Holy freakin' moly, friends, today I turned fifty. That's right, the big 5-0. I can't believe it and hopefully neither can you. Well it's no joke, and if it were, it would be a very cruel one.
"How does one celebrate one's 50th birthday?" you're probably asking yourself. By hanging out with someone much, much older!
Last night Michael and I went to hear Barbara Cook sing at Feinstein's nightclub and it was a fantastic experience. Barbara -- who some of you may know was the original Marian Madam Librarian in The Music Man -- will be turning 85 this year and she still sings beautifully. There's hope for me yet. We were pretty much the youngest people in the audience so that felt good.
I've been treating myself to all sorts of goodies all month, but yesterday I picked up this glamorous pattern on eBay at an amazingly low price.
And today at the flea market, I found this buttery vintage Seventies Ultrasuede coat dress with a Saks Fifth Avenue label that I really just bought to study the seams, but it actually fits! Maybe I can work it into a future Cathy photo shoot. Five bucks.
But enough about me and my spendthrift ways -- today is really about you. My latest article in Vogue Patterns is hot off the presses and I have a copy to give away to one lucky MPB reader! This issue (June/July) is so new it's not even on the VPM website yet and I'm probably not even supposed to be talking about it, but I am willing to take the risk.
Vogue Patterns is getting better and better and this issue is chock full of great contemporary fashion (and two gorgeous vintage repros) and juicy, informative articles by people like Sandra Betzina and Marcy Tilton. And me!
You're going to love it and if you don't win this time, I hope you'll treat yourself to a copy -- or better yet, subscribe!
All you have to do to enter my 50th birthday giveaway is leave a comment below, and everyone the world over is eligible. I'll announce the winner, chosen at random, on Monday. (If you comment and don't want to be considered for the giveaway, just let me know.) You may send me birthday wishes, but please, the less said about the number, the better. (Thankfully, I still have a dewy complexion!) And now I really need a drink.
Have a great weekend, everybody, and good luck!
Posts
Happy Birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter - loving the look of that `70s dress!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! You know it is the new 30. And you don't look a day over 21. And I love your spend thrift ways. Actually bought new linen yesterday and almost cried, even at 50% off.
ReplyDeleteHappy Born Day, Peter. Enjoy your day. No remnants on the maternity stuff, huh?
ReplyDeleteLOL...since I'm 49, NO, 50 is not old!
ReplyDeleteLove the shot of you with the dress form. It's exactly why I love reading your blog; it's just damned fun!
ReplyDelete50 is only a number. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappiest of times to you (and Michael)!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Have a great birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, Happy Birthday! I am Janina from The Netherlands and I love to read your amazing blog!!
ReplyDeleteHappy! My birthday is in June so the mag would be perfect. I will be...older than you. But NOT old.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteYou really don't look your age (from the photos you post, anyway...).
What if you've been treating yourself all month? Your birthday week starts today, nothing before counts!
Have a grand time,
Sam
You should see the photos I DON'T post! ;)
DeleteHappy Birthday Peter!!! I would have never guessed your age, You look smashing! Love your blog.. it always gives me inspiration and brightens my day.. I can't tell you how many times I have watched you sing with the parrot for a little pick me up. :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Peter! I hope I look as good as you when I turn 50. Wait! I'm 56…the memory is going.
ReplyDeleteJeff in VA
Happy Birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Peter! Thanks for giving us the gift of your witty blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're old enough to be my "little brother". Wouldn't that be neat?!!
I hope you can blow out all our candles, or are the lungs starting to go?
Have a great day!!!
that would be....YOUR candles....
ReplyDeletehappy birthday to you!
ReplyDelete50??! Wow you looking good!
enjoy it!!
grüsse
Nathalie
Happy Birthday Peter! You truly are a very youthful 50. Looks like it will be another great issue of Vogue patterns. Thanks for the preview!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter! Neither you nor your cousin Cathy are showing your age - well done :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday and have an excellent weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy bithday, Peter! How nice of you to give something to you're readers when you should be the one getting all the gifts. Not that I'm complaining...
