Ten things I learned making a 1940's midriff

Friends, no matter what I'm sewing -- or for whom -- I try to learn something.  Cathy's 1940's midriff outfit was no different.  While the pattern, which dates from 1947, wasn't complicated, my version did present a few challenges. 

Cathy models the 40's midriff or "Sweetheart of the Navy!"

Friends, on this Memorial Day, I am thrilled to be featuring Cathy's latest photo shoot, which combines a 1940's midriff ensemble and our men in uniform.

More midriff madness!

I don't think these shorts look particularly girly but Michael assures me otherwise.  I think I've lost perspective.

"Oops, I did it again!" or Peter's Latest Vintage Sewing Machine

Friends, as I've said in the past, when it comes to $20 sewing machines, I have no resistence.   Anything over that and I get very picky -- and rational.   But quote me $20 and I'm hauling that baby home.

Friday Forties Midriff Madness!

Memorial Day weekend is upon us here in the United States and the unofficial start of the summer season.  Can you think of a better time to whip up a vintage mid-Forties midriff?

Reflections on My Second Year of Sewing

Friends, this is the week that, two years ago, I bought my very first sewing machine.  Those of you who've been with me since the beginning know the story; those who don't will find a brief synopsis here.  It's an anniversary I like to acknowledge, taking a moment to reflect on where I've been before moving on. 

Feel the Fear...and Serge it Anyway!

So I spent a few hours with my Brother 1034D yesterday.  Readers, I serged, I serged, oh, how I serged!  

Do You Suffer From Serger-phobia?

Friends, I love my little Brother 1034D serger, which I've owned for nearly a year and a half.  It has performed flawlessly, cleanly finishing my seam allowances whether they be chiffon or denim.  But I'll let you in on a secret: these machines scare me.  I am a serger-phobe. 

Midriffs and other Monday Musings

Good morning, sewing machine hoarders and others!

Let's not even talk about the Singer 401A from yesterday's post.  No doubt it is rusting in the back of a truck somewhere, but at least it's not collecting dust in my apartment.  End of story.

Roads Not Taken

Readers, I was this close to buying a vintage Singer 401A sewing machine at the flea market yesterday.  The dealer was asking $80, but I'm pretty certain he'd have taken less.  It came complete with a box of slant attachments and a very nice carrying case, and it looked like such fun.

Peter in Pajamas!

Friends, there are two kinds of men: ones who wear pajamas and ones who don't.  I certainly don't want to reinforce stereotypes, but some men have pajamas written all over them. 

Pajama Games

Readers, I know pajamas are not the most exciting sewing project in the world.  In fact, they may be one of the dullest, ranking just above sewing machine cover and baby diaper.

Pajama Party Tonight!

It's time to sew again, friends, and can you guess what I'm sewing?

Pajamas!

FASHION POLICE 101 or "How to Tell Someone You Love You Hate Their Outfit"

So I have this friend...

Whatever Happened to Twenties Style?

It's been a while since I've written about Twenties style.  Quite frankly, I'm worried about it.  I have always maintained that once a style has been relegated to Halloween costume status, it's gravely endangered. 

A Day of Rest

Loyal readers, today is all about R&R here at MPB.  Having just finished a two-week Jeans Sew-Along, I badly need a vacation, or at least an afternoon wrapped in compression bandages -- maybe two.

So Long, Sew-Along -- Peter & Michael's White Jeans Photo Shoot!

Readers, I am sad to report that the MPB Jeans Sew-Along Express has arrived at its destination.  It's been a great ride, but it's time to deboard (which is a real word, believe it or not) so I can clean the bathrooms.

Jeans Sew-Along 10.5 -- Rivets FAIL + Gifts Galore!

Friends, contrary to popular opinion, I am just a person.  Like you, I have my highs and my lows, my successes and my failures.  In the latter camp must go jeans rivets.  Try as I might I simply cannot manage to attach them correctly.  I can poke the hole in the fabric all right, it's everything else.

Jeans Sew-Along 10 -- How to Make a Button Fly!

Much to cover today so let's get to it.  The best way to create a button fly is to look at a pair of RTW jeans and recreate one.

(Nearly) Jeans-Free Friday!

Friends, we're off to a late start today, as Blogger has been down all morning.  Yesterday's Jeans Sew-Along button fly post was MIA for a while there, but is back.  (The comments were lost, unfortunately.)

I'm nearly finished with Michael's button fly jeans and we're both very happy with them.  More pics this weekend.

Jeans Sew-Along 9 -- Plodding along + CONTEST WINNER!

Not much to report today, friends.  I made decent progress on Michael's jeans yesterday, but let's face it: the second pair of white jeans is never quite as exciting as the first.  The button fly should provide some drama, however, and I expect to be reporting on that tomorrow.

Jeans Sew-Along 8 -- Starting all over again!

Friends, today I get started on my second pair of jeans, the ones with the button fly, which I'm making for Michael.

NEWS FLASH: We interrupt this Sew-Along...!

Men keep score.  (Am I wrong?)  So imagine my excitement this weekend when I hit 1,000 blog followers!

Jeans Sew-Along 7 -- Finishing up!

Friends, it's time to finish our jeans!

Jeans Sew-Along 6 -- The Bodacious Backside

Friends, believe it or not, we're past the mid-point in our jeans construction!  We've completed our front pockets and front fly.  It's time to do the ass backside.

Jeans Sew-Along 5 -- The Fly

Readers, what is it about installing zipper flies that instills terror in the hearts of millions?

We are now going to vanquish that fear.

Jeans Sew-Along 4 -- Front Pockets

Readers, I know what you've been wondering all week.  Is Peter going to finish his jeans pockets with genuine rivets?

Jeans Sew-Along 3 -- Seams

Good morning, Sew-Alongers and Sew-Along bench-sitters!  I don't think I told you yet, but I'll be sewing two pairs of jeans in our Jeans Sew-Along: white denim jeans with a zipper fly and dark blue denim jeans with a button fly. 

Jeans Sew-Along 2 -- Fit

I like to think I'm a very open-minded person, but in many ways I'm quite traditional and jeans fit is one of the ways.   Unless you're dancing around a pole, please keep your appendectomy scar covered.

Jeans Sew-Along 1 -- Getting Started!

Welcome to the first day of the MPB Jeans Sew-Along!

For the next few weeks we're going to be making jeans together.  Whether you're a veteran or are sewing jeans for the first time, you're going to have fun and, I hope, learn something new about jeans and jeans construction.