10 Fun in the Sun Patterns to Sew

It's the middle of winter in this part of the world and I have a feeling a lot of folks are yearning for a bit of summer fun. Well, hopping on a jet plane for a vacation is good but not everyone can...and besides, summer will be here before you know it. Now's the time to get those patterns for summer sewing. There's nothing like being ready for summer before it gets here and showing off what you got in what you made. 
Here's 10 patterns to satisfy the Island Girl in all of us. Pass me my pina colada, please. 

Simplicity 9750 Misses' One and Two-Piece Swimsuits and Pareo in size 4-12, bust 29-34 inches UNCUT
One piece or two with a pareo to cover-up a little. 

New Look 6029 Misses' Wrap Top, Skirt, Tank Top, Duster, and Pants in size 6-16, Bust 30-38 inches. Complete,Partially Cut
A little dressy but still ready for the sun.

New Look 6760 Misses' Summer Tops in size 6-16, bust 30-38 inches. UNCUT
Casual and fun! 

McCall's 2118 Misses' Dresses in size 8-12, bust 31-34 inches. UNCUT
Casual dress to wear on the boardwalk, maybe do brunch during a well-earned cruise.

Simplicity 4223 Misses' Pullover Tops in size 6-18, bust 30-40 inches UNCUT
Cute tops with variations. 

McCall's 2803 Misses' Skirts in size 10-14, Waist 25-28 inches. UNCUT
The length makes it elegant but keep it relaxed for summer fun.

Simplicity 9085 Misses' Swim Suits and Pants in size 12-14-16, bust 34 -38 inches UNCUT
Ready for the beach!

Simplicity 8733 Misses' Jacket, Skirt, Shorts, and Two-Piece Bathing Suit in size 16-18-20, Bust 38-42 Inches UNCUT
Ready for sun bathing or volleyball!

McCall's 9352 Misses' Two-Piece Swim Suit and Wrap Skirt in size 16 Bust 38 inches UNCUT
Great beach looks.

McCall's 3444 Misses' Low Rise Pants in size 14-18, Waist 28-32, Hip 38-42 inches. UNCUT
Hip huggers + tube top = summer fun!

Well, that's 10 great patterns for summer from casual to proper. Enjoy!

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing

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.

Sewing Patterns: SummerTime Fun

I love summer....the food, the activities, and....the clothes. I love halters, shorts, sleeveless tops...Absolutely LOVE Them, so imagine me jumping up and down when I found these honeys at an estate sale. OK, no jumping up and down...at least not until I got home and didn't have an audience, other than very confused looked dogs and hubby. 

Simplicity Primer 1118 size 16, bust 34 inches, from  1955. Featured in Simplicity Printed Patterns, June, 1955

Simplicity 4728 Size Large, Chest 42-44 inches COMPLETE

This cutie is from the early 1960's.

A fast-sewing JIFFY pattern from Simplicity. I LOVE Jiffy patterns. I think I learned how to sew with them.

Simplicity 6900

Simplicity 6807 from 1974 UNCUT in size Juniors 9/10

Simplicity 8483 from 1975 in size 8 UNCUT

Simplicity 7008 from 1975 in size 6 & 8 (all in one pattern) 

Simplicity 9408 Hip Huggers and Halter Top from 1975 in size 12. COMPLETE

 AND, Saving the best for last........

Simplicity 6358 UNCUT in size 10 UNCUT

Post by Eileen Patterson....who is Goofing Off and loving the summer. Woo Hoo!

How to Make Broccoli Salad...A Gluten Free Recipe

I love broccoli....steamed, raw, chopped, in a soup...I love it. That being said, there are times fresh for dipping doesn't work and I want to do more than steam it. One of my favorite ways to fix broccoli is broccoli salad...and it wins raves from family and friends. 
This recipe makes about 1 1/2 - 2 pounds of salad. 

Ingredients: 
1-1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli

1/2 cup of dried cranberries

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar (or 1 packet of stevia) 

bacon bits (about 4 slices worth), optional

I don't use broccoli slaw (I guess one could but I shop at a local flea market so I buy fresh. I see what's in it and chop it myself). 

