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

[DMGeurts]

So, I think it's time I put all of my links and info in one place - that way I can just link to it and it will be easy to find.

I want to add - this grocery list is not mine... It is listed in one of the tutorials below.

Let's start with your "grocery list"... There are many things you are going to need to be able to restore a machine to it's original condition. When you are shopping, it is very important to get the brand listed and not use another brand - as the "other brand" may actually harm your machine. These particular products I have used myself while restoring my machines, and they have all worked with no damage to the original finish - however - I do suggest that you test in an inconspicuous place to be sure.

I also want to add, that a lot of these tutorials are done on the older black cast iron machines with the Japan finish. I want to assure everyone - that most machine's guts are identical inside - it's just the outside that is a bit different. I will add, however, if you are restoring a machine with adjustable cams - they will have the added cam shaft so they can zig-zag.

List:

*Liquid Wrench (for loosening screws - you don't want to strip them, they are HTF)
*Go-Jo (non-pumice)
*Brasso (or other brass cleaner)
*Kerosene (1 gallon can)
*Mothers Mag Wheel Polish or SemiChrome
*Scott's liquid gold (in the pour bottle - it's hard to find these days, I had to order mine from Scotts.com)
*Sewing Machine Grease (this is not oil... Singer makes it in a tube - looks like vaseline. Sew Classic also has it on their website in the Tri-Flo brand - which is the best)
*Sewing Machine oil (you must use actual sewing machine oil - not 3 in1 - which will totally wreck your machine over time. I highly recommend the Tri-Flo oil (avial. on the Sew-Classic website) - it is the best and I won't use anything else).



Tools:

Small flat screw driver
Medium flat screw driver
Pliers
Small Phillips screw driver
Medium Phillips screw driver
Old toothbrush
Cheap kitty litter pan (or a basin of similar dimensions that you'll never want to use again)
3/4" Cheap Paint Brush
Q-tips
Cotton Balls
Old T-shirt


Links:

Sew-Classic (this is where I go first for everything, Jen even has a store - items listed by model #, so they are really super easy to find the right parts for your specific machine, and I have purchased parts from her several times)
Tutorial: Part 1 - Cleaning your machine & disassembly
Tutorial: Part 2 - Cleaning your machine
Tutorial: Part 3 - Finish and Repair
You Tube Video for how to clean a vintage sewing machine - AWESOME!
Tension Adjustments
Replacing the handwheel and fiber gear - Ebay guide

There is also a message board on Yahoo Groups called: VintageSingers. You have to apply and be approved, it is a somewhat difficult process, because they won't let just anyone join. But you can try - there is a ton of info on their site.


This next link is a really awesome link - I didn't discover it until after I'd restored Patience, but... It's a group of people (anyone can do it) who restores vintage machines to send to 3rd world countries, so they can become self reliant. Not only is it an excellent tool with everything you need to know about restoring a machines, but it's an excellent cause - if you are so inclined to restore and donate a machine.

Tools for Self Reliance


Dating your machine:

ISMACS Singer serial # dates
Singer website serial # dating


If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask... I am always happy to help! Since I am a huge advocate for Vintage machine sewing, I would love to turn someone's hobby into a true enjoyment from every aspect. There is nothing more satisfying (besides my family, of couse) than sitting down at a machine that someone else created on 75+ years ago, and I restored back to working order. The joy and confidence is just immeasurable. This might sound strange, but when I sit at my machines, they almost pulse with the memories of what they've created before me, and to be able to continue to create with these same machines brings a level of "completeness" to my hobby that I never thought I would ever experience.

If I find other useful links, I will be sure to update this post and post them here.

Happy Restoring!!!

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

FYI ... 2 GB of data is nothing. My DH, who claims he never uses his phone, goes through about ... well, lemme look.

He used 5GB last month. We have WiFi at home. (We're also grandfathered in on a true unlimited plan.) So consider how much data you'll use at WDW running lines, if you use your phone a lot at work or out and about, etc. I used about 1GB last month, but I primarily use my phone at home and school right now (which both have WiFi). I just don't want you to end up with a massive bill and be shocked ... so reminding you about data usage at WDW.

