MANSWAP #10 – Facing reality
I don’t know why I didn’t make a plan (the clue is in the name “sewing with a PLAN”). I planned all the outfits, the colours and the fabrics. I created a wonderful, imaginary wardrobe for my son Gus. I … Continued
MANSWAP #8 The 1966 Green Polo neck sweater
Firstly – I finally finish the trousers. As ever I have not reached perfection, but I have got to good enough. Gus really likes them. I will give you some properly modelled photographs at some point. Here is a picture … Continued
MANSWAP #7 (Nearly) finishing the brown corduroy trousers
Last week I left you with a cliff hanger! Would letting out the back seam fix the problem of the trousers-that-were-too-tight? Last week I explained that the brown corduroy trousers I am making for my son turned out a little … Continued
2017 Resolutions and Plans
I got a bit bored of people saying 2016 was an exceptionally bad year. A few rock stars died and the people voted for some unpalatable choices. But come on – compared to years gone past we didn’t have so … Continued
MANSWAP #6 The brown corduroy trousers
With the Sewing with a Plan it is generally Planning first, then after Christmas Sewing starts. Sometimes one or two garments can be made ahead. I “planned” to start these trousers early as I had had great success with the … Continued
MANSWAP #5 – The actual Plan
I have taken a little break recently, but that has given me plenty of time to firm up my plans for Gus’s SWAP. This involves a wardrobe of 11 items that I have to complete by the end of April … Continued
MANSWAP #4 Making a tailored jacket for Gus
The two jackets You may remember that I started with the idea of making a 1940s vintage jacket for my son Gus. I toiled it twice and made a number of alterations. On the third iteration, discouraged by the amount … Continued
MANSWAP #3 – The Trouser Pattern
The trousers Thank you to (grumpy) Karen who suggested I tried Make My Pattern. I was sceptical, to be honest. I have nice vintage men’s trouser patterns – why would I want Aldrich blocks? Then I looked at the website … Continued
Men’s style – Steve McQueen
In order to inspire myself to sew menswear I have been considering who my style icons are. Here are a few men who I think dress well, whatever the period. Arthur Miller Frank Sinatra James Dean Sean Connery Steve McQueen … Continued
MANSWAP #2 – Polo (turtle) neck Pullover Pattern
Gus wrote a post about his first hand knitted jumper. That turned out to be my most popular blog post ever, and I didn’t even write one word of it! Thank you everyone who made a comment – I know … Continued