Favorite Projects from 2014

Last January seems like eons ago somehow, though it's been the same twelve-month period as every other year.

I sewed a wide variety of garments in 2014 -- I didn't realize how much I'd sewn till I sat down to prepare this post.

My mountain parka (up top) has seen the most use for sure; it's my go-to jacket/coat when the weather is above freezing.  I travel around town a lot by bike these days and this parka is perfect for cycling: it breathes, it's lightweight, it's great for layering and it's waterproof.  Plus, it has a two-way zipper.  I love it.

My wool plaid shacket (also ideal for layering) is another recent winner.  I have one in the works for Michael too!  (Click on pics to supersize.)



This year, I'm proudest of my shirts.  Highlights include....

Wool challis:



Cotton panel print:



Cotton flannel:



Cotton lawn with a retro feel:



Liberty print:



Gingham and floral combination:



Crossword!



More pattern-mixing:



Home Sewing is Easy!



It seems like I made my leopard-print wool coat (below) a lifetime ago.  I'm wearing it tomorrow night for our New Years Eve festivities!



A few more favorites (for warmer weather, natch): 









My cousin Cathy got only one dress this year but it's one of my all-time favorites: a 1942 McCall's pattern I whipped up in vintage rayon crepe!





One definite dud:  Michael has dubbed the collarless, pastel, short-sleeve shirt below the Dorothy Zbornak for its Golden Girls palette and Eighties fit.  Hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained!



So what's in store for 2015?

I invite you to tune in and find out, and as always, to kick off your shoes and stay awhile!

Happy New Year, everybody -- best wishes from my family to yours!

Tall Sales to stock up on extra long eseentials

Fed up with buying presents for others? Flush with Christmas gift cash? Keen to spruce up your tall wardrobe in time for the new season?

Here's a selection of the best end-of-year / Christmas sales and clearances that have something for tall people.

Finding extra long jeans is a basic life skill for us tall people. After hearing the refrain "we only stock extra long inseams online" one time too many in regular stores, I now head straight online first. Most online retailers now make returning and refunding items simple, so there's no reason not to try something out to see how it fits. I like Buckle's own "BKE" range for trendy but affordable denim but they also have a number of other fashion labels with long inseams (mostly 36 inch but some 37 and 38 inch inseams).

Staying on the theme of jeans, Western stores seem to be a reliable source of long inseam jeans. I'm not sure that cowboys were particularly tall but perhaps its something about all that jiggling up and down on horses that requires a long inseam - if anyone who understands horse-riding better than me would care to tell me, I'd be happy to learn! Western stores tend to be heavy on Wranglers which are your basic bread-and-butter jeans. But Sheplers has a wide range of brands with inseam up to an impressive 40 inches and waist suitable for tall slim and more athletic builds.

This is one of my favorite stores because you never quite know what you're going to find. Sierra Trading Post sells outdoor and work wear but also heavily reduced end of line items from high end names. Alongside carpenter's pants you may find cashmere socks or an expensive branded suit. Definitely a go-to if you are looking for tall coats and outdoor gear but also well worth a browse through the tall section. Although prices are generally reduced, New Year markdowns give an extra reason to visit!

For the slimmer tall person like me, Destination XL may not offer much, especially for pants and jeans. But if you are more in the "Big and Tall" category (waist 36 inches and above) then you'll find plenty at Destination XL and Rochester Big & Tall (both owned by the same company). For sizes XL and above, Destination XL is also a reliable source of Polo Ralph Lauren polo shirts and other items. Right now, there is a clearance with up to 75% off many items.

At first glance, you might think Paul Fredrick is the place for your dad to shop. Or your grandad. Or some 1970s Wall Street throwback. But stick with me. Paul Fredrick has quite a wide selection of big and tall sizes (not for the very slim but pretty good for most). This is one place you can get wool and cashmere sweaters with Tall sizes and they have a wide selection of good quality dress shirts. Maybe not for your everyday shopping but at clearance or sale time its well worth a browse to pick a couple of "luxury" items.

Holiday Updates + Dogs vs. Cats: MPB VIDEO Exclusive!

