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Jan 7, 2013

Peter's Post-Delirium Post: New Patterns, New Pillow!



Buenas noticias, readers: I am feeling much better.  My fever broke last night and the delirium has passed.  I even managed to do a load of laundry.  Thank you for all your kind words and home remedies.  I have stopped mega-dosing vitamin C and started mega-dosing raw garlic cloves.  People are keeping their distance.

Perfectly timed for this flu-like virus was the arrival of my new pillow!  Something I have never shared with you, friends, is that for more than a year I have suffered with nighttime neck stiffness, no doubt related to the hours I spend with my head frozen in front of a computer screen every day (according to Michael, who knows about such things).  Please understand: I am in no way blaming you, loyal MPB readers, for the chronic stiffness that disrupts my sleep.  In fact I would never have even mentioned it if it weren't for what happened next.

Trolling Amazon last week, I read about the highly rated Mediflow Water Pillow -- like a waterbed for your head and neck -- and after reading the feedback from so many readers who seemed to be dealing with precisely the neck issue I was, I picked one up.  I know it sounds too good to be true, but since it arrived on Friday, my nighttime neck discomfort has disappeared.  Yes, I've had fever-induced night sweats and delirium, but my neck feels great!  Rest-assured that I do not own stock in, nor am in any way compensated by, the Mediflow Corporation, but merely want to share this information with those who might be suffering in silence, or loudly.

My one misgiving about the pillow -- actually not related to the pillow at all -- is the box that Amazon shipped it in: large enough to house a family of chihuahuas.  And if that wasn't bad enough, the box was also stuffed with paper.  Did they fear the pillow was going to shatter?







Anyway, you fill the pillow with water -- how much depends on the desired firmness of the pillow --  close the cap and that's it.  What's great about it is that the pillow never gets stiff; it conforms to any slight movement in your neck.  It's not the cheapest pillow in the world, but it's not the most expensive either.  I've tried memory foam but this is far superior, for me anyway (I sleep on all sides.)

Meanwhile, what a treat it was to find four lovely vintage men's patterns in the mail -- a gift from MPB reader Lynn.  Let's take a look!



I know Lynn will not be offended when I point out that Seventies menswear patterns have not aged well, and this one is no exception.  I mean, putting aside the nipped waists and huge lapels, the guy in gray is wearing a huge bow tie and what looks like a Western shirt (on closer inspection, it's a vest over a shirt with a mega-collar).  As for the other two, let's just say loud plaids paired with polka dots is a look best saved for the Big Top.  The flares, the cuffs -- parenthetically, I had plaid pants just like those when I was in the 6th grade -- awful.



OK, I love this vintage Thirties McCall's pajama pattern.  It actually took me a few seconds to figure out what that guy in mustard was doing (Why is he standing on an encyclopedia?) but I love what he's wearing.  I appreciate that this pattern tries to be a little different; it's a bit fashion-forward, something men's pajama patterns haven't tried to be much since.



Onto the next!



This one is also very cute: it seems inconceivable we'd see a pattern company partnering with The Gap today: their clothing isn't half as stylish.  I don't know if I'd ever wear the vest, but I do like the idea of elastic waistband casual pants, especially as shorts or gym pants, and the shirt is a bonus.  In the old days, patterns often included multiple garments (like those great one-pattern wardrobe patterns from the 60's).  When did that end -- and why?

Finally, my favorite is this one:



This makes both a pull-over shirt (shown here with the plastron front, like you'd find on a tuxedo shirt) and a regular button-down.   It reminds me of a shirt from the Edwardian era.  (I'm sorry but isn't that model's head a little...petit?)



But if you look at Version C, on the far left, that looks more like a jacket, with all kinds of pockets and epaulets -- perhaps just the think for my taupe polyester come Spring. 

Anyway, thanks again, Lynn, for making my convalescence much more fun!

Readers, there's so much more to tell: movies watched, blogs discovered -- but we'll just have to save it for another day.  OK, I did watch Frank Capra's Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, which I'd seen before years ago, and is an absolute delight.  Sure, it's a bit heavy-handed and, arguably, overlong, but it's the kind of film we're unlikely ever to see again: Hollywood at its best.  Rent it, borrow it, steal it, but watch it!

