Sweet Floral Bunny Dish Towel Friday’s Freebie

Hi, all! Eileen from GoofingOff Sewing here. I finally finished working on the bird ornaments for the Relay for Life Reception in Gainesville, FL T’ONIGHT….nothing like waiting until the last minute…..and have a chance to get caught up with other things….like life. Well, my friends, I am here with a Friday Freebie. These are the cutest dishtowels to brighten up the kitchen for spring.

The design is from Flamingo Toes and posted on her lovely blog. She has the full tutorial with lots of pictures to follow along with. Go HERE to see her work and have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back with sewing tips and tutorials. Promise.

Doggie Bow Ties

Well, the quilt show is coming soon and  I was trying to think of things to make and ways to help out. What a challenge!  I already volunteered myself into making crocheted jewelry the day of the sale which means I can’t volunteer helping at the quilt guild table. I made a few things, button bracelets, the thimble holder, and the needle book,  but I feel like I should do more (what is up with me?). Well, that I-need-to-do-more feeling led to a clean up of my sewing room….don’t get crazy, a little part of the sewing room. I don’t have time for an overhaul. What I found was doggie bow ties that I made and planned to sell…and never did. Yeah, yeah, I know. The best laid plans and all that.

Here’s a picture of one of the ties:

There’s something about a bow tie. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s all the old movies I watched with the oh-so-handsome, debonair leading man wearing a bow tie.  The whole package. Sigh.

So, I brought in a bag of the ties….not a big bag, about 10 ties, and they were a bit hit. The members loved them. I even have a stuffed Scooby Do to model them. He looks pretty dapper with a tie on, don’t you think?  I do.

If you make it to the show….The Trenton Quilt Show in Trenton, Florida, March 18….stop by the Spring House Quilter’s table and you can see the bow ties in person. I’ll be in the Ice House (where the stitching magic happens) or in the courtyard crocheting away. Stop and visit. I look forward to meeting everyone.

Well, back to listing wonderful patterns in the GoofingOff Sewing shop. Oh, I forgot to tell you. I am listing lots of patterns from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s in the shop. Binge  listing. Quite a few children’s patterns in all sizes. Take a peak when you have a chance.

Post by Eileen Patterson

Free Pattern from Burda

Today I found this cute tote bag pattern from the good folks at Burda. The bag is adorable! The pattern calls for leather strips and a scarf (if you can part with one of your scarf…fabric is always good).

Click HERE for the pattern.

You’re welcome.

Happy Sewing!

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Sewing

New Listings at Goofing Off Sewing: Happy Veteran’s Day!

Simplicity 1247 Misses’ Flapper Dresses in Size 14-22 UNCUT

A happy Veteran’s Day to all. Regardless of what war we are involved in and the latest foreign policy, these men and women put their lives on the line to defend our way of life. Remember, thank a veteran.

Well, how is your week going? Mine has been challenging, to say the very least. Last weekend I was going to have a yard sale and thought I would bake some brownies to sell at the sale….until I found out my oven didn’t work. I tried to iron my scrubs for work and the iron caught fire….flames shooting from the cord on fire. I decided maybe having a yard sale last weekend wasn’t such a good idea. Luckily, no damage from the fire but watching the cord jump around on my ironing board with flames shooting out the end gave me a start.

The good stuff is I did buy a new stove….real pretty thing….that should arrive this week and ordered a new iron that arrived yesterday…..and today starts a mini-vacation that includes a trip to NYC with a party at THE Plaza and a visit with family. I am so excited. Hope my camera works well so I can share.

Here’s the newest listings on Etsy. Lots of costume patterns for children and adults because make believe doesn’t need a holiday.

Simplicity 1557 Disney’s Princess Merida dress in size 7-14. UNCUT

I love the way Disney’s princesses have become leaders, brave leaders. Prince Charming still exists but she isn’t waiting for him to arrive anymore….and they are equal partners now. Anyway, this girl is an archer. How cool is that?

Simplicity W0365 Frozen costumes for 18 inch dolls. UNCUT

So many little girls are still singing Let it Go. Frozen was such a big hit. Here’s dresses for the 18 inch dolls, like American Girl, so their dolls can be Elsa or Ana, too.

Woodland Capes for size 3-8. Werewolf and Fox capes. UNCUT     

Simplicity 0338 Children’s Cape Size S-L UNCUT       

Quick and easy to sew capes for children.

Simplicity 0332 Princess dresses in size 3-8 UNCUT     

These cute princess dresses are an “It’s So Easy” pattern and have a cape….because a princess needs a cape, too.

Simplicity 1302 Toddler Girls’ Costumes with tutus in size 1/2 -4 UNCUT

New Listings at GoofingOff Sewing

 I have so much going on that I almost don’t know where to start. The first fundraiser for our medical mission is done and it was a success! Just the right amount of chili, cornbread, and fixings, lots of friends and family, and donations to buy medical supplies for those in need. The venison chili came out great. We had chili to go and that sold out, too. We might hold another fundraiser closer to Christmas featuring our Mission Cookies.