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! I really enjoy your blogspot and your sewing creations and would never have guessed you'd be turning, you know, 50, today! Truly! I myself will be 50 in September, so it really seems like 50 is the new 30! I feel better than ever - and it seems like you do too. !
ReplyDeleteHave a very happy birthday, Peter. i so enjoyed your article in Vogue.
ReplyDeletehappy birthday! i would love to win :) raineoc@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI wish you your best year ever! xoxo Can't wait to see what I learn from you in the next 50 yrs.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Etc. Add my name to the virtual hat for the Vogue. Thank you for hosting another giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter! Here's to a great new year, and many, many more.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter, you fabulous thang!
ReplyDeleteMany happy returns! Are we likely to see the newly svelte Cathy in that slinky new vintage number? It's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter! And I'm not sure I believe it. You're way too young to be 50. I think age is more and more a state of mind, though. I mean, I remember when 30 is ancient and 40, well, you might as well be dead. Now, well, not even 60 looks that old to me now.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter :-)
ReplyDeleteHippo Birdies Two Ewes, Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter
ReplyDeleteBtw i just mentioned your age to my boyfriend and he commented on how well you were looking.
DeleteI'm far too broke for magazines--maybe I'll win this one? Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to check out Vogue Patterns! That number with ethe ruffle at the bust is pretty stinkin cute.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter! I am just ever-so-slightly younger than you; no wonder I get all your cultural references.
ReplyDeleteIn honor of Barbara Cook, here is a story I figured you might enjoy (my father told this story about, oh, 2 or 3 times a year, whenever he thought it was remotely relevant): When my parents were dating (remember that term?) in the late 50s, my mom lived in NYC (2 blocks from the Metropolitan Museum in a railroad-1-BR with 2 roommates)and my father lived upstate. He used to travel down for the weekend when he could get off work, and would stay at the Y.
One weekend, he scored tickets to see Robert Preston and Barbara Cook in The Music Man. When he arrived in New York, he found my mother ambivalent, as she was keen to see Dark At the Top Of the Stairs. Guess which one they went to?
He married her, but he never forgot. Or, arguably, forgave.
Well, Happy Birthday!
hmm...never picked up a VoguePatterns magazine but this may tempt me! Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting back into sewing after a long hiatus, and would love to try a Vogue magazine!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday from someone who thinks 50 is young.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter, you sweet young thing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter! I just started reading your blog, have become a major Cathy fan, and would have never pegged you for 50 (or even near that).
ReplyDeleteWell, happy happy birthday! Delighted that you share your special day with our esteemed Queen Elizabeth. Though it's only her *official* birthday. This might be a good year to adopt an official birthday of your own - how about it? There must be some compensations for getting older. ;)
ReplyDeletePour yourself a nice stiff drink, Peter! ;) All I'll say is a heartfelt "many happy returns". hehe.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter! You're one month behind me. I turned 50 last month. People tell me I don't look my age and neither do you according to the posts.
ReplyDeleteMany many more!
Andy S.
I turn 50 in 11 days! Have a great day (week, month, year, decade, etc.). Thanks for the smiles whenever I read your blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Cathy, too!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter, and many more!
ReplyDeleteYes. Happy Birthday Cathy! You certainly don't look 50! Being with child keeps you young!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your blog. Trouble is, since I discovered your blog I haven't gotten as much sewing done lately.
Celebrate! Celebrate!
A. S.
Happy Birthday. Have a fabulous day :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! I feel your pain. How can we be ffffffiffffty???? And how can I be even older than you? ;-) I'm still recovering, still in denial, but at least I'm still kicking (and screaming all the way).
ReplyDeleteI hope Michael made you a special dinner. I remember when he used to blog about his kitchen adventures. Ahh, the good ol' days. Yikes, now I sound like my mother!
Debbie, you inspired me -- fearlessly leading the way!
DeleteHappy B-day! Love your posts.
ReplyDeleteHaPpY BiRtHdAy Peter - glad to hear life's as wonderful as ever - its not just cos its your b'day :-)
DeleteHappy Birthdaaaay, toooo YOUUUUU!
