~~~SEWING my way to POFQ ~ American Girl outfits & Custom Park Bags! ~~~

[NiniMorris]

Are u actually going over TG break? Or just to celebrate TG? Thx to Chiara's Christmas outfit, i really want to experience Christmas at WDW,.,.
D~

Christmas Day is too crowded for my tastes! My sister in law took her family (all 15 of them including a three week old baby) two years ago for Christmas Day. The closest we get to Christmas is we like the week after Thanksgiving. All the Christmas decoration are up and low crowds.

Next year we are hoping for a free dining offer during the last week of November. If we can we will change our late Sept/ear.y October trip to a Christmas trip (sort of!)


I admire people that can go during the actual holiday...but hubby and DS do not handle crowds well!

Nini

 

[DMGeurts]

Christmas Day is too crowded for my tastes! My sister in law took her family (all 15 of them including a three week old baby) two years ago for Christmas Day. The closest we get to Christmas is we like the week after Thanksgiving. All the Christmas decoration are up and low crowds.

Next year we are hoping for a free dining offer during the last week of November. If we can we will change our late Sept/ear.y October trip to a Christmas trip (sort of!)


I admire people that can go during the actual holiday...but hubby and DS do not handle crowds well!

Nini

I don't think I could go to WDW during Christmas week (or TG week for that matter) I just want to go during mvmcp so we could do that, and also see the Christmas decoration, i was thinking of going the week after TG 2013, but i have no idea who i'd go with, because I don't want to pull the girls out of school, although they'd probably love being in Disney to see the decorations.

D~

 

[cogero]

Are u actually going over TG break? Or just to celebrate TG? Thx to Chiara's Christmas outfit, i really want to experience Christmas at WDW,.,.
D~

Wait until you see the actual Christmas skirt I am making for C. Need to buy the appliques and cut the fabric I have had for a month

I don't think I could go to WDW during Christmas week (or TG week for that matter) I just want to go during mvmcp so we could do that, and also see the Christmas decoration, i was thinking of going the week after TG 2013, but i have no idea who i'd go with, because I don't want to pull the girls out of school, although they'd probably love being in Disney to see the decorations.

D~

We went for Thanksgiving in 2009 for DHs 40th and we bought my mom and dad and my sister andBIL we invited my brother and the 6 kids but they didn't want to come

We had a blast. Last year was a rough year and we went for XMAS and had a great time. my J is good as long as he has his stroller.

Also since DH gets top vacation pick we like to have Christmas off.

 

[Lidian]

Your PTR looks like a ton of fun! I want in!

You have a lovely family! I grew up with a sister who was close in age to me, and I recall those "pretend you know/love/like/almost tolerate/etc each other" photos (and outings). Oddly, I have to say that to my children myself - and they aren't that close in age (about 4 years difference).

So going to skim along and make random comments below and see how much confusion and mayhem I cause.

As much as I dislike ToT (yes, I'm off to a great start at my intentions here ... ) ... I highly recommend riding it at least once. I'm a thrill-junkie and love those sorts of rides. However, ToT scares the bejeebus out of me. It is, however, DD9's favorite attraction in all of WDW. So yes, year and year, I am stuck cryin....err...screami....err... I'm stuck on it. But I do say this, it is worth it to experience the attraction with DD, and it's something I can cross off on my list of things I've done. I wanted to ride it the first time... and the other times, I was begging DD to skip it. I vote for giving it a shot. It may surprise you and you find yourself loving it. And if nothing else, the view is AMAZING! I stop screaming as soon as we reach the top and the windows open .... O-M-G the view is outstanding. I'd love to ride it at night just to see all the lights. I keep thinking that I'll take a picture from the top, but I'm too busy crying/screaming on the way up and then SHOCKED at how beautiful it is, that I never remember. But I do recommend it, nonetheless. Then again, I'm the type that always recommends trying something at least once.

You may want to check the schedule ... I think BTMRR will be closed for refurb during your stay. I know I have it in my notes (we're leaving the day after you arrive) that its closed for our stay.

Absolutely love your pillow case story! Oh my! Your doll clothes are just STUNNING! So creative! Now it makes me want to buy an AG doll for DD and force her to love it. (She's not into dolls anymore.)

Your story of DH and his deployment... it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.

My favorites (so far) are the villians, followed closely by the Christmas dresses (they come in my size, right?), followed closely by Donald. Donald is huge in my house. Any plans for Cars or some of the Disney Jr characters? I think those would be neat ideas, too! (And Muppets? Because Muppets come in my size, right? )

Okay, sorry to hog your PTR. I'm all done now. Hope you don't mind me lurking about and wishing your AG doll dresses came in my size!

