~~ Sew hot, Hot, HOT! ~~ A sweltering Aug 2013 TR ~ Pre-Trippie link posted! ~ 10/31!

[ladylyons]

You did have some great character M&G!! I love Alli's smile in the pictures with Dug and Russell! That's great everyone loved your bags!

 

[DMGeurts]

I really like your photos from AK. It looks like it was a lot of fun. Usually AK is kind of a quick in and out visit for us. But you seem to have found the best way to enjoy the park.

We love AK - it's acutally a 2 day park for us - and we have YET to do everything... LOL

I'm wondering if it is worth it to sew up some fun character bags of my own, just so I could have some "fun with characters, too". Well, the next time we are lucky enough to go with the grandchilldren, I think I might do it.

You should! It was a lot of fun!

I love all the M&G photos! Pocahontas's face is the best! I live their enthusiasm!!

Yes!! I love the expression on Pocahontas' face the best - she was so awesome! And I felt so badly because she spent so much time with us and she had a HUGE line behind us.

I'm catching up this morning!! I love V's 90's outfit and I thought she did a really good job with it, especially the hair!!

Thanks! We had a lot of fun with it that morning.

I would love to see MK decorated for fall one year. It looks so nice and clean in the morning with no one there!

It's beautiful - highly recommend it!

I loved your pictures of you and V from TL. We never made it there on our trip thanks to TS Andrea but I do hope to get back there one day!

Have a great weekend!

Bummer - it is such a fun park! I hope you get there.

Don't worry! Once this TR is finished, D~ will start her NEXT PTR!

Hahaha Tess...

Love all the character meets. Other than Tusker House and Mary Poppins, we did not have any. I will change that for our next trip!

ACK! You do need to change that!

your projects sound so exciting.

I am so excited about them!

Love your photopass pictures. I finally have mine from August so maybe I will post a few today.

Thanks! I hope you did - I will go investigate shortly.

A little late to the party! I graduated in 1968 and had children graduate in 1990,1993,1996 and 2010

Hi Ruth! IT's great to see you! I've been wondering how you've been doing. I talked to you dd briefly on FB last week.

Alli looks so giddy in her pictures with Dug and Russell.

Yah - she had been trying to meet them for years - she was SO HAPPY to finally do that!

It's so fun seeing all the different characters check out your Disney gear. I'm so glad the photopass photographers captured those moments so you were able to share them with us.

I am super happy that the PP Photographers captured most of those moments too.

So excited to have the time to get caught up on your TR! You have been busy! I have been in job search mode and it is very time consuming and exhausting! UGH! And its taking away from my DIS board time!

Glad you were able to catch up... I hate job searching - which is why I have been at Target for so long... I don't like it, but I am too annoyed with job searching to go look for anything else. LOL I wish you lots of luck!

Loved your Cranfest mini TR! Those lodges were so cute! Looks like your co-workers are a fun group! And your new little metal friends are lovely! Would be great additions to your sewing room!

We do have lots of fun together. I thought I" would put my metal guys in my sewing room - initially - but the do-do bird is super heavy, and I don't think he will go on a shelf with out bringing it down. LOL Trying to find another place for him - right now, he is on my kitchen counter.

You guys really did get some great photopass pics! Loved the TL ones and the ones with Dug and Russell were awesome. I literally laughed out loud at the "paws up" picture! Awesome! I now have added Dug to my list of characters to see next trip. The ones with his tongue hanging out cracked me up!

THanks! I am generally happy with most of our PP Pics. And the RUssel/Dug meet n' greet was fantastic! I hope they continue to do it at AK>

Oh, and I guess I could be another of your big sisters....Class of '86 here ("we are sexy we are rich we're the class of '86!") Oh, how wrong we were on both counts!

Hahhaha...

Your lady bag was beautiful! Gorgeous fabrics both inside and out! And the appliques were TDF!

Thank you!

Sewing machine update: Remember the Singer 201 I messaged you about? I'm going to see it tomorrow! The woman says she can't get it to make a stitch, but doesn't know much about machines and thinks she may have it threaded wrong , so I'm going to go check it out.

Yay!!! I hope it goes well for you. Did you print out the manual to bring with? Just be careful - sometimes not making a stitch is something as simple as threading, and sometimes not making a stitch can mean the timing is off - which was the problem with my Mr. R - it took me almost a week to get his timing right - and sometimes I don't think it's perfect yet, but I can't seem to get it any better... So, he does skip stitches occasionally - and it's mostly dependant on the fabric I am appliqueing with - he HATES Fairy Frost with a passion.

