4.1.11 Miss Eileen’s Top Etsy Finds

Drum roll please……the last week’s winner was CathysTotes.etsy.com with her gorgeous Silk Dupioni Bow Bridal Clutch.

Here are next week’s contestants. Vote for your favorites in the upper left corner. The person with the most votes wins a Blog Feature Interview.

 

Pocket mirror, Le printemps by Emierose

Funky Felt Pincushion by Dawnorama

Handcrafted Stained Glass Daisy Suncatcher by rparishwoodworks

Blue Bird note cards by lemon lizard on Etsy

Ocean Seaweed Craft Soap by SoaperieMaindeNature

Sterling Silver Breathe Necklace by PianoBenchDesigns 

The hand knitted starlight baby / newborn blanket by Strikk

Timeless Elegance with Tangerine and Dark Brown Dress by LadyTa

Don’t forget to vote for your favorites! Tell your friends.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy, GoofingOff.artfire, and MissEileen.etsy.

Fabric Roses

I’ve done it. Again. Over promised my time again. It isn’t enough that Prince William is getting married soon but he just so happens to be getting married the same day and a friend. OK, so I am not going to his. No problem. I am, however, creating the decorations (at least some of them) for my friend’s shower. In addition to that, another friend is getting married, too, and I am doing the decorations for her shower, too. The showers are 4 days apart. I am getting stressed.

I fell in love with the look of fabric roses. I don’t know about the silk ones, though. They are very pretty but I don’t work too much with silk and don’t think it is too good an idea to start now, especially with a deadline looming. I chose to make the roses with recycled linen (thrift store finds) and yellow dotted Swiss. I tried doing the rolled roses but I am out of practice with a glue gun and blistered my fingers. Back to needle and thread. I will keep y’all posted on the progress. Hopefully, they will be as beautiful as I plan.

In the meantime, here is a cute pattern from the 60’s. What a beautiful spring dress this would make.

60's Dress Vintage Sewing Pattern Butterick 4069 32 Bust

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy, GoofingOff.Artfire, and MissEileen.Etsy

The Excitement Builds

I am like a little kid at Christmas (OK, Chanukah). I love surprises and presents. I am so anxious to see who won but don’t want to look yet. Has anyone? Has everyone voted? It is so much fun. The finds were all so wonderful that I love them all without bias.

I heard from Charlene at GrannysCranny after the interview. She already had a sale and credits the blog. I am so happy for her. All good.

As for me, I am swamped by sewing patterns. I promised myself I would get my taxes done (really I forced myself) no matter what else I have on my plate. That means patterns are low on the priority scale. C’est la vie.

I did get started making something, though. I have to have something to keep my hands busy so I am crocheting a cowl. I found this incredible Lion Brand yarn that is scrumptiously soft with jewel-like colors. With big, yummy vintage buttons it will be a wonderful thing. Pictures will follow.

Well, got to sign off now. Will keep y’all posted.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy.com, GoofingOff.artfire.com, and MissEileen.etsy.com

Congrats to GrannysCranny – Winner of the Blog Feature Interview

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)                                                                                                My name is Charlene..I live in North Florida and am a Gator fan. I live with my husband , 2 horses ,4 cats and 1 puppy named Bella Bleu. I work hard to maintain a home , keep up with 6 ½ acres of Dogwood ,Redbud and oak trees. I also tend to azaleas,camellias,gardenias,forsythias and wisterias to name a few of my plants..We have started to plant our yearly garden and I have pruned the grape vines so I will be VERY busy in the summer canning vegetables and making jelly. I spend a lot of time working with my horses and riding them…They are a lot of work but give back so much more in the joy they bring. I try to find time for my passion which is vintage and antiques of all descriptions ranging from primitive farm items to beautiful and fragile Victorian lace and jewelry.

1800s Jet Bead trim from Mourning Dress
What are your favorite materials?                                               My favorite materials are wood and glass… Although I also love pottery and needlework.
I appreciate many different woods but I LOVE antique oak furniture and have restored many pieces from “basket case” finds back to the wonderful treasures they once were.. I also love glass and have collected a lot of brilliant period cut glass, depression glass and many other types from the 1800’s to the 1950’s. When we retired and moved to this country setting, we built a new home but I filled it with my family heirlooms and antique finds.
What is your favorite color combination?                 Blue has always been my favorite color so I use various shades from pale ice blue to cobalt blue and every shade in between….
What do you like about vintage?                                     EVERYTHING! I grew up with vintage and antiques all around me and loved them even as a child. My mother was more into modern but when I would spend time at my grandmothers I would enjoy all of her antiques…I loved to help her dust them and by the time I was 12 years old I would daydream about where the pieces may have once been and about the families that had owned them previously and what their lives were like… I now have many of her treasures that I grew up loving and treasure like she did. One thing I have learned is I never grow tired of the “ old” things like I do with modern items…..and I never get rid of my vintage/antique pieces. They all have a special story to tell and I enjoy sharing with those that are interested.