DeleteI recently turned 60 dude, so consider yourself young but on a fast train; make the best and most of it!
You've twisted my poor mind; and my name is Scott and I admit that I have added a 50's hand crank Singer to my Ebay watch list (and searched for boxer patterns to try to catch up :).
PS I'm on west coast time, so it's still your birthday and I hope you're still celebrating! Cheers!
Wishing you all the best--the 50s are a great adventure!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Peter - and congratulations on having your article published.
ReplyDeleteShut the front door, you're 50??? I cannot believe it. I've seen you in person and can attest you don't look a day over 40. Happy BIrthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter, congratulations on the article, picking up my copy this week!
ReplyDeletePeter, a very happy birthday to you. I already subscribe to Vogue but just wanted to tell you you're special and I love your writing.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it either!! But a big Happy Birthday (cue fizzing sounds and *klinking* glasses!) From what my 51 yo hubby tells me, 50 is the new 40. He's right. My 70 yo mother is in better shape than I'm in!! lol
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the article, it's really cool to see you in there. Either way, this issue looks great, I'll have to get my hands on one.
Ah yes, 50. I've been told that arriving at 50 means you are in the youth of your old age. You were in the audience with all those older folks, just think, they're all still going out and having fun, albeit OLD! I have a really hard time getting behind the fact I'm pushing 70 in a few years!!!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good youth-maintenance.
Well Happy Birthday you young whipper-snapper! I hope you are having a fantastic day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter. You look great. I am 62, and there is a rumour started that I am 52. What the heck.... Cathie, in Quebec, and hope I win!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter. You do lovely work and I've enjoyed finding and reading your posts. Your article is definitely going to give readers something to smile about. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteMay you have the most wonderful birthday ever Peter! You're not getting older,you're getting better!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter! I look forward to your posts every day. Can't wait to see the article.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter! You're the top!
ReplyDeleteDid ya notice he found some ultrasuede on his birthday? What with the Mayans, the universe now rewards in a timely manner.
Delete[not a 2nd entry - just an observation]
Happy Birthday, sir! I'm new to your blog (I found it just tonight) and must tell you that you are a truly unique voice. I, too, sew with a vintage machine, the 1962 Elna that I learned on. I spend hours searching vintage patterns and love to sew from them. Your ensembles are magnificent and make me want to be in New York! All the best on your milestone!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you! I hope that you have a day filled of lots of treats, fabric and sewing :o)
ReplyDeleteAge is something that doesn't matter, unless you are wine. And speaking of wine, here's a toast to many more birthdays good-looking! It beats the alternative.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Peter. I have this same milestone soon and I'm not sure how it happened, either. Sounds like you had a great day. I'll have a glass of champagne in your honour this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteYou're a mere wisp of an "L" in Roman numerals. I'm all my fingers and all my toes and all my fingers again and all my toes again plus two more fingers.
ReplyDeleteCartwheels! Happy Birthday! Surely you own 50 sewing machines … ?
I'll not sleep until you tell us what present Cathy gave you.
LKS
Happy Birthday, Peter! I am new to your blog but, I've enjoyed all the wonderful photo shoots with Cathy at BurdaStyle and your lovely creations that now live in her closet. :) Hope you had a glorious day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter. Welcome to your fifties. I am almost leaving that decade and have not liked it much. Hope it serves you better than it has me.
ReplyDeleteMay this be the very bestest year of your life, Peter! (so far, that is....)
ReplyDeleteAnd btw, you're still a young whippersnapper in my book :)
Happy birthday Peter! I love your blog! I love you!
ReplyDeleteHappiest of Birthdays, Peter...and I can attest to the fact that 50 is indeed the new 30. I can even still see 50 in the rear view mirror. Just.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHooray for 50, you young pup! By all means, hang out with older people. That's what all my friends do. LOL
ReplyDeleteActually we're all the same year, but my birthday is earlier than everyone else's, so I get to be the "old" one.
Enjoy your day!
