Happy new year! I recently took my first menswear sewing class which focused on cutting, sewing and finishing a men’s dress shirt. The class ended last month and here’s the result – a shirt made from inexpensive cotton shirting sourced in NYC’s Garment District ($2/yard) and constructed after many hours in front of a cutting […]
Sleevehead’s first dress shirt Read More »
I came across this useful history of the necktie by Fashion Institute of Technology professor Chloe Chapin:
A video history of the necktie Read More »
This summer I visited one of the tailors I reviewed in my e-book on Sicilian tailors – Pippo Arrigo in Messina. Here are a few photos of his workspace and table:
A Messina tailor’s worktable Read More »
The Privilege of Luxury – Short movie from Antico Setificio Fiorentino on Vimeo. This is an informative albeit promotional video of Antico Setificio Fiorentino, Florence’s last silk-making factory. It was established in 1786 and bought by the Stefano Ricci group in 2010. The factory specializes in silk and silk-linen damask, brocade and Ermisino taffeta woven
Old World textiles: Antico Setificio Fiorentino Read More »
The Putter from shaun bloodworth on Vimeo. I enjoyed coming across this story on the state of the scissor making trade in England and a mini-revival of what appears to be the country’s last remaining maker. I’m learning how to cut and sew a men’s shirt later this year and will put in a order
Scissormaking: Ernest Wright and Sons Read More »
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jonathan Bernstein of Bernstein & Banleys, one of the few remaining independent trimmings merchants left in the trade. I was interested in meeting for a simple reason. Although I had found a French source for silk facings used in dinner jackets and formalwear, I had not yet
Trimmings merchant: Bernstein & Banleys Read More »
I’m not terribly fond of the well-worn adage “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach”. Indeed I think it is very wrong-headed in assuming the separation of theory from practice and privileging the latter in all instances. Perhaps I’m overlooking something but I’ve found the individual parts rarely exceed the sum of both. This
Mastered.com – the theory and practice of making things Read More »
Well, yes. A $300 canvas tote bag is a #firstworld luxury and the ability to buy one is a nice option to have. On the other hand, it is perhaps the only ethical thing to do assuming you have the means to afford a $300 tote. Let me explain. I happen to live in NYC
Is a $300 canvas tote bag a #firstworld luxury? Read More »
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