OK, time for my nap.  Anybody use a water pillow like mine?

Have a great day, everybody!

34 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you are feeling better! And what a score from Lynn! Is it just me or is view B Christopher Reeve with blonde hair??

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  2. Wow, blast from the past patterns-cool. We-your readers-appreciate all the time and work you put into your blog. Not only informational, but a real day brightener every time. Thank you and sorry for your past pain.

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  3. Searching Amazon now!
    Thanks from a fellow neck sufferer.

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  4. Glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery and are sleeping better. A question about the pillow . . . as it contains water I am guessing that it has a plastic cover of some kind - does that get (perish the thought) sweaty and uncomfortable during the night?

    Just wondering . . .

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    1. No. It's like a regular poly pillow with an inner bladder, or a large, soft, hot water bottle. The top part looks like a regular pillow, the water is more toward the underside.

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  5. Just left you a comment but I think it got eaten. Gist was that I'm glad you're better and that pillow is very interesting!

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  6. Wow, those shirts on that last pattern are very nice! I hope you make one up so we can see!

    Glad you're feeling better!

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  7. Glad you are feeling better. I love the pajama pattern. The others, not so much!
    The pillow does sound interesting. I think I will suggest it to my husband, who is full of aches and pains.

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  8. I just got a memory foam pillow--I really liked it at first, but my admiration is fading. I wake up with a stiff neck on occasion, so maybe I'll give the water pillow a try next. Glad you are on the mend!

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  9. First Willy sighting of 2013!!

    Rejoice!!

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  10. I suffer from neck and shoulder pain also. I love a firmer pillow that doesn't squish down too much. I finally found one, not pricey at $15, but I have to replace it every 4-5 months!

    I may have to try this pillow. It's not much more than 2 of the pillows I've been buying.

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  11. Love the mustard men's pajamas pattern. Intrigued by your pillow. I hope you will give us another review after several weeks of use. I would love to know if it continues to help.

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  12. mari.hafenstein@att.netJanuary 7, 2013 at 8:54 PM

    medi flow pillow changed my life It was recommended to me by a physical therapist and I have been using it for about 3 years now. No mmore stiff neck and shoulders

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  13. I've been using a water pillow for over a year now because of some arthritis and a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders. The brand I have is "ChiroFlow" and it's probably identical to yours. Got mine at my chiropractor's office. It was a bit pricey but worth every penny. I change the water in it about once a month and add a few drops of Clorox to it, too.

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  14. I've been on the Eternal Pillow Search for years. I suffer from numerous pain ailments so need a good pillow. I've tried 'em all. Recently I found a $100 firm feather pillow at Dillard's that has fit the bill admirably for over 6 months, a first for me. It is only now losing its oomph. It is a shame it is so expensive though. But considering most regular pillows don't last 2+ months (3 if I'm lucky), it is money well spent. I used to get a decent pillow from Bed Bath and Beyond for a quarter of the price of this new one but they changed the filling firmness level inside (I even called and asked and kind of complained about it but rather than confirm or deny they sent me a free pillow after a lot of hoop jumping, lol). I'll have to try the water pillow. Thanks for the suggestion. I hated memory foam; I had worse neck problems using it.
    I guess the water pillow is like one of the sleep number beds. Which are amazing to sleep in (I house sat with one in it). We need a neck number pillow. Crank the dial and you're set.

    And while I'm writing a book here as my reply: I was just looking at that Simplicity jacket and pants pattern last night! I'm looking for a fitted jacket to make my guy a simple, slim cord jacket. Darts are OK, he's kinda hipster. With a collar alteration and a squared hem it wouldn't be too bad. I was also reading back in your men's shirt sew along because I also want to do a few slim fitted shirts for him. Preferably with darts as well but woe to me, there are no modern patterns. Apparently vertical darts in men's shirts aren't done in American men's shirts. He is supposed to wear a box. And I hate drawing/drafting darts. I don't know if I'm doing it right half the time unless its in a FBA. I may just end up doing the Colette pattern with a collar with a stand. It's a nice pattern.