This has been a wonderful holiday for me and my family, with a lot to be grateful for.

I am happy to report that my Mom is doing very well.  She's in her last week of partial weight bearing on her injured leg; after the 31st she can switch from a walker to a cane.  (Her surgeon has called her recovery "remarkable.")   She has been staying with my brother and SIL since her discharge from the hospital nearly three weeks ago.  I see her most days and encourage her to do as much walking as she can.  Her mental state has improved a lot too: she's back to reading the newspaper and talking to friends occasionally, and generally has a sunnier outlook.



Michael and I spent Christmas with his family in Pennsylvania.  We drove down to his Dad's and had dinner at a restaurant nearby.  On Christmas morning, Michael's sister Beth prepared brunch for all of us.





A true pet lover, Beth had holiday presents for Freddy and Willy, as well as for Michael's Dad's cat, Herbie.



You can see their respective reactions in the video below.  (Those on portable devices can click here.)



No comment.

In other news, Michael and I saw a fantastic Broadway musical last weekend, The Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.  If you know the British film Kind Hearts & Coronets, you know the plot.  The show was marvelously performed, witty and fun -- I highly recommend it.



Finally, Michael tried on my plaid wool shacket and has decided he wants one of his very own.  Methinks it's time to get back to work!



Have a great day, everybody, and happy holidays!

NAME THAT PATTERN -- YULETIDE EDITION!

Dear friends, it's Christmas Eve and what better time to play a special Yuletide edition of the sewing blogosphere's favorite pattern-naming game, MPB's exclusive NAME THAT PATTERN!

The whole gang is here: Freddy and Willy, Michael and I, and you never know who may drop by -- maybe even Liza and Lorna!

The rules couldn't be easier: I post photos of patterns I've found online, and we give them funny names.  You can name all the patterns, or just the ones that inspire you.  It's all about having fun.

Since it's Christmas, we have some super-special prizes in store, including a 25% off coupon to Bed, Bath & Beyond with no expiration date!

With no further delay, let's get started:

Presenting, Pattern #1!



Perplexed?  No worries -- here's Pattern #2!



But wait, there's more -- feast your eye on Pattern #3!



Now things get challenging.  Make room for Pattern #4!



Finally, there's Pattern #5!



But it's ain't over yet -- as always, we have our very special BONUS PATTERN, for those who want to make an extra-good impression on Santa!  Here's Pattern #6!!



Readers, I hope you've enjoyed this special Yuletide edition of NAME THAT PATTERN.  Even if you don't celebrate the holidays, I hope you'll share the cheer by playing along with us.  As always, I'll be contributing my answers, along with Michael, cousin Cathy, and the whole gang here at MPB.

Wishing you the merriest of merries, get on your marks, get set, NAME THAT PATTERN!!

And during your downtime this holiday, be sure to watch this Xmas classic:

The (Slightly) Shortened Shacket + New Fabric, New Patterns

Sometimes you need the distance of a few days to realize that a completed garment could benefit from a tweak.



After looking at the photos of me in my wool plaid shacket and wearing it around town last week, I realized it needed work.  Worn as an overshirt, it reached down a little longer than I liked, and worn inside my pants there was a bit too much fabric to tuck in comfortably.  So I did what any of you would have done: I shortened it. 



I think this is an improvement and more flattering on a short guy like me.





In other news, MPB reader Michael C. has once again gifted me vintage patterns from his seemingly bottomless stash.

Burda 8143 (below) is such an 80's classic but I'm not sure it has aged well.  What do you think: gem or atrocity?





It reminds me of this outfit modeled decades ago in Vogue by Janice Dickinson. I believe Princess Stephanie of Monaco also wore something similar in a music video.



Michael also sent me this Butterick Retro pattern.  I love me a good peplum.



I also have some new fabric: organic white denim.  Being the somewhat slobby person I am, I tend to  avoid white anything, but I'm hoping with the aid of a little bleach I can keep whatever I make (jeans?) looking bright, or at least whitish.



And that's it!  I hope those of you immersed in holiday sewing are enjoying high productivity.

Have a great day, everybody!

(There was only one Princess Stephanie -- thank God.)