If you don't use it much outside of WDW, and play with it on WiFi, you can get by with 2GB pretty easily. I'm just worried you'll go well over at WDW. I know I will with checking email, FB, Lines, and doing a live report. So keep that in mind.

So, I checked last month's data usage, and I used 0.1277 gigs. That is with me not paying attention and going on the internet whenever... I just can't imagine I would go over 2 gigs? Do those apps really take up a lot of data?

D~

 

[tinkbell13]

So, I think it's time I put all of my links and info in one place - that way I can just link to it and it will be easy to find.

Sew-Classic (this is where I go first for everything, Jen even has a store - items listed by model #, so they are really super easy to find the right parts for your specific machine, and I have purchased parts from her several times)
Tutorial: Part 1 - Cleaning your machine & disassembly
Tutorial: Part 2 - Cleaning your machine
Tutorial: Part 3 - Finish and Repair
You Tube Video for how to clean a vintage sewing machine - AWESOME!
Tension Adjustments
Replacing the handwheel and fiber gear - Ebay guide

Dating your machine:
ISMACS Singer serial # dates
Singer website serial # dating

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask... I am always happy to help! Since I am a huge advocate for Vintage machine sewing, I would love to turn someone's hobby into a true enjoyment from every aspect. There is nothing more satisfying (besides my family, of couse) than sitting down at a machine that someone else created on 75+ years ago, and I restored back to working order. The joy and confidence is just immeasurable. This might sound strange, but when I sit at my machines, they almost pulse with the memories of what they've created before me, and to be able to continue to create with these same machines brings a level of "completeness" to my hobby that I never thought I would ever experience.

If I find other useful links, I will be sure to update this post and post them here.

Happy Restoring!!!

D~

Okay, so all this talk about old sewing machines made me dig out my DH's grandmother's machine. I inherited this machine in the mid to late 90's (1997?) when my DH's grandmother was downsizing from her apartment to a bedsitting room in a long term care facility. At the time, I used it sparingly to hem pants and repair tears in DH's work clothing. I gave up using it in 1999 after I had to have it repaired twice (same repair, too!) within a year with the repair cost being over $100 each time. If I remember correctly, it was something in the bobbin case area. I remember that this machine was awesome though. It had a nice stitch and was powerfully strong, sewing through denim hems like they were nothing.

So this is the machine, a Singer Stylist 514:

It is in a cabinet and folds down into the cabinet for storage. I think I have the original manual and a bunch of attachments in a desk drawer somewhere. From what I can tell so far, it was made here in Canada in St. John's likely in the 60's. The serial number is 8 digits instead of the two letters and six digits so I can't pinpoint it better than that.

My DH wanted to get rid of the machine a few years ago and I refused to let it go because it was his grandmothers, essentially still worked and just needed to be repaired again. I think it is neat to have something that she created so many beautiful items on, some of which we have - several table linens, a quilt and an absolutely gorgeous baby outfit that was DH's. Because of the history of it, I am thinking of trying to clean it up and fix it again once we get back from our trip and adding this to my sewing room. I will certainly be checking those links above out to help me with that.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Glad to hear Josh is doing better.

Goodluck with your iPhone! I got my iPhone last year for my 50th birthday. Things at work are crazy and upper management is on this technology kick. Funny the systems we have for use in the office aren't are the latest but anyways I justified the purchase of my iPhone by telling myself I needed it to show management that I was young and hip. It is EXACTLY like that Ebay commercial where they are teasing the guy because he's using pen & paper. I had previously really wanted an iPhone but just couldn't get past that data charge every month. I do get a discount through my office so I pay $25/month for unlimited data. Now that I have the phone I have to say I LOVE it. Love having the lines ap at Disney. My DH has no interest in an iphone so no data charges for him. We also have a tracfone that my DD(12) carries most of the time but I keep telling her it isn't hers. I just keep buying a new 60 minute card for $20 every 3 months. We never really use it so we've got over 1,000 minutes on it with codes and double mintues. DD says "most" of the kids in her class have iPhones. DD(9) says some of the kids in her grade have them too. That is crazy!

