Readers, it's nearly October, which means it's almost time for the MPB Men's Boxers Sew-Along to begin! Our start date is this coming Monday, October 3rd. Where did the time go?
You don't need a lot of supplies to make boxers, just some fabric, thread, elastic, and a sewing machine. Hopefully you already have these. If not, there's still time to get them!
I'm going to be working primarily from two men's boxers patterns, both vintage: McCall's 3438, and Simplicity 1960 (the standard boxers, not the yoked French style). You can use any men's boxers pattern -- or even pajama bottoms pattern -- you choose.
The only difference between a vintage boxers pattern and a contemporary one is generally the rise. Men used to wear their pants at their true waist, and their underwear too. We'll be lowering the rise together -- an easy adjustment to make.
The fabric I'm using is basic cotton shirting. I recommend using 100% cotton fabric that's soft. Here are my choices. I've used the two on the left for other projects; the two on the right are new. If you're not sure how much fabric to purchase, check the back of your pattern envelope. For more information about men's shirting, check here.
Yesterday I picked up two different kinds of elastic, both 1 1/4" wide. The standard elastic will go in a casing; the softer, more pillowy elastic will be stitched directly onto my fashion fabric and therefore come in contact with my skin. I bought one yard of each, which will be plenty.
And that -- as they say -- is that! As in the past, I have created a Flickr group for participants to join. You can join here (if you're already a member of Flickr) or by emailing me at peterlappinnyc at gmail dot com.
And now, The Daily Ditch©.
Anyone who grew up in the Seventies remembers these Russ Berrie figurines, which, if I recall correctly, you'd buy in stationery stores. (Does anyone still buy stationery?) Much like Troll dolls, they're either adorable or grotesque, depending on your taste. I used to have more than a dozen; today I will own none.
I'm ambivalent about parting with my Magic 8 Ball -- it doesn't take up that much space after all.
Should I ditch it?
Finally, after more than two years of being able to use only half my closet, since the doohicky supporting the clothing rod snapped off and the left side of the rod couldn't support the weight of my clothes, I finally replaced it. Ta da!
Not only that: with the drill out and ready, I decided to finally hang this kitschy Sixties bulletin board I bought at the flea market many years ago and never used.
Is it me, or is there a resemblance? What better place for it than my sewing machine corner?
Friends, that's it for today. My next challenge is to weed through my old sewing projects and decide what stays and what goes. I mean, groovy cotton-poly sheet shirts -- who wears those things?
Do you ever ditch things you've sewn? Is it harder than dumping ready-to-wear? Any advice is appreciated.
Happy Thursday, everybody!
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