Looking forward to seeing some of your soon-to-be-finished super secret projects!

Me too!

Do you have dates for your next trip yet??

I do.

Have a great weekend-Liesel

Thank you! You too! And thanks for taking the time to catch up - that was very nice of you!

You did have some great character M&G!! I love Alli's smile in the pictures with Dug and Russell! That's great everyone loved your bags!

Thanks! You could sure tell she was excited! I love those pictures too!

**********************************************************

Yesterday was a cool day...

I worked on my custom order for a while... I am almost finished with it.

Then I moved on to one of my Super Secret Projects... I was able to finish a portion of it... Then I attached it to another portion of it... (it's not easy being vague in this description) And I decided I didn't like it - so I had to rip apart about 3 hours worth of work I'd done over the week and completely redo it. The ripping apart took me well over an hour - I was not happy with myself, but I am very glad I took the time to double check - or I would have been more than unhappy with myself.

I had to take a break during the middle of my day... Alli and I had to run to Northfiled to get MM food... She brought her camera and took a few photos... Some of them were fantastic! I am only going to share a few - as I don't technically have her permission to post - but she put them on FB last night, so that makes them fair game right? Hopfully she will come back soon and post her own...

Then I came back home and went back to work on my SSP... I was still annoyed with myself over it, so taking that break was good. I managed to finish it last night... Both of the girls LOVE it! There are a couple of things I'd like to tweek on it - but for the most part, I am happy with it too. I am hoping that Alli will take it out on a photoshoot today. If so - I may have pictures for you all later.

I plan to work in my sewing room again today... I want to dig into V's custom a little more. I know I won't finish it today - as I still need to trace the pattern and make a muslin, but I'd like to get that part done - the rest will go smoothly - I hope.

I hope you all have a fantastic day today!

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Here's the link to the post that this photos corresponds with: Day 4 Part A

And all I have for you this day is ONE meesly photo... And it's not a very good one - I debated on posting it at all. But since a good portion of this lazy river ride was devoted to finding this photographer - I figured I better post one... LOL But it's a bad one.

L to R: Alli, Joe (Bernadette's son), Victoria and I

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Well, I guess I am wrapping this TR up much quicker than I thought... It seems this is my last posting of PP photos - the rest are interlaced with in my TR...

So, here's the link to the corresponding post these go with: Day 5 Part A

Just Victoria and I on this one - we rode single rider, remember?

Our Akershus photo:

Mulan was so sweet!

I think this is such a cute pose!

OK and I REALLY like this picture... but I am kind of annoyed that the photographer got the "wall" in the side of the picture... She could have moved us over just a bit and it would have been a great shot... I couldn't crop it out any more with out losing the background. Oh well...

And then this one... LOL Alli kept bumping into my ears, and we were trying to hard to contain our laughter... And seriously - what kind of weird pose is this anyways? Sleeping Beauty?

I do wish they had Photopass Photographers at DTD...

D~

 

[NiniMorris]

If it only took you one hour to rip out three hours of work...consider yourself LUCKY!

When quilting, it takes about one hour to rip out 15 minutes of quilting!


You had it easy! LOL!


Nini

 

[DMGeurts]

If it only took you one hour to rip out three hours of work...consider yourself LUCKY!

When quilting, it takes about one hour to rip out 15 minutes of quilting!


You had it easy! LOL!


Nini

Well - it was 3 hours of ruffling... but since I couldn't use my ruffler - I used my longest stitch, so it was fairly easy to rip out... Just really annoying. LOL But if you think about how long those stitches are, and it took me an HOUR - that is a LOT of work.

D~

 

[cogero]

ripping out things annoys me, I usually wind up ruining things.

I totally love all your pictures.

 

[Clio]

I hate ripping things apart after I make a mistake. Your passport photos turned out well. We never spend a lot of time at the Animal kingdom. It was in the 90's the whole time we were down there. The animals weren't very active that day.
Liz

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

can't wait for the reveal!!!tomorrow?

 

[ladylyons]

Love the pictures with Mulan!! The pose with the hands is cute!! We've only met her once and had a very bad interaction with her. So bad I actually had to file a complaint which I hate doing.

I do like all the other pictures as well. Very Nice!

Can't wait to see pictures of the SSP!!

 

[KatMark]

D, trying to catch up after driving to Dubuque to meet the new grandpuppy and see the kids.

What wonderful Photopass pictures. I especially like the ones with the characters from UP and the one with Mickey and Minnie is outstanding!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Love the PP pictures!