You might want to check walmart for that case. I bought a Kermit case at WDW for my iTouch and paid at least $30 for it in November. Then I saw it at Walmart for I think under $20. As it turns out I couldn't get the old case off the iTouch so I returned the case when I went back to Disney in January.

With all this cell phone talk you reminded me that I had to call Versizon and removed my MIL's phone from my plan. She passed 9/22/11. It was just one of those things I had forgotten to do. I had used her upgrade last May to get my iPhone so I was a bit worried but it wasn't a problem.

I was able to get all the movies off my phone and ipod back onto my new hard drive. The only movies I didn't have on a device that I lost and care about are the Back to the Future trilogy. Hopefully Apple will get an agreement with the studios and get those movies on the cloud so I can get them.

 

[Corrine 1973]

Thanks for the great information D, you are awsome. I will definatly get the supplies you are talking about (the good stuff too) but I honestly will probably will not have time to do anything until I get home from my trip. Super busy around here right now getting ready for my trip, planning for the baby's 2nd birthday, and two Dr appt for my DS coming up. Plus there are a few Boy Scout things coming up as well to.

Well any hoo, it took me a minute to relize what a Cam was, but once I finally relized what it was I looked at the machine and it's extras and found that I have Cams 1-5. I also found the sliding plate in my car. (I knew it was there at the store and was hopping it feel off at my house or car instead of Goodwill were they would have thrown it out) I cheacked the wiring to the pressure foot and it looks beautiful. The thing that is missing is the power cord. I noticed that the sew classic (is that the right name) has a power cord for a 401 but will it work for the 401A? I hear that they are basicly the same machine.

I also checked out the serial # and it say that my machine was made from '51-'59.

Oh by the way, have I told you you are awsome lately.

 

[Lidian]

So, I checked last month's data usage, and I used 0.1277 gigs. That is with me not paying attention and going on the internet whenever... I just can't imagine I would go over 2 gigs? Do those apps really take up a lot of data?

D~

Hmm.... well, I can't vouch for everyone's usage. However, most apps do continuously connect to the internet (when being used), which sucks up data. Most free apps run ads, which soaks up data. Just keep that in mind. When you go from a phone that does basic functions to a smart phone that runs tons of apps, I imagine data will increase as well. I really wish I could see May's bill.

Oh, found it. I used over 2GB of data during the cycle of our last WDW trip. But I can't state my usage is typical. I run email every 15 minutes on push. I was also doing live updates, checking FB, and keeping Lines up almost continuously. And that was for the whole cycle.

If you do need to worry about data, just watch which apps Push, and have them turned off during your trip (or during that billing cycle).

 

[solana131]

I saw a D~ bag! It was a Mickey one. I said "hi" to the lady wearing it, but we were in a fast moving line and didn't get to talk It was the Peoplemover...so if the nice lady I said Hi to is reading along...say "hi"! Wish we could've talked. I looked for your bags all week D and it was the only one I noticed. Next trip I want one! I bet she got lots of compliments on it

Okay, now I will go back and try to get caught up here

 

[nowellsl]

I was at WDW at the end of Jan., but didn't ride the people mover. It must not have been me I know someone else got a Mickey bag a lot like mine!

 

[solana131]

I saw a D~ bag! It was a Mickey one. I said "hi" to the lady wearing it, but we were in a fast moving line and didn't get to talk It was the Peoplemover...so if the nice lady I said Hi to is reading along...say "hi"! Wish we could've talked. I looked for your bags all week D and it was the only one I noticed. Next trip I want one! I bet she got lots of compliments on it

I was at WDW at the end of Jan., but didn't ride the people mover. It must not have been me I know someone else got a Mickey bag a lot like mine!

It was on Monday Feb 6th.

