More Plus Size Patterns at GoofingOff Sewing

While at my stitch group a friend of mine told me “I used to sew for myself but now I’ve gotten bigger. All the patterns are for smaller women.” OK, I thought, I have a mission….find plus size patterns for full figured women and sell them in my shop.

Then…while out and about, I found a treasure trove of lovely patterns in larger sizes. I’ve been listing them in my Etsy shop, GoofingOff Sewing. Here are more of the treasures.

I feel like a bit of a heroine….providing beautiful patterns for us larger women. All be it a small part but still a part. And to celebrate I think I should have a sale on Full figure patterns. Like 30% off this next weekend. Grab them while you can.

Hugs.

post by Eileen

Women’s Full Figure Jacket Sewing Pattern Simplicity 7342 Shirt Jacket Bust 40-46 inches Uncut Complete

Women’s Full Figure Tops and Pull On Pants Sewing Pattern McCall’s 9055 Bust 38-44 inches Uncut Complete

Women’s Full Figure Separates Sewing Pattern Simplicity 2705 Bust 42-50 inches Uncut Complete

Crocheted Cross Bookmarks

Hi, all! It’s been a while since my last post but I am here with a quick little something to share. A while ago I was telling my awesome Lymphatic Drainage Guru about my mission trips and I inspired her. She is planning to go on one this year. What a rush! I love inspiring others. Well, as we were talking she said she wanted to bring something she could hand out; something the people could put in their Bibles….A bookmark, of course, so I volunteered to make them….30 of them.

Handmade crochet bookmark by GoofingOff Sewing

Well I looked around for patterns but none suited me so I reworked a bracelet pattern I found.

Her pattern, for a cross-wise bracelet is HERE

I loved the stitches so here is my pattern for a crocheted cross bookmark 4 inches long and 2 inches across:

Steel crochet hook size 2/2.25mm

Crochet Cotton thread size 3 (Aunt Lydia’s or Bernat)

Skill level: Beginner

Ch3, hdc 3rd ch from hook, ch1, 2 hdc ( all in the same space)
Every other one***
*turn, slip stitch until you and in the ch1 space, ch2,1hdc,ch1,2hdc* repeat until you have the length desired (approximately 15 rows).

attach the yarn to the space between the 5 and 6 shells.  *ch2,hdc,ch1, 2hdc, turn sl stitch to ch1 space* repeat 3 times (3 shells).
repeat the step above on the other side of the cross.

Weave in the ends. Starch and let the dry.

That’s it. The cross takes less than 1 hour to crochet and very little cotton thread.

A nice little gift that’s easy to make.

Thank you to Crochet Chiq for her inspirational blog post. Her work is amazing. Please check it out.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing

 

 

DIY Slider Casters: Tuesday’s Tutorial

About a week ago the hubby brought home a new member to the family….a cockatiel. Cute little guy, lots of color, a bit of personality, and, unfortunately, a big mess. Cockatiels are not known for neat and clean. The floor around his cage is full of seed and with my trunk on the floor next to the cage, cleaning up is a challenge, starting first with moving the trunk easily without scratching the floor. 

I already bought casters for the furniture but there never seems to be enough so I thought I should make my own. I decided to use scrap wood (plywood or T-one-eleven), craft felt, adhesive, and foam sheets.

I went to the hubby’s scrap pile and found these pieces of wood. Not too wide. Too long but cut into smaller lengths they might work.

I trimmed up the wood and smoothed the edges. I don’t want splinters.

I used foam sheets leftover from another project. Color didn’t matter since the casters would be under the trunk. Someone would have to be pretty snoopy to notice.

 

 

 

 

I cut the foam to the size of the wood by using the wood as a template.

The foam is thin enough to use paper cutting scissors. It is adhesive backed so applying it to the wood is easy.

 

 

 

Now the felt……

Using the wood again as templates I used a pen to carefully mark my cutting lines then cut the felt strips to size.

I applied my adhesive (I used Loctite Stik n’Seal No Mess) to the wood and then applied the felt.

 

Voila! The new casters are ready to slide the trunk across my hardwood floor easily.

 

Now to clean up after my fine, feathered friend. Pets, got to love them.

Elegance in Vogue 7365

Close-fitting, flared, bias evening dress with halter neckline. Low back, as in down to there, and a leg slit.

Vogue 7365 Misses’ Evening Gown in size 6-8-10 UNCUT

Gorgeous, just gorgeous.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing.

Make Magic with Every Stitch

New Listings at GoofingOff Sewing

Get a sneak peek at new listings at GoofingOff Sewing. Well, maybe not new-in-the-box new but new to you. I have 4 Stretch & Sew patterns from the 1960’s and 1970’s that I just love and know you will, too.

