MPB Men's Shirt Sew-Along!

Friends, we're all set!  The MPB Men's Shirt Sew-Along officially begins on Tuesday, February 1 at 9 am EST.   You have 25 days, which sounds like a lot of time, but you know what the boy scouts say.  Those of you ordering fabric and notions can use the extra lead time.

I am thrilled to announce that, for those of us choosing to sew the same pattern, we'll be using Colette's new retro-chic Negroni men's shirt pattern.

Love it.

I have never sewn the Negroni pattern and I cannot wait to receive it.  I really wanted to choose something that was contemporary and a little hip and I think this pattern fits the bill perfectly.  Plus I'm a sucker for a vintage 10-speed.  I'll be making both the printed one-piece camp collar version and will also provide instructions on making a two piece collar with collar stand.

BONUS!  Sarai is offering a 20% discount on the pattern for Sew-Along participants during the month of January.  Please use the promo code MPBNEGRONI  (It MUST be entered in all caps) to enjoy the discount.

You can read more about Negroni and place an order for it here.

Sarai asked me to remind readers overseas that international shipping can take 2-3 weeks.  Please give yourself plenty of time!

NOTE: No one is required to purchase this pattern to participate in the Sew-Along.  If you already have a pattern and/or prefer to sew along with a different one, you are welcome to do so.  

Over the next few weeks I'll be discussing fabric (you'll need roughly 3 yards) and other recommended supplies for making a men's shirt.

I've created a cute button link up top that you can add to your blog if you have one.  I know it will be prominently displayed over at Pleasing My Palate -- or else.  And I could have sworn I saw it over at Stitches and Seams and Pin Queen already.  Thanks, guys! 

In other non-Sew-Along-related news, I've been fabric shopping in anticipation of today's snowstorm.  Here's my take.





The white fabric is three yards of white cotton denim-weight twill.  I've been wanting white jeans for ages, even though I'm a bit of a slob.  There's something about winter white I love.  It lights up my life and whatever happened to Debbie Boone?

I also found this gorgeous gray cotton flannel that may have a little rayon in it.  It has a real retro feel and would be perfect for Negroni, don't you think?  I picked up dark gray topstitching thread too.





I also love this cotton plaid shirting -- a color combination I don't often see.



Nice, no?  Everything was $3/yd., which is a world of $348 dresses, feels like home.

Friends, that's it.  We're not going to be All-Shirts, All-the-Time here at MPB, but I will be posting more about the Sew-Along over the next week so that participants can get the supplies they need and be ready to roll at 9 am EST, Tuesday, February 1.

Pace yourselves, kids -- we have a long and fun road ahead.   

Happy Friday, everybody!

UPDATE: We now have a Flickr group (called MPB Men's Shirt Sew-Along) to share our project pics!  To join, please email me at peterlappinnyc at gmail dot com.