Happy unmentionable birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthsday, Peter! I wish you a lot of happy sewing for the next 50 years!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter. Would it be too rude to ask how old this makes Cathy?
ReplyDelete30?
DeletePeter, If I win, keep the magazine... send Cathy. (Scott who's sewing on a Necchi as old as he is and who is NOT making a second entry but only requesting a slight change in the award ;-)
DeleteHappy Birthday Peter! I've never seen Vogue magazine, so would love to win this!
ReplyDeleteHappy B Day Peter!
ReplyDeleteHapy B Day Peter! I have no access to commercial patterns here in India due to high shipping + customs cost! So i would obviously love to win this one!
ReplyDeleteGratz on your big day Peter! My own Peter here at home shares your birthday by the way. Seems to be a Peter day ;-). I hope you have a great day and wish you 50 splendid more to go!
ReplyDeleteHappy happy Birthday, Peter! So good of you to think of us. :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy B-day Peter, honestly I can't believe ur 50 you look nothing like it my dear friend! Here's to another happy 50 to go, best wishes!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, Peter! I give You 35 - max! :))) Regards, Wiki
ReplyDeleteI'll drink to that! Happy Birthday Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter! I never would have guessed this was a milestone birthday by your blog photos. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, sounds like you had fun!
ReplyDeleteThe VPM looks great. must get a hold of a copy soon.
Well, Happy Birthday! Was reading your article on treadle machines in Sew Today yesterday, and lamenting the fact I don't have one.... :D
ReplyDeleteBuon compleanno, Peter! Keep inspiring us!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Birthday Peter.
ReplyDeleteI subscribe to Sew Today magazine (UK version), hence me coming across your blog. My mag dropped through the letter box yesterday, same picture on front, also same article with vintage patterns. It seems though, they are not identical inside. In my new addition you are discussing treadle machines, I always thought they were the same.
louise
Happy birthday Peter ... that's at least two of us! Unfortunately I am nearly a month earlier! I just got my "new" Singer 66 today! I'm so excited.. it's like the machine I learnt (or learned?) on many years ago.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter. My 6th decade (age 50-59) is fading from memory as I move towards age 61, but I rather think most of it was fun.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthdy Peter! You are so naughty giving us a sneak peak and a chance to win the Vogue Magazine, it is hard to find in Australia so I am thankful for a chance to land a copy! Hope you were spoilt rotten for your 50th!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Peter! I'd love a copy of the magazine - and that cover photo is... quite awesome.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, from one who is just slightly older...52 in June. Remember...50 is the new 30!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Hope it is GREAT! Will you autograph the article?
ReplyDeleteMary Kay
Happy Birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter! As other commenters have said-you don't look it. I 53 and I'm still trying to get used to the idea.
ReplyDeleteCount me in for the giveaway.
PS-thanks to you I'm now considering a hand crank. I'm not sure if I should be happy you inspired it or mad at you for putting the thought in my head!
Happy birthday, Peter! Cathy will look so glamorous in the dress and coat made from that new pattern!
ReplyDeleteOH, I would LOVE the magazine! And many happy returns, you don't look a day over 25!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!! And thank you for writing such an amazing blog for us to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY Peter! Saturday was my birthday too.The big 40 for me.Hey every day is another day to learn and grow. As long as i don't have to grow up;)
ReplyDeleteBIRTHDAY JOKE: My daughter insists on eating gummie bears two at a time. When I asked why she said:"So they don't have to die alone."
Happy Birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter !! MUCHAS FELICIDADES
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter! I'd love to be entered in the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHuzzah!!! Happy, happy birthday wishes to you! Sounds like you had a splendid day and I'm looking forward to seeing your new article!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy Birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteNo way do you look... um, whatever age it was you just turned. Seriously! Have a wonderful birthday-week-month! Cheers :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I would never have guessed, you look so young!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday - you're still young at heart!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day!
Happy Birthday! You do not look 50 at all!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter! But I think your blog had a typo. It says you turned 50. Ha! Ha! 50! No way. Photos can be doctored but I've met you in person. No way that you're 50. You and Cathy must share your access to the fountain of youth. Those of us older than you could really use it! Thanks for sharing with your fans on your big day.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter! 50 is good; from personal experience I can tell you that 60 is even better. I didn't start sewing until I was 58. Look what a jump you have on me!