Anyway...phew, all caught up now D~

I like the shorts the best. Those will be so cute with that shirt

Can't comment on the phone issue as I don't have a smartphone. We are with StraightTalk and absolutely love them. Can't beat $45 for truely unlimited service. My phone gets web, but its only mobile web, not html. But I don't care. I thought it would be cool to have the lines app for our trip, but I didn't need it. We found that we went back to the Poly everyday once it got busy, so we didn't really wait in any lines. Plus, the lines app worked fine on my "dumbphone". The mobile web is fine for lines.

 

[aboveH20]

I searched PBS, HGTV, TLC, the History Channel and the Discovery Channel with no luck, so I guess I'll have to ask you.

Mr. Rocketman has such a distinctive industrial look. When it came out was it expensive? revolutionary? popular with the masses?

PS Don't watch PBS, HGTV, TLC, the History Channel or the Discovery Channel tonight at 10 PM. Watch Comic Book Men on AMC.

 

[DMGeurts]

Okay, so all this talk about old sewing machines made me dig out my DH's grandmother's machine. I inherited this machine in the mid to late 90's (1997?) when my DH's grandmother was downsizing from her apartment to a bedsitting room in a long term care facility. At the time, I used it sparingly to hem pants and repair tears in DH's work clothing. I gave up using it in 1999 after I had to have it repaired twice (same repair, too!) within a year with the repair cost being over $100 each time. If I remember correctly, it was something in the bobbin case area. I remember that this machine was awesome though. It had a nice stitch and was powerfully strong, sewing through denim hems like they were nothing.

So this is the machine, a Singer Stylist 514:

It is in a cabinet and folds down into the cabinet for storage. I think I have the original manual and a bunch of attachments in a desk drawer somewhere. From what I can tell so far, it was made here in Canada in St. John's likely in the 60's. The serial number is 8 digits instead of the two letters and six digits so I can't pinpoint it better than that.

My DH wanted to get rid of the machine a few years ago and I refused to let it go because it was his grandmothers, essentially still worked and just needed to be repaired again. I think it is neat to have something that she created so many beautiful items on, some of which we have - several table linens, a quilt and an absolutely gorgeous baby outfit that was DH's. Because of the history of it, I am thinking of trying to clean it up and fix it again once we get back from our trip and adding this to my sewing room. I will certainly be checking those links above out to help me with that.

That is a cool machine too! How awesome that you have your Grandmother's machine - and even better that you have some items that she made with it. It's too bad that it needs repairs to function properly - hopefully you are able to get it repaired and use it again.

Glad to hear Josh is doing better.

Goodluck with your iPhone! I got my iPhone last year for my 50th birthday. Things at work are crazy and upper management is on this technology kick. Funny the systems we have for use in the office aren't are the latest but anyways I justified the purchase of my iPhone by telling myself I needed it to show management that I was young and hip. It is EXACTLY like that Ebay commercial where they are teasing the guy because he's using pen & paper. I had previously really wanted an iPhone but just couldn't get past that data charge every month. I do get a discount through my office so I pay $25/month for unlimited data. Now that I have the phone I have to say I LOVE it. Love having the lines ap at Disney. My DH has no interest in an iphone so no data charges for him. We also have a tracfone that my DD(12) carries most of the time but I keep telling her it isn't hers. I just keep buying a new 60 minute card for $20 every 3 months. We never really use it so we've got over 1,000 minutes on it with codes and double mintues. DD says "most" of the kids in her class have iPhones. DD(9) says some of the kids in her grade have them too. That is crazy!

You might want to check walmart for that case. I bought a Kermit case at WDW for my iTouch and paid at least $30 for it in November. Then I saw it at Walmart for I think under $20. As it turns out I couldn't get the old case off the iTouch so I returned the case when I went back to Disney in January.

With all this cell phone talk you reminded me that I had to call Versizon and removed my MIL's phone from my plan. She passed 9/22/11. It was just one of those things I had forgotten to do. I had used her upgrade last May to get my iPhone so I was a bit worried but it wasn't a problem.

