Things I Don't Get, Vol. 6: Downloadable Patterns

It's not like I haven't tried them. 

I have used two downloadable patterns in my relatively short sewing career and vowed never again.  Oh, sure, it's convenient -- for the pattern company!  For the home sewer it's a waste of 1) time, 2) paper, 3) printer ink.  I'm sure other things are wasted (tape!) and I depend on you to come up with them.

Peter's Post-Vacation Recovery Post

Readers, I don't know what your vacations are like, but I came back from Provincetown feeling pooped.  I had a wonderful time and we enjoyed excellent weather (except for the two days when it rained), but I'm weary.  Do you ever find yourself needing a vacation-vacation?  It sounds so self-indulgent.

Cathy Models the 1940's Swimsuit Ensemble!

It's nothing short of a miracle.  Only days after giving birth to a healthy 10 lb. baby girl, my cousin Cathy was back in front of the camera, strutting her stuff on the beautiful beaches of Provincetown, Massachusetts.

In a series of echt Forties swimsuit ensembles, our new mother turned heads as she frolicked along the shoreline, striking poses not seen since Moon Over Miami.  And when this little mermaid hit the water, she really made waves!

New Fabric, New Patterns, New BABY!

Readers, I am proud to announce that last Monday, September 3rd, (Labor Day), my cousin Cathy gave birth to a 10 lb. bouncing baby girl. 

The Sewing B*tch

Readers, you know I avoid vulgar language here at MPB.  Unlike some other bloggers we know and love who swear like sailors, I never use the f word, the c word, and usually avoid the b word.

Make it Reversible!

Friends, as you may recall, this green floral tropical print was my original choice for my vintage bathing suit project -- not the bikini, but rather the Advance one-piece.  Then it got bumped by the black floral print.  I thought I'd use the green print -- oh, so, Dorothy Lamour -- for my final bikini, and I had it all pressed and ready to use this morning when it just started to look so...obvious.  I wasn't feeling it.

Happiness Is a 1940's Two-Piece Swimsuit

Maybe I've watched too many Esther Williams movies.  Maybe I'm so immersed in vintage womens swimsuit patterns that I've lost perspective.

How to Sew a Wild Bikini

Readers of a certain age, do you like beach party movies?  I ask you specifically because I'm not sure anyone under forty knows what they are.

Finishing the 40's Swimsuit or "The Things I Do For My Cousin"

Readers, what could I do?

I wanted to show you my finished Advance swimsuit but my poor cousin Cathy is due to give birth any day now and hardly up to posing for cheesecake.   Consider this crabcake.

Peter's Final Knit Post!

Ta da! -- My blue knit t-shirt with contrasting neckband.

I am so done with knit jersey, friends.  At least for now.  I'm perfectly satisfied with my new t-shirts and I intend to wear them.  But the end result doesn't really merit the effort.

Vintage L.L. Bean Fashion Inspiration!

Readers, would you guess these men were dressed by designer Junya Watanabe of Comme des Garçons for the Paris Fall 2012 Mens Fashion Show?

Peter's New T-Shirt or "Down to the Knitty-Gritty"

They say the third time's the charm, which must be true, since that's how many tries it took me to attach my neckband successfully.  Oh, I'm sorry, good morning, readers!

Sewing With Knits

Before we get started, readers, I must share this latest entry in the "Who Wore It Best?" muslin competition.  Michael was insistent he get a shot, and since his mom was visiting yesterday afternoon...  Aren't they adorable? 

The Dickey - YEA or NAY?

Dickeys -- remember them?

The Robe Muslin: Who Wore It Best, Me or Mom?

I'll say this for my mother: she's game.