Vintage Rosewood & Celadon/Jade Jewelry Box from Shanghai w/lock and key
When did you first get involved with vintage?         I first got involved as a child and still collect now that I am a “Senior”
What is your favorite era?             Everything from 1930 and before..
Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?                                   My paternal grandmother, Laura, who loved antiques and pretty things. She too was a collector and also did lots of needlework and quilting.
What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?                 I learned at an early age from my grandmother to knit, crochet, embroider and hook rugs. I did a lot of it over the years but not so much now since I spend so much time doing the furniture restoration.
Why should people buy handmade and vintage? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade and vintage items?                           I think handmade and vintage pieces have better quality and eye appeal than new factory made pieces. They were made to last and made with great pride. That is no longer the case.  Most are unique and one of a kind and just great pieces to use, display and pass down to next generations. As for selling tips…I think they practically sell themselves once seen by people that appreciate the love, work and time that went in to creating them.

Vintage Coty Goldtone Envelope Style Compact 50's
What have been the most valuable lessons learned from others? I learned not to discard things just because they are old or flawed. Most things of quality and beauty are worth the effort it takes to restore them back to their original state or even turn them in to some other use than they were originally designed for.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?                                  I’m always watching Etsy, tag sales ,flea markets and thrift shops for something unique that I “can’t live without”…or a gorgeous piece of furniture that just needs some TLC to restore it back to it’s finest… Then after I have accumulated more things than I have room to keep, I list some in my Etsy shop for others to enjoy.
What are the Web addresses for your work? http://www.etsy.com/shop/GrannysCranny
Thank you, Charlene, for letting me read and share your inspiring interview. Congratulations on winning the votes.

Well-Dressed

Much has been written about the deformalization of America. From what I've seen in the movies, TV, and in the news, it isn't just Americans who have become less formal. Women go out without gloves or hats; men go bare headed and many have no idea how to wear a tie, much less a jacket. There was a time that a well-dressed lady would have a hat and gloves, stockings were straight and everything matched. A man wouldn't think of leaving the house without a hat, jacket, and tie.

Vintage 50s Simplicity 2033 Misses' Dress

Maybe that’s why I love to watch old movies. Everyone is dressed up a bit. Think I Love Lucy. When Lucy had a bridge club meeting she wore a nice dress, heels, hat, and gloves. I tried wearing a hat for everyday and my husband at the time (totally unsupportive financial and emotionally, that’s why an ex) didn’t appreciate it or take it seriously. But then, I thought he looked silly trying to look like Saturday Night Fever when it was only Wednesday afternoon. Revenge is sweet sometimes.

Well, anyway, back to dressing up. I unearthed these awesome hats and gloves that I finally decided to let go. Here’s a few:

Vintage Pink Scalloped Edge Ladies' Gloves

Vintage White Crocheted Ladies' Gloves with Little Flowers

This pair hasn’t been listed yet. Watch for them.

I’ll be listing more over the next few days. I even have some opera length ones, you know, the super sexy ones. Woo hoo!

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy, GoofingOff.artfire, and MissEileen.etsy.

3.25.11 Miss Eileen’s Top Etsy Finds for March 25, 2011

March is almost over and I’ve been looking through Etsy creating treasuries and finding the coolest stuff! I can’t get over the talent.

 

1)Quilted, Colorful, Reversible Placemats by Fresh from the Heart

2) Renoir Vintage unsigned Copper Clip Earrings by Kats Vintage Finds

3) Silk Dupioni Bow Bridal Clutch by CathysTotes

4) Owlivia Soap Set by Pinkdottedowl

5) Small Glass tile Pendant--St Louis Zoo Authentic Photo by ESMRN 

6) He Knows the Way - Original Whimsical Girl Painting by Yarmalade

7) Safari Peep Toe by Onekana

8) WATER GODDESS hand made journal by Itselemental

OK, so this is the way it goes. Vote for your favorite in the upper left hand corner of the blog. The poll is there. I love them all so it is up to y’all. Winner gets a feature blog interview.

Blog post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy, GoofingOff.artfire, and MissEileen.etsy.

And the Winner Is……

OK, I am so excited about the contest, my very first. Almost like a new baby without the diapers, formula, and sore you-know-what from the episiotomy. Just fun and excitement.

Envelope, Please. The winner is GrannysCranny’s Angelus bookends.