Wash the broccoli and chop into small pieces (crowns and stems, as long as they are not woody). 

 Prepare the bacon. Add cooled bacon to the chopped broccoli. (Skip the bacon if the salad is to be kosher).

Add about dried cranberries.

Add the almonds.

Put mayonnaise in a separate bowl. Add the sugar or sweetener.

Add the apple cider vinegar to the mayonnaise mixture. 

Pour the mayonnaise dressing mixture over the broccoli salad and mix until everything is coated. Place in the refrigerator. It is best when made ahead and left in the fridge overnight.

This recipe is very forgiving. If you are out of bacon and are fortunate enough to have leftover Chinese Roast Pork, use it. Yummy! The bacon I use is bacon bits (real bacon but already made in a package). They last a long time in the refrigerator and handy. A big time saver and no pans to clean.
If almonds aren't in the pantry and walnuts or pecans are.....go for it.
As for the mayonnaise, whatever the preference. I use the mayo with olive oil but the recipe works well with low fat and fat free, too.

How many calories? No idea. I bring it to work and share so I can't eat too much of it.
It is gluten free for those gluten sensitive folks.
It's kosher, too, if it is made without bacon or the roast pork.

Anyway, it will be a welcome addition to the summer parties ahead.

Enjoy!

Post by Eileen Patterson...who is GoofingOff

Ice Box Pickles

Folks who know me know I like to goof off. After all, that's why my shop's name is GoofingOff. My goofing off includes the kitchen. I love to cook. One of my favorite things to do is restrict myself to using what's on hand, and that includes what's in the garden.
I love cucumbers but when the cukes come in there are just so many fresh cukes you can eat until you start feeling like you are growing bumps and turning green.
A long time ago I found this recipe in the newspaper for ice box pickles and thought I would give it a try. They are wonderful. They are easy to make, taste great, and don't need cooking. No hassles with the water bath or big canner and they are ready in a day. Love to make things that are easy but still get compliments.

Ice Box Pickles
2-3 large cucumbers, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
1 tablesppoon of salt
2 cups sugar
1 cup vinegar
1 teaspoon celery seed
Sprinkle salt over cucumers and onions. Let set for an hour or more, stirring occasionally. Do not drain.
Mix the sugar, vinegar, and celery seed and pour over cucumbers. Let stand for 6 hours or overnight. Strir occasionally to make sure all the cucumber slices are covered with brine. Put the pickles in jars or bowls and store in the refrigerator. They will be ready in about one day.
Try making up a batch for your next barbecue or get together.

Pickled Watermelon Rind

I'm so darned thrifty. I just hate to throw anything out that can be used.  Needless to say I was always intrigued with the thought of making something from watermelon rinds. After all, that's a lot of potential good eating going to the compost heap from just one good sized melon. I've looked at recipes for years and most call for large amounts of rind, pickling lime, and about 6 jars going to the canner. That's a lot of food and a lot of work. Not too crazy about that.
My problem is since it is just me and the hubby we usually don't eat a lot of watermelon at one sitting leaving me to think of a million and one ways to use watermelon before it goes bad. I did have a hankering for watermelon salsa and that left enough rind to make a jarful so I started scouring my cookbooks. Unfortunately to recipes I've found call for canning and I am just not in the mood to can. I know how but just don't want to. Besides, I'm only making 1 jar....a lot of work for one jar, so I came up with my own recipe. It's a bit like my Ice Box Pickles with a couple of differences. Here it is:

Pickled Watermelon Rind
You'll need about 2 cups of rind.
2 cups of sugar
1 cup distilled vinegar
1 cinnamon stick
4 or 5 whole cloves

To prepare the rind, cut the pink off leaving only the white...that's the rind. Pare the green off with a potatao peeler then cut the rind in 1 inch by 2 inch pieces. Place the rind in a saucepan and cover with water. Place the saucepan on the stove and bring to a boil. Let the rind cook at a medium boil for about 20 minutes. This step helps soften the rind. Drain the rind and set it aside.

