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Dec 29, 2012

Peter's Best and Worst of 2012!



Gracious me, is it that time already?

Friends, 2012 is already something of a blur, but going back through the archives, I do recall a great deal of it, especially since November.  If I've forgotten anything key, please remind me.

As in 2011, there was a great deal of decluttering and near equal amounts of recluttering.  At least I'm consistent.

Farewell Pfaff...

Hello feathers!

Beautiful still-naked vintage sewing mannequin.

I am happy to report that I purchased only two sewing machines in 2012 -- a Singer 66 with lotus decals that I converted to a hand crank, and an Elna Lotus (Do I sense a theme here?), whose poor cosmetic condition resulted in my getting a full refund from the seller.  In truth, while both machines work fine, neither is giving me a great deal of pleasure at the moment.  (Note to self: No more sewing machines.)





So let's see, how about the Best Purchase of 2012?

It's a toss-up between my handy dandy June Tailor Board, which I find very useful, particularly for shirts, and my vintage Singer all-metal buttonholer (which I also use primarily for shirts).  I recommend both if you think you'll use them.  (You can buy the board through Nancy Zieman here.)





Worst Purchase of 2012?

That would be the Elna Lotus.  No more midnight eBay trolling!

NEXT!

It was a very big year for cousin Cathy, both fashion-wise and with the arrival of her baby daughter, Simplicity.  Which leads us to...

Best Cathy Outfit of 2012

I like everything I make for Cathy.  But I think my favorite is her faux fur coat and sparkly pantsuit ensemble back in February -- so glam.  Gosh, it seems like an eternity ago!



In case you've forgotten them, you can see Cathy's other 2012 ensembles here, here, and here.





Rumor has it that in early 2013, Cathy will be debuting a somewhat altered look.  Blepharoplasty?  New lip line?  Stay tuned.



Best Garments of 2012 

I sewed a lot for myself and Michael this year.  One favorite project?  I have two.  I love Michael's linen shirt I made from a border print (I ended up with the matching shorts).  I also love the flannel shirt I made him last month.







Other favorite projects include my knit tee, red polka-dot shirt, and Sea Island cotton boxers.

Biggest Sewing Challenge of 2012

Cathy's faux fur coat was painstaking (I wore a face mask so I wouldn't inhale fur dust), but I think my navy blue linen blazer was the most challenging project I took on in 2012.  It had all kinds of details I'd never done before, like an inside double welt pocket, and I was very happy with the results.





Yes, my toile pants were probably more of a crowd pleaser, but ultimately they were just jeans.

Worst Sewing Project

Readers, this year was pretty much dud free sewing-wise, or am I remembering through rose-colored glasses?  Sure, I squeezed a tank top I'll never wear out of some striped knit remnants and made up a pair of boxers with too shallow a fly shield, but these were hardly fiascos.  Either I'm sewing better...or I'm sewing more cautiously.  Or both.

Funnest Day of 2012

Hands down, this was MPB Day.  What a blast we had, despite nearly walking into a crime scene.  Hey, it's New York!



Friends, you've been a big part of this year for me and I'm so grateful for your continued support and encouragement.  We'll probably see each other at least once before Tuesday, but I want to wish all of you a very happy and healthy 2013. 

My very best to you and yours!

27 comments:

  1. Happy New Year! What are you planning for 2013?

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  2. Thanks for entertaining/educating us all year long!

    You've sewn some brilliant items, but I think Michael's flannel shirt is my favourite. He looks like a model :-)

    Have an EXCELLENT 2013!

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  3. Love the pieces you made for Michael when you chose the fabric according to his colors. Have a great new year, and may you have huge inspirations and lucky fabric finds.

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  4. Valerie, Cathy's first dress was an LBD!

    https://picasaweb.google.com/101177577152766699680/CathyModelsTheLittleBlackDress

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  5. Peter! I adore you ohsomuch. I found your blog while trying to decipher "Burda speak" while making a "Gangnam Style" yellow satin suit for a boy who didn't appreciate me or my awesomeness. But, it wasn't a total loss because I found this awesome community.