ReplyDeleteMany wishes for a wonderful birthday, Peter. I'm dreading my own big 50 when it comes (a few years yet but, as another 60s child, coming fast all the same...). Looking at you makes it seem so much less scary though. You're an inspiration, and not just at the sewing table!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter! Since I'm 6 years older than you...eek, did I just give away my age? I don't feel to sorry for you! I don't need to be in the drawing for the magazine, since I already subscribe. And I agree, it has improved SO much over the past couple of years.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! You're as young as you feel!
ReplyDeleteGod, I hope not. ;)
Deletehappy birthday Peter :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 50th Birthday from one Cathy (also with a 'C') to another! Cathy must have been a popular name in 1962, I also turned the big '50' in February. Remember the best is yet to come!
ReplyDeleteOh my! Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great year!
ReplyDeleteFifty and FABULOUS! Happy Birthday mister!
ReplyDeletetina_crossgrove(at)hotmail(dot)com
Happy birthday! (I don't know if it's still your birthday, but anyway.) I don't want the magazine.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I wish you the very best.
ReplyDeleteRose in SV
Happy Birthday!!! You are only as old as you feel. For me that varies between 100 and 20, depending on the day.
ReplyDeleteLoving Vogue Pattern Magazine. Like you say, they are getting better all the time, just like fine wine. Would love a copy, but will buy it even if I don't win.
Happy birthday, and Yes, Please!!
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday! I always celebrate -age is NOT important - the cake is! Oh, and I love Vogue!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeletersgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com
Happy birthday Peter, You spring chicken you ;-)
ReplyDeletecutekipepeo(at)gmail(dot)com
Happy birthday, Peter! It is always fun to read your blog!
ReplyDelete50? Surely not! Looking good, Peter. Hope you've had a fantastic birthday. Very best wishes.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! My birthday is on Saturday and you will be pleased to know you will always be younger than me! :-)
ReplyDeletei sew, have a collection of vintage sewing machines AND my 50th birthday was on april 21st!!! now you have an identical cousin and a boston twin! i celebrated my special day by taking a pole dancing lesson with 7 women between the ages of 48 and 73, aided by copious amounts of alcohol and chocolate. i don't think most of my neighbors would have realized it was a special day, but the costumes (oh yes, there were costumes!) and stretch limo kind of gave it away. what a fun day! i hope yours was too!!
ReplyDeleteHappy happy birthday!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Peter! You are 50 times more fabulous! I doubt at 30 you could produce so interesting articles... I check your blog every day, you always make me smile! xoxo Carina
ReplyDeletePeter, Happy, happy birthday. (I know it is a little late, but I didn't see your post until today.) I save your Friday and weekend posts to cheer me up on Monday mornings.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
It's going to be a fabulous year, Peter. Glad you enjoyed your birthday celebration.
ReplyDeleteVogue Patterns is just getting better and better!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Peter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Great blog.
ReplyDeleteBelated happy birthday! And thanks for the magazine preview -- it's always exciting when Vogue adds a new designer.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteMary
Happy Birthday! Love reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday from Israel !
ReplyDeleteI really can't believe the 50 issue :)
Happy Birthday to you from Canada; now you are officially "vintage" just like your sewing machines!
ReplyDeleteThat is SOME cleavage on that Vogue cover; looks more like PLAYBOY. Despite that, I will concede that Vogue Sewing is gradually catching up to Threads in terms of being a worthwhile sewing magazine for people who already know how to sew!
Oh my goodness - happy belated Birthday, Mr. Lappin! This is what happens when I fall behind in my blog reading - I miss terribly important events! It is terribly rude of me to show up so late to the party, but I do hope you will forgive me! Wishing you 50 more fabulous years!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday from Australia, you share the same month and the same birth year as me. I would luv the prize as we have a very limited choice on sewing mags here in Oz. Luv your blog.
ReplyDelete