Apr 30, 2014

Directional Fabrics Are Challenging!



I am enjoying working with my mint and gray paisley a lot.  But it has presented some challenges.

Apr 29, 2014

May Sewing Projects in the Pipeline



Readers, I can't believe it's almost May -- in part because today's weather feels like March.

Apr 27, 2014

Apr 26, 2014

French Back Boxers REVEAL or "Half-Naked Again"



Yes, that's me up top.  (I think my mother still has that Tonka steam shovel somewhere.)

Apr 25, 2014

Back to Boxers!



When I'm between big projects, I always enjoy returning to something that's relatively uncomplicated: men's underwear.  Who can't use more of that?

Apr 24, 2014

THIS JUST IN: Peter Models His Lace Shirt at Mood!



Lace Day is finally here!

You can see me model my lace shirt and gray jersey shorts right this minute over at the Mood Sewing Network by clicking here.

Apr 22, 2014

Whatever Happened to....? Your Questions Answered!



Readers, life here at MPB Industries is such a whirlwind that, naturally, some plans fall by the wayside.

Apr 21, 2014

Next Up: Cotton Jersey Pants!



Today I started working on a pair of lightweight knit pants to go with my lace shirt outfit.

Apr 19, 2014

Post-Wedding Wrap-up: WHAT WE WORE!



Readers, thank you!

It's not often that one receives advice from more than a hundred of one's closest friends, but so many of you came through for me about what I should wear to my friend's wedding.  And I listened!

Apr 18, 2014

Attending Wedding TOMORROW -- What Should I Wear?



Readers, one of my oldest male friends is getting married tomorrow and we're invited.  It will be my first gay wedding!

Apr 17, 2014

Lace Shirt, DAY 3 -- Creating a Scalloped Hem



I decided to go for the scalloped shirt back hem, an idea I mentioned in yesterday's post.

Apr 14, 2014

Apr 12, 2014

Saturday Book Break + Demolition!



Readers, do you ever wonder what happens to the people whose homes get demolished as neighborhoods gentrify?

Apr 11, 2014

Moving On From Shirts...



Readers, it seems like it's been all about shirts here at MPB lately. 

Apr 10, 2014

Apr 9, 2014

FIT Class # 11 -- Almost Finished With Our Shirt!



Last night's class was devoted primarily to closing up the sides of our shirt.

Apr 6, 2014

More Comic Book Bathos + Michael Wears the Shirt -- BETTER THAN I DO!



I can't deny it: Michael looks better in this purple gingham/floral shirt than I do.  Is it his skin tone?  His blue eyes?  His grayish hair?  Therefore I have decided to let him have it.  How frustrating!

Apr 5, 2014

Flea Market Fun on a Sunny Saturday!



So many fun things at the flea market this morning (on an amazingly April-like April day: sunny and mid-50's).

Apr 4, 2014

Adding a Double-Welt Pocket to My Latest Shirt



I mentioned that in my last menswear sewing class, Professor B. showed a small group of us how to make a double-welt opening, presumably for a pocket.  (I described the method in Wednesday's post; the sample is above.)

Apr 3, 2014

Attaching My Shirt Sleeve PICS + New Shirt Muslin!



So here's my latest muslin (no buttons yet, unhemmed), using the pattern Professor B. altered for me on Tuesday.  I cut the torso out of my purple gingham, and the sleeves, collar, and cuffs out of the tiny floral.

Apr 2, 2014

FIT Class #10 -- Breakthrough!



Sometimes you don't get what you want in life -- but sometimes you do!