 

[Iamthequeen]

Well! I have a super secret too. So there ----- I should be able to announce it in a few days, maybe....

 

[Skycat]

I must say that I have enjoyed hearing about your adventures, viewing your photos, and getting much needed advice from you. Thank you.

 

[summerw]

I just wanted to let you know... I loved your trip report so much between the bags and your girls that I went back to read your last report. I cannot believe that you had just begun sewing after so many years and were able to create such beautiful things!!!

It gave me the kick in the pants I've been needing. I'm a graphic designer and do mostly layout work, coupons, postcards, brochures. I have steady clients that give me a pretty steady income, but I've always been too intimidated to go out and find new ones in different areas of design.

Your trip report inspired me to start doing research and branching out. I started participating in some sites that do logo contests (designers submit logos and business owners pick their favorite and pay between $150 and $600). Well, I won one of the first contests I entered and have started my own Disneyworld fund, just like you do with your sewing.

Not only did your side-business-that-pays-for-Disney inspire me, but also seeing that you had the confidence to branch out and then became so talented so quickly gave me the push I needed. I know that in the just week and a half I've been working almost constantly I've come a long long way. Thank you so much for putting your story out there. Hopefully I'll make enough to get to Disneyworld again and will see you there so I can ogle your bags in person. Much love to you and your girls. Summer

 

[DMGeurts]

ripping out things annoys me, I usually wind up ruining things.

I totally love all your pictures.

I know - I was very annoyed with myself. Sigh - oh well. Thank you!

I hate ripping things apart after I make a mistake. Your passport photos turned out well. We never spend a lot of time at the Animal kingdom. It was in the 90's the whole time we were down there. The animals weren't very active that day.
Liz

Yes - it was very warm, which is why we only did half days at AK this trip... which totaly bums me out - since this is not normal for us.

can't wait for the reveal!!!tomorrow?

It was supposed to be last night, but my family wanted to watch Iron Man 3 - so... Right away this morning though, I promise.

Love the pictures with Mulan!! The pose with the hands is cute!! We've only met her once and had a very bad interaction with her. So bad I actually had to file a complaint which I hate doing.

I do like all the other pictures as well. Very Nice!

Can't wait to see pictures of the SSP!!

That is such a bummer about your interaction with Mulan.

I am uploading the pictures now.

D, trying to catch up after driving to Dubuque to meet the new grandpuppy and see the kids.

What wonderful Photopass pictures. I especially like the ones with the characters from UP and the one with Mickey and Minnie is outstanding!

Your grandpuppy is so cute!!! And from the photos on Facebook - he seems to love you too!

Love the PP pictures!

Thanks!

Well! I have a super secret too. So there ----- I should be able to announce it in a few days, maybe....

ACK!!!! YOu can't do that to me Tess!!! LOL Hmmmm, what could it be????

I must say that I have enjoyed hearing about your adventures, viewing your photos, and getting much needed advice from you Thank you.

Thanks! I am glad you are enjoying my TR... I love writing them!

I just wanted to let you know... I loved your trip report so much between the bags and your girls that I went back to read your last report. I cannot believe that you had just begun sewing after so many years and were able to create such beautiful things!!!

Welcome! Thank you! I am very impressed that you went back and read my old TR too... That's awesome!

It gave me the kick in the pants I've been needing. I'm a graphic designer and do mostly layout work, coupons, postcards, brochures. I have steady clients that give me a pretty steady income, but I've always been too intimidated to go out and find new ones in different areas of design.

This is way cool! I am so glad you are branching out to discover more sides to your creativity!

Your trip report inspired me to start doing research and branching out. I started participating in some sites that do logo contests (designers submit logos and business owners pick their favorite and pay between $150 and $600). Well, I won one of the first contests I entered and have started my own Disneyworld fund, just like you do with your sewing.

WTG!!!! I am so proud of you - what an amazing accomplishment! And to start your WDW fund! That's awesome too!

Not only did your side-business-that-pays-for-Disney inspire me, but also seeing that you had the confidence to branch out and then became so talented so quickly gave me the push I needed. I know that in the just week and a half I've been working almost constantly I've come a long long way. Thank you so much for putting your story out there. Hopefully I'll make enough to get to Disneyworld again and will see you there so I can ogle your bags in person. Much love to you and your girls. Summer

Thanks! I would love to meet up too, if we ever make it to WDW at the same time! I am glad you are enjoying my reports - I hope you hang around to see the conclusion.

