Saturday, December 26, 2015

The Cure for My After Christmas Hangover: New Listings at GoofingOff Sewing

Is it just me? I didn't drink but I sure feel hungover. Must have been the big dose of trying to get a lot done for Christmas and, now that the rush is over, I feel exhausted. Ugh. Did everyone have a nice holiday? Kids home from school? Enjoy them while you can. They grow fast. 
 I did my traditional holiday thing and worked....at work. Since my daughter is grown and doesn't live close I work the holiday so others with little ones (or family close-by) can get together with their families. It also translates to ...make something for everyone in the unit who is working, cook something extra special to share, and bake cookies for the hubby to share at home. What I did make for gifts are little scrappy birds I crocheted. Stash busters birds (I love stash busters be it yarn, wire, or fabric). Here is the picture that inspired me:


Pretty darn cute, huh? I thought so, too. Easy to make and Lucy at Attic24 has easy-to-follow instructions. They work up pretty fast...that is unless you are making 12 of them at the last minute like I did. Still, worth a go. I am thinking of making a few to keep on hand for package ornaments. 

Anyway, enough of my kvetching. Here are the latest additions to the GoofingOff Sewing Pattern collection and available for sale. 

Hollywood Pattern 481 Misses' One-Piece Dress from the 1940's with Wendy Barrie on the cover. Size 16, bust 34 inches.  UNCUT
Miss Barrie was  not only a star with RKO radio but a movie star as well and appeared in "The Hounds of the Baskervilles" with Basil Rathbone. Her name was also linked to the gangster, Bugsy Siegel. Now that's a juicy bit of gossip.

Simplicity 8699 Misses' Blouse, Skirts, and Shawl from 1970 in size 10, bust 32 inches. Partially cut. COMPLETE
I love, love, love the maxi skirt. So 70's. 

McCall's 5408 Misses' Pants or Shorts. Pants in two leg widths, size 10-12-14, waist 25-28 inches.
Nothing says "70's" better than bell bottoms.

Simplicity 3600 Misses' Blouses and Ponchos in size 12, bust 32, from 1960. COMPLETE  
This pattern was made before the size change of the late 60's. 

Simplicity 5083 Misses' Nightgowns and Bed Jacket from 1972 in bust 38-40 inches COMPLETE

Simplicity 5505 Misses' Pullover Blouse from 1982 in size 8-12, Bust 30-34 inches. COMPLETE

Advance 3047 Misses' Blouses from 1943, in bust 36. COMPLETE



Simplicity 7696 Misses' Night Gowns in 3 Lengths from 1968 in size Medium, bust 34-46 inches. COMPLETE

Butterick 4067 Misses' Skirts in 3 lengths, size 14, Waist 26.5 inches. COMPLETE


 When I see this pattern I want to sing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and dance around the house!
DuBarry 5398 Misses' Dresses from the early 1940's....War time look. Bust 34 inches. COMPLETE

McCall's 5733 Girls' Jacket, Pants, and Skirt in size 8. COMPLETE

Butterick 4726 Misses' Wrap-and-Go Skirt Size Medium Waist 26 1/2-28 inches COMPLETE

Simplicity 4650 Misses' Dress from the early 1940's. Another dress with that incredible war time look in size 16, Bust 34. COMPLETE

Simplicity 5752 Misses Asymmetrical Ruffled Blouses, bust 30 inches. COMPLETE



                 Check out this RETRO BEACH WEAR pattern! Sorry, I was shouting but I love this!
McCall's 4054 Misses' Halter Top, Skirt, and Pants, Bust 34-36 from 1974. COMPLETE....

Butterick 3769 Misses' Skirts, waist 26 1/2 inches. COMPLETE
Well, that's it for now. I think I earned a rest. 
Stop by the shop and get 15% off your purchase with the coupon code BLOGGIN. 

