Like I NEED More Patterns...

This weekend I happened upon not one, but two large troves of patterns at the Chelsea flea market -- a rare thing.

Would you have turned down a mod Vogue Paris Original suit pattern for just $2?  I couldn't.

New fabric + my vintage 40's mannequin arrives!

Honestly, is there anything more exciting than receiving a package in the mail containing an eBay purchase?  Maybe a puppy. 

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT -- The Vintage 40's Sewing Mannequin Doll

Friends, a bit of advice: do not shop online at night, especially on sites like Etsy and eBay, where one-of-a-kind collectibles are available for purchase at the strike of a computer key.  After 11 pm, particularly around a holiday, one's resistence WILL BE LOW.

Giveaway Winner + Last BIG purchase of 2011, promise!

Good morning, Ann Margret fans and others!   Huh?  Keep reading.

Mae West Style + GIVEAWAY!

She wasn't thin, she wasn't young (not at the height of her fame anyway), and she wasn't particularly beautiful, yet there's no denying that Mae West was a true sex symbol in her day.

What do you make of Brooklyn-born Mae West -- actress, playwright, singer, comedian, sexual trailblazer?

Peter's Thursday WIG-A-PALOOZA!

Readers, I believe when we've reached the point that we're sewing men's pants flies closed, it's time to take a break.  Of course, this means that I'm imposing my break on you.  So no pants today.

Instead, I want to talk about something altogether different -- wigs!  I've written about wigs before (most extensively here), and it's no secret that I'm a big fan.  To me, there's very little difference between a wig and, say, fur.  It's a luxurious, hairy accessory.

Jeans Sew-Along 10.5 -- Rivets FAIL + Gifts Galore!

Friends, contrary to popular opinion, I am just a person.  Like you, I have my highs and my lows, my successes and my failures.  In the latter camp must go jeans rivets.  Try as I might I simply cannot manage to attach them correctly.  I can poke the hole in the fabric all right, it's everything else.

New acquisitions + George W. Trippon

Readers, Sunday posts can tend to be idea dumps here at MPB.  Sometimes there are things I'd like to share but they don't warrant a post all their own -- or I lack the inspiration to create one.  Consider today's post an idea dump.  My mind has been unfocused of late.

Everything but Sewing

Friends, we've been honest with each other since the beginning so why change now?  I've had a busy week full of all kinds of sewing-related excitement, but when it comes to actual sewing, um...not so much.

GUY WEEK FINALE -- New Kids on the Block + pattern winners!

Friends, you've made me so very happy. I'm so glad you came into my life.  Wait, that's the radio -- yup, I'm back in the bagel shop/Wi-Fi hotspot.  Still no home internet.

And did I mention that you make me feel like a natural woman?

"That Seventies Pattern" -- grooviest MPB giveaway EVER!

Friends, today begins a new chapter in my much-heralded decluttering saga.  While longtime MPB readers may remember my very first decluttering post only last November, the mental preparation was years in the making, subtle shifts taking place deep within my unconscious.

More Shirts, More Dolls -- Wow!

OK, was I like, not supposed to post this fabulous photo recently uploaded to the Men's Sew-Along Flickr group just because it can already be seen on the blog of Canadian sew-alongette and Mom-of-adorable-boy-model, Sony?

Doll talk + Cathy's Comeback muslin!

The darts need work, of course, but I think you'll agree that Vogue 4018 looks promising if a little Cinderelly at the moment.

When Ken Met Allan or "Guys and Dolls"

He's here.  After yesterday's rant about my eBay seller, how embarrassed I was when the mail delivery person dropped off a big Priority Mail box not an hour later.  Oh, Joy!

New Acquisitions: Insomnia Edition

Friends, unlike you, I can't talk about men's shirtmaking endlessly without the occasional break; I'm simply not a shirt-obsessive.  With all the focus on our Sew-Along, I neglect to mention all the other exciting things going on.  Since I'm wide awake at 3 am, I'd like to share a few of them.

"What a dump!" Monday + Goals!

Yesterday I was digging in a box of art supplies searching for some wrapping paper, and look what I uncovered!  I didn't even remember I owned this Bette Davis paper doll.  It must have been a gift.

Vintage Glamour Girl Paper Dolls GIVEAWAY

Do you know what today (Saturday) is?  Surely you remember!  You don't?  Well, no matter; I'll tell you: