Ten Years of Sewing! (and a Fun Surprise)

Friends, I can hardly believe it, but as of this summer, I've been sewing exactly ten years.

Streaming Online Sewing Classes -- YEA or NAY?

 Readers, have you ever taken an online sewing class?

Listen to My (Free) THREADS Podcast!

I think you already know that I currently contribute online content to Threads Magazine as their first "Digital Ambassador."

Is There an Embroidery Machine in My Future?

Readers, embroidery machines -- I can't stop thinking (and reading) about them.

"Here, Kitty, Kitty" -- Peter's One-Year Anniversary Janome REVIEW!

Friends, I've been eagerly anticipating writing this review -- and could have written it much earlier -- but I wanted to wait a full year.

My First Brand New Sewing Machine or "Hello, Kitty!"

Readers, say hello to the first brand new sewing machine I've ever purchased!

The $99 Sewing Machine Challenge!

I know a lot about vintage sewing machines.

Irons vs. Garment Steamers

Readers, when it comes to sewing tools, I'm pretty old-school.

Book Review: Sewing for Fashion Designers

Laurence King Publishing recently sent a copy of Sewing for Fashion Designers by Anette Fischer, for me to review.

So You Want to Sew a Men's Suit -- Some Helpful Resources

I'll admit it: I find a men's suit to be one of the most challenging sewing projects to take on.

How to Choose a Sewing Machine, PART 1

Friends, after buying a car, is there any purchase more fraught than that of a sewing machine?

Professional Sewing Classes -- YEA or NAY?

Readers, what downside could there possibly be to taking a professional sewing class?

Can You Teach Yourself Fashion Draping?

Readers, I know I was a little vague about French dress forms yesterday -- apologies.

What Does "Tailored" Mean?

If I had a dime for every time an MPB commenter said something like, "I'd love to sew men's clothes but I don't have the tailoring skills" or "I lack your wicked tailoring skills," "I can't tailor," etc. -- I'd have a jar full of dimes!

The Great Sewing Machine Backstitch Debate

When you start sewing a seam, you backstitch, right?  I mean we all do, don't we?   

Don't we?

Can You Have Too Many Sewing Books?

Readers, this is a big week for me: the completion of my 4th year of sewing --  it's like my college graduation!

Partly to celebrate, I treated myself to a new sewing book yesterday -- new to me, I mean -- Roberta Carr's "Couture: The Art of Fine Sewing" from 1993, which I cannot believe was twenty years ago but whatever.  Did I also treat myself to her somewhat-pricey-even-though-second-hand couture sewing DVD too?  You'll just have to wait and find out.

What Makes a Good Sewing Instructor?

Readers, did you get good sewing instruction, and if so, from where?

Peter's Pattern Storage Secrets!

Readers, I own roughly three hundred patterns, maybe a few more, most of them vintage. 

I don't know exactly how this happened.  I purchased many of them myself -- mainly on Etsy, eBay, and at the flea market -- but others were gifted to me by desperately decluttering MPB readers.  I appreciate these donations, I really do, but larger numbers of patterns has meant better organization is a must.  Today I'd like to share my system with you.

Waistband Wonderland -- Installing Hook & Eye Closures

Readers, is there anything more challenging than making a nice clean waistband on a pair of mens pants -- or womens pants, for that matter?  Yes, collars can be hard and so can cuffs, but waistbands -- especially the ones with those fancy hook and eyes -- can be troublesome.   Here's how I make mine.

Sewing, Hammers, and Pinterest UPDATE!

Source: google.com via Peter on Pinterest

Friends, to say I have taken to Pinterest like a duck takes to water would be inaccurate, since a duck doesn't actually live in the water, whereas I am having a hard time prying myself away from my new favorite website without gasping for air.