Weeding Out the Riff Raff

This morning I was a little ambitious and did some work in the garden. I pulled out a few weeds, the riff-raff, and thought how much the tomato plants were like children.

We started our tomato plants in pots, carefully tending to them, watering and feeding them regularly. 

When the weather warmed up and they were ready to make it on their own they went outside in the garden.

We put cages around them for support and to help them stand straight. Some of the tomato plants are straight up in the cages flourishing with the support while others find ways to escape the wire, as if reaching for freedom outside the cage's confines. I gently put the tomato vines back into the cages and wonder how many will try to get out during the night when nobody is watching. I weed around the plants, clearing the riff-raff (weeds) to keep the weeds from stealing the precious nutrients the tomatoes need to survive. 

How like children they are! 

We nuture our children, feeding and loving them as they grow until they are ready to go to school, their first date, drive a car, or first big trip without Mom or Dad. Some will flourish with that guidance while others will bristle as if confined and look for ways to escape. We try to keep the children safe from the "riff-raff" that may injure or steal from them. 

So, as I weeded the next row, I noticed some volunteer tomato plants that grew up among the weeds, all unexpected, all strong and beautiful...because sometimes there is good in the most unlikely places. 

It's as if they were placed there to remind me to look for beauty everywhere, even among the weeds. 

Happy Mother's Day

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Sewing.  

Are You A Nap Time Enforcer?

A friend and I were talking about kids, in specific, her kids. It seems her hubby put her little guy down for a nap at 4PM and the little one didn't want to go to bed until pretty late. She wasn't happy about the situation.
So, I have to ask, do you enforce nap time with your little ones?
I didn't enforce nap time when my daughter was little but I didn't stop her when she was tired and wanted to sleep. In fact, I had a floor pillow in her room so she could play or sleep when she felt the need. She seldom stayed up late.
On the other hand, I know people whose kids do nap. They stay up a bit later to spend time with mom and dad.
So I'm curious. Are you a nap time enforcer?

No right or wrong answer, just the question.

Post by Eileen...

13 Reasons to Get Out the Sewing Machine: New Children's Patterns at GoofingOff Sewing

Need a reason to get the sewing machine out? How about 13 reasons? 13 great children's sewing patterns at GoofingOff Sewing. Something for the little ones all the way to the Oh-so-cool teens. 

McCall's 8812 Infants' Lined Tops and Panties UNCUT

The criss-cross style and button shoulder straps makes this outfit so cute. One pattern with 8 looks.

Simplicity 7984 Boys and Girls Hats....12 styles...Partially cut COMPLETE

What's summer without a hat? Keep the sun off and look cute, too! Maybe make a few in the same color for the little guy's (or gal's) crew...great party idea. 

Butterick 4385 Girls Dresses in size 7-14 COMPLETE

Lovely enough for a summer wedding with a little jacket to keep the chill off the shoulders. 

Simplicity 8881 Junior Teen Dress, Pants, and Scarf. Size 7/8 bust 29 inch COMPLETE

Oh, so retro for the teen....cute dress with bell bottoms pants!

McCall's 3850 Boys' and Girls' Robes and Pajamas Size 7/8 COMPLETE

New jimmies or robe for gift-giving? Maybe a sleep shirt and shorts in some cute, funny fabric. 

McCall's 4164 Boys' Shirts Size 3-6 UNCUT 

So Joe Cool, especially in little guy sizes...Makes the look all that much cuter.

McCall's 4291 Boys' and Girls' Pajamas and Nightgowns Size 8  COMPLETE

More jimmies and nightgowns...Great gift idea.

McCall's 9051 Infants' Pinless Diaper, Diaper Cover, and Wrap Shirt UNCUT

These would be a wonderful shower gift. Use the appliqué or fussy cut a cute pic from fabric and make something unique and ecologically sound. One less diaper for the landfill...or a cute diaper cover for a trip out of the house. 

McCall's 8870 Toddlers' Costumes Cow, Flower, Clown, Witch, Dinosaur, Bear, and Bat in size  1-2-3 UNCUT

Now, you know I had to have a costume pattern in here...Of course I do. This one is for toddlers....I love tots in costumes...They are so cute! And they know it.

Stretch & Sew 970 Children's Jacket Size 8-14 UNCUT

Retro preppy look from the 1960's.

The Children's Corner "Libby" Girls' Jumper/Sundress Size 1-8 UNCUT

Adorable jumper pattern from The Children's Corner. Use contrasting fabric for the sash for a different look. 

McCall's 4963 Girls' Tops, Gown, Shorts, Pants, and Blanket Size 3-6 UNCUT

 Oh, something to use all that fleece....Blankets and jammies!

Indigo Junction Bear Essentials Girls' Jumpers with Bear Appliqué and Bear Backpack Size 2-8 UNCUT

OK, not just a cute jumper with a bear but a bear backpack, too. Sew cute!

OK, 13 reasons. I had 14 but it sold before I could publish this post. Sometimes that happens. Anyway, remember to use the coupon code BLOGGIN to get your 15% discount exclusive to blog readers. 

