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!