~ Aug 2013~ Sew what... We've gotta find a way back! Part I!!

[nannye]

Yipee!

 

[cogero]

Hey D if you want we can go on a trip I just have to bring J wherever I go

 

[solana131]

Yay! For your official ticker!

And Yay! For planning other trips....Disney is the most fun to plan, but any trip is fun. I loved DC and Williamsburg. We went to DC when I was in 7th or 8th grade and I still remember it like it was last year. It was a great vacation for a "learning trip" (as opposed to a beach vacation or something). We stayed at a campground just outside the city and took the train in. Sorry, it was too long ago to remember exactly where and I didn't drive, so I wouldn't remember anyway

Can't wait to see this bag with the unique character we have heard so much about

 

[WDWCP96]

Nini too....

I am not ignoring the rest of you... But I did want to get a rough price quote for the DC trip in the near future... Can you all recommend a good hotel to stay at? Cheap is always good - but I would also like something that is reputible and easy access to all the good stuff - so I realize that cheap might not be in that category.

D~

There are some really nice hotels in Reston by the Metro station and most of those hotels have shuttles that will pick you up at Dulles airport but you would need a car to drive to the metro. In Arlington there is a Holiday Inn by the Rosslyn station that is nice but you would have to fly into Reagan which can be expensive. So it will all depend if you want to rent a car or not. If you rent a car I would say stay in Reston as there are tons of restaurants out there and prices can be lower for hotels as well as flying into Dulles. If you want more help in planning let me know. A lot of it will depend on what airport you fly into, you have 3 to choose from.

 

[DMGeurts]

Chatty ladies this morning... IF I don't start responding now, I will be at this all day tomorrow!

You know...after the girls grow up and away, you can still go to Disney... I still go at least once a year...and Cheryl goes every once in a while!

I'm sure Marianne will let you tag along.... don't worry! We will get you there!

Nini

Whoot!!! I have the BEST Disney friends!

I'm glad you got him to agree to letting you go to Disney. I can see how he'd want you all to go away together too. I agree that Disney is a place where an adult can be a child again. That's what DH and I love about it. We are both so responsible in real life that Disney is such an escape for us. We plan to continue going after our girls grow up. Let me know when you are ready to plan your DC trip. We live about 45 minutes outside the city and I can give you some good tips/ideas. We also went to South Dakota three years ago and it was fabulous! I'd love go back there again too.

Thanks for all your infomation!!! It was very helpful this morning!

Interesting...my quote didn't come with me...


Anyway... I never think about DC as being a fun trip...we lived there for a few years, and after that, the only time we went back was to Walter Reed for my middle son's cancer screenings. I was sooooooo excited when they decided we could do them locally!

It would be like someone wanting to come to my back yard and thinking of it as a fun vacation! LOL! Really hard to imagine!

LOL That's like when people want to come to the MOA.

Sounds like you had a good negotiation. It sounds like a win-win for everyone since you get to plan 3 vacations. I really want to take the kids to DC but I think I will wait until Curtis is a bit older, although I think he would enjoy it the most. We also want to do a trip out west but we think it would be better if the kids were a bit older. Hmm, you've inspired me to research that too. They might be the perfect ages.

Can't wait to see your new bag and I will TRY to wait patiently for your new secret project. I hope it gets you closer to your Disney trip.

Oh - that is my hope too.

I would also love to go to the Hoover Dam someday...

Yeah for getting permission to go to Disney. As for the DC trip you will have to schedule a DISmeet while you are here with me. I hope a code comes up for Spring Break.

For Sure!!!

We want to go to DC but I will most likely pull the kids out for a long weekend at some point because I do not like DC in the summer.

We are also planning Europe at some point and Hawaii.


So happy Josh said yes. Happy planning.

Asked Josh about Hawaii last night - he doesn't want to go there either.

Europe is awesome though!

My son wants to go on a River Boat cruise in Europe....it has been over 25 years since we were there last... he wants to show it to his daughter....

That sounds cool! We want to take a cruise to Amsterdam someday, so we can get off there and visit Josh's brother, wife and her family... Some day!

My advice would be stay outside the city near one of the Metro stations. Most of the hotels around us have free shuttles to and from the metro. I'd say that a great place to stay is the Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg. It has a Marriott, a Springhill Suites and Courtyard Marriott right there in the middle of a large area of restaurants and entertainment and shopping. I'd say that the hotels there would run around $100 per night or a bit more. If you stay down in DC you can easily pay double or triple that amount. The thing to remember about DC though is that except for a Tour Mobile tour which you'd want to do on your first day here, most of the attractions are free. All the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo and the Capitol building are all free. The Metro will cost you about $5 each way per person. I think there are some kinds of special passes that out of town visitors can buy but I'm not sure. It is also a great idea to combine Washington DC with a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. It is about a 5 hour drive to Williamsburg. A lot of people will come and spend 4 days in DC and 3 days in Williamsburg.