 

[DMGeurts]

Wait until you see the actual Christmas skirt I am making for C. Need to buy the appliques and cut the fabric I have had for a month

NOOOOOOO!!!!! Must resist the power of Chiara's Christmas skirts...

We went for Thanksgiving in 2009 for DHs 40th and we bought my mom and dad and my sister andBIL we invited my brother and the 6 kids but they didn't want to come
We had a blast. Last year was a rough year and we went for XMAS and had a great time. my J is good as long as he has his stroller.

Also since DH gets top vacation pick we like to have Christmas off.

I am so glad you get to enjoy Christmas in WDW - I know you sacrafice a lot of time with your DH so that others can be safe - so I am glad that you get to spend this holiday as a family.

Your PTR looks like a ton of fun! I want in!

Pull up a chair... I love it when people join my PTR!

You have a lovely family! I grew up with a sister who was close in age to me, and I recall those "pretend you know/love/like/almost tolerate/etc each other" photos (and outings). Oddly, I have to say that to my children myself - and they aren't that close in age (about 4 years difference).

Thank you... Most of the time I enjoy them a lot. I am so glad I am not the only one who has children that can't stand eachother. I really thought when my 2nd dd came along - I was thrilled - they'd be best friends... I am not sure how long that dream like state lasted, but I know it wasn't very long. I keep hoping that someday, they really will love eachother... It will probably happen after they move out, so it won't matter anyways. Hopefully you have better luck with your kids.

So going to skim along and make random comments below and see how much confusion and mayhem I cause.

See... you fit in already.

1 As much as I dislike ToT (yes, I'm off to a great start at my intentions here ... ... I highly recommend riding it at least once. I'm a thrill-junkie and love those sorts of rides. However, ToT scares the bejeebus out of me. It is, however, DD9's favorite attraction in all of WDW. So yes, year and year, I am stuck cryin....err...screami....err... I'm stuck on it. But I do say this, it is worth it to experience the attraction with DD, and it's something I can cross off on my list of things I've done. I wanted to ride it the first time... and the other times, I was begging DD to skip it. I vote for giving it a shot. It may surprise you and you find yourself loving it. And if nothing else, the view is AMAZING! I stop screaming as soon as we reach the top and the windows open .... O-M-G the view is outstanding. I'd love to ride it at night just to see all the lights. I keep thinking that I'll take a picture from the top, but I'm too busy crying/screaming on the way up and then SHOCKED at how beautiful it is, that I never remember. But I do recommend it, nonetheless. Then again, I'm the type that always recommends trying something at least once.

I really appreciate your theory... and I am really (really) going to try my best to ride the ride... Honest, cross my heart.

You may want to check the schedule ... I think BTMRR will be closed for refurb during your stay. I know I have it in my notes (we're leaving the day after you arrive) that its closed for our stay.

Yes, I agree, is it being refurbished while we are there. I just think I forgot to edit that part out of my plans. I am so sad and upset - but I would be even more sad and upset if it was Splash - honestly, I would completely reschedule my trip if it was Splash... Just that thought makes me

Absolutely love your pillow case story! Oh my! Your doll clothes are just STUNNING! So creative! Now it makes me want to buy an AG doll for DD and force her to love it. (She's not into dolls anymore.)

Thanks... I figured that someone, somewhere might be inspired to dig out their old sewing machine after hearing my story... but, so far, no one has come forward. I've had a few people say that they've wanted to - but no one has actually come back saying they did. Maybe I should offer incentive???

Your story of DH and his deployment... it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.

Sorry about the tears... I sometimes cry when I think about it too. It wasn't an easy year for us - and to be honest - we will always be reintigrating, there are many lasting effects on DH (and us too) from his deployment. And I don't think we'll ever be like we were before. The sad part, for me, is that Alli remembers and talks about it all the time - how her dad used to be... But we all fiercly love him, and he loves us back, and that's what really matters. I promised God, while he was gone, that I didn't care what happend or how Josh came home, as long as he came home alive - and I stand by that and him.

My favorites (so far) are the villians, followed closely by the Christmas dresses (they come in my size, right?), followed closely by Donald. Donald is huge in my house. Any plans for Cars or some of the Disney Jr characters? I think those would be neat ideas, too! (And Muppets? Because Muppets come in my size, right? )

I guess that depends on your size. ROFL

I do have a few things in mind, but I can't share all my secrets. Part of the mystique and suspense of my PTR is that you never know what's coming next.

