Friday, August 31, 2012

Amelia Earhart, Thrifty Threads, Green Apples, and Black Cats

Here’s a riddle, What do Amelia Earhart, thrifty threads, green apples, and black cats have in common? OK, I’ll tell ya…They are all recent listings in my vintage shop, MissEileen! Click on the picture and check them out. A sweet treat without calories. Enjoy!

Vintage Amelia Earhart Weekender Tote Bag Orange

Amelia Earhart Weekender Tote

Vintage Thrifty Threads in Wire Cap Jar

Thrifty Threads in a Jar

Vintage Pot Holders Green Apples

Green Apple Potholders

Black Cats Wall Hanging

Black Cats Wall Hanging

Yummy, right? And just think of the calories you saved.

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Saturday, August 25, 2012

GoofingOff Halloween Sewing Patterns on Artfire

Check out this fun collection of sewing patterns on Artfire!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Lost in Old Recipes

I think, no I know, I was born in another era, 1930’s or 40’s. I love that era, probably because of all the old movies I watched with my mom. It doesn’t take much to set me off dreaming I was there, anywhere, back then.

  Sale 20% Off Vintage Cookbook Rumford Complete Cook Book Lily Haxworth Wallace 1932

The Rumford Complete Cook Book just sold, you know the 1932 edition that was in my MissEileen vintage shop, so I started looking through it one last time before I wrapped it. The cookbook recipes are fun but more interesting are the recipes and notes added by the first owner of the book. Inside the book are newspaper recipes carefully clipped then glued to the “notes” pages of the book. The recipes are mostly for baking but there are a few for pickles and salads. One recipe, Peanut Butter Cookies, is pretty much the same now as then but there are others that have disappeared over time. Here’s a few to try. Put some old swing music on the radio (or your pod) and imagine you have a date at the movies tonight….to see that movie everyone’s talking about, “It Happened One Night” with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.

 it happened one night movie

Gum Drop Fruit Cake

2 cups shortening (butter preferred)

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

4 eggs, beaten

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

2 teaspoons soda

4 cups flour

1 cup dates

1 cup Brazil nuts

1 cup small mixed gumdrops

1 cup seeded raisins

3 teaspoons each cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice

Cream shortening and sugar, add eggs and applesauce in which flour has been dissolved. Then add flour, measured after sifting, and mix well. Add raisins, which have been floured with chopped nuts, dates—cut in long pieces- gumdrops and spices, and mix well. Bake in a loaf pan from 45 to 60 minutes in a moderate oven (350 degrees).

Never-Fail Caramel Icing

2 cups brown sugar

6 tablespoons sweet or sour cream or condensed milk

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix well. Put over very slow fire and bring to a boil. Take off after one minute and beat until cool.

I wasn’t able to date most of the news clippings but Honey Drop Cookies, is from 1932. Check out the nutrition information. Love it.

Snow Salad

2 cups chopped cabbage

1 cup green grapes, seeded and halved

1 cup shredded cocoanut

1/2 cup blanched and chopped almonds

1-3 cup mayonnaise dressing (this might not be enough mayo. I copied the recipe exact. Add more if it is too dry)

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Combine all ingredients and serve on lettuce leaves. Top with additional mayonnaise.

Honey Drop Cookies

Shortening, ½ cup Eggs 2

Sugar, 1 cup Flour, 1 ½ cups

Honey, 2 tablespoons Baking powder, 2 teaspoons

Salt, ¼ teaspoon Vanilla, ½ teaspoon

Makes about 100 cookies

Blend together butter or other shortening, sugar, honey and salt. Stir in eggs one at a time. Sift flour with baking powder and add this. Add vanilla. Drop ½ teaspoon batter for each cookie on a greased baking sheet, far enough apart as they spread. A half walnut or pecan could be placed on each cookie if desired. Bake in a hot oven for about 8 minutes. Be careful not to burn.

Diet note:

Recipe furnishes protein, starch, sugar, and a little fat. Lime and iron present but the vitamins have been damaged by the action of the baking powder. Can be given to children over 10. Can be eaten by normal adults of average or under weight.

Hope you enjoyed this little trip into the 1930’s.