Stretch & Sew 1050

This first pattern is Stretch & Sew 1050 from 1967. It was re-issued in 1974. Misses’ Jacket with Set-in Sleeves is single-breasted, long set-in sleeves, and notched collar. Bust 28-40 inches. UNCUT. To purchase click HERE.

Stretch & Sew 1325

This cutie is Stretch & Sew 1325, Misses’ Sun and Swim Suit. First printed in 1967 and re-issued in 1974. Bust measurement 32-42 inches. UNCUT.  “What is it? It’s a swim suit. It’s a tank top over shorts. It’s the new layered look. We call it the Sun and Swim Suit. You’ll like it. Our top has darts and bra cups for smooth fit and the swim trunks have elastic at the waist and legs. Wear your new Sun and Swim Suit with or without belt.”  To purchase click HERE

Jean Hardy Patterns No. 470

Jean Hardy patterns came out in the 1970’s. This one, Misses’ Body Shirt and Sweater, is designed for use with knit or stretch fabrics. Sizes, small, medium, large, and extra large, are all included. Excellent condition, UNCUT. To purchase, click HERE.

Stretch & Sew 440

The Maxi Skirt!!! I loved them when they first arrived on the fashion scene and I still do, especially in an a-line. Stretch & Sew 440 from 1974 in hip size 30-46 inches. “For a dressy look, this long a-line skirt provides comfort and fit with classic styling. One pattern piece for front and back makes it easy to sew with darts to add shaping and an encased elastic waistband which eliminates the need for a zipper.”  Two pattern pieces to make this amazing skirt! Yippee! To purchase click HERE

Sew, what do you think? Great finds? I think so. I really love the maxi skirt; the length gives it a bit of elegance and it’s easy to sew. What a combination!

Well, that’s it for now. More later. Carry on and Keep Stitching!

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing…….Make Magic with Every Stitch.

Time Traveling with GoofingOff Sewing to 1943

Sometimes I wish I could time travel. There are certain eras that interest me more than others.

The war years….the 1940’s (a little earlier for folks across “the pond”) is one of my favorites. I like the Hollywood version, seeing Abbot and Costello on the silver screen and hearing the Andrew Sisters singing The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B on the radio……..

and wearing a dress like Simplicity 1777. Skirts were a bit shorter during the war (rationing) and women were showing some leg.

Silk stockings were in short supply (silk was used for parachutes) so I would have to draw a line down the back of my legs it would look like I was wearing seamed stockings.

Of course I would be sporting a Victory Roll hairdo. The hair styles were pulled away from the face. The Veronica Lake Peek-a-boo hairdo didn’t work well with women on the assembly lines.

 

And my shoes would have to be sturdy shoes…something to wear while I walked everywhere….gas rationing, but a little heel wouldn’t hurt.

 

 

Vintage Air Step Shoe advertisement, 1943. from Catching Canaries at Etsy.

 

I think I’d wear the alligator leather shoes at the top of the ad.

But, then again, I’d probably be a nurse, maybe an Army nurse.

“So Proudly We Hail” 1943, Paramount Pictures starring Claudette Colbert and George Reeves

I wonder if sometime in the future someone will think “oh, the 2010’s was my favorite era. I just love the clothes.”

One never knows……

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing……Make Magic One Stitch At a Time

Sewing Roll by Jennie at JennieStitched

Rain again…lots of rain. We’re getting what California needs. Seems there is a disturbance in the Gulf, a stalled disturbance, with lots of rain. Hopefully it won’t organize and become a named storm. So what does that mean, you might ask? It means I keep my happy tush at home and get some things done…like laundry, cook a batch of chili, pack Etsy purchases (thank you), and list the wonderful costume patterns I found while thrifting at my favorite shops yesterday. After all, the annual Costume Sewing Pattern Sale is less than a month away. This is the 5th year now and it’s hard to keep patterns in the shop for the sale. It starts Septmber 1st and lasts through the month of September so mark your calendars. I’ll be posting more about it as we get closer to the sale.

In the meantime…..

The holidays are approaching like they do every year and every year I try to do too much….make gifts, bake cookies, cook for a crowd….I’m sure y’all go through the same thing. Well, I found this great looking sewing roll by Jenny at Jenny Stitched. She made this roll for a friend and posted the tutorial. It is worth a look-see and do. Click HERE to go to her tutorial (or click on the picture. She did a fine job and I want to show her work off).

I will post more easy-to-make gifts every week so we (yes, me, too) aren’t pulling our hair out trying to get things done at the last minute. I paid too much for this ‘do to pull it out…and I want to sip wine with friends. Maybe I host a cookie bake AND sip wine. Hmmm….

Jennie’s Sewing Roll opened with all the goodies inside. Yippee! It looks like the rain is letting up a little…maybe the hubby won’t have to build a boat after all. No ark, the dogs are fixed….and so is the cat. The only thing that would breed would be mosquitoes…got enough of those already.  Until next time…Sew On! Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing…and is goofing off. It’s what I do best.