Okay, sorry to hog your PTR. I'm all done now. Hope you don't mind me lurking about and wishing your AG doll dresses came in my size!

You can totally hog my PTR any time you want... I'm really easy going. That is such a bummer about us missing each other by a day at WDW... I love meeting fellow Disers! Anyways, welcome, and thanks for tagging along!

D~

 

[Lidian]

Pull up a chair... I love it when people join my PTR!

Why thank you! Don't mind if I do!

Thank you... Most of the time I enjoy them a lot. I am so glad I am not the only one who has children that can't stand eachother. I really thought when my 2nd dd came along - I was thrilled - they'd be best friends... I am not sure how long that dream like state lasted, but I know it wasn't very long. I keep hoping that someday, they really will love eachother... It will probably happen after they move out, so it won't matter anyways. Hopefully you have better luck with your kids.

I'm sure when they get older and mature more, they'll become closer. Maybe not besties like all parents envision ... but more understanding of each other and can be civil in public without being bribed. (And I mean this about yours and my kiddos.)

See... you fit in already.

Oh goody!

I really appreciate your theory... and I am really (really) going to try my best to ride the ride... Honest, cross my heart.

Looking forward to hearing about your experience! Watch it turn out to be your favorite ride. Just don't ride after a meal (or snack).

Yes, I agree, is it being refurbished while we are there. I just think I forgot to edit that part out of my plans. I am so sad and upset - but I would be even more sad and upset if it was Splash - honestly, I would completely reschedule my trip if it was Splash... Just that thought makes me

I'm just the opposite! I was trying to look for another time to go because BTMRR was closed. It's one of my favorite MK rides. I ... tolerate Splash. I won't be upset if we miss out on it again this year.

Thanks... I figured that someone, somewhere might be inspired to dig out their old sewing machine after hearing my story... but, so far, no one has come forward. I've had a few people say that they've wanted to - but no one has actually come back saying they did. Maybe I should offer incentive???

If it makes you feel any better, I called my mom and told her she should break out her sewing machine! I don't sew. I don't know how, and I really don't think I could handle learning. I love cross-stitching ... does that count?

But if you're offering a good enough incentive, I can run down to mom's and borrow one of her machines and learn.

Sorry about the tears... I sometimes cry when I think about it too. It wasn't an easy year for us - and to be honest - we will always be reintigrating, there are many lasting effects on DH (and us too) from his deployment. And I don't think we'll ever be like we were before. The sad part, for me, is that Alli remembers and talks about it all the time - how her dad used to be... But we all fiercly love him, and he loves us back, and that's what really matters. I promised God, while he was gone, that I didn't care what happend or how Josh came home, as long as he came home alive - and I stand by that and him.

I am truly sorry to hear of your struggles ... but now you can keep moving forward! My DH was in the USAF before we married. He's mentioned going back, and I just truly don't know how I'd handle it. I'd never stop him -- especially if its what he wants to do -- because it would be for a great reason. We need people like your DH protecting our country and our freedoms. Maybe things will never be the same, but sometimes change can be great!

I guess that depends on your size. ROFL

Well, its definitely not AG size! But I'm short, so does that count?

I do have a few things in mind, but I can't share all my secrets. Part of the mystique and suspense of my PTR is that you never know what's coming next.

I know whatcha mean! I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next!

You can totally hog my PTR any time you want... I'm really easy going. That is such a bummer about us missing each other by a day at WDW... I love meeting fellow Disers! Anyways, welcome, and thanks for tagging along!

D~

Good ... because I did it again. It is such a bummer! I think we could have had a blast meeting up for a ride. Thanks for the warm welcome! Looking forward to what you have next in store!

 

[karebear23]

We are back from our trip....and I'm catching back up!

Love the Christmas outfits.

Which reminds me I need to do something for the kids for Christmas! Actually I need to finish DD's Halloween costume! Can we say procrastination?

Can't wait to see more of your creations!

 

[DMGeurts]

I'm sure when they get older and mature more, they'll become closer. Maybe not besties like all parents envision ... but more understanding of each other and can be civil in public without being bribed. (And I mean this about yours and my kiddos.)

How did you know I have to bribe them to be civil to eachother in public too...

Looking forward to hearing about your experience! Watch it turn out to be your favorite ride. Just don't ride after a meal (or snack).

It probably will, and then I'll be mad that I skipped it the last two trips.

I'm just the opposite! I was trying to look for another time to go because BTMRR was closed. It's one of my favorite MK rides. I ... tolerate Splash. I won't be upset if we miss out on it again this year.