While the rind is cooking, mix the vinegar and sugar; stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add cinnamon and cloves. Add the rind and stir carefully making sure all the rind is covered.
Place the rind in a jar or bowl and refrigerate.

That's it. The rind is refreshing and yummy, a great addition to a summer meal.

Grooming the Poodle Posse

This weekend marks the start of summer, maybe not officially but Memorial Day weekend means grilling, beaching, and taking out those white shoes you stashed away during the winter. In my world of sewing patterns and fabric, Memorial Day weekend doesn’t mean eating a burger out by the pool. It means my dog groomer went on vacation and might be gone for six, count them, six weeks. That also means leaving my redneck, digging in the dirt, looking for frog poodles still need haircuts and baths. After being attacked by blood thirsty fleas, having poodle wool up my nose, and re-cleaning the bathroom, they are somewhat presentable. Not as good as Miss Shirley (she is truly gifted with clippers) but at least there are no more mats, a few less fleas (where’s the Advantage?), and one less tick (EWWWW!) to attack the posse….that is until they go frogging again.

Fred and Annie. Salty ’s sitting on the porch swing.

Don’t forget to check out the Judaic fabrics listed. There’s new ones. Lots more patterns for sewing, knitting, and crochet, too.

 

You could crochet or knit a blanket while at the pool. Pick out an easy one and knock it out over a weekend. Fun and a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

 

Oh, and here’s an idea for Father’s Day…..a vintage fishing lure key chain from MetalWoodsnWater.

Have a great weekend and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 7.15.11 Summer Entertaining

Summer’s here in the northern hemisphere and according to the weather people, it’s been a hot one. Down here in FLA we are finally into our rainy season, which we have sorely needed. The daily (yes, just about every day we have thunderstorms) showers are keeping our volunteer garden alive. We have tomatoes, melons, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydews, on the vine. Talk about a bonus. Very exciting, especially when you realize it is a freebie benefit.

So, how do you stay cool in the heat? Do you stay inside and take a luscious afternoon nap in the AC or go for a dip in the pool? Movies in the AC? Is it too hot to garden when the temp reaches over 100? Do you have parties and cookouts in the evening when it cools off? Maybe a picnic or poolside luncheon? Decorate in style!

           Waverly Sun N Shade Jewel of the Sea Indoor Outdoor 18"x18"  Pillow Cover by SewSusie1 Pretty enough for inside the house and ready to use poolside or in the hammock.

 

                            Mossy Green Pottery Rhubarb Leaf Plate by NancyBloklandPottery  What a lovely serving plate! Imagine this on the table. Even hot dogs will look elegant!

       Personalized Custom Wine Stave Tray by Rock Creek Furniture Co Fabulous way to carry the goodies out to the barbecue! It would make a wonderful wedding or hostess gift, too.

       Glass Pitcher and Glasses with Painted Poppy by Crafts n Nat Elegant (and gorgeous) way to serve lemonade or even ice water. Beautiful.

     Large Red Oak Platter with Carved Sections by Amie Jean Original Love the use of reclaimed wood. Imagine this on your summer table, indoors or outdoors.

     Fabric bowls - set of 2, teal, yellow, orange, purple by Textile Gifts. Fill these babies with snacks or bread. Pretty and summery!

           Turquoise Triangle Cocktail Veil by Cocktail Veils Fantastic idea to keep those pesky insects from dive bombing into your drink. Looks much better than a napkin and the turquoise holds it in place.

          Palm Trees Screen print cotton flour sack towel by Ms Veronicas Love the color (and the look).  These are gorgeous! I use  fabric napkins all the time. Wash, dry, fold, and put away and use again. Better than work, shop, buy, use, throw away.

OK, that’s the eight for the week. What do you think? Good ways to make the summer barbecue the “place to be?” Vote for your favorite. Poll will be in the upper left corner. Winner gets a feature blog interview.

Post by Miss Eileen aka Goofing Off.

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