Battle of the Turtlenecks: And the winner is....!

This has to be one of the sorriest sights I've ever photographed (click pic to super-dupersize).

This and Hat

To those of you who celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, a belated Happy Thanksgiving to you.  To the rest, happy Friday!

Back It Goes + Coat Muslin Progress

The vast majority of you who commented yesterday will be happy to know that the light blue L.L. Bean turtleneck I modeled yesterday is headed back to Maine, free of charge (to me).

Keep or Return? or "The Unbearable Cheapness of Bean"

Is it me or have men's cotton turtlenecks nearly vanished from mainstream fashion?

On With the Sew

Readers, thank you so much for your many words of support regarding my mother's injury.

She asked me to send along her thanks as well.  My mom's doing somewhat better: eating (not enough but some), pushing through her exercises with her physical therapists, and even -- this is a big one -- accepting phone calls and visits from a few friends.  I see her most days and I'm actually enjoying the trips, believe it or not.  Being able to bicycle to the hospital (well, near it) helps too.

A Difficult Week

Not great news that could have been much, much worse.

Down the Rabbit Hole of Japanese Men's Style Magazines!

I've been aware of the fascinating world of Japanese men's style magazines for a few years now.

NAME THAT PATTERN -- GLUTEN-FREE EDITION!

Friends, I am delighted to announce the latest version of MPB's exclusive pattern-naming game: NAME THAT PATTERN, 100% Gluten-Free.  Now you can indulge in the revelry without worry of tummy upset.  Bean-based, it's more digestible and more nutritious too!  

Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color UPDATE

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had purchased a used copy of the Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color.

My Wild Wool Challis Shirt!

Readers, my internet service is back AND my shirt is done!  You can view me modeling it here.

Treadling a Shirt VIDEO + Live From the Coffee Bar!

Readers, tragedy struck yesterday: an explosion in the West Village knocked out RCN Cable service to the entire West Side of Manhattan.  I have been without Internet for nearly 36 hours.  I feel, frankly, a little desperate and Michael is worse.  I'm writing this from a local coffee bar, so please excuse all food stains.

I Splurged for the New Men's Military Jacket Pattern Book

I really enjoy sewing men's outerwear.

Re-visiting (and Improving) an Old Project

Do you ever re-work old projects?  I do occasionally: I'll change a shirt collar or narrow a pants leg, things like that.

PARTY PICS: Pattern Review's 13th Bday!

I wasn't feeling my best yesterday, but I managed to stencil on my party smile and hightail it to the Pattern Review event at Elliot Berman Textiles last night.  (You may recognize the woman in teal on my right as Kyle from Vacuuming the Lawn.) 

Panel Print Shirt Collar + I'M DONE!

The big job today was making a collar for my shirt.

Panel Print Shirt Progress -- One Day to Go!

Speedy sewing has no special value in my book -- better to take your time and do a first-rate job.

A Panel Print Shirt by Friday, Nov. 7th?

Friends, do you remember this panel print fabric I purchased last summer at Elliot Berman Textiles?  (I was with Laura Mae, who was emptying out the store so I had to buy something.)

Color Combining with Confidence -- Your Favorite Resources!

Readers, if there's one area where I would like to improve in my sewing, it's actually one that has nothing to do with sewing itself, but rather with color.

The Completed Organic Flannel Shirt!

My orchid flannel shirt is finished.  I couldn't be more pleased with it.