I am very disappointed that BTMRR is closed, don't get me wrong - but it's definately not a deal breaker like Splash.

If it makes you feel any better, I called my mom and told her she should break out her sewing machine! I don't sew. I don't know how, and I really don't think I could handle learning. I love cross-stitching ... does that count?

But if you're offering a good enough incentive, I can run down to mom's and borrow one of her machines and learn.

Hmmm... incentive.... I will give it some thought and get back to you on it.

I

am truly sorry to hear of your struggles ... but now you can keep moving forward! My DH was in the USAF before we married. He's mentioned going back, and I just truly don't know how I'd handle it. I'd never stop him -- especially if its what he wants to do -- because it would be for a great reason. We need people like your DH protecting our country and our freedoms. Maybe things will never be the same, but sometimes change can be great!

It's OK, really.

Well, its definitely not AG size! But I'm short, so does that count?

It's a start.

Good ... because I did it again. It is such a bummer! I think we could have had a blast meeting up for a ride. Thanks for the warm welcome! Looking forward to what you have next in store!

Me too... Well, hopefully we can figure out a way to meet up.

We are back from our trip....and I'm catching back up!

Yay, welcome home!!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!

Love the Christmas outfits.

Which reminds me I need to do something for the kids for Christmas! Actually I need to finish DD's Halloween costume! Can we say procrastination?

Can't wait to see more of your creations!

Thank you!! Yes, Halloween is less than a week away... we need to crack the whip on you. Do you have any ideas in mind?

OK - so believe it or not, I have the day off and I plan to sew all day. DH gave me some great ideas as we were sitting next to the fire (um, old garage) the other night - so I really want to work on those. He is pretty proud of himself "see, I have good ideas too". LOL

I really need to work out, as well, I've been really slacking this last week... Really slacking a lot.

D~

 

[karebear23]

Thank you!! Yes, Halloween is less than a week away... we need to crack the whip on you. Do you have any ideas in mind?

D~

She wants to be a mermaid. I have all the fabric just need to get going. All of the Halloween orders & our trip put a wrench in working on her costume.

It should go together quickly...well I hope . I always say that then it turns into a whole ordeal!

We had a nice trip...never long enough. MK on Saturday was pretty busy but we did 8 attractions between 9 & 2...plus lunch. Not too shabby!

We have plans on going for a night in Dec. to see the Christmas lights at HS. We do this every year. And hopefully I will fit in a day trip between now & then. DD is off school on Friday...hmmm is it too early to go back ???

Off to clean the house...how did it get to be such a mess while we were gone????

 

[DMGeurts]

First of all... Since I switched my first few days around, I had to redo my main calendar page. So, here's the link to that, if you want to see it:

Back Cover - Calendar page

Then, here is the detailed Day 3:

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

She wants to be a mermaid. I have all the fabric just need to get going. All of the Halloween orders & our trip put a wrench in working on her costume.

That sounds really cute! I can't wait to see!

It should go together quickly...well I hope . I always say that then it turns into a whole ordeal!

Isn't that the truth...

We had a nice trip...never long enough. MK on Saturday was pretty busy but we did 8 attractions between 9 & 2...plus lunch. Not too shabby!

We have plans on going for a night in Dec. to see the Christmas lights at HS. We do this every year. And hopefully I will fit in a day trip between now & then. DD is off school on Friday...hmmm is it too early to go back ???

Sounds like you got a lot accomplished. It's never too early to go back IMO... I wish I could go frequently. If I lived closer, I totally would - but airfare is so expensive!

Off to clean the house...how did it get to be such a mess while we were gone????

It was probably the vacation elves.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Literally.

I thought I'd do another random chapter to my PTR.

A lot of my Disboutiquer friends have already seen this pictures, so I truly apologize if they are repeats.

We live in a very old house, built in 1886, in a farming community. Our house is nothing spectacular, but it's ours (and the banks), and we like to be somewhat creative and bold with our spaces.

It wasn't long, after I'd started sewing, that Josh discovered my sewing on the diningroom table was really getting to be an issue. I could leave my machine out for breakfast and lunch, but I really had to pack it up for dinner. We are an "eat dinner as a family every evening" sort of family. So, all this packing and unpacking was a serious time (and space) hog. Really, very annoying for everyone.

We have one "extra" room in our house. When the girls were little, it was their "toy room"... once they quit playing with toys, it became their "upstairs computer room"... then they crashed their computer in a bad way. So, Josh and I decided it was time to remodel, and make this tiny room into my sewing room. I didn't get any real "before shots" until we started ripping it apart, this is as good as I got:

Honest, there were walls there when we started. Two layers of plaster and I think a layer of sheetrock too. Crazy old houses...

