New Listings in GoofingOff Sewing: Be Still My Rockabilly Heart!

It's mid summer and incredibly hot in this part of the world. Summer in north Florida is like this: hot in the morning, rain in the afternoon, hot in the evening. Sometimes we are lucky to get a breeze..and when we do I love to stand in it and savor it. The next best thing is a fan on the front porch blowing while I sit in the front porch swing.  There are times I want to stay outside sans A/C, especially if I am working in the yard. Today darling hubby put up a fan above the swing (had one that died 2 years ago...fan, not the hubby) after I bought a new one. Hooray! Maybe I will sit in the swing and let the fan blow on me (a little, not gale force) during our afternoon shower.
Meanwhile, back at GoofingOff Sewing, there's some new patterns just listed. Some, like the Rockabilly Summer Tops, are perfect for summer...as in now...others good for fall or holiday sewing. Either way, each one has its own charm.

Be Still my Rockabilly Heart! Simplicity 2118  Misses' Blouses and Bras from 1957 in size 18, Bust 38. COMPLETE

McCall's 2542 Misses' Pullover Dress from 1986 in size 10. COMPLETE

Simplicity 5979 from 1965. Misses' Weskit, Pants, Skirt, and Blouse in size 12, bust 32 inches. COMPLETE
What is a weskit? It looks like it is part vest, part blouse; this one is lined and double breasted.

McCall's 6996 Men's Shirts in 38-40. COMPLETE

New Look 6251 Misses' Two Piece Dress. European sizing. COMPLETE 
Size 8-18 or 36-46 (Euro) Six Sizes in one Pattern!

McCall's 6597 Misses' Playsuit sized for stretch knits. COMPLETE

Simplicity 9738 Script Alphabet Embroidery Transfers

Simplicity 6411 Hip Huggers, Bra-Top, and Shirt in size 18, Bust 40 inches. COMPLETE

Simplicity 4762 Men and Boys Vests and Ties UNCUT Imagine matching vests and ties at a wedding, a holiday gathering, or photo shoot. Too cute!

Simplicity 8161 Misses' Shirt-Jacket, Pants, Skirt from 1979 in size 10 COMPLETE

McCall's 3857 Misses' Jacket, Top, Skirt, & Pants Size 12 or 14. COMPLETE

Simplicity 8749 Men's, teen boys, or Misses' Shirt, pull-on pants, and cap in Xs-S-Med. COMPLETE

Use the coupon code BLOGGIN to get 15% off your purchase at GoofingOff Sewing. 
Savor the summer and Happy Sewing!
Post by Eileen ......who is GoofingOff.

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.

Household Searchlight Recipe Book

Cookbooks are special. They spark interest in cooking, eating, and are a favorite of collectors. Every year there are cookbooks written and sold throughout the world. Just when I think every cooking idea has been covered, someone comes up with a different way to make soup, dessert, and entrees. There are special cookbooks and recipes handed down in families that are prized and held dear. That is the way of a cookbook, an unspoken promise to create fabulous food.

I’ve been a cookbook collector for years. I bought the Grand Diplome Cooking Course books back in the 70’s. Under the tutelage of the master chefs of the Grand Diplome I learned to filet a fish, make pie crust, and create a pot roast. I learned the importance and value good knives, how they should feel in the hand, how to sharpen the knife, and how to store a knife so it would last for a lifetime.

My favorite cookbook of all time, and one I refer to often is the Searchlight Recipe Book. My copy was left to me by a friend and I treasure it. The Recipe Book is a wealth of knowledge from Household Magazine of Topeka, Kansas. The book was first published in 1931, copyrighted in 1931, 1937, and again in 1952. My book is from the 1952 copyright. By that time it was in the 23rd edition. It is thumb tabbed with categories that include Canning and Preserving, Fish and Wild Game (a necessity if you are married to a hunter or fisherman…or fish yourself), and Candies. The recipes are practical, easy to follow, and tried-and-true hard-to-find bits of American history from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Recipes that have almost disappeared from everyday life like mincemeat (not in the jar), squirrel stew, and watermelon pickles are in the Searchlight Recipe Book.  It is a remarkable book.

Imagine my surprise when I found a Searchlight in a thrift shop. It isn’t in the greatest shape but it is still a great book. I’ll be offering it for sale in GoofingOff.Etsy the next few days. I just have to share this book with someone. It is wonderful.

Well, got to get on. Happy collecting to all.

Post written by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy.com and GoofingOff.artfire.com.

Patterns, Patterns, and more Patterns

I have an addiction to patterns. Must be an addiction. I think about patterns whenever I see a yard or estate sale and my heart skips a beat when I see them. I just love Vogue patterns (especially Vintage Vogue OOOOOhhhh) and the vintage patterns from the 40's, 50's, and 60's with the illustrations of pouty faced women or pudgy cheeked children. I get all fluttery inside. I feel the same way about the knitting and crochet patterns from the 40's and 50's. The patterns are usually in such rough shape from use but every so often you find patterns from a wanna-do, you know, the person who wants-to-do but never has the time? Yes, like me. I have the knitting needles but I don't knit. I know how. I just don't do it. The sewing machine is ready and threaded but it gets less action than my treadmill/clothes hanger. Oh, well at least the addiction won't hurt my lungs or rot my teeth. I just need to make sure I have a room big enough for them.