    I hope to be in NY for my late January birthday. Perhaps we will cross paths in the fashion district?

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    Replies
    1. Shoot me an email (peterlappinnyc at gmail dot com) when you're in town, HillBill.

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    2. Absolutely! I guess this means I need to "bring it" and get cracking on my Italian silk dupioni rendition of Vogue 8333. My overbust corset isn't exactly shopping apparel and other than a few pairs of PJ pants I've eeked out between quilts and clothes for everyone else I have little that's worthy to wear in your presence.

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  6. Peter, Thank you for another wonderful year! Reading your blog is a joy.

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  7. You entertain and inspire me. Thank you and the long suffering (and benefitting) delightful Michael. Very happy and creative and productive 2013 to you two and the little fur persons...

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  8. Thank you for always making me smile. I love your blog. Jo in New Zealand

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  9. Thank you for so much entertainment and inspiration, really looking forward to seeing what you have planned for Cathy in 2013. A very happy New Year to you and your family.

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  10. Thank you for a wonderful year. I wish you and Michael health, wealth and happiness in 2013.

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  11. Hi Peter,
    Just checking in to say how much of an inspiration you are, as usual!
    I also managed to buy only two sewing machines in 2012, after selling one, but then I didn't sew at all until March, so I'd say I got off to a good start!
    A third machine has been the greatest temptation over Christmas (six days at my parents', bored and with Internet access) but I have managed to exercise restraint. The big draw towards a third machine is making buttonholes, but since I *do* have a buttonholer for my Singer 247 I have instead made a resolution to conquer my fear and learn to use it. Because if it's good enough for you it sure is good enough for me! :)

    I look forward to more sewing adventures in 2013, and I wish you and Michael good health and happiness in the new year. Also, very intrigued by Cathy's "transformation", although I hope she doesn't abandon Brunette camp... not sure I could put up with that!

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  12. Well, it's been a wonderful year you've sewn some great stuff! It's been such a joy reading your blog. Happy 2013 and thank you for making us smile all the time Peter!

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  13. Happy New Year, Peter. Your blog is my favorite for so many reasons — most of all your self-deprecating/congratulating humor. Hope to see you again (in real life!) in 2013!

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  14. I am dying to see what Cathy's new look will be-- there is such a lack of glamor in my life that watching Cathy model has become a real highlight for me.

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  15. Peter, it's crazy for me to think, YOU and MPB Day are the reason I heard gunshots for the first time ever in real life.

    Happy New Year to you and Michael!

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  16. Happy New Year to you, Michael, Cathy and Simplicity! Best wishes for 2013!

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  17. And to you and yours also!

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  18. Peter, your Singer 66 is the most beautiful sewing machine I've ever seen. *SIGH* See? You don't need to actually sew on it -- just be sure you feel the love!

    Happy Holidays to you and Michael. Thanks for keeping us all entertained throughout the year. Your blog has a rare combination of compelling projects, interesting trivia, wit and humor that keeps me coming back for more. :-)

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  19. Happy New Year Peter! I love that you didn't have any 'duds'. I consider that a great year of sewing :) If I had the patience I'd find a machine and convert to handcrank. Thanks for your great blog and many days of entertainment over the year.

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  20. Happy New Year to you and Michael. I think Micheal looks stunning in the shirt you made him. Can a guy be stunning? I think so. Thanks for the fun blog and all the fun, informative and imaginative things you put together. Hope 2013 brings even more surprises and happiness to you, and all your readers.

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  21. I've been lurking around for more than a year and wanted to celebrate the turn of the year by telling how much pleasure I've found from your blog! I always save your blog for those moments when I am most desperate for a funny, wise and human voice. A great and happy New Year to you and Michael (and the adorable doggies)!

    Justiina

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  22. Happy New Year to you and your family, with lots of health and happiness! I had a great time reading your posts, I hope to read many more posts of you in the future.

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  23. You are so awesome. I don't comment often but I just had to say "you rock".

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  24. You seem to glow in every photo! What fun things you have made in 2012. I'm a new onlooker who is very excited to see what 2013 has in store for such a colorful and interesting man! Good luck to you!

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