17/04/2014
A visit from my youngest son finally gave me the push I needed to do a write-up on ill-fitting shirts and a fairly easy remedy for it. All you need is either some very basic skills with a sewing machine, a little time and patience, and a shirt that is too large of body. There are a few measurements a…
19/02/2014
I know, I’ve been late in delivering the next iteration of the Waistcoat Project. To be honest, this one caused me so much trouble it almost sunk the entire project. The Singer just totally refused to do the buttonholes for me. So much so that I’ve since invested in a vintage Singer for future buttonhole duties. The issues with the…
15/01/2014
Those of you following me on Instagram will already know that version 2 of the Waistcoat Project has been completed and approved. In fact, the comments posted on the sneak photos have been incredibly encouraging and gives me the motivation to continue the project, with yet more variants! Due to the winter darkness it’s bee a little tricky to take…
03/01/2014
So, moving on with the Waistcoat Project. Having proven in part 1 that it is feasible for a middle-aged man to sew a waistcoat at home, with little previous experience (I realise that for some, this comes as no surprise, yet for others this is a revelation of near biblical impact) I now want to make some adjustments to the…
07/08/2013
This weeks waistcoat is from a brand that I’ve been aware of for a while now, although without being curious enough to do more than have a brief look at their website, which really doesn’t give a very good impression. The oddly named Cro Jack (I have been reliably informed that the Cro Jack is a part of a sailing ship which…
07/06/2013
I’m sure I’m not alone in taking time to notice the subtleties and details of garments I buy. The first impression invariably takes in a lot less than the full picture, and I’ll keep noticing, and mostly appreciating, the smaller details of the design and construction. And this is good, as if all garments showed their full array of features…
30/03/2013
Something I’d never really considered before I started trying to dress better were the complicated and seemingly well known, yet largely unwritten, rules of how to button up the various types of garment. To me it seemed quite obvious that if there was a button and a corresponding button-hole, then it intended to be buttoned up. Easy-peasy, nothing to worry…