Sew On!

Post by Eileen......who is Goofing Off!

How to Make Chunky Chocolate Soft and Chewy Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

 We had our cookie exchange at work last week and I brought in my old standby, Double Chocolate Chocolate Chip Chunky Cookies (now that's a mouthful). I use a cake mix cookie recipe to make the soft, chewy cookies that have become a family favorite. I like to add lots of "stuff" to them, chips, nuts, raisins, craisins....whatever I have on hand (I usually keep lots of stuff available) so the cookies will be reminiscent of the Chunky candy bar I loved so much as a kid. The family loves them so much I thought I would share the recipe, so here it is.

You'll need:
2 Fudge Chocolate Cake Mix (any brand will do but I am partial to Duncan Hines)
4 eggs
1 cup of unsalted butter (2 sticks), Softened
1/2 cup nut pieces, shelled
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a mixer cream the butter on a low speed. Add the eggs one at a time.  Add the cake mix (make sure the mixer is off or there will be a cloud of chocolate dust in the air...trust me...). After the mixture is well-blended add the nuts, chips, and raisins. Spoon (tablespoon) the mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 9 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cookie rack. Makes about 6 dozen cookies.


The recipe is child friendly...a good way to get the kids involved and let them create their own masterpieces. I have used yellow cake mix instead of chocolate cake mix, put some in a bowl for each helper (aprons on, thank you), with bowls of nuts, chips, and raisins. The children made their own batches of cookies. While the cookies baked the children drew pictures on brown paper sacks that would hold the cookies. After the cookies were baked they got to take home their masterpieces to share with their families.

The picture shows a batch made with butter pecan cake mix.

Pecan Soft Chewy Cookies

Have fun and have a Happy Holiday Season.
Eileen

Sew Quick Holiday Gifts

The holidays are quickly approaching and the rush is on to create something meaningful for loved ones. Here's a few ideas that can help get the creative juices flowing.....fast.

Simplicity 1735 Misses' Cape and purse...Misses and Child's Hats, scarves, and fingerless gloves.
Yes, those oh-so-popular fingerless gloves. The pattern has the gloves in 3 sizes, even a size for the forever texting teen. Sew them in fleece or a soft knit. They'll work up quick.

McCall's 7311. Who doesn't love a Teddy? Don't like fake fur? No problem. How about a soft, luscious flannel or a minky knit? Maybe an old shirt  beautiful colors to honor someone who passed.  Precious memories.

Simplicity 2198 A cute animal pillow for a little one! My daughter had a favorite pillow when she was little. It was a big floor pillow that when she was tired I'd find her there, comfy and cozy.  No nap time fussing.

Vogue 9073...Little ornaments to sew and dress up a gift...or give as a gift. Maybe the little thing needed for a co-worker. 

McCall's 0012 Quick Picks...things to make and give. This pattern even includes a doggie bed and neckties. Sew up fast and give them out. 

McCall''s P389 Bunch of Bunnies...including an angel bunny and Santa bunny!

Post by Eileen Patterson....aka GoofingOff

Teaching a Child to Love Reading

I love to read. I don't know why or when it started but I always remember have a book handy. I'd read while I was walking, riding, supposed to be sleeping, in school when I was supposed to be studying...all the time. A trip to the library was one of the first things I would do when I moved somewhere. 

Fortunately I passed my love of reading to my daughter, however she had a little trouble passing it to my granddaughter. She called me one day and asked how I sparked her interest in reading. Honestly, it took me a while to think about it then I remembered how special reading was for me and how special I made it for her. I read to her when she was little. Every birthday and holiday was an excuse to give her a book. 

Anyway, it worked for the granddaughter. She might not have the same love affair for books but her reading improved immensely...hmmm...sort of makes me feel wise. 

These books are in the Miss Eileen's Vintage shop. All are from the 1950's to the 1970's. All pre bar code. A great way to start a child appreciating a book, the real kind, of paper and ink. Reading to a child becomes snuggle time. Forty years after reading Snoopy and Charlie Brown books to my daughter I am surprised when she recites the book from memory. Nice legacy.

Follett's Beginning-to-Read Picture Dictionary, 1959

Hooray for Lassie, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Feathered Friends

Teeny, Teeny, Tiny Giraffe, The Gingerbread Man, The Three Wishes

Try Again, Sally!, Spotted Dotted Puppy, and Look! A Parade

Daniel's New Friend, Lancelot, and Jack and the Beanstalk

Post by Eileen Patterson.

That 70's Look….New Listings for the Week of September 14

A quick sampling of the latest listings in GoofingOffSewing…..That 70's Look

McCall's 2630, Misses' High-Waisted Dress, Size 8, Bust 31.5 inches. #That70'sLook

Simplicity 6082, Jiffy Knits Misses' Dress, Size 12, Bust 34 inches. Sized for Stretch knits. #That70'sLook

Simplicity 8850, Misses' Pullover Slash neck top and skirt,  size 10, bust 32 inches.  #That70'sLook

Simplicity 5541 in size 7. An easy to make smock top or dress, a cute look for school, with round neck, puffed sleeves (short or long), and patch pockets. #That70'sLook. 

