Coming to MPB this August...!

Readers, whatever happened to Teen Time magazine?  I found a copy at the flea market and what a great read it is -- provocative and oh, so real.   I especially enjoyed Connie Stevens' cautionary tale "Liquor, Sex, and You" which totally opened my eyes to the teen parking-and-necking phenomenon.  Better late than never.





And speaking of Connie Stevens, I also found this July 1962 issue of Movie Mirror, which boasts the enticing photo spread "How Dick Chamberlain Smothers a Girl With Kisses."  (Probably with the aid of a lot of liquor.)









Moving right along, one of the (many) frustrations I have with vacations is how long it takes me to get back into the sewing groove.  I was really on a roll before I left and now I have to wind myself up all over again.  Assuming I am able to do that, I thought I'd highlight what's in store for the coming month.  Here goes!

1) This 1940's swimsuit and topper is August's big Cathy project, but first we have to see if big Cathy will be ready for it.

Now approaching her ninth month, Cathy rarely moves from the air mattress we have set up for her in the living room and just complains all day and eats junk food.  She's a very bad influence on the rest of us.

2)  MPB Day is August 11 --  are you packed yet?

We have someone flying in from Australia for Pete's sake, and I'm very excited about what is, for me, the biggest holiday of the year.  If you plan to come and haven't RSVP'd yet, please shoot me an email (peterlappinnyc at gmail dot com).  Even if you can't attend, you can still celebrate at home with barbecues, fireworks, and a little straight stitching.

On MPB Day 2011, Suzanne revealed she is strictly a Paypal gal.

3) Remember my recent quandary about French back boxers (the ones with those wide yokes)?  Well, I recently purchased this vintage Simplicity pattern that includes a yoke that is radically narrower in front, but still buttons in the back.  I'm very excited about it -- or at least as excited as one can be about mens boxers.  Maybe next week's project?



 But wait -- there's more!

4) Are you a short man, or do you know any?  This month, I'm planning on posting special wardrobe tips for short men!  I'm very inspired of late by Internet sensation Nick Wooster, who pops up constantly on The Sartorialist blog and is apparently a mere 5'7" (my height) or possibly shorter.  Does he look familiar -- or tall -- to you?





Friends, that's it so far.  A few projects seem to have gone by the wayside, including the bucket hat project.  I did get started, but I lost interest.  It happens.



Of course, in August, we'll still have our usual book reviews, pattern giveaways, gratuitous chihuahua pics and, as always, lots of unanticipated surprises!

In closing, a few questions:

1. Do you now or did you ever read magazines like Teen Time and Movie Mirror? ( I won't lie -- I purchased a few issues of Tiger Beat in my day.)  Do you think magazines like these serve a useful function for the adolescent set?

2) Any big sewing projects planned for August?  Do tell!

3) How soon after giving birth can a woman return to the beach?  (Is a cover-up a must?)

Have a great day, everybody!