I was able to get all the movies off my phone and ipod back onto my new hard drive. The only movies I didn't have on a device that I lost and care about are the Back to the Future trilogy. Hopefully Apple will get an agreement with the studios and get those movies on the cloud so I can get them.

So, jealous that you have an Iphone... Jealous beyond belief... I don't even want to go into my latest cell phone saga... Josh is in the process of sending a letter to Tmobile after the fiasco we had today. D~ is now a very unhappy customer and will be leaving them asap.

I am glad you were able to get your MIL off of your phone plan with out a hassle.

Hopefully they release the BttF trilogy soon - that is one of my favorites, as well.

Thanks for the great information D, you are awsome. I will definatly get the supplies you are talking about (the good stuff too) but I honestly will probably will not have time to do anything until I get home from my trip. Super busy around here right now getting ready for my trip, planning for the baby's 2nd birthday, and two Dr appt for my DS coming up. Plus there are a few Boy Scout things coming up as well to.

Well any hoo, it took me a minute to relize what a Cam was, but once I finally relized what it was I looked at the machine and it's extras and found that I have Cams 1-5. I also found the sliding plate in my car. (I knew it was there at the store and was hopping it feel off at my house or car instead of Goodwill were they would have thrown it out) I cheacked the wiring to the pressure foot and it looks beautiful. The thing that is missing is the power cord. I noticed that the sew classic (is that the right name) has a power cord for a 401 but will it work for the 401A? I hear that they are basicly the same machine.

I also checked out the serial # and it say that my machine was made from '51-'59.

Oh by the way, have I told you you are awsome lately.

I love being told that I am awesome!!! I should really make myself a t-shirt that says that, in case there is any doubt.

I am glad that everything checked out... Not sure about the power cord - I am 99% sure it's the same, because I think the only difference (so I've heard) is that they were manufactured in different plants. You could google to find out for sure... I think that Sew-Classic even has a section of her website dedicated to the differences in those particular machines. Might want to dig a bit to see what you can find. Is the foot hard wired into the machine? Just wondering, because on Mr. Rocket, the power cord/foot pedal cord are one in the same. Oooh found the link on Sew-Classic for ya: http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/10/25/singer-401-401a-403--403a--404--sewing-machine-review.aspx

Hmm.... well, I can't vouch for everyone's usage. However, most apps do continuously connect to the internet (when being used), which sucks up data. Most free apps run ads, which soaks up data. Just keep that in mind. When you go from a phone that does basic functions to a smart phone that runs tons of apps, I imagine data will increase as well. I really wish I could see May's bill.

Oh, found it. I used over 2GB of data during the cycle of our last WDW trip. But I can't state my usage is typical. I run email every 15 minutes on push. I was also doing live updates, checking FB, and keeping Lines up almost continuously. And that was for the whole cycle.

If you do need to worry about data, just watch which apps Push, and have them turned off during your trip (or during that billing cycle).

This is good to know... As of now, I am not getting a new phone at all. D~ is super crabby about the whole situation and I am leaving Tmob at the first opportunity. Josh offered to trade phones with me for our trip, and he does have a smart phone... I'll be stuck with my 250mb of data plan, but I am not changing a thing on my plan, because tmob will probably sucker me into another contract. So, I'll just have to be careful about loading lines, and only do it when I need to.

I saw a D~ bag! It was a Mickey one. I said "hi" to the lady wearing it, but we were in a fast moving line and didn't get to talk It was the Peoplemover...so if the nice lady I said Hi to is reading along...say "hi"! Wish we could've talked. I looked for your bags all week D and it was the only one I noticed. Next trip I want one! I bet she got lots of compliments on it

Okay, now I will go back and try to get caught up here

You totally made my day Suzi!!! I am super excited that you saw one of my bags... I should start giving out prizes for people who see my bags in the park - wouldn't that be fun??? LOL I'd probably have to make them post a pic though, just to be sure.

I am pretty sure the bag you saw was Tara's (Momminnie)... She was in the parks at the same time you were. Hopefully she will pop in here and recognize you.

