Aug 22, 2014

Swimsuits 2, 3, & 4 (including Michael's Marc Jacobs Floral Print Square Cut)



Readers, in one of those "only could happen to Peter" moments of which I experience so many, I was walking the dogs yesterday when what do I discover discarded at a nearby curb but a pile of clean swimwear knit remnants (above).  I took it as a sign that I am aligned with my purpose.

Aug 21, 2014

Swimsuit #1: Square-Cut Tropical Print (NSFW?)



Let's face it: there's not a lot of tailoring in a mens swimsuit.  It's basically two or three pieces of fabric stitched together with the top folded-over to create a casing for a drawstring.  But it has to fit.  And ideally it's finished in a professional way.  That's my ideal anyway.

Aug 20, 2014

My New Summer Outfit -- Modeled TODAY!



My finished project is live today -- just click here.

A confession: I had the two fabrics above sitting in my stash for a year. 

Aug 19, 2014

Three Days to Whip Up Some Swimsuits



With my latest shirts and linen shorts finished (they debut tomorrow), I still have three days to sew some last-minute holiday togs.

Aug 18, 2014

Working on My Linen Shorts + How I Nearly Burned the House Down



So let me start with the burning the house down part, since it's clearly more newsworthy than a pair of linen shorts.

Aug 17, 2014

My Fair VLOG-y!



Friends, once again it's Sunday VLOG time!

On this week's episode, you'll find out about my sewing week, get a sneak peek at a recently completed sewing project, and hear me sing two of your favorite show tunes -- or somebody's!

Aug 15, 2014

Getting Started on My Wacky Patterned Shirt



I was back at the sewing machine today, but I spent most of my time laying out and cutting my fabric.

Aug 14, 2014

Released from Jury Duty and Issued a Summons -- Oh, Sweet Irony!



To quote Barbra Streisand singing "Sadie, Sadie" in Funny Girl, "Oy, what a day I had today!"

Aug 13, 2014

Working with a Difficult Print



Today I prepped the two fabrics I'll be working with next.  I'm eager to get a head start because...

Aug 12, 2014

Sunday Vlog at Last! (with MPB Day Highlights)



I never did share which patterns I selected from our MPB Day pattern swap.   That's them up top.

Aug 11, 2014

Laura Mae, Why Can't You Stay?



Readers, there are two kinds of house guests: the ones you wish would leave yesterday and the ones you wish could hang around longer.

Aug 10, 2014

MPB Day -- Was it all a dream?



Friends, due to physical and mental exhaustion, I am postoning my Sunday vlog till Tuesday.

Instead, I want to tell you about yesterday's MPB Day!

Aug 8, 2014

Big Curtain REVEAL + Pre-MPB Day Prep!



I'm not one to gossip, readers, but have you heard the latest about that Crystal Allen and Mr. Stephen Haines?  (Yes, that Mr. Stephen Haines!)

Aug 7, 2014

"Serger Go Clunk" or How I Repaired My Brother 1034D



For the past month or so, my serger, a Brother 1034D that I bought refurbished more than four years ago and has been trouble-free from the get-go, started making a very disturbing clunking sound whenever I used it.

Aug 6, 2014

Measure Once, Cut Thrice -- Home Dec Caveats!



Yesterday, MPB reader Corey Hill asked:

"How did you like your home dec project? Having done a lot of home dec myself, just curious how you like it compared with making garments."

Aug 4, 2014

My Home Dec Challenge



If you've been following me for a while, you probably know that I don't sew home dec.

Aug 3, 2014

MPB Sunday VLOG -- Fabric Hoarders BEWARE!



I rarely feel the need to alert potential vlog viewers about the content of my videos.

Aug 2, 2014

Sewing Uncertainty + Fabric Fun!



Was it Albert Einstein or Marilyn Monroe who originally said, When you can't make up your mind, don't.  Or did I come up with that myself?