The Environmental Impact of Home Sewing: Should We Care?

Readers, hardly a day goes by when we're not reminded in the media about the environmental crisis.

Things I Don't Get, Vol. 19 -- Cosplay

Friends, as someone whose relationship with comic books starts and ends with Millie the Model, I'm not likely to have any profound insights into the world of cosplay.

Whatever Happened to the Bed Jacket?

Friends, when is the last time you saw someone wear a bed jacket who wasn't starring in a 1940's film noir?

The Demise of Wolf Dress Forms

Sad news to report, friends.

The Wolfform Company, manufacturer of dress forms for more than 100 years, is out of business.

Giveaway Winner + 5 BIGGEST CHALLENGES HOME SEWING FACES

First things first, friends.  The winner of last week's giveaway is....

Can You Still Save Money Sewing Your Own Clothes?

It seems like another world.

The State of Home Sewing 2016 -- What's Your Perspective?

If you haven't heard already, the Hancock Fabrics chain, with more than 250 stores in 39 American states, is closing.

2016 EPIPHANY: I don't have to sew EVERYTHING!

I don't know if if it's because I'm a Taurus or just naturally bullheaded, but for the last few years I committed myself to sewing everything I wore and to wearing only what I'd made myself.

What Turns a Man On....To Sewing?

Friends, in your opinion, what turns a man on to sewing?

Are Home Sewers Unusually Cheap?

Friends, a few weeks ago I found myself engaged in conversation with a prominent professional member of the sewing community.

Indie Pattern Companies and The Power of Branding

Readers, today I want to talk about branding.

A Reader Asks: "Could My Sewing Idea Work?"

Friends, I received a very interesting email from MPB reader Chris today, and I thought I might run it by you (with Chris's permission of course) and find out what you think.

Men's clothing vs women's clothing -- Which is more difficult to sew?

Apparently it's Questions Week here at MPB.  (I don't plan these things, they just happen.)

Last month I received an email from reader Lynn S., suggesting an interesting blog topic.  Here's what Lynn wrote:

Sewing and the Creative Process

Readers, do you ever sit down and think about how you go about choosing and carrying out your sewing projects?

Were Sewing Patterns More Complex in Days Gone By?

Readers, I spent hours today working on my 1939 McCall's dress but I'm still not finished.  This day dress -- which is lovely but hardly exceptional for its era-- has proven to be a major time suck, and I haven't put in the side zipper, hemmed it, made the belt, or finished the cuffs yet.

Shopping vs. Making It Yourself: The Creativity Conundrum

I've been pondering this question for a long time, readers, and I can't remember what prompted it:

Is home sewing intrinsically more creative than shopping for ready-to-wear?

Practical Sewing vs. "Fantasy" Sewing

So I was thinking about Debbie's panties last night...

Wait.  Let me explain:

Toy Sewing Machines for Children -- Yea or Nay?

Friends, I have no children of my own, nor do I have anyone else's.  I do wonder, however, what it might be like to teach a small child to sew, how young is too young and, related to this, what kind of sewing machine to start a child on.

Sewing, Growing, and Flowing: The 8 Benefits of Making It Yourself

Readers, I always welcome the opportunity to take a break from actual sewing...to talk about sewing.  I find myself in a contemplative mood today and thought I'd reflect a bit on what sewing has given me, and perhaps you too.

Here, then, are my 8 Benefits of Making It Yourself:

Whither the Secretary?

Friends, is anybody a secretary anymore?

In these days of internet, iPhones, Blackberries, etc., is there really any need for somebody to answer phones, take a letter, or make photocopies?