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Three Little Girl's Dress Patterns at GoofingOff Sewing

Little girls are so much fun to sew for. Nothing against the boys but adding a little bit of lace to dotted Swiss creates magic. So much fun! I just listed three new patterns in the GoofingOff Sewing shop for the little girls out there.

Simplicity 1171 Girl's Dresses in size 4-5-6-7-8 UNCUT
A cute dress for a summer wedding or party with little cap sleeves. 


Simplicity 1173 Girls' Party Dresses Size 3-4-5-6-7-8 UNCUT
Oh, this one is sweet!


Great choice for a flower girl or a communion dress. 


Burda 4490 Girls' Coat Size 12 mons, 18 mons, 2,3,4 UNCUT
OK, so not a dress but too cute not to show off. 
Well, that's the three beauties. Love, Love, Love them!
Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Last Minute Gifts to Make

The holidays are upon us and even if a person doesn't celebrate everything it's still fun to get in the spirit and make something. I work every Christmas (or most of them) and like to bring gifts to the other folks who work, too. Kind of takes the sting out of being away from the family. I usually make things to give, foot scrubs one year (easy, fragrant, and very appreciated), quilted ornaments last year, hand-painted ornaments goofy snowmen ornaments another year (each one was painted on galvanized metal...had to file edges for burrs. The hardest part was finding different jokes for each one). 
Anyway, here's a few ideas for last minute decorations that would are gift and OOOH Ahhh worthy.

Clothespin Stars
These stars are lovely to look at and easy to make. Clothespin are fairly inexpensive, too. Great gift idea. 




Gingerbread men Bunting (or ornaments) This is from Craftsy. Cute little gingerbread men to make as a bunting or make individual ones for gifts or ornaments. Use a cookie cutter for the pattern. Alternatively, a star-shaped cookie cutter could be used. Make the stars out of felt (no frayed edges) and individualize each one. 

ON THE GO READING PILLOW TUTORIAL by Melissa Mortenson....This one is so cool. A great way to inspire kids to read. Click HERE for the tutorial.



OK, this is gorgeous. The tutorial is well written and easy to follow....easy enough for me. Great gift idea from the folks at Homemade Gifts Made Easy. 

I made some of these (or something like them) a couple of years ago for friends we had over for Christmas. They were such a big hit that I have none to take pictures of. Glad these folks do. Anyway, I used pictures I drew (childlike, yes) and Modge Podged them on to ceramic tiles I bought at Home Depot. Can't draw? Use a map, music paper, or scrap book paper. Give some paper to the kids and ask for artwork. Grandma and Grandpa would love it. Check out the tutorial HERE.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!
Post by Eileen....who is GoofingOff!

Monday, December 14, 2015

New Listings At GoofingOff Etsy

Hi, everyone!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I traveled to see family....long over due and had a great time.  I've been busy getting ready for my mission trip to Haiti, too. Got lots of supplies to take with me. Everyone has been generous and helpful. I hope I can do some good.
In the meantime,  I stocked my Etsy shop, GoofingOff Sewing, with great patterns to sew and create wonderful outfits. Here's a few of the new listings:


Simplicity 1229 Misses' Pullover top with Cardi-wrap...for knits Sizes XXS-XL 
I love the look of this blouse. It looks soft and cuddly, just right for winter....and it's an "It's So Easy Pattern" so it should sew up quick. 

McCall's 5934 Misses' Sleeveless Dresses in size 10-14, Bust 32-36 inches UNCUT
Fun dresses for when the weather warms up. I like the skirt variations...



Simplicity 2929 Women's Dresses Size 20W-28W Bust 42-50 inches UNCUT FULL FIGURE! 
Beautiful dresses in large sizes. 

New Look 6956 Misses' Cocktail Dress and Jacket Size 6-16 Bust 30-38 inches UNCUT
Great looking cocktail dress with matching jacket. 


