Welcome to Male Pattern Boldness!- My name is Peter Lappin and I'm a native New Yorker, raised in the Bronx and currently living in the Chelsea section of Manhattan (a stone's throw from the Garment District) with my partner, Michael, and our two chihuahuas, Freddy and Willy.
In Spring, 2009, I picked up a pair of used designer jeans at my local Goodwill. They fit in the waist but the inseam was too long and needed to be shortened. Unfortunately, to have these jeans hemmed professionally (at a local dry cleaners that does alterations) would have cost more than I'd paid for the jeans themselves.
It occurred to me -- I'm not exactly sure how or why -- that I could pick up an inexpensive sewing machine (back then I had never even touched a sewing machine, let alone known how one works) on Amazon, and perform my own basic alterations. The machine should pay for itself in no time.
I did extensive online research and stumbled onto some sewing blogs that recommended vintage sewing machines -- 1960's and 70's era Kenmores in particular -- because they were sturdier than modern machines and could tackle just about any sewing job. I found one on eBay, clicked "Buy it Now," and less than a week later I was teaching myself how to sew. Almost immediately I realized I could do a lot more with a sewing machine than shorten my pants!
I quickly discovered the online community at Pattern Review (PR). PR members were tremendously helpful and supportive, recommending sewing books, loaning me instructional videos, and explaining basic sewing techniques like installing a zipper, making a buttonhole, and attaching interfacing.
Over the last ten years I've applied myself to sewing with the dedication of a monk. I have sewn just about every sort of men's and women's garment -- everything from 1920's women's pajamas to classic men's tailored peacoats, from cocktail dresses to jumpsuits. (Be sure to check out the "Projects" tab to see what I've made.) To say I love to create clothes is an understatement. In sewing I have found my life's true passion.
The mission of this blog is to share my passion with sewers from all over the world, at every level of experience.
Welcome to Male Pattern Boldness -- look around, put your feet up, and make yourself at home!
Posts
A Hollywood Classic
2 days ago
Peter where do you get your elastic for the boxershorts? Great site!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Stretchrite-4-Inch-25-Yard-White-Elastic/dp/B003W0Y57Y/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1439121662&sr=8-9&keywords=stretchrite+elastic
DeleteGreat blog Peter!!!
DeleteHi There,
ReplyDeleteI have Singer Buttonholer (the one in the green box), and wonder.... can be used on a vintage Brother 150?
I'm not familiar with the Brother 150, but if it is a standard short-shank machine (which I suspect it is) and the feed dogs drop (or your have a plate to cover them with), then I suspect the Singer buttonholer will work.
DeleteHope that helps!
Hello Peter! I am looking for your contact info and hit you up on your facebook page too. I have some sewing questions and an idea for you!
ReplyDeleteYou can reach me at peterlappinnyc at gmail dot com. Or through my Male Pattern Boldness Facebook page.
DeleteAwesome! Emailing you now. Thank you.
DeletePeter! Did my email ever come through? Came from Angela Shelton dot com.
DeletePeter, Creo que tu experiencia es absolutamente reveladora! Yo pensaba que mi nivel de sicosis había alcanzado niveles inmanejables. Pero ahora comprendo que voy por el camino de la gente de bien
ReplyDeleteOjala!
DeletePeter, Somos almas gemelas...........
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, what sewing needles do you recommend for the singer toy sewing machine you featured a video on. I'm looking at purchasing one but it has no needle in it. Thanks,
ReplyDeleteElisabeth.
Hi, Elizabeth. I found this link online. (My toy machine is a Singer 20.)
Deletehttp://www.suncatcher-tx.com/shop/Toy-Sewing-Machines--Parts/p/Singer-Toy-Sewing-Machine-Needles-Also-fit-other-toys-sku-1206.htm
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI read on one of your posts that you have two versions of Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. Is there a certain version that you prefer or recommend?
My 1976 edition has a larger section on tailoring than the 1995 edition. But both are still excellent sewing books.
DeleteAs a guy who's interested in learning how to sew, I was wondering what sorts of projects you started out with -- did you start out right away making things that you wanted to wear?
ReplyDeleteSince I was starting from zero, I made the simplest things I could -- I think my first project was a sewing machine cover -- and very basic men's garments like boxer shorts and caftan tops (no cuffs, no collar). Hope that helps!
DeleteJust wondering about MPB - are all your vintage patterns used? and if they aren't then how to you make a new usuable pattern from a used / cut-up pattern. Any suggestions.
ReplyDeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteI work for a large repertory theatre company in Canada. I'm looking to buy a man's summer union suit for one of our productions and I see that you purchased an old one with the intention of making a pattern. Did you make the pattern? Would you be interested in selling a pre-made summer union suit to us, approximately size 40? I can be reached at ecopeman@stratfordfestival.ca Many thanks!
I recently found a elna 1 at a second hand store here in Stockholm Sweden. I picked it up becuase of the sturdy build and the compact size. After the Google search I found out what a wonderful gem I found for something equal to 20 US dollars. But now I need some help getting it to work. The motor runs like the dream. But the shaft seems have a hard time moving. I was wondering if you and help or point me in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteThanks
You'll want to oil the shaft. Here's a link to a PDF of the manual.
Deletehttps://elnagrasshopper.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/elna-grasshopper-instructions-part-one.pdf
I'm so happy I discovered you. Your video with the vintage singer green box buttonholer persuaded me to get one, and it solved my button hole problem for my first shirt. The buttons did not match any cams for either of my more familiar attachments. Thank you for sharing your passion . It's becoming one of mine too.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're enjoying the buttonholer, Joe. Thanks for letting me know!
DeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteI have just read about this new item for the men's wardrobe, that ist a big success in France. What do you think about it?
https://www.calchemise.com/
The link is not to make an advertisment about the item, but I found interessting that it is been present as a "new idea" and I am not sure if really is... wasn't there something like this before at the first-half of the 20th Century?
DeleteInteresting! There was a garment like this, a sort of onesie, but it was meant to be worn underneath clothing. The problem with this is that the underwear part is likely to get dirtier (and wear out faster) than the shirt part. Thanks for sharing it, Andrea!
DeleteAnd the guys wearing it alone look like they're walking around in their underwear.
DeleteHi Peter. I enjoy reading your blog and have come to the conclusion that you must be a "sewist" on steroids - in a good sense. You sew for yourself, Michael, your identical cousin, Cathy, your Mom, your dog...and your garments come out soooo beautiful. In addition, I love reading about all the classes you take and your progress throughout. Can you get any better? I think you're already at the top. And speaking of your Mom, while I can't be her identical cousin, perhaps a fraternal cousin. (kidding). Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteSharon
Thanks, Sharon!
DeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Anuj Agarwal. I'm Founder of Feedspot.
I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Male Pattern Boldness has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Dressmaking Blogs on the web.
http://blog.feedspot.com/dressmaking_blogs/
I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Dressmaking Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!
Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog.
Best,
Anuj
I was wondering if you have any pattern suggestions for a young man whose 6'4" and wears a size 28x36? I make his dress shirts, but have never made men's pants. At some point I will need to tackle a jacket for him as well. Thanks for your great work.
ReplyDeleteI suggest you take a standard men's pants pattern and add length to accommodate his height -- the pattern will say where to add the length. If you need to take in the waist, you can do that at the center back seam as well as at the side seams.
DeleteIf you want jeans, go with a Kwik Sew men's jeans pattern -- they have excellent instructions. Pants patterns are pretty standard so I can't really recommend one over another. Good luck with it!
DeleteHi Peter!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is awesome and inspiring! I'm a recovering fashion student and I was always sad we never made men's clothing. Your blog has been an excellent resource on my quest to make clothes to fit my male friends!! Thank you!
Great to hear it, Stan! :)
DeleteDear Peter, very inspired by your Blog. Just bought my first few yards of Selvedge Denim and old school rivets and backcinch. I want to try to recreate and 1880's denim jeans Levi's style. To be continued .....
ReplyDeleteGood luck with them!
DeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I want to say that I'm huge fan of http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com
I love your stuff so much that I recently referenced http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2011/04/sewing-growing-and-flowing-8-benefits.html in my latest infographic "14 Reasons Why Sewing is Good for You."
You can check it out here
http://www.sewinglist.com/why-sewing-is-good-for-you/
I'm just sending you a message to give you a heads up.
I'd be tickled pink if you share the infographic with your readers.
Either way, I'll see at http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com
cheers
Sandy
Hey MPB, just pulled out my school's old sewing machine and guess what it is?! A Kenmore 158-1212! I'm new to sewing and a project we are doing is forcing us to use the machine, but I can't seem to figure out how to load the spool for the bobbin. On other machines, I loosen the big wheel, which disengages the needle and sets the top spindle going, but on this one, it doesn't. Any hints? Thanks.
ReplyDeletePeter - do you think that your red work jacket could be made in a wool flannel? I have the Japanese book, and DH would like a jacket in a warm fabric. Thanks for any advice that you can offer, and I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteKris
Thanks, Kris. I think wool flannel would work, yes.
DeleteThank you so much for your feedback, and hearty congratulations on your nuptials!