Tomorrow starts a new contest. Got any recommendations? I’ve seen a couple of shops but let me know if you want your shop to be considered, or have a friend who has cool stuff.

In the mean time……I hit a few odd shops on the way home from my day-off-at-work. Found the coolest glass pitcher among other things. I will post pictures after I clean it up. Still have to empty out the car. I picked in some of the dirtiest places. I felt like I was doing an episode of American Pickers. I really tried to stay clean but ended up looking like Kid Schmutz. What does Kid Schmutz look like? Sort of like that little kid, Pigpen, from the Peanuts comic strip….Only my hair is longer. Here’s a few things listed in the shops:

Vintage Pewter End of the Trail Belt Buckle from MetalWoodsnWater

 

Simplicity 8840 Misses' Evening Dress Top Skirt Wrap Size 6-16 Bust 30-38 Uncut Complete from GoofingOff I love the simplicity of this dress. It is perfect in showing off a figure with a little bit of modesty.

 

Southwest Turquoise Leaf Bobbies

Well, time to watch Idol. Elimination night tonight. Later, y’all!

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy, GoofingOff.artfire, and MissEileen.etsy

Hookers and Bitchy Stitchers

I met a friend today who told me she just learned how to knit and joined a group called The Bitchy Stitchers. I love it. I loved it more when I told her I am a hooker. I crochet (get your mind out of the gutter, please). I’ve been crocheting on and off since I was 16. I saw a handmade yarmulke (kippa) and asked my grandma to teach me how to make one. She was a gifted crafter. She could knit, crochet, and sew and rarely used a pattern. Her ideas were usually her own unique designs that were fun. That is except for the hat she crocheted for me in bright red with a big ball of something on top that she said was a rose. It didn’t look like a rose and I never wore a red hat before that one or after that one. She did make these cool little poodles (I live in the home of the poodle posse so I am a little biased) out of miniature liquor bottles. They were so cute. I don’t have a single one. I have no idea what happened to them either so I will just have to try to make one in her memory. Finding the bottles will be a challenge. I know how she got her bottles but I don’t drink that stuff. I will keep you posted on the poodles and post a picture as soon as I make one.

Oh, BTW, I did learn to make yarmulkes. Never sold them, though. Maybe someday.

I am so excited. I am waiting with baited breath to see who won this week’s contest. 48 minutes to go. I will announce the winner tomorrow. Get your vote in if you haven’t voted yet!

Well, I got to go. I volunteered by tush at work (you would think I’d learn) and have to go in early. On my day off. Ugh.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.Etsy, GoofingOff.Artfire, AND MissEileen.Etsy.

Flip Flops, the Ultimate Apparel for the Foot

Today I am sad. Almost broken hearted really. My favorite pair of shoes, flip flops, are soon to be no more. Sigh. These aren't just any kind of flip flops. They are not the little barely-a-sole kind or hard rubber kind but thick, padded, make-your-feet-go-ah kind with ribbon (grosgrain, of course) between the toes. One of the ribbons broke. I have thought over and over again how to fix these wonderful faves of mine but I think I will have to face the fact that these shoes are soon to be no more. It upsets me so I might wear a black ribbon in their honor.
Silly? I think not. How many women out their have a pair of shoes they absolutely loved and, even after they were long past their prime, couldn't bear to part with them? I'm not even sure where to find another pair like them. I've looked but the new flip flops are too hard, or too cute, or have a heel (WTF?), or are too damned expensive. I just want cushy flip flops with a thick enough sole to keep my feet out of the dirt. Thick enough that when I step on something injurious to my foot I won't get hurt. Is that too much to ask? I think not.

So, what does all this mean? I need a new pair of shoes is what it means if I can find a pair to fit the bill. Or  unless I can find a flip flop repair shop. Good idea for a retirement option but I think it would do better in the Keys or maybe Miami. I live in the woods, probably not a good idea.
New shoes. For many women, my daughter for one, the thought of new shoes is a thrill. Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Dillards are all available with lots of beautiful, gorgeous shoes to excite the little piggies. Not me. I have short, wide feet. And I am a nurse. That means I am used to wearing comfortable shoes ALL the time. No cute little shoes for me. Hell, no. Cute shoes come in a B width and have a heel. My feet are at least a C. And don't even mention a little bit of a heel. I will fall off the shoes. Wide feet and a klutz. Such is my lot in life.
The last time I bought new shoes was to go to a fancy party. My daughter, that young woman whose butt I once powdered, reminded me to make sure not to wear regular stockings with open toed shoes. Hello! I knew that. You would think I never got out of the woods or wore shoes other than flip flops before. I got  so lucky that time finding shoes that fit that I bought 3 pair. They will last me forever. I will be able to sell them in pristine vintage condition since I wear them so infrequently.
So I guess I will have to go shopping for new flips. I will keep y'all posted. If you find some like I am looking for could you leave me a message?
Post by Eileen of GoofingOff.etsy, GoofingOff.artfire, and MissEileen.etsy.

