Jun 26, 2014

Finishing the red rayon dress + photoshoot prep



Good news! Except for sewing in the shoulder pads, Cathy's new frock is finished.

Jun 25, 2014

Glove Me or Leave Me



Here at MPB Inc., we are very pro-glove.

Jun 24, 2014

Getting Started on Cathy's Floral Rayon Day Dress



Readers, I am happy to report that Cathy's new frock, McCall's 4752 (from 1942, I believe) is coming along smoothly.

Jun 22, 2014

It's VLOG SUNDAY!



Hurray, it's Sunday again -- time for my latest HD vlog extravaganza!

Jun 21, 2014

"Patterns and Fabric and Dish Towels, Oh My" or Saturday at the Flea Market



My beloved Chelsea flea market is undergoing major changes but I am glad to say there will still be a market.

Jun 20, 2014

MPB DAY 2014 -- Mark Your Calendars!



Friends, I'm excited to announce that our 4th (!) annual MPB Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 9th.

Jun 19, 2014

I Left My Heart at Jonathan Embroidery + Mood Outfit Reject Pics



I was all set to use this pic in yesterday's Mood post until I noticed the placement of my left hand -- and it's a good thing I did.  Men!

Jun 18, 2014

Modeling My Cotton-Linen Jacket and Pants at Mood!



Run, friends, run. . .

. . . to the Mood Sewing Network, to see me modeling my denim-blue cotton-linen ensemble.  Just click here!

Jun 17, 2014

"Why, yes, those ARE John Weitz drawstring shorts I'm wearing!"



I love to squeeze extra garments out of fabric remnants, don't you?

Jun 15, 2014

Peter's VLOG-iest Vlog Yet!



It's Sunday, or as it's known in these parts, MPB Vlog Day!  (Also too, Father's Day)

Jun 14, 2014

MORE Alterations for Mom (Grrrr....)



Can I be honest?  I don't enjoy doing alterations for others.

(I know that so many sewers can't get enough of them.)

Jun 13, 2014

After Failure, Pants Success!



I was back to making pants today, this time with much better results.

Jun 12, 2014

Elvis pants FAIL or "Butt Not For Me"



Wadders tend to be few and far between here at MPB Industries (knock wood).

That said, I created one today trying to make the pants from McCall's 5119, the groovy vintage 70's shirt and pants pattern I picked up last month.

Jun 11, 2014

Things I Don't Get, Vol. 14 -- McCall's "Annie,Too" Pattern Line



Friends, it has always seemed strange to me that there weren't more movie and/or celebrity tie-in pattern lines over the years.

Jun 10, 2014

Getting Started on My 70's Butterick Jacket



I don't know why I love this men's jacket pattern, Butterick 4362, but I do.

Jun 8, 2014

YIPPEE - Sunday VLOG time again!



Friends, it's Sunday and that means another MPB vlog extravaganza!

Jun 7, 2014

The Tent Dress -- YEA or NAY?



Call me crazy, readers, but I came this close to buying the above pattern on eBay a few days ago.

Jun 6, 2014

100% INDY PATTERN TESTING free + New Hat Muslin!



If I learned anything this week unrelated to indy pattern testing, it's that a good hat is hard to make.

Jun 4, 2014

A Drop in the Bucket (not a joke)



Readers, even I am tired of seeing close-ups of myself in this hat so I can imagine how you must feel.

But I must update you on my latest hat tweak.

Jun 3, 2014

Hats Entertainment or "Kicked the Bucket"



I've been told I have a pretty good hat head -- or is it hat face?

Jun 2, 2014

A Drop in the Bucket...Hat



Friends, after the excitement of yesterday's musical comedy vlog extravaganza, anything that followed was bound to be an anticlimax.

Jun 1, 2014

All Talking, All Singing, All VLOGGING!



Readers, today's the day: the debut of my very first weekly vlog! 

To quote Michael, "The next phase has begun."