I was at WDW at the end of Jan., but didn't ride the people mover. It must not have been me I know someone else got a Mickey bag a lot like mine!

Just wanted to say hi!!! Hope you're doing well... any more trips planned??? Inquiring minds and all that.

It was on Monday Feb 6th.

Anyway...phew, all caught up now D~

I like the shorts the best. Those will be so cute with that shirt

Can't comment on the phone issue as I don't have a smartphone. We are with StraightTalk and absolutely love them. Can't beat $45 for truely unlimited service. My phone gets web, but its only mobile web, not html. But I don't care. I thought it would be cool to have the lines app for our trip, but I didn't need it. We found that we went back to the Poly everyday once it got busy, so we didn't really wait in any lines. Plus, the lines app worked fine on my "dumbphone". The mobile web is fine for lines.

Glad you caught up - I dunno how you all do it, I can barely stay caught up myself sometimes.

Lots of people have said that they like the Donald shorts the best.

LOL at your "dumbphone"... I have a "dumbphone provider" if that makes you feel any better. I am glad that mobile web is fine for lines - maybe I will just take my own phone??? Not deal with the hassle of Josh's??? I dunno...

Welcome home again. Glad you had a great trip - looking forward to pictures.

I searched PBS, HGTV, TLC, the History Channel and the Discovery Channel with no luck, so I guess I'll have to ask you.

Mr. Rocketman has such a distinctive industrial look. When it came out was it expensive? revolutionary? popular with the masses?

PS Don't watch PBS, HGTV, TLC, the History Channel or the Discovery Channel tonight at 10 PM. Watch Comic Book Men on AMC.

Gosh - you're gonna make me go research Mr. Rocket, aren't you???

While attempting to research, I happened upon this little ditty about the Rocketeer... http://www.mellysews.com/2011/11/why-i-love-my-old-singer-503-sewing.html

Shopping for phones was no fun today... Still didn't come home with one. I am bound an determined that I am refusing to get a new phone... D~ is no longer happy with her provider and I will be finding a new provider just asap... I don't feel that I am entitled to extra things, but I do think I deserve to get a little respect, which I did not receive in the store today, nor did I get it when I called customer service this afternoon. I will make due with the phone I have, or borrow Josh's for the trip, if need be.

So, I shouldn't have to bore you with any more phone sagas for the time being.

D~

 

[Corrine 1973]

I am so sorry that you are still having phone issues, I think we all know how it feels to get bad service some where. Just lately my sister took my DD to a chinese resturant and while they were getting food, my DD hat disappeared. (It was one of those cute ones that has a bear face stiched on it and just got it for Christmas), she told them that it was stolen but they refused to believe it. A week or so later she went back to get a pick up order and asked if they had found the hat. The lady was adament that she did not find it, but she than looked over to a pile of kids coats and backpacks and the hat in question was on the top. Lets just say that none of us will be going there again.

Thanks for the info, it looks like it is the same thing. So I ordered the Power cord, grease, and oil that you suggested. Just so you know, the pessure foot does detach from the machine but both the pressure foot and power cord attach sepratly.

 

[DMGeurts]

Yes, I did quote you twice, don't let it go to your head though...

I searched PBS, HGTV, TLC, the History Channel and the Discovery Channel with no luck, so I guess I'll have to ask you.

Mr. Rocketman has such a distinctive industrial look. When it came out was it expensive? revolutionary? popular with the masses?

PS Don't watch PBS, HGTV, TLC, the History Channel or the Discovery Channel tonight at 10 PM. Watch Comic Book Men on AMC.

Here's another link I found about popular sewing machines:
http://viorith.hubpages.com/hub/AntiqueSewingMachine

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

Sorry you are having bad customer service over your phone! guess they don't care they will lose a customer
you can know research and find the BEST plan for you!!!

I've got Verizon and haven't had any issues with them and get great service anytime I travel!