For sure Williamsburg - the girls would love that too!

Yeah on the official trip! That is very exciting news for you, now you can really start planning. And love the Sorcerer bag, too cute!

Thanks! I am so excited!

But I don't think you have to worry about when your girls are all grown up. I think they will still want to go.



We we actually thinking of doing DC or Williamsburg for April vacation but the kids nixed that idea. So I think we will be driving to Disney

I loved Williamsburg when I went in HS and would love the kids to see DC but I might wait a few more years when DS4 is just a little older.

I sure hope so! That would be awesome too!

Sightseeing in DC is really heavy on the museums and monuments. I'd think that if you wait until DS is about 8, that would be perfect.

Williamsburg on the other hand is much more interactive and so is Jamestown. We took our girls there for the first time when they were 4 and 5. There was so much hands on stuff for the kids to do. They've been back twice since then and they don't get tired of it. I sewed them "Felicity" dresses when we went the last time and we must have had 25 people ask us where they rented their costumes. If you are driving down to Disney, it isn't far to veer off and spend a day or two in Williamsburg on the way there or home. Once you are around the Richmond beltway, it is around an hour from there to Williamsburg. Of course, what kids don't want to go to Disney if they have a choice though. LOL!

I doubt I could get the girls into a colonial dress, but maybe??? I'd love to try.

So much to catch up on! First, I love how you did the Boo bag. Your creativity never ceases to amaze me! And then you go and post pictures of your Sorcerer Mickey bag. I think this has to be my favourite bag yet. I loved Sorcerer Mickey as a kid and still do.

Second, congrats on getting the go ahead for another trip! I have the go ahead from DH too . . . for 2016! Although, I hope to change his mind on the date. I am hoping to go back again in 2014. Hope you get your code so you can go as planned!


Just say the word and I am there!


Yay for tickers!

Thanks! Once again - let me just say, I have the BEST Dis friends ever!

I hope you get to go in 2014... I may/or may not have a trip in the works for 2014...

for a yes!!! happy you can plan the trip now!

DC is fun - we went back in 1996, stayed in town, but can't remember...Williamsburg is fun too, Megan was 2 1/2 - she called it "Whirlyburg" you'd be close to Busch Garden too!

Awww... cute!

So happy to see that your trip is official now! We talk about DC trips, too, but like others have said, we feel like we should wait until DS is a little older. That will be a great trip for your family! I now realize how lucky I am to have a DH who "gets it" and loves Disney ALMOST as much as I do! And you are blessed to have a hubby that is understanding enough to help you live your Disney dreams even if he doesn't have his own!

BTW~ A thought hit me this morning that made me VERY excited...I started getting Christmas $$$ from a new "source" last year...I may be able to order an even bigger and better SerendipiD~ bag than I had originally planned on!!!

Yes, you are very lucky that your DH gets it! Or should I say "has it"?

Whoot about the bag!! I can't wait to get creative for ya!

Subbing.

WELCOME!

Earlier you said that you have only been sewing for a couple of years? Learning to use a sewing machine is on my bucket list. I've tried several times. The last time was 20 years ago. And the only thing I accomplished was getting my auto insurance terminated.

One night, after sewing class I accidentally backed into my instructor's car.

OK - I am so sorry - but this made me LOL a bit. That really sucks, but I am sure that this incident doesn't have anything to do with your ability to learn to sew. I think you can do it! If I can, anyone can!

I really want to learn to use a sewing machine. Right now, I don't have one. I think I gave it to Goodwill soon after the last sewing disaster. Right now, Crafty is offering a course on how to use a sewing machine. I might just take it. From there, who knows?

Good will is also a good place to get one - most of the time. As long as it works. And a course is a good idea too - I learned on my own, but it would have been nice to have a course to learn from, as well.

I crochet, and I've won blue ribbons for my crocheting. But it takes weeks, or even months, to crochet an article of clothing or a stuffed animal. I've been working on the same Giant Mickey Mouse doll since the beginning of the year. Hoping to get it done by Christmas. It's going to be close.

Crochet is a wonderful talent! It's something I would love to learn some day too.

About five years ago, DH and I along with my Dinlaws spent a week in Williamsburg, and took a day trip to DC. I think it only took about 3 hours from Williamsburg to DC. I really want to spend more time in DC. Maybe after Disney, DH and I may go up there for a week. But that won't be until 2014 at the earliest.

Oh, and I love South Dakota. Of course, you'll visit Mount Rushmore. But take some time out and visit Wall Drug Store. And the Corn Palace.

Oh definately - we'll be driving, so we'll be sure to stop at all these places! Thanks for the reminder!

I think it's great to take a girls only trip. I cannot wait to take one with my DD who is only four. My DH said he wants to go for her first trip but after that I can take her alone. I cannot wait for mommy and Maddie time in Disney. We may never come home

You will LOVE your girls only trip! We really wanted to come home - but we wanted to go back the next day.