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    1. If you're open to vintage, you can find quite a few fitted shirt patterns on Etsy (just look under "mens shirt pattern" and his chest size). Kwik Sew patterns are multi-sized so are easier to deal with if you're not sure what size to choose.

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    2. Is the one you were using the Laura Ashley pillow? That's the one I use and I've noticed it's not as firm as it once was.

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    3. Thanks Peter. Yes I'm open to vintage, but choosing which one is a bit daunting. I've got so many choices! It is the opposite of buying modern for men, at least in shirts. I'll check Kwik Sew. I've had great luck with a vintage boxers pattern and a hooded woven jacket with them. Both were fabulous patterns. I appreciate the help.

      And to Debbie, yes it was Laura Ashley. They were perfectly firm, lasted about 3 1/2 months and were what, $25-30. But I guess they decided to cut costs and fill with less.

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  15. Hi Peter. I'm glad you're feeling better. I recommend veggie soup with veggie broth and noodles to get better sooner. Anyway, I really like the 30's pajama pattern, it looks so comfy!

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  16. Years ago when I worked on Broadway and 40th St., the doorman told me that he was eating large amounts of raw garlic to combat a bad cold and was very pleased with the results. I smiled, wished him continued good health, but refrained from suggesting that perhaps taking the cure before catching the cold might have kept the germ carriers at bay and thus prevented the cold to begin with. I am all for whatever works!

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  17. Glad to hear you're feeling better. I'm also looking forward to reading about your blog discoveries.

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  18. Peter:A shot of parsley(or even chlorophyll pills) works wonders to kill the aroma without hinering the healing process; indeed a good shot of greens would probably HELP it. Even kale in your chicken soup would probably do the trick.Thanks for the tip about the mediflow pillow; I may try one of these!

    And yes, I agree about those Herb Tarlek suits. Let's leave them in the past! Have you noticed that no matter how into reviving vintage people are, the Herb Tarlek suit has never put in a re-appearance? There's a REASON for that!

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  19. Peter, does your new pillow get all hot in the night? I want to try it but I can't stand a hot pillow ! Glad you're better, hope your sickness has given you IMMUNE POWER !!
    Sandi

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  20. I have to remember this pillow. I have a memory foam one that I never use, because it feels so odd.

    Get well!!! I sure hope my flu shot helps.

    I like the second pattern down.

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  21. Just a quick word on those 60s wardrobe patterns, which I love. But we must be the only ones because I run an online vintage pattern shop and they really don't sell well unfortunately. And the 70s ones even worse.

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  22. Re:the pillow. I second the suggestion from the other Anonymous above about adding a few drops of Clorox to the water. When I think of warm water in an enclosed environment I think algae - or mold -or some other science experiment.

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  23. That's totally Indiana Jones on the last pattern! I've now scoured the internet for a copy for myself, but to no avail. If you ever want to get rid of it...

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  24. I totally agree about the under-proportioned heads on McCall 8862. It makes me wonder if different people drew the clothes versus the heads.

    The other drawings that really irk me:

    -The Vogue patterns with women who are all leg: http://www.amazon.com/Vogue-Measure-Free-Pants-Body-Pattern/dp/B004G5FWTE

    -Creepy Vogue women with shoulders that couldn't fit through a doorway. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vogue-7537-Sewing-Pattern-Uncut-Misses-Blouses-3-Designs-Size-12-16-/350601081339

    -And the worst... The McCall baby doll with the ridiculous tan and makeup http://anothersewingscientist.blogspot.com/2011/01/envelope-pattern-illustrators.html.

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  25. McCall 8862 is so "Out of Africa"! I love that movie.

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  26. So glad you are better, if you like "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town", try "The Hudsucker Proxy". Hilarious and overlooked,one of my favs.

    Veronica (can't remember any of my passwords, so I'll just post as anonymous.)

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  27. That McCall's 5865 is just begging for a caption competition.

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    Replies
    1. "In the moon colonies of the distant 1980's, men will be virtually weightless."

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