When I'm between big projects, I always enjoy returning to something that's relatively uncomplicated: men's underwear. Who can't use more of that?
I've had Simplicity 4149, a men's "shorts" pattern dating from 1952, in my stash for a while now. I just never got around to using it.
As you know, I'm a big fan of so-called French boxers -- the kind with the yoke that buttons at the front fly, and in back along the (adjustable) waistband. I've already made two versions, McCall's 4474, which dates from 1941 and Simplicity 1960, which dates from 1945.
To be honest, the McCall's pattern was a little too baggy and the Simplicity was a little too tight. But this new Simplicity seems just right so far. I took a full 3" out of the rise. Call me crazy, but I don't like when underwear goes up to my armpits.
Boxers like these take time to make, as the construction is more complicated than regular elastic-waist underwear. But I find them comfortable and actually wear them.
My fabric is leftover striped shirting from years ago. Perhaps you recognize it. I made a shirt for Michael out of it as well as underwear (the elastic-waistband kind) for me.
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| I'd forgotten about Michael's 70's pornstar phase. |
I bought a lot of that cotton shirting (back in the $2/yd. phase of my sewing career). I'm kind of sick of it, but for underwear, it's perfect.
I intend to finish these tomorrow and if I'm feeling fit may even model them.
In closing, what do you like to sew when you're not ready to tackle something major but still want to whip a little something up just for the fun of it?
Oh, before I forget: great news for those of you who hate filling out those Captcha numbers when you leave a comment on this blog. You do not have to copy the numbers in the little box; just the longer line of numbers (usually wavy in shape). Does that make sense? I know it's still a PITA, but at least this makes the process a little easier. Tell me if it doesn't work for you.
Have a great day, everybody!
I've sewn some boxers for hubby before as an easy in between project. I agree, they are great for using up fabric. I used some gorgeous leftover Lisa Ho silk/cotton for his. They were a bit fancy ;-). I'd not thought of using leftover shirting, but that might be on my agenda soon. I usually sew something for my girls as an easy sewing break. Kids clothes are very forgiving and always met with delight in this house, no matter what they end up like - stress free sewing.
ReplyDeleteMenwear patterns that differs from tops/pants/loungewear are hard to find; need to create/clone my own pattern. I don't know why, pattern company probably thinks men are going commando style. Just found out recently, I don't want to make any ads but I will need to try this pattern http://threadtheory.ca/collections/frontpage/products/comox . Alose Jalie does have a pattern you made in the past 'candy cane stripes ;-)', http://www.jalie.com/jalie3242-underwear-sewing-pattern.html . Thanks for this project idea !!!
ReplyDeleteOooh - Michael's '70s pornstar phase... not to sound even vaguely predatory, but my goodness - Mama like!
ReplyDeleteAs for underthings, I'm afraid I'm old fashioned, having been raised to believe that they - like bed linens and towels - should only come in one (lack of) color, white. Grandmother Muscato used to sniff about "the kind of woman who owns colored guest towels" - a sort of person she simply couldn't comprehend.
I do upholstery and slipcovers, and oddly enough when I've just finished a project I make myself a throw pillow cover. It's instant gratification, and because it takes so little fabric I can indulge in stuff that is either too wacky or expensive for a garment. I have a fixed amount of pillows and just change up the ones I'm less interested in. Alternately I'll make scarves out of something delicious.
ReplyDeleteOoo! I like the idea of having a fixed amt of pillows and changing up the covers. Why didn't I think of that before???
DeleteGonna have to scarf up one of these patterns. I am very taken with how compatible they seem to be with "love handles" (fortunately my armpits are a few inches above said handles). And in a soft to the touch silk... yum yum.
ReplyDeleteHi, when I need easy, I make tote bags and clothes pin bags or aprons which I give to my aunt who sells them for charity.
ReplyDeleteOoh they look much more sophisticated than the packs of boxers you can get down at the supermarket!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you took 3 inches off the height of them - though it did make me laugh imagining gentlemen of a certain age wearing them up to their pits!
PJs are my somewhat quicker easy make, given that I've only got less than ten makes behind me they aren't very much quicker but no worrying about fit!
ReplyDeletePeter, the captcha was back to letters today. I only entered the letters from the first "box" and it worked!!! I had no idea you don't have to enter the letters from both boxes!! Thanks for the time and frustration saving tip.
ReplyDeleteok...so it has to be the wavy letters....regardless of if they are in the first 'box' or second 'box'
DeleteThose floral boxers are awesome! I like to make up lady boxers, aka, lounging shorts because if the fabric is non-directional, I can get a pair out of ¾ yard. In fact, one pair of vintage pillowcases is enough for a pair! That would probably work for man boxers too.
ReplyDeleteStupid question time. What's the purpose of the panel in the back, vs a cb seam? Comfort in the crotch area? Prevention of ass eating fabric episodes? Because bubble butt's were fashionable and we haven't progressed?
ReplyDeleteI've always been curious about this so I'm hoping I can be enlightened.
I think it was believed that a CB back seam might creep into one's you--know-what. Plus men's pants were way baggier so there was room for the extra fabric (it's not really that much).
DeleteAh, that makes sense, thanks Peter!
DeleteNice ukulele! You make a great pin-up!
ReplyDeleteI really like these. I wonder if I could get my boyfriend to wear some. I kind of feel like every sewing project is monumental so when I need a break I peruse my vintage pattern magazines and pattern stash to sort of refresh myself.
ReplyDeleteThose are the most well-made boxers I've ever seen on a man (and believe me, I've seen plenty).
ReplyDeleteI laughed out loud at the part about "I had forgotten about Michael's 70s pornstar phase"; I could see why you would do so...yikes! No. Just no. And the pic of you and your uke is priceless, as well!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to make the button back (Simplicity 1960) boxers right now. How did you manage the opening on the middle back. The base of the "V" is kind of bulky and protrudes. I think that would be uncomfortable while wearing them. I couldn't see, in your photos, how you handled it. My last pair of Brooks Brothers french back boxers have a seam right up the middle and the "V" notch is handled differently. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
ReplyDeleteGenerally that "v" is finished with a strip of bias, like a bias placket on a sleeve. Sewing books explain how to do this but in short, the bias at the top of the "v" is stitched close to the edge of the fabric; when it's folded over, it should press very, very flat so as to too feel/look bulky. This is sometimes called a "continuous lap." Hope that helps!
DeleteThank you for the reply. I'm trying a different design for the back. Sort of a flat "V" reinforced with extra fabric. Now I'm trying to figure out the fly. It just seems like there should be two pieces of the extra piece of fabric labeled "C". One for the front fly piece and one for the inner fly. The directions that came with the pattern aren't very clear are they? Do you think it will matter that I made the pleats on mine go in the opposite direction? Of the different button back boxer patterns that you have sewn is there one you prefer? If so, what were your reasons? Sorry for all the questions this is my first from scratch sewing project. Thanks again.
ReplyDelete