 

[DMGeurts]

I am so sorry that you are still having phone issues, I think we all know how it feels to get bad service some where. Just lately my sister took my DD to a chinese resturant and while they were getting food, my DD hat disappeared. (It was one of those cute ones that has a bear face stiched on it and just got it for Christmas), she told them that it was stolen but they refused to believe it. A week or so later she went back to get a pick up order and asked if they had found the hat. The lady was adament that she did not find it, but she than looked over to a pile of kids coats and backpacks and the hat in question was on the top. Lets just say that none of us will be going there again.

That's awful... So, do you think an employee took it then? Or one of their kids?

[Thanks for the info, it looks like it is the same thing. So I ordered the Power cord, grease, and oil that you suggested. Just so you know, the pessure foot does detach from the machine but both the pressure foot and power cord attach sepratly.

Oooh - I am so glad you got the tri-flo grease and oil... It is THE BEST... I got the big bottle of the oil and I use it all the time - since I use my machines so much, they get oiled at least once a week, and it's so handy to have the little straw to get the oil exactly where I need it to go.

Good to know about the cord... I should go look at Jen's website, so see what you are talking about - my brain just isn't getting it at this time of the morning.

When you get to restoring, and if you have any probs - text me, and I'll be happy to help.

Sorry you are having bad customer service over your phone! guess they don't care they will lose a customer
you can know research and find the BEST plan for you!!!

I've got Verizon and haven't had any issues with them and get great service anytime I travel!

I know, it's such a bummer - we've never really had any problems with them until now - so it's kind of frustrating.

Josh and I have been looking into plans - no matter where we go, it's gonna be expensive. Verizon seemed to be quite a bit more expensive than AT&T - for what we wanted. Of course, we'll have to see what plans are available when we go to switch.

I am super excited about the bag I am working on - it's turning out really awesome! I can't wait to show you all!

Trip ramblings:

I have to work today... Although I plan to purchase the last of my GCs for our trip... Take that back - I still have one more set to buy after this (for the remainder of our park tickets), but I have to wait for that check, which will be here next week. I've decided to bring $250 for OOP food (does that sound right? 4 OOP breakfasts & 1 CS meal - I think I rounded up to $40 each, but I don't think it will be anywhere near that + an extra bumper for snacks) . Then I will bring cash for tips, airport meals and I am pretty sure I need cash for the restaurants at DTD??? Can anyone confirm that??? Do the restaurants at DTD take Disney GCs???

I still haven't come up with a firm # for souveniers... It's going to depend a lot on what kind of extra cash we have floating around when our trip comes. I know that V has $50 of her own... and I'd really like to have, for sure $50 for each of us (which would give V $100).

Our suitcase is OVERFLOWING (I should post pics of that LOL)... I need to start organizing what is in it. V still needs to go through her pins and decide which ones she wants to keep/trade. The girls have tried on all their shorts - they didn't want to - glad I made them - because V only had 2 that fit her!

I need to get crackin' on our t-shirts, I haven't even started them. At least I have them all here and I know what I plan to do with them. Sometimes motivation is really hard.

D~

 

[cogero]

So sorry you had bad customer service.I know when I had bad customer service with Verizon at work I tweeted about it and the problem was corrected a lot quicker.

I need to check out the links you posted.

 

[VBAndrea]

Sorry about your phone carrier. I have Sprint and have never had any issues with them. I had identity theft with them as well and they caught it immediately and were super about it.

My sister has Verizon as do most people I know. I thought about switching but Sprint is cheaper and the free times are better. The only issue my sister has had is she got a new phone and the blue tooth on it is problematic (and she half works out of her car so really needs the hands free) and Verizon were basically jerks in trying to help her. She ended up buying a new battery for her old phone since they wouldn't do a thing for her.

Work today (long, long , long day). Fabric store on Tuesday since I need fabric for my BG. I swore I wouldn't do that -- I only wanted to do BG things for fabric I already have. I totally goofed this time! I also told myself I was only going to sign up for every other BG instead of everyone and I broke that rule with this one as well. Grrrrrr!!!!

