Cathy Models the 1970 Vogue Dress!

Readers, my cousin Cathy is back!

Sewing a Summer Dress for Cousin Cathy!

As most of you know by now, my cousin Cathy gets annoyed with me if I don't make her at least one new outfit every season.

Revisiting the 70's Disco Shirt + Painting Update!

Look, everybody, my garbage-find artwork is now hanging on the wall -- I was even inspired to declutter the surface of my credenza!

The Glory Days of Mens Patterns or "Those Sexy 70s Butterick Studs"

I often receive emails from male readers asking me about patterns.  There's usually a photo attached -- something right out of The Sartorialist -- of a beautifully attired man in Tribeca or London or Milan, and the question is always, Where can I find a contemporary pattern to make that jacket (or pants, or coat)?  And the answer is always the same: You can't.

Whatever Happened to the "Natural Woman"?

Balsam.  Lemon.  Unscented.  Natural.

Friends, welcome to the world of early Seventies advertising!

Mens Shorts Dilemma: How Short Is Too Short?

Readers, some of you may think I'm a flamboyant person, but when it comes to day-to-day dressing, I'm actually rather conservative.  I'm perfectly comfortable on the beach in a short bathing suit but you'll never see me walking down the street with my shirt unbuttoned or rocking a pair of Daisy Dukes.  It's just not the vibe I want to give off.

70's Teen Idol Style

Readers, I am a product of the Seventies, by which I mean that, having been born in 1962, I spent my formative years in that decade.  Some people think of the Seventies as a disturbing time with tacky clothes, but take it from someone who was there: it was a great time with tacky clothes.

Anatomy of an Ugly Pattern + Vogue winner!

Happy Monday, MPB readers.  Much to cover today so let's get to it.   First, the winner of the current (April/May 2012) issue of Vogue Patterns with my treadle article in it is...

A case of the Sewing "Now whats?"

Readers, do you ever finish a project and have no idea what to sew next?  Maybe you feel tired or even a little burnt out?  If so, you may be suffering from a case of the Sewing "Now whats?"

I know I am.

Ultrasuede - Yea or Nay?

Blame Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto.

In 1970 he invented a 100% polyester, machine-washable, suede-like microfiber fabric that went on to define an often-derided decade of fashion.  Indeed, who can talk about Seventies style without mentioning ultrasuede (or rather, Ultrasuede)?

Cathy models the 70's pantsuit and coat ensemble!

Friends, they say, in Hollywood, you always want to finish ahead of schedule and under budget.

That's why I am so excited to announce that Cathy's latest photo shoot is done, one day early!  Who knew Cathy would be enjoying a glamorous Friday night out at the theater, as Michael had an extra ticket and I wasn't feeling up to going out?

The Coat Project: friend or faux?

The latest on the Seventies coat saga:  After digging around in the Garment District yesterday, I have decided to go ahead and make my coat, and -- tentatively -- to make it in faux fur.

Random Thoughts about Seventies Coats

So here's the deal: Cathy will model the Seventies pantsuit, Simplicity 7295, but she isn't willing to freeze her a** off in the cold.

Which got me thinking...

Glitzy Halston-inspired outfit UPDATE!

Friends, it takes a certain kind of man to pull off a 1975 sequined pantsuit.  Fortunately, I am precisely that kind of man.

Puttin' on the Glitz!

Rhinestones.  Bugle beads.  Sequins.  Fringe.

These are the elements of glitzy dressing, our topic for today!

Unisex - The Musical!

Readers, a pre-dawn epiphany:

The loathsome message implicit in every unisex sewing pattern is "we are so into each other, we don't give a damn how we look to the rest of the world."  Am I right? 

"You've come a long way, baby" or Revisiting the Seventies Woman!

We're traveling again today, kids.  Yesterday we revisited 1951.  Now we're jumping forward (or backward, depending on your perspective) to 1972, via the pages of the September 1972 issue of Ladies' Home Journal.

"That Seventies Pattern" -- grooviest MPB giveaway EVER!

Friends, today begins a new chapter in my much-heralded decluttering saga.  While longtime MPB readers may remember my very first decluttering post only last November, the mental preparation was years in the making, subtle shifts taking place deep within my unconscious.

Cathy models The Elaine Dress + POLL

At long last The Elaine Dress (TED) photo shoot.

A Day of Healing

Friends, before we begin I'd like to ask if anyone has any feelings left over from yesterday.