In a former life (pre-full-time-military) DH was a general contractor. And the way I have a knack for sewing, he has a knack for building. Somtimes our knacks compliment eachother.

So, DH started ripping down the walls even further...

And even ripping out a little extra to add in some new power outlets for my machines...

And then he started sheetrocking...

And mudding...

And taping...

Let me remind you, this project took us MONTHS... DH would work on it after work and on weekends, if time allowed. A little at a time...

Then came my turn... Those that know me, know I have a fascination with paint. I wanted the room to be bright and fun (like me LOL). So, I started with a very pale aqua blue flat...

Then the following day, I added one shade darker aqua blue semi-gloss...

While Josh was installing new carpet (not gorgeous, BTW, we are a family on a budget after all)...

I was busy making fun things to decorate my new sewing room...

Curtains...

Sewing machine covers...

An ironing board cover...

And Tori made me the most adorable elephant pin cushion...

After the carpet, DH started installing counter tops...

After he reinforced them, it was time for me to move in - I was so excited!!!

Counter-clockwise around my new space...

My little fabric stash - which has grown considerably...

I really love vintage items, so I decorated with a few of those...

THis adorable vintage sewing basket stuffed full of vintage sewing items, I found at an antique store for $20 - and I just love it!

A jar of vintage buttons and old sewing machine feet...

My work space (before Patience)...

Tori's machine on the left...

My cutting counter and upstairs computer...

My shipping/packing area...

Overview...

I hope you enjoyed my sewing room tour.

 

[cogero]

OK - so believe it or not, I have the day off and I plan to sew all day. DH gave me some great ideas as we were sitting next to the fire (um, old garage) the other night - so I really want to work on those. He is pretty proud of himself "see, I have good ideas too". LOL

I really need to work out, as well, I've been really slacking this last week... Really slacking a lot.

D~

I started working out again on Monday but I am down 5lbs just by doing the protien shake in the AM.

I am exhausted this week but need to get some projects done.

I love your sewing room, when I finish closing my business next week and get that crap out of my basement I am reorganizing my sewing and scrapbook space.

 

[Lidian]

I love love your sewing room! It's absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[DMGeurts]

I started working out again on Monday but I am down 5lbs just by doing the protien shake in the AM.

I did manage to work out this morning... but it took a lot of effort to get me started. I thought about doing my abs - and that's as far as I got.

I am exhausted this week but need to get some projects done.

I know the feeling. I feel like I am falling seriously behind in my sewing. Really, I'm not, I just like to tell myself that. Light a fire under my ...

I love your sewing room, when I finish closing my business next week and get that crap out of my basement I am reorganizing my sewing and scrapbook space.

Thank you...

I love love your sewing room! It's absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing!!

Thank you... I enjoy it too. Unless Tori is in there with me - then I start to feel a bit claustrophobic.

Would you all believe that I am on lunch break from making my next outfit? I really do hope to have it done by the end of the day.

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

I don't think I could go to WDW during Christmas week (or TG week for that matter) I just want to go during mvmcp so we could do that, and also see the Christmas decoration, i was thinking of going the week after TG 2013, but i have no idea who i'd go with, because I don't want to pull the girls out of school, although they'd probably love being in Disney to see the decorations.

D~

D~ you can join us on our TG 2013 trip....think we are going 11/21 - 30! would love to have you join in on the party!

 

[DMGeurts]

D~ you can join us on our TG 2013 trip....think we are going 11/21 - 30! would love to have you join in on the party!

Lisa - I am SERIOUSLY going to consider that! It would be a lot of fun - and I would just love to meet you and Megan! I will let you know for sure after we return from this trip.

D~

 

[karebear23]

After he reinforced them, it was time for me to move in - I was so excited!!!

So Jealous! Right now I'm in the guest room. My Machines are on a desk in the closet. I really have no storage...and everything is thrown everywhere!
Maybe someday I will have a real sewing room!

 

[DMGeurts]

So Jealous! Right now I'm in the guest room. My Machines are on a desk in the closet. I really have no storage...and everything is thrown everywhere!
Maybe someday I will have a real sewing room!

Someday you will have your own sewing room - I know it.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Is none other than Eeyore...

Sorry about the lighting in the picture - believe it or not - it was actually a gloomy day today... How fitting. So, the main color of the outfit is lavender with a gray hue, and the contrasting color is plain ol' gray.

D~