Category Archives: fashion

eileenpatterson 4:26 am on April 12, 2017
Tags: 1980's fashion, , , , Urban Cowboy, Victorian   

Rocking the 80’s: 5 Patterns to Sew and Get the Look

Hi! I’m Eileen from GoofingOff Sewing bringing a little step back in time…..the 1980’s.

Mention 80’s fashion to folks who lived through it and the results are a mixed bag. One person I asked emphatically said “I hated it!” That surprised me because I thought she had the look down pat. She lived in the city and wore the city fashions…..fitted leather pants with straight legs and loose-fitting blouses with over-extended shoulders (shoulder pads out to there!). I loved the 80’s. I was a bit of a country girl and enjoyed the soft side…..Victorian inspired blouses with ruffles and lace, denim everything for a country look. Here’s 5 patterns to get the 80’s look.

Oh, yes, jumpsuits. Got to have one….at least one. Button front with straight legs or shorts for the summer.

Pants were fitted at the waist and meant to hang straight. No perky backside look….flat butt.

Thanks to the success of the movie “Urban Cowboy” (ride that bull, honey) country music had a resurgence. We learned to dance the Cotton-Eyed Joe and Texas Two Step while wearing jeans and boots.

And then there was the movie “Flashdance” and all of a sudden everyone was wearing sweats and trying to look like a dancer who hadn’t made the big time yet. Sweats were everywhere on everyone.

 

In response to the structured, hard edges and extended shoulders came Victorian inspiration. Ruffles and lace with cap sleeves, ribbons, and collars. Soft and sweet.

Use the coupon code BLOGGED for 10% off your purchase.

Thanks for stopping by.

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eileenpatterson 3:10 pm on March 5, 2017
Tags: beach, Burda, , , ,   

Free Pattern from Burda

Today I found this cute tote bag pattern from the good folks at Burda. The bag is adorable! The pattern calls for leather strips and a scarf (if you can part with one of your scarf…fabric is always good).

Click HERE for the pattern.

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You’re welcome.

Happy Sewing!

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Sewing

eileenpatterson 4:08 am on October 6, 2015
Tags: , , , cocktail dresses, , New Look Patterns, , special occasion dresses   

Ten Reasons to Sew: New Listings in GoofingOff Sewing

It’s been a while since me last post and I do apologize for my absence. My upcoming trip to Haiti has my head swimming. Lots of things going on like a fundraiser this week and a breast cancer 5K in 2 weeks after that. Oh, and it’s my birthday today. Happy Birthday to me! Phew!

The costume pattern sale going strong. The sale is in it’s 5th year and patterns are going fast but there is still a selection to pick from.  The shop is growing with over 1000 items now but there’s always room for more so here’s ten of the latest listings.

Simplicity 1943 Misses' Jackets Size 16-24 UNCUT

Simplicity 1943 Misses’ Jackets Size 16-24 UNCUT

Cute jackets to dress up a pair of pants or skirt for a special evening. Just right to wear on a cool night.

Simplicity 1320 Misses' Jackets with Front and Fabric Variations, Size 116-24 UNCUT

Simplicity 1320 Misses’ Jackets with Front and Fabric Variations, Size 116-24 UNCUT

This pattern has so many variations! Great for a casual look.

I love this dress! Simple and elegant. Neckline variations. Beautiful!

This is a stunning dress no matter what length you choose. Day or evening, beautiful!

Love the Asian influence jacket.

This dress is fabulous. Very flattering. Lots of variations to make this dress special. There is a link, too, to guide as you sew.

Plus size and polished! Everything’s here to look good.

Just 3 main pieces to make this set of blouses originally published in the 1960’s. Sew Retro!

I love the neckline interest.

This looks so pretty and comfy. Casual but not sloppy. LOVE IT!

Well, that’s ten reasons to sew. There’s more coming but that’s a start.

Hope you enjoyed my birthday present to you.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing…..Make magic with every stitch.

eileenpatterson 1:00 pm on September 11, 2015
Tags: , , , , , , , Singer button holer, Singer Sewing machine, skirt pattern,   

Vintage Atomic Age Buttonholer and 3 Ways to Look Great

I love to sew AND get inspired by surrounding myself with beautiful things. The buttonholer case does that…and good to have for those vintage sewing machines around the house. As for the patterns…What’s not to love about 40’s style, long evening dresses, or slinky skirts with a slit to there? All I need is a Glen Miller playing “In the Mood.” So kick your shoes off and enjoy!

Vintage Singer Buttonholer with atomic age case in dusty rose. Complete set with buttonhole templates and instructions. Excellent condition. So the case looks great….great enough to use for trinkets if you don’t have the machine anymore. Can’t believe I said that.

Simplicity 2442 Misses' Evening Dress in size 14-16-18-20-22, Bust 36-44 inches. UNCUT

Simplicity 2442 Misses’ Evening Dress with Bolero

Simplicity 2442 Misses’ Evening Dress with Bolero. Dress in three lengths with neckline variations. Size 14-22, bust 36-44 inches. UNCUT Great thing about this pattern is the variations….different lengths and necklines to make something individual…..and a bolero for cooler evenings or air conditioned venues.

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Simplicity 1587 in size 14-22

Simplicity 1587 Misses’ Dress in 1940’s style, size 14-22, bust 36-44 inches. UNCUT This dress is so cute! So 40’s!

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Vogue 9959 Misses’ Skirts size 6-10

Vogue 9959 Misses’ Skirts in size 6-10, waist 23-25 inches. UNCUT. Elegant and slinky.

That’s the latest sewing round-up at GoofingOff Sewing.