**********************************************************

Yesterday was a pretty fun day for me... But I can't tell you all about it here - it deserves it's own post.

However, I did start off with working on Victoria's first custom for our next trip - I was able to get her muslin made and with a few adjustments to the seam allowance here and there, I should be ready to work on assembling it in my spare time! I am super excited about this - and so is she!

BIG gap in my day here....

Then last night, Josh made pork chops on the grill - NUM!

And we all watched Iron Man 3, it was a great night and a great weekend.

Today, I am starting my next custom order - which is NOT a bag. Just in case, I've scheduled 2 weeks for this order - but I truly doubt it will take me that long. At least I hope not. LOL

Tonight is Zumba...

I hope you all have a fantastic day! Stay tuned for the posting of my Super Secret Project!

D~

 

[nowellsl]

I can't wait!! I'm also curious about your custom that's not a bag !!

I've been following along and enjoying your PP pictures! You really got some great ones!

 

[DMGeurts]

Well, technically - this is #3, but since it's the first one I've posted about - we'll just call it #1.

As you all know, in my spare time, I've been cooking up something fun... I've been a bit cryptic about it, because - well - I was a little unsure of it...

So, when I first started sewing, I saw this gorgeous fabric - and I knew I had to have it... I had no idea what I was going to make with it, as the pattern size was just too big for doll outfits (remember, I used to make those? LOL)... So, it remained folded on my shelf.

So, then when we returned from our trip - Victoria had seen a custom outfit in Disney that she wanted, I put her on the mission of finding a pattern that would work for the above mentioned custom. Since it was a little girl wearing this outfit - we needed something else ~ahem~ something with a bust. So, she looked for days and days, and finally fell in love with a dress she found - which coincidentally - would work perfectly for her custom. Cool!

I went to this pattern maker's website, and low and behold - I found lots of great patterns and dresses that I would LOVE for myself too....

And then I remembered my fabric...

And I remembered Tasha's dress...

And I remembered Brenda's dress...

Hmmmm....

Well, I ordered Victoria's pattern, and then I ordered a couple more for myself... And I still have a few more in my cart that I plan to purchase in the future... It's a slippery slope people, I forsee lots of new dresses in my future.

In the end - I had to upsize the biggest pattern available - which is pretty sad - but, on the plus side... I wound up with the very first dress that fit me properly in my entire life!! How cool is that? An epiphany of sorts... Wow... All of these years, I've been trying to stuff my body into dress clothes that are made for perfectly proportionate people - which I am not.

I had so much fun putting this dress together - and watching these gorgeous fabrics come together into something I just loved....

My only issue was with the bottom of the dress - I am still not 100% happy with that part... It was supposed to have a ruffled bottom, but when I tried it on - it was too ruffly for a grown woman to wear - so I ripped it all out and opted to go with the regular edge.

In the end - I LOVE this dress so much - I may end up making it again in a smaller size - once I get down there. LOL

So, yesterday, I made Alli take me out on a photoshoot.... I apologize to those of you who saw these photos on FB last night, that you have to see them here again today... But I just LOVE how they turned out, there is NO way I could pick just one....

The girls and I started off in a small park downtown by the river...

And then we found this rock... See how tall it is on me?

Then the girls thought it would be a brilliant idea if I SAT on the rock... Hmmm... Now, if I was wearing normal clothes - this would be difficult - in a dress... Well, it was quite comical - to say the least. Alli knelt down, and I (very carefully and trepidiciously) stood on her back... At that point - the rock was waist high, but I still couldn't crawl up there, so she slowly started "elevatoring" me up there - until finally I made it.... PHEW!!!! I didn't even let my mind think about how I was going to get down... LOL

Then we walked further downtown...

And we found another little park - which used to be a parking lot... We took a bunch of pictures here... I love the mural on the wall behind me and how it pops with my dress.

As we were leaving this little park - I decided to stand on the other side of the fence... I really love how these turned out too! And LOOK! I am wearing my hidden Mickey bracelet!

Then we drove over to another park on the other side of town... I really love these pictures too!

I hope you all enjoyed seeing waaaay too many pictures of my new dress. LOL And I told you - it was fun - but it was nothing I would ever make for anyone else, this was just for me.

Now... I am itching for a coordinating bag... Sigh. Hahahaha....

D~

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Such a lovely dress! I love that fabric.

You look fabulous in the photos, and Alli is a really talented photographer.

 

[Tinkercc]

What a beautiful dress!! The fabric is beautiful also. You are so talented!!