday.  It just seemed like that Dame was going to live forever -- she'd been through so many health emergencies and always pulled through.  Alas, this time it was not to be.

Sewing and the Impulse Purchase

Kind readers, I won't lie: I've indulged in a few impulsive pick-ups in my day -- shopping, I mean.

Cathy's Beauty Secrets Revealed!

As we come back to earth after a night of star-studded revelry, I thought I'd share with you some of the details that helped make Cathy a knock-out on Sunday.  First, the outfit:

Cinderella at the Ball

Friends, if you're the type of person who dreams of being told you look beautiful -- by none other than supermodel Heidi Klum*  (I kid you not) -- then this was the event for you!

Cathy Plays the Palace

Folks, tonight's the night -- the big Broadway premier and Cathy's a VIP guest!  I could not make this up.

When bloggers meet

Readers, one of the perks of blogging is getting to meet other bloggers in person.  Sometimes they even treat you to coffee -- though not always, so bring your wallet.

I've been seeing a lot of my fellow bloggers these past few months and I haven't been open with you about it.  I'm a man, OK?  Anyway I'm spilling the beans today and I hope you're satisfied.

Everything but Sewing

Friends, we've been honest with each other since the beginning so why change now?  I've had a busy week full of all kinds of sewing-related excitement, but when it comes to actual sewing, um...not so much.

Look, Ma, I'm teaching!

Loyal readers, all sorts of exciting news today.  First, I'm delighted to announce that at this very moment I am blogging directly from my bed.  That's right, friends, my home internet service has been restored and I couldn't be happier.

Whither the Secretary?

Friends, is anybody a secretary anymore?

In these days of internet, iPhones, Blackberries, etc., is there really any need for somebody to answer phones, take a letter, or make photocopies?

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may...

Readers, it seems not a week goes by but we are reminded yet again of the fragility of life.  Our human existence is nothing if not impermanent and unpredictable, as today's frightening headlines from Japan make clear.

MPB Jeans Sew-Along -- UPDATE!

 

Good morning, jeans lovers and others, and welcome once again to my bagel shop.  I bring great news, piping hot coffee, and all the Sixties song hits from your youth -- or at least mine.

Our Jeans Sew-Along is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 2, 2011, which means we're just about six weeks away.

Men's Style Books -- Your favorites and mine!

Greetings from Surf City, USA (Two girls for every boy!).  Yes, I'm back at the bagel shop/Wi-Fi hotspot, otherwise known as Home of the Golden Oldies.  

Home internet service remains an elusive dream and did I mention our ground line phone is out too?  I try to look on the bright side:  I can no longer troll eBay in search of more Ken dolls which is probably a good thing.

GUY WEEK FINALE -- New Kids on the Block + pattern winners!

Friends, you've made me so very happy. I'm so glad you came into my life.  Wait, that's the radio -- yup, I'm back in the bagel shop/Wi-Fi hotspot.  Still no home internet.

And did I mention that you make me feel like a natural woman?

GUY WEEK EXCLUSIVE! -- MPB Men's Grooming VIDEOS!

Readers, you spoke, I listened  -- or was it the other way around?  Regardless, in our continued celebration of MPB Guy Week, today I debut my first-ever men's grooming videos!

MPB First-Ever DOUBLE Men's Pattern Giveaway!

Loyal readers, I have so much exciting news on this fifth day of Guy Week, I almost don't know where to begin.  Like my arch-rival good friend Gertie, I too am on a super exciting trip!

Men Who Dress Like Women

Friends, finally, the topic you've all been waiting for.  Isn't it time we addressed the 10-ton elephant in the room?  And what better time than MPB Guy Week?

Grab a cup of coffee, turn off the radio, and shut the door -- I have a confession to make. 

REVEALED -- Men's Fashions Most-Endangered List!

Readers, today's MPB Guy Week post will no doubt spark controversy.  Nothing lasts forever, even in the relatively stable world of men's fashion.  I categorize most the garments below under "Going, Going, Gone," and store a few in my heretofore top-secret "Good-bye and Good Riddance" folder.

GUY-CONS, or "10 Famous Men with Style for the Ages"

Today on MPB Guy Week we're looking at male style icons or guy-cons.  I dread the banal, and I fear this topic has a little of the in-flight magazine about it but what can you do?  We will make it interesting and can I offer you a beverage?

Boxers and Y-Fronts and Thongs, Oh My!

Good morning, readers,  and welcome to Day 1 of our First Annual MPB Guy Week.  

Please do not confuse Guy Week with Man Month.  Brilliantly talented Shelley is offering four weeks of substance; I am offering one week of fluff.  There's a huge difference but I hope you will support us both.

And now, speaking of support...

GUY week!

Readers, I'm thrilled to announce that tomorrow, March 6, we'll be kicking off our First Annual MPB Guy Week.  

And what a week it's gonna be!

MPB Jeans Sew-Along -- Save the date!

Guys, it's official: the MPB Jeans Sew-Along is scheduled to begin Monday, May 2, 2011.  It's for both men and women and I hope you'll participate.

"That Seventies Pattern" -- grooviest MPB giveaway EVER!

Friends, today begins a new chapter in my much-heralded decluttering saga.  While longtime MPB readers may remember my very first decluttering post only last November, the mental preparation was years in the making, subtle shifts taking place deep within my unconscious.

High-Water Men's Pants - Yea or Nay?

Readers, if you haven't witnessed the trend in person, you've probably seen it in magazines.  I speak of the creeping high-water pants look for men.

Time for another MPB Sew-Along!

Friends, I've been thinking: now that our Men's Shirt Sew-Along is coming to a close, what might we sew together next?