Have a happy sewing day

 

[NiniMorris]

Earlier, when you were talking about TMobile...I was surprised. I have had them for almost 10 years and have the WORST customer service imaginable. I'm 'glad' to see they have lived up to their reputation!

The only reason we are with TM is because they are the cheapest around and they have a coverage area that gives us the most coverage for the area we live in. My husband won't even say their name. He gives me his card to pay his portion of "MY" bill. As soon as the contract is up we are history!

I'm sure with all the new towers they are building (and none of them are T Mobile) that there should be some one soon with good coverage around here!


Nini

 

[lovesdumbo]

Sorry you are having bad customer service over your phone! guess they don't care they will lose a customer
you can know research and find the BEST plan for you!!!

I've got Verizon and haven't had any issues with them and get great service anytime I travel!

Sorry about your frustrations! Now you can take your time and get the best plan for your before you sign up for a 2 year plan again.

Wish I could say the same about Verizon. My last phone before iPhone was misrepresented to me which didn't make me happy-he said they phone was better than it was and said I would have unlimited email but I didn't. Then when I purchased my iPhone in a Verizon store there was a vios saleswoman there who would NOT leave me alone no how many times I told her I was not there to do that and to please leave me alone so I oculd concentrate on my new phone. When I called to cancel my MILs phone they tried very hard to upsell me. I told her that we still haven't found the phone but that didn't stop her from asking me if I didn't know anyone who could use that line. Why wouldn't I just cancel MIL's line and get a new one when I needed with a new phone? I thought the hard sell was very inappropriate.

I am super excited about the bag I am working on - it's turning out really awesome! I can't wait to show you all!

Trip ramblings:

I have to work today... Although I plan to purchase the last of my GCs for our trip... Take that back - I still have one more set to buy after this (for the remainder of our park tickets), but I have to wait for that check, which will be here next week. I've decided to bring $250 for OOP food (does that sound right? 4 OOP breakfasts & 1 CS meal - I think I rounded up to $40 each, but I don't think it will be anywhere near that + an extra bumper for snacks) . Then I will bring cash for tips, airport meals and I am pretty sure I need cash for the restaurants at DTD??? Can anyone confirm that??? Do the restaurants at DTD take Disney GCs???

I still haven't come up with a firm # for souveniers... It's going to depend a lot on what kind of extra cash we have floating around when our trip comes. I know that V has $50 of her own... and I'd really like to have, for sure $50 for each of us (which would give V $100).

Our suitcase is OVERFLOWING (I should post pics of that LOL)... I need to start organizing what is in it. V still needs to go through her pins and decide which ones she wants to keep/trade. The girls have tried on all their shorts - they didn't want to - glad I made them - because V only had 2 that fit her!

I need to get crackin' on our t-shirts, I haven't even started them. At least I have them all here and I know what I plan to do with them. Sometimes motivation is really hard.

D~

Can't wait to see your new bag!

Not sure about DTD places. I think you might be able to charge them back to your room and then pay that off with your Disney Cards-you might even be able to use the Disney Cards on your room instead of a CC but I'm not sure about any of that.


I think the $250 is more than enough for OOP food.

You're smart to check the girls shorts. I once tried packing on the weekend before a Wed departure for a January trip and I think my DD had 1 pair of shorts that fit. I don't remember if I actually bought her any new ones but do remember that the one pair ended up being enough. I do however still remember the stress of worrying about it before the trip. Now I'm better about making sure the kids clothes fit weeks before a trip.

Hope you find your motivation. I need to find mine!

 

[mommy2mrb]

Not sure about using your GC at the DTD restaurants...since they aren't owned by Disney, last two trips we were on the dining plan and before that we just paid cash....maybe post the question over on the restaurant threads....would think the $250 is enought to cover your OOP food!

to help save some space on packing - get the large ziploc bags 2 gallons and put clothes that you don't care if they get wrinkled (pj's, socks, undies, swim suits) and squish all the air out, it makes a HUGE difference for space! I do one for each of us and then they stay more organized when you get to the resort too!

hope Josh is doing better!!