Cream shortening (butter) and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Add soda to buttermilk then add to sugar mixture. Take 1 cup sifted flour and 1 tsp baking powder and add to sugar mixture and beat well. Add remaining flour. Chill (freeze) overnight. Roll, cut, and bake at 350 F to 375 F for ~10 minutes until light brown. Then ice, homemade icing is best.