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Aug 11, 2021

Summer 2021 updates!

Readers, some updates -- it's been a while!

While I haven't been blogging lately, I have most definitely been sewing and buying fabric -- more of the latter than the former but isn't that always the case?  

Here are a few of my recent makes, all of which I've posted on my Instagram account (where I'm @peterlappin).  That's where am most active these days.

Above is a button-down dress shirt I made from a vintage berry-print shirting I found at the Chelsea Flea Market a few years back. Speaking of vintage fabric, I made this camp shirt using a gooseberry-print cotton, also from the flea market, below.


Using a vintage McCall's shirt pattern I purchased on Etsy, I made a long-sleeve white button-down, very much inspired by the pattern envelope.

I sewed a lovely Liberty of London shirt for a client.  The collar is lined with black cotton sateen.


Most recently, Michael asked for a vintage sheet shirt, the kind I used to make years ago when I first started sewing; he loved their softness and no-iron convenience.  I found a great set of vintage Springmaid "Wondercale" (i.e., percale, a cotton-poly blend) sheets on eBay.  Here's the shirt I made--and I still have a lot left for...maybe a suit?

I have finally sewed something for my niece and nephew, who are now four and a half.  She's into kittens and pink; he's into dinosaurs.  I found two cute quilting cottons on Etsy.  Here are the shirts I made.

Now for some of the fabric I purchased in the last few months that I haven't used yet.

Bottom-weight cotton twill in an oversized button print.  Maybe summer pants or shorts?

 
A lovely silk jacquard from the Chelsea Flea Market.

Vintage cold rayon print which I intend to use for a shirt.

Inspired by the linen shirt from Paul Stuart on the left, I purchased a life-preserver print in two colorways (a Michael Miller quilting cotton).  Still haven't made the shirt so it may have to wait till next summer.

A few other fashion-related purchases:

A vintage checked wool Italian blazer on eBay.  Not entirely sure how old it is -- Seventies?  Fits like a glove and I can't wait to wear it when the weather is cool.

 
A new summer hat from my favorite hat store, J.J. Hat Center.

Finally, a glen plaid linen suit from Suitsupply (here I'm wearing only the jacket) -- a bit of a splurge but I love it.  They make beautiful stuff.

Readers, that's about it.

We're approaching the time of year when I usually host MPB Day.  I have decided not to organize the event this year.  While many Americans are vaccinated against the original COVID, I don't think it's a good idea to spend time in groups, particularly inside, with variants on the rise.  The FIT museum had been closed for more than a year, though it has finally reopened, which is good news. The Panera Bread near FIT, where we normally would have lunch and hold our pattern swap, is closed permanently.  

I hope those of you who can will still support independent fabric stores in the NYC Garment District, or those in your area, if any.  Of course I hope we may meet up again sometime in the future.  In the meantime, do check out the museum at FIT, which is free.

I haven't been blogging much and I don't expect this pattern to change in the coming months, alas, though it's always possible.  As I mentioned earlier, I'm active on Instagram, which is just easier if not always as satisfying. I hope you will follow me there if you don't already.

Have a great rest of summer and stay healthy!

25 comments:

  1. Whew! This posting was fun to review.

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  2. Good to hear from you and a great review. Happy sewing.

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  3. Great roundup! That white shirt with all the detailing is especially sharp. I'm sad about that Panera closing though - so many fun MPB Day memories!

    Johanna

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  4. you find the most amazing fabrics. have a great summer/fall!

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  5. good to hear from you -- love your recent makes
    Kathleen - kakingsbury at verizon dot net

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  6. Yay A New Post!! Everything looks great!
    Missed your posts.
    Will C.

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  7. Lovely to hear from you. I loathe Insta, it gives me a headache and no content, but I appreciate that it is popular and convenient.

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  8. I have missed you and your posts. You do such excellent craftmanship on all your projects. I don't do Insta and hope to see you here soon.

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  9. Hi Peter, I’ve missed your posts (not to mention MPB Day) and agree with MrsC above. So doubly happy to see what you’ve been doing! Stay safe.

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  10. Great to read another post from you, Peter. I don't do Insta, so happy when you write in your blog. Love what you've made!
    Susan D

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  11. I do follow you on Instagram, but it’s always lovely to see a post. Sad that you have to cancel MPB day and sad for Panera, but at least the district is still selling fabric! Stay healthy, you are a national sewing treasure!

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  12. Ya, ya, ya, but what about Cathy?!?!?!?

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  13. WOW! Thanks for posting all your beautifully made makes.

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  14. Lovely to read something again. You make it look like to shirts are made as fast as a simple t-shirt.

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  15. Enjoyed reading the updates and viewing your newest creations-- so very glad that nothing bad happened to keep you from blogging. I got rid of Instagram because it was flooded with so much nonsense that it became more of an annoyance than anything. I'll check back here occasionally. Take care and stay blessed!

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  16. Thank you for posting. :) That button print is fantastic! It is screaming jean jacket to me (with buttons, of course).

    Did you draft the niece-and-nephew shirt pattern? I love the boxiness and the collar.

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  17. Loving the projects! They look great. That berry-print fabric is divine.

    Missing MPB Day this year, but I understand. Hope to see you again sometime!

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  18. stop sewing and post a blog or two. I miss you.

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  19. Can u recommend a men's shirt pattern book

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    1. I recommend the Japanese men's pattern book, "Shirts: from Casual to Dressy" by Yoshihide Sugimoto. You can find it for sale online at the Japanese Sewing Bookstore (you'll have to google it) but it's also usually available on Etsy and eBay. It's in Japanese but if you have shirtmaking experience you can figure it out. You must add seam allowances yourself.

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  20. I noticed the patches on the knees of your pants. I would like to know how you did it. I have tried several ways of doing patches on my daughters pants and pajamas. She is severely handicapped and cannot walk, only crawl, so I have to mend every pair. I am considering making them with double fronts so I won't have to as soon as I do now. Any info would be appreciated.

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    1. I just cut a rectangle, fold the edges under, and hand stitch the patch in place. They hold extremely well and really extend the life of my pants!

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  21. Everything looks great! I am almost through all of the fabric I bought on MPB day in March 2020. Someday, if everything aligns, I hope to join you and all of the other sewing enthusiasts I met on that day.Keep posting on Instagram... I love your adventures!

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