Featured Member: Peter in NYC

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1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?
I’m a native New Yorker, originally from the Bronx (Ralph and Calvin’s old neighborhood in fact). I currently live in Chelsea on Manhattan’s West side. I’m truly fortunate to be just blocks from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) — I can see it out my window, in fact — as well as many wonderful fabric and notions stores.
And the Chelsea Flea Market, an endless source of inspiration!

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?
Get this: In May of 2009, I picked up a pair of Edwin Jeans at my local Goodwill but they were about 4" too long — not unusual, since I’m only 5’7." I wanted them shortened but I didn’t want to pay for the privilege. I don’t even remember how, but it occurred to me one night that I could probably buy a sewing machine and make my own alterations, and it would pay for itself in no time. Long story short: I bought a vintage Kenmore on eBay and my life hasn’t been the same since.

I recently wrote about this on my blog
My first sewing project was the “foxy boxes” pattern from Diana Rupp’s “Sew Everything Workshop,” my first sewing book. I made them in red gingham. I swear it took me about three days but I was so impressed that the result was a wearable garment. It was like alchemy!

3. What role does sewing play in your life?
I sew constantly. I kid you not when I say I am a complete sew-obsessive. I started sewing relatively late in life and that fuels my determination to learn fast and pump out the projects. In the last month and a half my sewing blog, Male Pattern Boldness, has taken over a lot of my psychic energy too: it’s often the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about before going to bed.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?
My favorite thing about sewing is planning a new project. My least favorite thing about sewing is anything that involves hand stitching, the very idea of which sets me on edge.

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?
I would love to make a slinky Halston-style dress for Liza Minnelli circa 1973, but I’d settle for Mitzi Gaynor. Something with sequins. Since that’s unlikely, I content myself with sewing glamorous duds for my identical cousin, Cathy Lane, an up-and-coming fashion model and style muse here in NYC with a big underground following. She’s like my life-size Barbie.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?
I am always looking for ways to deepen my sense of belonging to a community. I love to see what people are making and am always impressed and inspired by the high quality of people’s work. I love that BurdaStyle emphasizes visuals. The lack of men on the site is unfortunate, but reflects the paucity of male home sewers out there, alas.

7. What is your motto?
Live your creativity full-out! Don’t worry about fitting into anyone else’s definition of who you are or how you’re supposed to be. As the old song says, “Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think!”

Peter in NYC has sewing up some amazing vintage patterns, hard to believe he only started sewing last year?!?! Find out more about Peter in NYC read up on his hysterical, informative blog

Jan 23, 2012, 08.00 AMby Saider

I found your blog site on google and examine a few of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the excellent operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. Searching for forward to studying more from you in a while!… Vertigo Exercises

Apr 25, 2010, 06.00 PMby flowergirl22

now i have to say I went and looked on your blog ( i love the shorts) sexy or what, i have subscribe to it if this is ok,,

i am so envy of you where you live,, but I grew up in a weaving and sewing town myself. it does not have the same ambiance as new yok but it is been as inspiring for me as NY.

good luck and have a look at mine

http://theanimalwithinyou22.blogspot.com/2010/04/green-giant.html

Mar 22, 2010, 05.09 PMby Peter Lappin

Thank you, everyone!

Mar 17, 2010, 07.15 PMby missmobtown

Peter, I love the shirt you’re wearing in the photo! Looking forward to learning more on your blog.

-CG

Mar 17, 2010, 10.00 AMby suzetewilliams

Hi Peter,

Loved reading your interview. I love your positive attitude! You sound very creative and determined. I’m jealous of where you live thogh- lol. I’ve been to NYC twice (I live in England) and I loved the Chelsea District and Greenwich Village. There’s a lot of creative inspirations in those places. I’ve been there in Winter and Spring so far and I hear that Autumn is not to be missed…

Mar 15, 2010, 04.28 PMby Ralf Schmitz

congrats to your interview and YES we need more men sewing on this site……..lots of love from berlin

Mar 13, 2010, 10.55 AMby suribabe

I like your blog & projects.. Did you just teach yourself? I still cant believe you only started a year ago. I’m well impressed.

I wish there were lots of fabrics/ material markets or shops in Manchester (UK). Most of them seem to have closed down :o( I use to live in NL and move to England 8 years ago. There are lots of material shops and markets in The Netherlands. Any time I go back home I go fabric hunting. I’m a fabric addict.

Mar 12, 2010, 12.36 PMby assets

I’ll be your Fabric shopping buddy……. Next time I in NYC!!!

Mar 11, 2010, 10.02 PMby frkbustad

Congrats! You’re just too clever… a year old sewing knowledge, and your creations… it’s an impressive paradox! Keep up the rate, and you’ll be an oracle in no time!

Mar 11, 2010, 07.56 PMby seasidelaundry

Good for you! Definitely have a knack to attract interest in your work, which is deserving.I always associated sewing with men. I accompanied my pawn shop owner grandfather to the tailor’s, a gentleman. (G-Pa offered free alterations as part of the sale of a suit.) Watching & listening to the whir of the old Singer was magical. Like you & all of us, there is always something we dread-you, the hand stitching & me…alterations! Would rather begin from scratch. Happy dreaming-seems yours may be coming true!

Mar 11, 2010, 01.21 PMby badkitty-1

Congratulations! Your work and your blog are awesome, inspirational and bring some much needed glamour into the world xx

Mar 11, 2010, 12.47 PMby mosquitito

Go Peter go! awesome blog you got there! you sew so well and you’ve only been sewing…what?! a year??? that’s crazy! You show people that it’s never too late to start a new hobby and get all obsessed with it – BRAVO!

Mar 11, 2010, 08.30 AMby mitmit

Love your work and your blog! ;-)

Mar 11, 2010, 07.17 AMby victors

You rock Peter!

Mar 11, 2010, 06.25 AMby sew4my3

How awesome are you?! You are one of the men heros that are making sewing acceptable for young men like my son (NathanL on BS). Thank you for being a wonderful influence for men young and old everywhere!