Creative Crown Challenge March 2011

I said I was going to do something with a crown. Well, I tried. I had all kinds of ideas but they didn’t quite work out. I thought I could make a crown from fabric like the rag roses but burnt my fingers with my glue gun (blisters). I thought about sewing something but when I took a look at my sewing machine and thought about the path I would have to cut through to get there I decided against it.

After spending half the day feeling totally inept (yes, totally), the hubby and I went shopping. I needed a little retail therapy and he needed filters for the car. Flea market first, strawberries $8 a flat, yum, then to Wally World where we saw his Aunt Sis. She started telling us about her farm animals which got me thinking, roosters! They have a crown on their heads! Alright, it’s a comb but don’t tell them that. They think they are the kings of the barnyard, especially those darned little banty roosters.

Well, I have the coolest vintage McCoy Rooster Cookie jar. Lots of folks have tried to copy it and get close but no cigar. This guy has a twinkle in his eye and the crown, er, comb, is red. I am might proud of my guy. I might not be much of a painter but I take a pretty fair picture and I am not too bad spotting cool stuff.

Check me off on the challenge Tammy!

Help the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Victims

It wasn’t too long ago that the US Gulf Coast looked war-ravaged after Hurricane Katrina’s storm surge. Homes and businesses were destroyed and lives were lost in a short period of time. Japan might have one of the largest economies in the world but so do we and Katrina gave us a beating that took a long time to recover from.

Right now the people of Japan could use a hand, even a small hand helps. LivingSocial.com is meeting donations to the Red Cross to help the Tsunami victims. Donate $5 through LivingSocial and they will donate $5 actually doubling your donation. Let’s face it, most of us can blow a $5 bill and not even remember what we spent it on. At least I can. Here’s a way to do good with that 5.

Click HERE to get to LivingSocial’s donation page. How much you give is your decision but give.

Good deeds never go unnoticed, even when you think they do. For every mitzvah you do, you are blessed 10 times over. So go, donate!

It’s a good thing.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy.com and GoofingOff.Artfire.com

3.19.11 New Etsy Listings

Did y’all know I am famous? I am. My hubby calls me “Miss Hollywood.” I was stopped while speeding. The deputy asked for my autograph. Isn’t that the way of famous folks, giving out your autograph, except I have to pay for the honor. Totally sucks. Need to pay closer attention. Damn lead foot.

I have shopped until I can’t move around in my house without bumping into something so I thought it was time to start getting some things listed. Besides, I have traffic school and a ticket to pay for.

New from MetalWoodsnWater’s Shop:

Vintage Wood Tray by MetalWoodsnWater

Beautiful wood tray. I think it was a drawer in a past life but it is lovely with dovetailed joints.

Shabby Cream Jewelry Box by MetalWoodsnWater

What a difference a coat of paint makes! Or a few coats. That’s his schtick. Painting and fixing.

Vintage Mint Green Display Shelf by MetalWoodsnWater

Love the color! Good for the bathroom or bedroom or wherever you like it.

Unbleached Natural Armadillo Vertebrae by MetalWoodsnWater

Yes, we sell bones. No, I do not eat armadillo. I did not have ANYTHING to do with the poor critter’s untimely demise.

New from Miss Eileen’s Shop":

Vintage Cerulean Blue Satin Evening Clutch by Miss Eileen

That’s Cerulean blue, you know, like in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” when Meryl Streep’s character says “That’s not just blue, it is Cerulean Blue.” Love the attitude and she had a boat load of it.

New in the GoofingOff Shop:

Vintage 30s Bakelite Airguide Thermometer Barometer

I found a few barometer/thermometer combos but they usually don’t work. This one does. All three gauges. It has a sleek, industrial feel to it, too.

Brown cotton Fabric, Joan Kessler for Concord Fabrics

I’m still listing fabrics so stop by GoofingOff if you are interested. Got lots. Don’t forget the Passover sale going on for Team EtsyChai. All fabrics are 10% off with the word Passover in the Message to Seller.  Oh, yeah, and don’t forget to vote on the Etsy finds for the week. Cool stuff. Don’t know who’s going to win. I love them all.

 

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy and GoofingOff.Artfire.