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Monday, August 20, 2012

Evening Dresses, Nina Ricci Paris Original, Surfer Wear, and Matryoshka Fat Quarters: New GoofingOff Listings

Sometimes I see a pattern and just say “Oh my!” Can’t help it. I don’t know if it is the color or the cut of the dress, or it’s the way I wish I would look if I was in it. Here’s a few dress patterns that meet my “Oh My” criteria.

Flatbed-030

1950’s Simplicity 3265 Flared Skirt, Top, Bolero, and Cummerbund. A hard-to-find, totally gorgeous pattern.

Flatbed

McCall’s 7003 in size 14, bust 34, from 1963. Uncut with factory folds!

Flatbed-016

Originally featured in Butterick Home Catalog Winter 1969, Butterick 5506 in size 16, bust 38 inches.

Flatbed-037

1970s Sewing Pattern Vogue Paris Original 1244 Nina Ricci Dress Gorgeous dress, this pattern is undated and complete.

Flatbed-005

Simplicity 8605 Surfer wear in size 10-12. Just right for hanging at the beach. Easy to sew, easy to pull on after a day in the water. Can’t dress up all the time.

Fabric Fat Quarters Matryoshka Russian Dolls

 

Matryoshka Russian Dolls Fabric…in fat quarters. This is 100% cotton fabric. The color is vibrant.

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

New Pattern Listings….Cocktail Dresses, Bridal Gowns, and American Girl

 

Here’s a few patterns to check out this week from GoofingOff Sewing Supplies.

Sewing Pattern Vogue 8019 Misses' Evening Dress Uncut Complete Size 6-10

 

Vintage Sewing Pattern McCall's 3770 Bridal Gown  Size 10 Bust 32.5 Complete

McCall’s 3770 Bridal Gown and Bridesmaid Dress…..1973

Sewing Pattern Butterick 5405 Misses Top Skirt Bust 30-36 inches Uncut Complete

See & Sew 5405 top and skirt, size extra small to medium

Sewing Pattern McCall's 266 Cowboys and Indians Costume Pattern  Size 7-8 Uncut Complete

McCall’s Costume pattern MP266

Vintage Sewing Pattern Butterick 6228 Misses' Halter Dress Size 6 Bust 30.5 Uncut Complete

Butterick 6228 Misses’ Halter Dress with shawl in size 6, bust 30.5 inches

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Friday, August 10, 2012

Handprint in the Sand

Sometimes you come across an idea too good not to share with others and this is one.

The quilt is called “Handprints in the Sand.” Here’s a great idea from Tracey Lipman she did to remember her children’s handprints. She made tracings of her children’s hands and marked them on sand colored fabric, then added a border to frame the “sand”, then another border with seashells, sea stars, and sea life. She then quilted the children’s handprints. After that, it looks as if she stippled (sort of doodling by machine) around the handprints and on the blue frame.

 

Tracey is a  member of Etsy Chai (the Jewish Etsy team I belong to) and makes wonderful bags and yoga mats, too. Little did I know but she also quilts for fun.

Stroller caddy diaper nappy bag

Here’s a diaper bag from her shop.

Zippered yoga mat bag pilates exercise mat bag

Here’s one of her yoga mat bags. I love the print…and the pocket on the side. Just right for a washcloth to mop sweat or anything else you need to carry along.

Anyway, I think it’s a great idea from a talented artist. What a way to keep a memory!

Well done, Tracey!

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Corn Prices Are Going Up

The drought that is cooking the United States has ruined the corn crop. Corn prices are expected to climb and since it is used in so many things, from fuel (ethanol) to candy, prices are expected to rise in EVERYTHING. For a tightwad who likes corn, like me, I am going to have a problem with this. I like corn, on the cob, grits, corn bread, and corn fritters, and the hubby loves corn on his mashed potatoes (not my fave). I know there isn't much I can do about some of these things but I can do something. I can stockpile a bit of corn products.
 Let's face it, though, stockpiling anything isn't worthwhile if it goes bad or bugs get in it. One thing that grosses me out is bugs (weevils) in grain foods. It happens when the bugs leave eggs in the grain and the eggs hatch in your cupboard. Freeze the food, flour, meal, noodles, whatever, and you kill the eggs. It also keeps the meal fresh a lot longer than it would ordinarily.
So, here's the deal. Buy now and use your freezer, but only buy if you'll use it and eat it. No sense in buying something you won't or don't eat. Save that money.....you'll need it for gas.


Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Sunrise

DSC_0632

Early morning is my favorite part of the day. I love watching the sunrise, enjoying every minute as the colors change as the sun rises. On a recent trip, I got up early to capture the colors and beauty of the morning sky. I didn’t do anything to the colors. The sky and sea were pink. Hope you like it.

DSC_0633

 

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Monday, August 6, 2012

Surprise, It’s Graham Nash!

OK, the title is a little misleading. It wasn't Graham Nash, it was an exhibit.
I took a trip to visit my daughter recently along the Jersey Shore. It’s a beautiful place and more to see than Snooki. We took a ride to Stone Harbor and window shopped. 
  DSC_0555  One of the shops had a Graham Nash exhibit featuring some of his work (you know, of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young). For those of you not familiar with Graham Nash, he was a member of the band, The Hollies, and then a member of Crosby, Stills, and Nash (that later became Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young). Some songs he wrote were Marrakesh Express", "Just A Song Before I Go" (1977) later "Wasted on the Way" (1982). He also wrote "Our House" and "Teach Your Children." The exhibit included photos and paintings. Here’s a few of the work in the exhibit.
DSC_0553-001DSC_0553
DSC_0554
He didn’t do the vase or the other work in this photo but I had to include them anyway. The vase is incredible.
DSC_0557
Down the street was another art market with this jelly fish lamp in the window. Very cool.
Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff
 MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Sewing Tips from an Old Sew n’ Sew

Organizing is a forever project…at least it is for me. I will start off with the best intentions and something, Lord knows what, will catch my eye and I am sidetracked. This time I was sidetracked by a little booklet I found in my sewing stash called “Sew News presents Sewing Room Secrets.” Some of the tips are pretty good, others are…..not as good. I thought I’d share some of the best with the blog world before I put them on one of my pages. Here’s five tips that I think are pretty darn good.

To make a cutting table, use a 32” wide unfinished door and covered it with self-adhesive decorative paper. Place the “table” on 2 filing cabinets. You will have a table long enough for 60 inch wide fabrics and 2 cabinets to organize patterns.

Sewing for a child or grandchild? Cut four 4 inch squares of each fabric used and store them in a plastic bag in your sewing area. Soon you’ll have enough for a memory quilt.

After cutting a garment, save two 6 to 8 inch squares of fabric to test iron-on interfacing, buttonholes, check thread color, or topstitching length.

Keep a checkered vinyl tablecloth under your everyday table covering. When you’re ready to cut fabric, pull back the top tablecloth and you’ll have a gridded surface for cutting.

Serge or zig-zag the raw edges of fabric before preshrinking. It will keep the fabric from raveling and save your washer’s agitator from the abuse of the loosened threads.

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Friday, August 3, 2012

Eggplant Caviar


Eggplant caviar. You're probably thinking, "what in the world?" I did, too when I first heard the phrase. This is one of my tried and true recipes handed down to me from my grandmother Freida.

Most folks have special memories of their grandparents and I am no exception. I loved being around my grandmother. She was an amazing woman who could knit, sew, and cook anything, at least in my opinion. She was a fiery redhead with green eyes and a thick-as-pea-soup Brooklyn accent (she wasn't known as the Redhead from Carnarsie for nothing). She taught me fabulously useful things things like extending a meal from 4 to 8 servings with appetizers and bread, how to budget, and how to fix seconds from the knitting mill. She also taught me to cook and try some of the most unusual foods I ever imagined. One of these foods is eggplant caviar.

Ingredients:
1 large or 2 medium sized eggplants
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Set the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise. Coat the skin side with a small amt of oil. Place on a cookie sheet cut side down. Bake for 30 minutes or until soft. Remove from oven and let cool
Scoop out the eggplant "meat" and place in a bowl. Add the onion and oil. Mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This dish makes a good dip or appetizer. Serve with crackers.

Pretty easy, low fat, low calories depending on how many crackers you eat. Goes with milk or meat dishes. Perfect for the Break the Fast meal after the conclusion of Yom Kippor although I think it's perfect to eat anytime a nosh is in order.
Enjoy!

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work