Simplicity 2635 Women's Dress, Peasant Top, Pants, and Vest. Size 18W-24W, bust 40-46 inches. UNCUT
Khaliah Ali Collection for the full figure woman....love the flow of the dress and the look of the peasant top. 


Vogue 1851 Five Easy Pieces.....Coordinates in size 14-18, bust 36-40 inches UNCUT
Separates that create a together look all in one pattern by Vogue. 

Very Easy Vogue 7044 Misses' Blouse Bust 36-40 inches UNCUT
So 80's....but soft and feminine, and easy to sew.


Vogue 9477 "The Vogue Woman" from April, 1996. Misses' Tunic, Skirt, and Pants in size 14-18, bust 36-40. UNCUT
Elegant, well-dressed look. 

Vintage Vogue 7840 Misses' Blouses Size 14-18, Bust 36-40 inches UNCUT

Blouse with a fun little tie.

Vogue 8295 Misses' Skirts Size 14-20, Waist 28-34 inches. UNCUT

Full, flared skirts by Vogue.
McCall's 3254 Misses' Shirt Dress in size 14-18, bust 36-40 inches UNCUT
Misses' shirt dress with a casual, not-too- dressy look.

Vogue 7210 Misses' Slightly Flared Skirts in size 14-18, waist 28-34 inches. UNCUT

I love this skirt!

Vogue 1441 Basic Design Misses' Dresses in size 14-18 from 1994. UNCUT
Nice, basic dresses from Vogue. 
Check out the other listings in the shop. There's great fabrics, trims, books, and lots of patterns to choose from.  Get Free US shipping when you buy $50 or more of patterns.
Free International shipping when you buy $100 or more of patterns. 

Use the coupon code BLOGGIN and get 15% off your order. 

Thanks for looking. 
Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing at Etsy.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Sewing Ideas for Community Service Projects

The closer I get to my Haiti mission the more obsessed I get. It seems like all I think about. I've been collecting supplies from everywhere I go. It's also hard to stay focused to get other things done. Good thing the hubby likes to cook.
Still, the idea of going on a mission leads me to community service projects. With the approach of the holiday it also helps remind us there are folks who are in need...and a sewing talent can help them a bit. I found a few ideas, things to sew that would be appreciated.

Days For Girls

Ever wonder what happens to girls in places where feminine hygiene (read that as tampons and sanitary pads) aren't readily available?  They can't go to school. They stay home and lose days. Days for Girls provides washable hygiene kits for girls. The organization supplies patterns for the pads and the bags. 

Project Linus



Like Linus in the Peanuts comic strip, Project Linus is about blankets (OK, Linus was into the Great Pumpkin, too, but he had his blanket with him). Crocheted, knitted, sewn, or quilted. Even baby doll blankets. The site has patterns to make a sorts of blankets to warm up a little sweetie. 

Sewing.Org



Live near a nursing home or rehab facility? Some things that are appreciated are adult bibs, walker caddies, and wheelchair totes. How about checking with a chemo clinic about chemo turbans? Or a lap robe for someone in a wheelchair.  Go to Sewing.org for patterns and ideas.   
P.S. All the patterns are free.


The Painted Turtle

Paul Newman was a gifted actor (with gorgeous blue eyes, I might add) who created the Hole in the Wall camps for seriously ill children. One of those camps is called the Painted Turtle. Sew up an adorable turtle pillow to donate to the children of this amazing camp. Click HERE for instructions and pattern.

Ronald McDonald House and Fisher House Charities


Like to make pillowcases? I do, and I love to make them with cutest kid-friendly fabric. Perfect for a Ronald McDonald House donation. Click HERE for a link to ideas to help. The Fisher House is for the families of veterans to stay at VA and military hospitals. Think grown-up and patriotic fabrics for this one. 

OK, that's a few ideas to start with. Join a group or start one. Either way, make a difference in the lives of others and, in doing so, you'll make a difference in yours.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing.
   

Monday, November 2, 2015

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 flows. 
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 Personal0Fit 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.