This week is our yard sale with proceeds going to our mission expenses. We need money for translators, food and lodging, and transportation.  It’ll give me a chance to clear some things out that I haven’t had a chance to list on Etsy. Folks have donated a few things to help out. I have a number of vintage rolling pins and teapots to set out among other things. Wish us luck.

In the meantime I have new patterns in GoofingOff Sewing…..great holiday dresses for the girls, outfits for the ladies, and a few things for the guys with just enough time to put together a few gifts.

 

Simplicity 8118 Misses’ Jumper Size 10 UNCUT

So retro and easy to wear.

McCall’s 6544 Misses’ Sundress Size 8 UNCUT

A casual look with a flattering cut that has a soft, easy flow.

1940’s DuBarry 6018 Boys’ Playsuit and Jacket in size 1. COMPLETE

So cute in a size 1 from the 1940’s. I can hardly believe it survived the years.

Simplicity 5287 Jiffy Ties….Straight and Bow Ties, 1970’s Style

Ties in a Jiffy pattern….be still my heart. The envelope doesn’t look too good but the pattern is a treasure. The only part that was cut was the bow tie and it is still usable. Great look for a wedding party.

Simplicity 8338 Personal Fit Pattern Pants in Size 8 & 10 COMPLETE

Pants for a personal fit from the 1970’s. 

McCall’s 3281 Girls’ Jumper Dress, Top, and Pants Size 6 COMPLETE

So retro and easy to sew. Cute look for a little girl.

Simplicity 7413 Girl’s Dress and Shawl from 1976. UNCUT Size 12 & 14

This dress is a timeless look from the 1970’s.

McCall’s 3224 Girls’ Dress and Pullover Top in size 8 UNCUT

More retro looks for girls from the 1970’s. 

So, there’s a taste of the new listings in GoofingOff Sewing. New fabrics, too, like Dora the Explorer, Miami Dolphins, and Spongebob.

Miami Dolphin Fabric 60 inch wide by the half yard

 

 

 

Dora the Explorer by the half yard.

Spongebob and Patrick 44 inch by the half yard.

Lots of great stuff so stop by when you have a chance. I’ll keep listing and adding. 

There’s always something going on at GoofingOff Sewing.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing.

Ten Reasons to Sew: New Listings in GoofingOff Sewing

It’s been a while since me last post and I do apologize for my absence. My upcoming trip to Haiti has my head swimming. Lots of things going on like a fundraiser this week and a breast cancer 5K in 2 weeks after that. Oh, and it’s my birthday today. Happy Birthday to me! Phew!

The costume pattern sale going strong. The sale is in it’s 5th year and patterns are going fast but there is still a selection to pick from.  The shop is growing with over 1000 items now but there’s always room for more so here’s ten of the latest listings.

Simplicity 1943 Misses’ Jackets Size 16-24 UNCUT

Cute jackets to dress up a pair of pants or skirt for a special evening. Just right to wear on a cool night.

Simplicity 1320 Misses’ Jackets with Front and Fabric Variations, Size 116-24 UNCUT

This pattern has so many variations! Great for a casual look.

New Look 6372 Misses’ Dress with Halter Neckline Size 6-18 UNCUT

I love this dress! Simple and elegant. Neckline variations. Beautiful!

Simplicity 2338 Women’s Evening or Cocktail Dress in size 20W-28W UNCUT

This is a stunning dress no matter what length you choose. Day or evening, beautiful!

New Look 6519 Misses’ Asian Influence Wardrobe with jacket, pants, skirt, and purse. UNCUT

Love the Asian influence jacket.

Simplicity 1276 Mimi Style Misses’ Dress with bodice and skirt variations in size 16-24. UNCUT

This dress is fabulous. Very flattering. Lots of variations to make this dress special. There is a link, too, to guide as you sew.

Simplicity 2372 Women’s Wardrobe includes jacket, pants, skirt, pullover top, and dress in size 20W-28W. UNCUT

Plus size and polished! Everything’s here to look good.

Simplicity 1364 Jiffy Pullover Top in size 8-16 UNCUT

Just 3 main pieces to make this set of blouses originally published in the 1960’s. Sew Retro!

Simplicity 1278 Misses’ Pullover tops in size 6-14, bust 29-36 inches. UNCUT Originally printed in the 1950’s

I love the neckline interest.

New Look 6544 Misses’ Pullover top with Mandarin collar and pants. Size 10-22 UNCUT

This looks so pretty and comfy. Casual but not sloppy. LOVE IT!

Well, that’s ten reasons to sew. There’s more coming but that’s a start.

Hope you enjoyed my birthday present to you.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing…..Make magic with every stitch.

