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.
Here’s a diaper bag from her shop.
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
No, this is not like sewing for dummies, it is like “Making things for the babies in your life or who are about to enter your life.” Making something handmade for a new baby is one of the most gratifying things a person can do. In our busy lives it is just too easy, and sometimes almost necessary…or so it seems, to go to the Big Box store and just buy a blanket or whatever. This busy lifestyle makes taking the time to create a baby quilt, sew a dress, or crochet (or knit) a blanket all the more special; it also makes each item created an instant heirloom destined to be treasured and handed down for years to come. While listing patterns I came across a few that can help the person who sews create that very special item that will bring ooohs and ahhs at the next baby shower or baby arrival.
This pattern, Simplicity 9353, is size 6 months. Babies grow so fast. A beautiful dress for Passover, Easter, Christmas, or any future family celebration will be so appreciated, especially to a young growing family whose money goes to diapers, child care, and formula.
From stroller cover to shopping cart seat protector, Simplicity 4636 has it.
McCall’s 3630 includes directions for a quilt, crib caddy, diaper stacker, crib bumper, and dust ruffle. If you know what the decor theme is you can sew accordingly. If not, just use neutral baby-friendly colors to complement the decor.
All of these patterns can help create the heirlooms of tomorrow by creating gifts that come from the heart.
Happy Sewing y’all!
Remember, don’t forget to vote. Contest ends tonight.
Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Artfire, GoofingOff Etsy, and MissEileen (the place for vintage). Don’t forget to check out MetalWoodsnWater for unique gifts and supplies.
Finding vintage patterns is often like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes it is pretty obvious, the patterns are out front for all the world to see. Other times the patterns are hidden from sight, down in a box of what looks to be junk, ready to be cast aside. Snoopy me, I often notice the boxes sitting off to the side and just poke around out of curiosity. Sometimes it really is trash. Other times it is fabric cut up with the patterns carefully pinned in place, the pieces waiting to be sewn together. I was lucky enough to find a couple of these boxes of “junk.” For the longest time they sat in my house looking like they were waiting for the trash man until one day I decided to really look through them.
My patience and efforts were rewarded for in these boxes was a treasure trove of vintage fabric that had never seen the light of day in over 30 years. The patterns were cut from some of the prettiest calicos, tweeds, and wools I had ever seen. In one box was beautiful silky fabric from Merry Mary, a beautiful polyester blend with brilliant red hibiscus on black that shimmers in the light, a full three yards of it.
Merry Mary Fabric, Red Hibiscus
There was little red roses on black, red roses on yellow, and white flowers on purple, all cotton calico, all in big enough pieces for fat quarters. True vintage calico! The quilter in me rejoices! 
Vintage Calico, Red Roses on Black
Vintage Calico, Red Roses on Yellow
Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.Etsy.com and GoofingOff.Artfire.com where every day is a good day to goof off. :)
Team EtsyChai's Miracles of Hanukkah sale starts on October 31 and I have been filling my shop with the most beautiful Judaic fabric fat quarters I could find. I finally found some Aleph Bet fabric, this time in 2 different colors. I also found some white on white, blue with a country quilt look, dreidels on yellow or white backgrounds, and much more.
For some reason, good Judaic fabric is hard to find. The manufacturers just don't make it too much anymore. What I have in the shop took some digging and it was well worth the dig.
So many things to be made for the holiday! Little gift sacs, great for jewelry or little gadgets, gelt bags, ornaments. Fun!