McCall's 5722 Girls' Wrap Jumper or Wrap Top in size 14 #That70'sLook

Simplicity 9869 Misses' Capes and Cardigan in size 14, Bust 36 inches. #That70'sLook

Crafty Sale at GoofingOff is Almost Over

Yep, it is almost over. The 40% discount on all bags, toys, and decorating sewing patterns and the kits will get put away until next year. The sale ends December 31st. If you didn’t get the crafty things you wanted this year, now’s the time to get it at a great price. Just go to the Toys, Bags, Kits section to see the patterns and kits on sale.

The next 40% discount sale will be on Children’s patterns. All those cute summer outfits, the Easter and Passover dresses, the adorable flower girl sewing patterns will be 40% off with the coupon code 4KIDS. The sale starts January 1st. Remember, many of these patterns are out of print and hard to find. I’ll be loading more to give everyone a good selection.

Well, got last minute shopping to do and a trip to the post office (ugh!!) so I got to go. Have a Happy Hanukkah, light the menorah, and don’t eat too many latkes.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

School Dazed

Education plays an important role in nursing. From the time I thought about becoming a nurse, I was involved in school, continually challenging myself to do more and do better. Once I received my degree, I was on my way to making money. I could hold a job that paid well and commanded respect. I was a professional. I was a nurse. It didn’t take me too long to realize that an Associate’s degree was on the bottom rung of the RN ladder but with a family to raise, I didn’t feel ready to go back for my BSN. Oh, I tried to go back by taking a class or two every so often, but something would always get me sidetracked. After twenty-plus years as an ADN nurse, I finally went back to school for my BSN. Now that I am just about done (one more class to go, Yippee!), I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned along the way. Commitment: I tried to go back before but I was too easily sidetracked. This time I was committed to do whatever it took to get the job done. I developed a routine for studying and writing papers that no one (well, almost no one) could change. I felt like I grew an umbilical cord to my computer. Where ever I went, it went. I even named it. Her name is Sam. Help: I was terrified of Algebra (I still get shivers up and down my spine) and Statistics. Algebra beat me up once (black eye; couldn’t see for 3 days) and I was determined not to let it get me again. This time I found a tutor long before the class started and studied algebra every day just so it would be fresh in my mind. I even found a computer program to use and play with algebra when my assignments were completed. Somehow, I did it right this time because I passed Algebra I & II then went on to kick butt in Statistics but I’m no fool. I had help. I couldn’t have done it alone. Mentoring: I have one official mentor (on paper) and about 3 real live ones. I needed someone to help me through the application process, the reimbursement process, even the picking-out-the-right-school-for-me process. They are the people who listened to me moan and groan about my work and said “You can do it” and meant it. They’d read over my papers and correct the dumb mistakes (OK, I’m not perfect). They’d give me the push (or kick in the tush) I needed when I needed it. Timing: I went back on my time, not someone else’s. Yes, I am hard headed, been that way all my life and most likely won’t change now so I used that to my advantage. The timing was right for me despite the fact that I am not a twenty-something with fantastic texting ability know 50 ways to use a computer or any other electronic gadget. I am a fifty-something grandma who had to learn Power Point, Word (there’s symbols in there I’ve never seen before), and to use a computer for more than EBay shopping. The best part of being my age and going back to school is the kids are grown, I don’t have to cook if I don’t want to, and I can afford to have a housekeeper (not daily, please, be real). The only one vying for my attention is my significant other (I just love calling him that) and he knows how to cook. Well, that’s it. I’ve learned other things but those are the biggies. Just six more weeks to go and I can do the walk, and I will do the walk with pride.

The Magic of Books

Books have been my first love. They have got me through some of the hardest times of my life by giving me a place to escape and taught me to cook, sew, and be a better person. I am shocked and saddened when I hear people predict that books will someday be a thing of the past since Amazon and other online book sellers offer books online. Too busy? Listen to book. You can and I've tried it, but honestly, it's not the same. There is something truly summer-scrumptious about sitting on the front porch or on the beach with a book. The words are tasty morsels waiting to be devoured, each one special. A good story is the perfect escape from the everyday; it can take you across the globe and back in time. Often times, the story is so good that you become a part of it and saddened when it ends. I keep my favorite old books in my bookcase. Like old friends, I check on them every so often, keep them dusted, and glance through the pages that I know so well. Someone once told me their daughter was having a hard time reading. She didn't have any learning problems, she just hadn't discovered books yet. I told the woman to take her little girl to the library; make a special day of it and do that once a week or every other week. So simple a remedy that she hadn't even thought of it. Most local libraries have a section for children with a story time. The commercial book stores have them, too. Some even have coffee shops inside making the special treat easy to get. What a wonderful way to introduce someone to the magic of books!