Time for FALL SEWING!

Readers, maybe it's the cool morning breezes that hint September is on its way -- no, we haven't had any of those yet, sadly.

Rather,  I think it's knowing that once August is here, it's nearly MPB Day, then Labor Day, and then it's back to school!  Already the stores are brimming with school supplies and fall clothes -- not that I shop in clothing stores, mind you.

Oh, speaking of clothes shopping, did you happen to catch this article in the August 5th New York Times? (You may have to click through an ad.)  Would you believe there are people who sew all their own clothes?  How crazy is that!  I must check that Brooklyn place out.

Friends, I'm dragging us into fall today, whether you like it or not.  I'm not much of a planner, as you know, but I'm trying to map out where we're headed here at Male Pattern Boldness, or as it's also known, Himlines -- get it?  (What do you think of Himlines?)

Here's some of what's in store:

1) It's time for a new sew-along.  Hold you hats, folks -- or something -- because we're going to be making men's boxer shorts!

I've been wanting to lead a more elementary-level sew-along for some time now, and since boxers were my very first sewing project, I think this would be a great garment to tackle.  I'll be discussing this in more detail in the weeks ahead.  I'm not sure whether I'll be using a commercial pattern or teaching how to draft your own -- it's so easy and that way you know your boxers are going to fit.

Remember these vintage French-style boxers I made a long time ago from a vintage Simplicity pattern from 1945?





Well, they've never been wearable, frankly -- a little too tight in the rear and MUCH too high in the waist.  So maybe I'll re-work those to make them look a little more contemporary.

Fun!

2) This fall I also want to conquer the highly controversial mermaid gown for Cathy.  A lot of you love it, a lot of you hate it -- and I wouldn't have it any other way.

3) I also plan to make this, which I won yesterday on eBay (and sorry about the awful picture).

It was pretty cheap ($6 USD) and funny thing is, the seller was also offering this Vogue pattern, which went for three times as much -- and isn't it the same dress? 

I love that collar and I think this period (1951-52) is most flattering to Cathy, especially now that she owns a crinoline.

4) I have plans to make a few shirts for Michael, including one made from this psychedelic fabric I picked up at the flea market a few weeks ago.  That may happen sooner than September, actually.



5. I'm supposed to be leading a sew-along on BurdaStyle soon for a lined sundress, though I'm still waiting for the fabric to arrive.  I'm wondering if late summer is really the best time to be sewing a sundress but what do I know?

Anyway, what's exciting -- and unprecedented -- is that I'll be sewing this dress not for Cathy, but for a lovely young actress friend, Leah, who has a few things Cathy doesn't (I mean auburn hair and a husband, vulgarians!) so it should be exciting, and I know Leah will be up for a glamorous photo shoot.  She'd better be!

Friends, in closing, have you started planning your fall sewing yet?  If not, what are you waiting for?  Anything exciting on tap you wish to share?

What do you think of those amazing Brooklyn trendsetter sewers?

What was your favorite lunch box?

Jump in!