3.18.11 Miss Eileen’s Top Etsy Finds for March 18, 2011

Etsy is a wonderful marketplace of incredible items. There are so many incredibly talented artists that it can sometimes be overwhelming. I’m the kind of person who has a hard time making a decision (you should see me with a menu. My poor hubby can starve waiting for me to pick out something) and I figure there are more than a few people out there with the same problem. Well, since I can’t be the only person with this affliction, I decided to make the Top Finds a weekly Friday fixture and leave the audience (that’s y’all in case you were wondering) to decide on which is the best pick. The prize will be an interview that I get to feature later in the week. So here goes:

  1) Believe Mixed Media Painting by Hershbergerhuff

2) The Kore Cowl Knit Top by AC AfterGlow

3) Judaic Mini Note Cards - Asian Influence, Set of 8 by Anjali Creations

4) Angelus Cast bookends, 1925 by L.D.B.Co. from Granny’s Cranny

 

5) The Queen of Hearts Royal Whim Gothic Tiara with large Fresh Water Baroque Pearls by EJP Creations

6) Unique Celtic Knot Ring-18k gold by Celtic Knot Jeweler 18k gold band

7) INDIAN SPICE by Marezidoats- Bluefaced Leicester / Silk Laceweight dip-dyed yarn

8) White Shirred Peasant Shirt...6m 9m 12m 18m 24m 2t 3t 4t 5 6 by 5LilMunchkins

Get your votes in. Voting ends Wednesday. I’ll contact the winner for the interview. Good luck to all the crafters featured.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy and GoofingOff.Artfire

Looking for a New Home

No, not me, these patterns I just listed on Artfire! The patterns are complete and ready to go. Here’s a look.

 

,  See & Sew 5951 in size Medium, a great deal for the person who loves the peasant look of loose fitting shirts and tiered skirts.

 It’s So Easy by Simplicity 9656 size 10-20 Fitted top and loose fitting shorts.

 

 Stitch n Save by McCall’s 5572 size 12-16 Misses’ V-neck dress complete  and uncut

 

 McCall’s Crafts 2334 Flower Pot Pals, complete, uncut

The patterns are $2.50 each, my way of starting off the Team EtsyChai Passover Sale.  Buy 3 or more patterns and get free shipping, so buy all four for $10 and they fly for free (at least in the US and Canada).

Enjoy!

1961: Full Skirts, Bouncing on the Bus, and The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Earlier today I listed this gorgeous, hard-to-find pattern in my Etsy shop.

McCall’s 6150, size 14, bust 34.

It is McCall’s 6150 from 1961. The dress features a full or slim skirt. Just too cute. Well, that got me thinking about 1961.

I was 7 that year. We lived on the Floyd Bennett Naval Air Station located on the south end of Brooklyn. Our community was made up of Naval and Marine personnel and their families. We even had our own little red schoolhouse, the last one of its kind in the New York City school system. The schoolhouse was a two-room schoolhouse and the children who lived on base would attend kindergarten and first grade there.

At the tender age of 7 I became one of the big kids (I use that term loosely, I was always little) and got to travel to PS 207 on the school bus. I was going places. We would all wait for the bus then pile on and try to sit in the back. The back had this long bench seat big enough for 5 or 6 kids. The fun part was jumping on the seat as we traveled down the road. Our road to school was full of potholes so if you timed it just right you could get some serious air. I even tried it in my dad’s car but he did not appreciate it (don’t make me pull this car over! enough said). We would sing songs, whatever ones came into our heads and act foolish, just foolish enough for the bus driver to yell at us but never enough to get into trouble.

One of the songs I remember singing was “In the Jungle” by the Tokens. It has been done by a few other groups  since then but their version was the best.

The Lion Sleeps Tonight by the Tokens 1961

Every time I hear that song I think of the school bus and Brooklyn.

Post by GoofingOff.etsy and GoofingOff.Artfire

3/11/11 Miss Eileen's Top Etsy Finds

I have been trying to make a treasury. I tried a few times but get distracted by all the wonderful work I find on Etsy. Narrowing the work down to a mere 16 is pretty hard so I thought I would do a weekly feature instead. Here goes.

Hope you enjoy.



OOAK Necklace Loops Intertwined Ladder Stitch Bronze Bugles

Domed Circle & Curving Wire Pendant Handcrafted

eReader Cover Book Style Kaffe Fassett Patchwork

RHINESTONED FEATHER EARRINGS

 

Hebrew Scrabble game board notepad – small

Irish Brew Handcrafted Soap

Handmade Wool Pomeranian

Three Mini Rose Pillows

See why I can’t make a decision? You should see me with a menu.

Post by Eileen P. of GoofingOff.etsy and GoofingOff.artfire