Muslining the Japanese Jacket, Today's Trash Find, and Laura Mae!

Let's start with today's trash find.

I know, I know, I'm supposed to be ditching.  But all ditch and no dumpster makes MPB a dull blog.  Look what I found on my afternoon dog walk!

A Reader Asks: "Could My Sewing Idea Work?"

Friends, I received a very interesting email from MPB reader Chris today, and I thought I might run it by you (with Chris's permission of course) and find out what you think.

Taking the Japanese Pattern Challenge, More Ditching + My New Boots!

Let's start with the boots, shall we?

As an American, I am very vulnerable to the phrase "40% off."  And the word "Nordstroms."  Add "Free Shipping" and I am helpless.

What Should I Make With This Fabric? + Claudine's Waxy Buildup!

Greetings from the bike lanes of New York City!

"Patternmaking For Menswear" by Gareth Kershaw -- My Dream Book!

Readers, after publishing the sumptuous, "Draping: The Complete Course" by Karolyn Kiisel last month, what could Laurence King Publishing possibly do for an encore?

Mustard lovers REJOICE: My new fall togs are LIVE!

Friends, to be honest, I've always preferred ketchup to mustard.  But not anymore!

My latest outfit -- mustard pants, black and white gingham shirt, and gray sweater vest -- is live today at Mood, in all its glory.  See it by simply clicking here.

NAME THAT PATTERN - Halloween 2013 Edition!

Can it actually be Halloween season?  Wasn't it just Memorial Day?

Pants, Shirts, Sweaters, Wow!

A very busy day here at MPB Industries, readers!

Getting Started on the Mustard Jeans + Oiling My Buttonholer

Readers, it is so very important to maintain our sewing tools if they are to perform for us at their best.

NO YOU DIDN'T! -- Tan Shirt Version 4.0

Remember the two long fish-eye darts I added to my tan shirt when I first made it?

Feeling low? Buy a new hat!

Is there anything more uplifting than buying a new hat?

One More Tweak, or "Tan Shirt Version 3.0"

You probably thought I was finished with this shirt.

But last night I realized there was something else missing: pocket flaps!

Tan Shirt Version 2.0 + Staying Sharp!

Readers, I know the changes are subtle -- a muted purple inside collar stand attached to a regular collar -- but I like this version of my tan shirt much more than the earlier one.  I've decided I'm not really into shirts with just collar bands; my neck's too long for them, or my face is too narrow.  Or something.

Getting My Gingham On

Today I revisited my Singer 66 treadle.

I haven't treadled in a while and I thought I might use it to make my gingham shirt.  It's such fun to use and stitches so beautifully.  My 66 dates from 1920 and uses back-clamping feet.  I own quite a few, fortunately (more than I actually use).

"For the Princess in Every Man!" + Reworking an Old Shirt

Whatever happened to princess seams in menswear?

FACT or FICTION: gingham on the bias is headache-inducing

Is it just me, or is gingham on the bias hard on the eyes?

Good-bye, Blue Lady

Readers, if I'm a little emotional right now, you'll understand.

Flea Market Temptations or "Get thee behind me, Satan"

Yes, this is a vintage sewing machine purchased yesterday at the Chelsea Flea Market.

The Declutterer's Dilemma: When to Donate? When to Sell?

The more I ditch, the more I realize this is not just about a book here, an old scarf there.  I would honestly like to be rid of more than half the things I own!

Thursday Ditch and B*tch

Thursday and still ditching.  Not the most productive day of my life, but not the least either.  Plus, who says you always have to be productive?

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back or "Curbside Sewing Machine SCORE!"

Day 3 of ditching and I've experienced a setback, readers!

Out With the Old, In With the New???

Tuesday -- Day 2 -- and the ditching continues.

This oversized black hat makes me look like a guy who might sell you camera equipment at B&H Photo, let's leave it at that.  Off to the Salvation Army it goes!