DeletePeter, can we have a post on the menswear talk at FIT?
ReplyDeleteTheresa in Tucson
http://www.mr-mag.com/so-you-think-you-want-to-be-a-menswear-designer/
DeleteThank you for your inspiration in my own shirt making adventures and for the wonderful, wonderful pictures you have been posting to Instagram lately. I miss New York! Is there any chance I can contact you directly Peter? My own email is babsann.emodi@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteBarbara, you can email me at peterlappinnyc@gmail.com
DeleteHello Peter, I love your blog! You are an inspiration and extremely talented.
ReplyDeleteHow do I subscribe to your blog?
Hi Peter,
ReplyDeleteI have just read about this new item for the men's wardrobe, that ist a big success in France
I took a home economics class in 7th grade and made a book bag. All it took was finding a Singer from the 1940s. Now I'm back to it. The machine itself is a work of art. All I have to do is look at it and it inspires me. If someone has something to say to me about my passion for art and craftsmanship then they can say it. At the end of the day I create the world around me.
ReplyDeleteI loved your blueprint video for the camp shirt but can’t seem to find BUTTERICK 2233 (SIZE L). Very frustrating. Do you sell the pattern pieces?
ReplyDeleteI don't. With those vintage patterns sometimes you can find them on eBay or Etsy but it's a crap shoot. That said, there's a long list of camp shirt pattern possibilities in the camp shirt class supporting documents. You might try some of the others. Glad you liked the class!
DeleteI have a vintage shirt pattern I think you may like. Kwik Sew 1627
ReplyDeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteHave you set a date for the next MPB day? I want to put on my calendar so I don't miss it. Thanks, Theresa
Yes, it's Saturday, March 7th.
DeleteDude, I just have to drop a line to say I love, love, love your blog name. Bold!
ReplyDeleteHi I don't know if you can get BBC catchup in NYC but there is a sewing program called The Great British Sewing Bee, well worth a look.
ReplyDeleteAll The best Philippa from Somerset
I was just at the Threads site checking out the pre-owned suit challenge and had to let you know that your makeover was fantastic. You win in my book.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteI read your remarks about smocking in Threads and want to say that historically it was used to control the width of garments like, wait for it! traditional work smocks. These are cut in rectangles and the smocking gathers the upper end of the front, back, and sleeves. There's a Folkwear smock frock that you can look at if the whole concept is unfamiliar.
ReplyDeleteHi Peter you keep posting & profiling because your on a winner also hilight s your exceptional skills & most importantly your unique talent & creative flair guaranteed!✈
ReplyDeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteWill there be a MPB day in August 2021? I want to make sure I don't miss it.
Tks
Not this year, Sandra.
DeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I was doing a Google search about my sewing machine, a Penncrest P-1 with flowers, just like yours! I haven’t been able to find out much about it online. Anyway, thanks for sharing!
I found your men's shirt pattern from scratch. Exactly what I was looking for. I see MANY of your pants creations but so far have been unable to find what might be named men's pants pattern from scratch. Is there such an entry?
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever addressed drafting pants patterns from scratch but if you look online you can find many books about pattern drafting for men. I don't use them myself but you will see many highly recommended titles that are worth a try.
DeleteThank you.
DeleteMight as well go for broke. I can use my machine OK but my Achilles heel is when I try to use hand sewing techniques to finish a project. Have you done any videos about the most used hand sewing stitches?
Welp, that’s it: I’m learning how to sew.
ReplyDeleteHello Peter - I've been a great fan of yours for many years. Your blog has been a great resource and general source of sewing fun for years. I also greatly appreciate your responsiveness to my sewing questions in the past (usually on Instagram). Given the popularity of your blog, I'm turning to you to see if you could help me get Hulu to consider adding The Great British Sewing Bee to their line-up by upvoting my request here: https://community.hulu.com/s/idea/0875f00000056VoAAI/detail ? Currently the show is only available on the BBC and you must live in the UK. :-(
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance for your consideration!
Marly
I miss you Peter. As an older gay African American man,I'm interested in casual, comfortable but stylish shirts/tunics. Would you consider an online sew-along imitating this style.
ReplyDeleteFirst question... How do I chose a panel for this...? I'm tall and thin. Does this affect panel choice?
https://www.coowigsby.com/products/dashiki-shirts-%7C-lapel-geometric-single-breasted-mens-african-shirt-944723?skuId=9249501&c=USD&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-qGNBhD3ARIsAO_o7ym2NI9OOvQaW6dBzRdkz3AhoXcexLSWAghJxMn_xumYprzzVxe4dN4aAmhtEALw_wcB