11.21.2010 New Listings from Goofing Off

A friend of mine is getting married in May. I am so happy for her. Everything is coming together so well. She hunted for months for the right dress and finally found it. All that hunting made me think of all those brides-to-be who have visions of the dress they are looking for and can never find the right one leaving them to settle for what they can find.

Simplicity 9421 allows the dressmaker to design her own dress. Not so crazy and what a great idea. If you want a full skirt, do that. If you are looking for a close fitting skirt, that’s OK, too. Sleeves, ruffles, frills, sleek; it’s all up to the maker to decide, and all in one pattern. Nice. Comes in sizes 12-16, bust 34-38. Pattern is uncut and complete. Take a look. 

The other pattern just listed melts my heart. From the 1970’s, Simplicity 7931 Peasant blouse. Was I a hippie? What do you think? Peasant blouses and long skirts, handmade, of course. This pattern has four variations and comes in size 14, bust 36. It’s been used but it is complete.

Technorati Tags: sewing,fashion,bridal,wedding,dress,peasant,blouse,1970's,designer,etsy,pattern

Blog post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy.com and GoofingOff.artfire.com.

Walking Day Three

Today I walked my mile in to work. A sign in the window at the local Steak and Shake kind of bothered me. They are open for Thanksgiving. I guess that's good for people who need a turkey break, or are jones-ing for a shake but I thought of folks who don't have a family to spend the holiday with, and the people working at the counter. Then I walked a little further and went by the Ronald McDonald House. There are 2 ways to look at that place, sad that the kids are sick or happy that they have a place to stay when they are sick. It is like a little ray of sunshine when the sky looks gray. God Bless them all. This is the post I was supposed to post yesterday but didn't. I'll be short one but this will be for today, too. Will be walking today. Got 2 miles to do. Happy trails to all. Walking for life. GoofingOff signing off.

Little Winter Girl Candle Holder

Sometimes something catches my eye when I stop at a yard sale. Sometimes it is a seriously vintage pattern, other times it is an old book, still other times it is something out of place. This time this Little Winter Girl by Jasco was sitting among the other "Made in China" stuff. Cute, soft spoken, and pretty was how she looks. Someone else thinks she is cute, too. She made the The Christmas Rabbit treasury by PipingHotPapers. Here's the little girl She is pretty cute.

Walking Day 2

Had to work today but I still walked. I park in the parking lot one mile away and walk in instead of taking the bus. It felt good. People know me now as "the girl who always walks." It makes me feel good. I drink less coffee because the walk revs me up. Tonight I got to walk out to my car, too. A couple of my friends parking out where I park so we walked together. Very nice.

Walking

Sounds like a boring post? Could be, but maybe not. I love to walk, always have.  I have a New Yorker’s love of walking in my bones even though I haven’t lived in Brooklyn for years. I enjoy the fresh air, the exercise, and the feeling I get when I am not in a car. OK, you say, so what? Well, I quit walking a while ago, went from walking at least 2 miles a day to zero. That’s right, zero. I would try to start up again but was easily sidetracked. I could blame my falling off the wagon on the hubby or work but the truth is it was me.

So here’s the deal, I walk every day, rain or shine, hurricane or blizzard, at least 1 mile. Not much I know but when I work that is all I can squeeze in before getting to the hospital. On my days off, that’s a different story. At least 2 miles a day on my days off. I am tired of feeling tired for no good reason, my clothes not fitting right, and my scale crying when I stand on it. Time for a change. Not a presidential change but a real, honest-to-G-d change. Got some new Sketchers Tone-ups (to make my butt look cute again) to start me off right.

When I first told people at work about my plan they thought I was crazy. “What if it rains?” I’ll wear a poncho. “What if it’s cold?” I’ll wear a coat, and walk fast.

The other part of the deal is to blog about the walk each day. Want a different story, go elsewhere. This is mine….and I’m sticking to it.

I usually walk near my home but today I had to go to the store so I walked the Nature Coast Trail in Old Town. It is one of the prettiest parts of Florida’s Rails to Trails. The trail goes over the Suwannee River, over the old train trestle. The whole trail is wooded with wildlife to see and not many homes. Just beautiful. While walking I saw a man and woman on bikes. Made me think of when Dan and I first got together. We had to get bikes so we could ride but that was before arthritis ravaged his body, took away his height (he is 2 inches shorter this year) and left him in pain. Now I ride alone. No fun. I’d rather walk.

Belt Buckles

Finding affordable gifts for men can be a pain, a royal one. Sure there are tech gifts, car gifts, and the book for the guy who likes to read but sometimes you just want to get something he can wear that isn't clothes. Most the guys I know don't wear too much jewelry, just a wedding band, but they will wear belt buckles. Even if they don't wear the buckle too often, they glow with pride and show it off to other guys. With that in mind I look for belt buckles when I am scouring the countryside looking for cool finds. Guy stuff like cool belt buckles get posted in Metalwoodsnwater and that's where you'll find these cool-looking belt buckles. Both buckle are made of solid brass and sure to bring out the inner cowboy in your man. Vintage Horse Head Brass Belt Buckle Marlboro Man Brass Belt Buckle Blog post by GoofingOff ..Goofing Off, It's what I do best.

High School Diploma for Grandma

I thought I was something getting my BSN but a friend beat me by a mile. After years of trying and 4 failed attempts she got her high school diploma. Now I am sure some cynical folks might laugh about the 4 attempts but I am in awe. Most people wouldn't have stuck it out and tried again. Most would have given up but she didn't. Her motivation was her grandchildren. She doesn't want them to think she's stupid. I don't think they will. I think they'll see their grandma as someone who'll keep trying when she wants something even when the odds are stacked against her. I keep seeing the smile on her face when she told me about it. She is so proud of her accomplishment and I am proud for her. So here's to my friend, Sandy! I am so proud of your accomplishment and preserverance. What you did was impressive and I am proud to know you. Thank you.

Sewing Gifts

The holidays are coming. No need to tell everyone. Walmart has the Christmas decoration section totally loaded and everywhere you look is a banner or ad about a sale for the holiday. OK, but there are a number of us who like to make things for those we love. Whether it is a hand knit sweater or a hand sewn stocking the thought of making handmade is more important than the sale at Macy's. It is the handmade goodies people put up at holiday time to decorate with that make faces glow with love and pride. Not sure what to make? Here's a few pattern ideas: Butterick 4370 Victorian Christmas Decorations Beautiful stockings that will be treasured forever. McCall's MP 238 For Muttly Much nicer than a bone (but you can still give him a bone). He probably needs a new toy or bed anyway. Hobby Portfolio McCall's 5120 Know someone who scraps? Someone who needs a portfolio? Oh you do? Hee hee, me too. So, check out GoofingOff.etsy.com and GoofingOff.Artfire.com for craft patterns. Remember, with your imagination, a plushie can become a pin cushion, a quilt block can be a tote, the ideas are endless. Happy Sewing from GoofingOff! GoofingOff...It's what I do best.