It’s About Big Buttons at GoofingOff Sewing

When out thrifting I am attracted to sewing stuff, especially vintage sewing stuff. supplies. I can sniff them out better than an old coon dog on a trail….which leads me to this post. Buttons. Lots of buttons of all types, colors, and sizes. Today it is about these big, beautiful buttons.

Big buttons are more than closure devices. When buttons are big they have the ability to show off, to shout out on their own. They become a focal point of a design. They are much more than a way to close a coat.

Tan shank buttons with copper inset, 1 1/2 inch diameter

These buttons were most likely a rescue from an old coats that had seen better days. I found them in the most adorable sewing basket at an estate sale. I will share that later. Today, it’s about the buttons.
The buttons are big, 1 1/2 inches in diameter. They are made of a plastic material, maybe Bakelite. The round brown insert is copper. The buttons have a metal shank.

Black textured buttons

These buttons are big, thick, and textured. 1 1/2 inches in diameter. A heavy button that would stand up to the thickest wool. The hole is recessed in the back.

Jade green buttons 1 1/4 inch diameter

These lovely jade color buttons are 1 1/4 inch diameter. A small mark on the side of one. Still, lots of vivid, beautiful color.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing. Make magic with every stitch.

GoofingOff Sewing’s Mid Week Rummage: Devil’s Food Cake

During a recent thrifting expedition, I ventured out of the sewing pattern section into the books. I can get lost in old books. I love books, especially old ones. I love the look and feel of them. Well, I had the good fortune to find a copy of Baker’s Famous Chocolate Recipes. “What makes this special?” one might ask. This copy is from 1936 and in very good condition. The cover graphics remain sharp and the pages are not brittle. While there is light yellowing throughout the book it is in incredibly good condition.

What does chocolate cake have to do with sewing? Coffee and cake to keep you going…and chocolate is a necessary part of life.

Now to get back to sewing.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing.

Vintage Atomic Age Buttonholer and 3 Ways to Look Great

I love to sew AND get inspired by surrounding myself with beautiful things. The buttonholer case does that…and good to have for those vintage sewing machines around the house. As for the patterns…What’s not to love about 40’s style, long evening dresses, or slinky skirts with a slit to there? All I need is a Glen Miller playing “In the Mood.” So kick your shoes off and enjoy!

Vintage Singer Buttonholer

Vintage Singer Buttonholer with atomic age case in dusty rose. Complete set with buttonhole templates and instructions. Excellent condition. So the case looks great….great enough to use for trinkets if you don’t have the machine anymore. Can’t believe I said that.

Simplicity 2442 Misses’ Evening Dress with Bolero

Simplicity 2442 Misses’ Evening Dress with Bolero. Dress in three lengths with neckline variations. Size 14-22, bust 36-44 inches. UNCUT Great thing about this pattern is the variations….different lengths and necklines to make something individual…..and a bolero for cooler evenings or air conditioned venues.

Simplicity 1587 in size 14-22

Simplicity 1587 Misses’ Dress in 1940’s style, size 14-22, bust 36-44 inches. UNCUT This dress is so cute! So 40’s!

Vogue 9959 Misses’ Skirts size 6-10

Vogue 9959 Misses’ Skirts in size 6-10, waist 23-25 inches. UNCUT. Elegant and slinky.

That’s the latest sewing round-up at GoofingOff Sewing.

The Big Costume Sewing Pattern Sale is still going on for the month of September and the patterns are going fast. The costume patterns are reduced  40% off.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing

Make Magic with Every Stitch

Almost September

Almost September

What is it about September? September was always a big deal for me. When I was young it was the first day of school and all that goes with that….the new clothes, school supplies, and meeting new people.

My sisters and I. I’m the one in the middle…with the necklace. Oh, so fashionable.

September was, and still is, the anticipation of the Jewish New Year….wearing your best and getting together with family…..and hearing the shofar blown at the synagogue.

Man blowing the shofar. In NY September is the return of cool air and the smell of apples in the air as the first of the apple crop came in from upstate.  NY State produces lots of apples, like Cortlands and MacIntosh, two of my favorites and they are very good for you. Love them.

September’s still special now. The kids are back in school and the buses are on the road with their precious cargo.

First day of school courtesy of School Bus Driver.org

It’s hurricane season in this part of the world and the hubby watches the weather faithfully (old fisherman).

The remnants of Tropical Storm Erika….we dodged that one. Good thing because we’ve had a lot of rain….almost over the road. Picture courtesy of the Weather.com

So…Halloween is about 2 months away and the 5th Annual Costume Sewing Pattern Sale starts Tuesday. All costume sewing patterns at GoofingOff Sewing will be 40% off for the month of September. There’s over 100 to choose from with more being listed. The patterns will already be marked down.

See, September is still a special month.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing.

Make Magic with Every Stitch

Get an additional 10% off your purchase with the coupon code BLOGGIN