The Big Costume Sewing Pattern Sale is still going on for the month of September and the patterns are going fast. The costume patterns are reduced  40% off.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing

Make Magic with Every Stitch

eileenpatterson 7:12 pm on August 16, 2015
Tags: , , , Ann Person, bodysuit, , Jean Hardy, maxi skirt, Stretch & Sew patterns, sweater, swim suit   

New Listings at GoofingOff Sewing

Get a sneak peek at new listings at GoofingOff Sewing. Well, maybe not new-in-the-box new but new to you. I have 4 Stretch & Sew patterns from the 1960’s and 1970’s that I just love and know you will, too.

Stretch & Sew 1050

Stretch & Sew 1050

This first pattern is Stretch & Sew 1050 from 1967. It was re-issued in 1974. Misses’ Jacket with Set-in Sleeves is single-breasted, long set-in sleeves, and notched collar. Bust 28-40 inches. UNCUT. To purchase click HERE.

Stretch & Sew 1325

Stretch & Sew 1325

This cutie is Stretch & Sew 1325, Misses’ Sun and Swim Suit. First printed in 1967 and re-issued in 1974. Bust measurement 32-42 inches. UNCUT.  “What is it? It’s a swim suit. It’s a tank top over shorts. It’s the new layered look. We call it the Sun and Swim Suit. You’ll like it. Our top has darts and bra cups for smooth fit and the swim trunks have elastic at the waist and legs. Wear your new Sun and Swim Suit with or without belt.”  To purchase click HERE

Jean Hardy Patterns No. 470

Jean Hardy Patterns No. 470

Jean Hardy patterns came out in the 1970’s. This one, Misses’ Body Shirt and Sweater, is designed for use with knit or stretch fabrics. Sizes, small, medium, large, and extra large, are all included. Excellent condition, UNCUT. To purchase, click HERE.

Stretch & Sew 440

Stretch & Sew 440

The Maxi Skirt!!! I loved them when they first arrived on the fashion scene and I still do, especially in an a-line. Stretch & Sew 440 from 1974 in hip size 30-46 inches. “For a dressy look, this long a-line skirt provides comfort and fit with classic styling. One pattern piece for front and back makes it easy to sew with darts to add shaping and an encased elastic waistband which eliminates the need for a zipper.”  Two pattern pieces to make this amazing skirt! Yippee! To purchase click HERE

Sew, what do you think? Great finds? I think so. I really love the maxi skirt; the length gives it a bit of elegance and it’s easy to sew. What a combination!

Well, that’s it for now. More later. Carry on and Keep Stitching!

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing…….Make Magic with Every Stitch.

eileenpatterson 10:19 am on August 11, 2015
Tags: , , , , Edwardian, , , Historical, , sexy costumes, , Steam Punk, Tauriel   

New Listings at GoofingOff Sewing: Costumes!

Crunch time at GoofingOff Sewing….no, not school or exams…the 5th Annual Costume Sewing Pattern Sale starts soon and I am stocking the shelves with costume patterns…lots of them.

Here’s some of the newest in the shop:

Beautiful gowns inspired by Game of Thrones, available in size 6-12 or 14-22.

Cute and sexy…..

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Simplicity 1299 Steampunk Costume in size 6-12 UNCUT $8

A little Steam Punk?

More Game of Thrones…..Tauriel.

Lots of Steam Punk….Like ruffled bustles, jackets….

and corsets…

Something for the little ones….frilly tutus…

Skirts and tops…..

and Elegant Edwardian inspired by Downton Abbey.

Lots to look at

Dress up

Be who you want to be

It’s fantasy!

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing. The 5th Annual Costume Sewing Pattern Sale starts September 1st. All costume sewing patterns will be 40% off for the entire month of September…..or until they are all gone.

eileenpatterson 1:00 am on August 9, 2015
Tags: , Air Step shoes, Andrew Sisters, Claudette Colbert, , Peek A Boo hair, , , Veronica Lake, Victory roll,   

Time Traveling with GoofingOff Sewing to 1943

Sometimes I wish I could time travel. There are certain eras that interest me more than others.

The war years….the 1940’s (a little earlier for folks across “the pond”) is one of my favorites. I like the Hollywood version, seeing Abbot and Costello on the silver screen and hearing the Andrew Sisters singing The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B on the radio……..

Sewing Pattern Simplicity 1777 Misses Dress 1943 design Uncut Complete

and wearing a dress like Simplicity 1777. Skirts were a bit shorter during the war (rationing) and women were showing some leg.

Silk stockings were in short supply (silk was used for parachutes) so I would have to draw a line down the back of my legs it would look like I was wearing seamed stockings.

Of course I would be sporting a Victory Roll hairdo. The hair styles were pulled away from the face. The Veronica Lake Peek-a-boo hairdo didn’t work well with women on the assembly lines.

 

And my shoes would have to be sturdy shoes…something to wear while I walked everywhere….gas rationing, but a little heel wouldn’t hurt.

 

 

1943 Air Step Shoe print ad Women's shoes with the magic sole 1940's women's fashion
Vintage Air Step Shoe advertisement, 1943. from Catching Canaries at Etsy.

 

I think I’d wear the alligator leather shoes at the top of the ad.

But, then again, I’d probably be a nurse, maybe an Army nurse.

so proudly we hail 1
“So Proudly We Hail” 1943, Paramount Pictures starring Claudette Colbert and George Reeves

I wonder if sometime in the future someone will think “oh, the 2010’s was my favorite era. I just love the clothes.”

One never knows……

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing……Make Magic One Stitch At a Time