Mid Week Rummage: The Sunshine Look

Summer fashions a la 1964.

Needle and Yarn Magazine, Volume 1, Number 3

Simple dresses were sleeveless or with raglan sleeves. Princess lines and back zippers. The full skirts of the 50’s and early 60’s are replaced with straight skirts for dress, a-line for a casual look.  Pants are still straight legged and shorts are starting to get shorter. Shoes had pointy toes….the chunky look had yet to make its debut.  Easy to Make/Easy to wear drawstring dresses are in order for a sweet mother-daughter look.

These patterns were available for 50 cents through mail order. 

Use the coupon code BLOGGIN to get a 15% discount at the GoofingOff Etsy shop. 

Post by Eileen Patterson……who is GoofingOff. 

Kasper and Oleg Cassini Patterns at GoofingOff Sewing

The 1980’s….shoulders got big, then bigger, hair was curly and big. We wore loose fitting shirts with big, extended shoulders and tight, straight skirts and pants. For the first time in my life my curly hair was in fashion and there was no need to try to tame it. Sigh.  Well, enough about me…..this is glimpse into the world of fashion in the 1980’s. Both designers, Oleg Cassini and Kasper, were well-known designers of their time. Oleg Cassini was a fashion designer of international fame who designed   Jackie Kennedy’s ensemble for President Kennedy’s Inauguration.  Cassini is credited designs such as the sheath, the A-line, the little white collar dress, the knit, the military look for women, and later, the Nehru jacket. The dress seen here is classic 1985, extended shoulders, deep armholes, funnel neck, and top stitching. The straight lines lend a geometric feel to the design….classic Cassini.

Simplicity 7076 from 1985, Misses’ Dress by Designer Oleg Cassini in size 10, bust 32.5. UNCUT

 Herbert Kasper, known in the fashion industry as Kasper, is an award winning designer who made inexpensive clothes look exquisite and expensive. From 1966-1985 he was the head designer for Leslie Fay Co., Inc. His clothes were described as being feminine and sexy. 

This mid-1980’s dress pattern (1985) is signature 80’s….extended shoulders, mid calf, loose-fitting top, but has a soft, feminine look. 

Vogue 1544 from 1985 in size 14, bust 36 by Designer Kasper…..COMPLETE

Well, that’s it from me…..Happy Monday to all. 

Remember to use the coupon code BLOGGIN during check out to get the 15% discount in the GoofingOff Sewing shop. 

Post by Eileen Patterson…..who is GoofingOff!

Patti Pages’ Magic Dress

Patti Page’s Magic Dress Designed by Joseph Fretwell III early 1960’s

One of the benefits of selling patterns is the things that come with them. People who sew are a little bit pack rat. They save newspaper clippings, magazine articles, swatches of fabric, and old patterns that struck their fancy. One woman called her mom a “Wanna-do.” “She wanted to do lots of things but never had the time so she kept the stuff…just in case she found the time” she said.

In one of the Wanna do’s pattern boxes I found an magazine clipping from “This Week”, a magazine that arrived on Sunday mornings with the newspaper. This clipping was about Patti Page’s Magic Dress. Patti Page was a popular singing star (How Much is That Doggy in the Window) and had her own TV show on ABC in 1960-1962. The dress was designed by Joseph Fretwell III, her designer (he went on to do costume design for the Exorcist and the French Connection). The dress was described as “Anywhere—Anytime Dress. According to Joan Rattner, Mr. Fretwell “came up with the idea of the basic dress with added parts…….you’ll welcome this interesting way to look different as well as pretty from morning to late evening with only one dress.”

The Dress that has everything.

Part No. 1: The dress is a “slim, flattering sheath with a scooped neck and slim belt.” One is advised to “make it in a firm fabric with contrasting textured trim.

“Part No. 2: A luxuriously full overskirt, belted over the dress and open down the front. ”

“Part No.3: A matching easy-fitting jacket finished off with a shaped band just short of the hip bone.”

“Part No.4: A filmy trapeze worn over the dress for evening. Made very full, its light chiffon folds are belted in front.”

The pattern cost $1.50 and was available through the magazine using the “coupon on page 14 …..that makes you eligible for entering a $1000 teen-age sewing contest.

Anywhere—Anytime dress

Alas, the coupon is long gone and the dates were carefully cut from the clipping. Despite this, it is still a treasure to enjoy.

Don’t forget to use the coupon code BLOGGIN to get 15% off your purchase from GoofingOff Sewing

at Etsy. The code is exclusive to blog readers so feel special….because you are.

Love always….Here’s to sewing straight seams and irons that stay smooth.

Post by Eileen Patterson….who is GoofingOff.