Yipee!

WHOOT!

Hey D if you want we can go on a trip I just have to bring J wherever I go

WHOOT!!!!!!!! We're gonna do this!

D~ <--- back to work, almost done!

 

[DMGeurts]

Ok - here's the unique character bag!

I love how this applique turned out!

D~

 

[solana131]

I'm in love! What a great idea....Ray is such a great character

And is it denim??? Love that!

 

[mommy2mrb]

cute! I loved Ray in the movie!

 

[WDWCP96]

What a great bag and for such a unique character. I was trying to guess who it would be and he didn't even come to my mind. I love your creativity.

 

[lovethattink]

Another great bag and what a unique character!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Ray and Evangeline~Brilliance!!! I really this one. Every time you show a new one, I just get more and more confused about what my theme should be. How can I top such freaking awesome themes?!?

 

[PrincessMickey]

I love the new bag!! I always like seeing things with the not so popular characters.

 

[sewmess]

Ray + Evangeline with hidden Louis...beautiful.

Thanks for the pics of your cutting space. That's what I really want/need. I currently cut on the floor(in my hubby's room, which the dog does not usually go in): kind of sewing yoga...Lots of downward dog.

I liked how Josh equated your Disney trips with his hunting trips. I'm with everyone else: thumbs up for three trip planning when all you were asking for was one. Although, Disney makes planning so easy that when you do it yourself, its tough. I find that I tend to look for packages at hotels: room, attraction tickets and/or other discounts.

 

[miprender]

If you are driving down to Disney, it isn't far to veer off and spend a day or two in Williamsburg on the way there or home. Once you are around the Richmond beltway, it is around an hour from there to Williamsburg. Of course, what kids don't want to go to Disney if they have a choice though. LOL!

The only problem with this is it cuts into my Disney time If we decide to drive in the summer we would probably do this to break the driving up.

Ok - here's the unique character bag!

I love how this applique turned out!

D~

♥♥♥♥♥ LOVE IT ♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

[dianemom2]

I doubt I could get the girls into a colonial dress, but maybe??? I'd love to try.

LOL! My girls would never dress in colonial costumes now. But they were only 9 and 10 the last time we went to Williamsburg. I'm hoping to take my younger dd on a short trip during spring break. Williamsburg crossed my mind but my younger dd isn't a huge history buff. It is my older dd who absolutely loves history. My older dd will be on her 8th grade class trip to Europe so I thought it would be nice to do something special with my younger dd. Then the following year when the younger one is on her 8th grade class trip I will do something with the older one.


I love your new bag. I have no idea who that character is though because we've never watched that movie. I guess I really need to get it and watch it. It is one of the few Disney movies that I've never seen. But anyhow the bag and the appliques look fantastic just like usual!

 

[DMGeurts]

I'm in love! What a great idea....Ray is such a great character

And is it denim??? Love that!

Thanks Suzi! Nope, the bag isn't denim... It's navy blue and stitched in bright yellow... I wanted it to have the feeling of the night sky and the stars twinkling in it.

cute! I loved Ray in the movie!

Yah - he was fantastic!

What a great bag and for such a unique character. I was trying to guess who it would be and he didn't even come to my mind. I love your creativity.

Thank you! Yah - Ray is definately unique... I was so worried about doing his smile, but I think it turned out pretty well.

Another great bag and what a unique character!

Thanks Tink~!

Ray and Evangeline~Brilliance!!! I really this one. Every time you show a new one, I just get more and more confused about what my theme should be. How can I top such freaking awesome themes?!?

LOL I get that a lot Oopsi... That's why Chiara just told me to pick everything. LOL You'll find a theme that you love... Have you narrowed it down at all yet?

I love the new bag!! I always like seeing things with the not so popular characters.

Thanks! Yah - he was super fun to do!

Ray + Evangeline with hidden Louis...beautiful.

Thanks for the pics of your cutting space. That's what I really want/need. I currently cut on the floor(in my hubby's room, which the dog does not usually go in): kind of sewing yoga...Lots of downward dog.

THanks and ROFL! Sewing yoga, I am not sure if I could even attempt that?

I liked how Josh equated your Disney trips with his hunting trips. I'm with everyone else: thumbs up for three trip planning when all you were asking for was one. Although, Disney makes planning so easy that when you do it yourself, its tough. I find that I tend to look for packages at hotels: room, attraction tickets and/or other discounts.

Yah - I was poking around a bit yesterday morning for some DC info... WOW... I just don't even know where to begin? Honestly - I would really like to stay in a hotel where we don't have to commute so far to get to all the good stuff... Josh does suffer from PTSD, and driving in traffic tends to trigger it - I'd like to be able to eliminate as much driving for him as possible - at least in congested areas. Not sure if this is possible or not?

The only problem with this is it cuts into my Disney time If we decide to drive in the summer we would probably do this to break the driving up.



♥♥♥♥♥ LOVE IT ♥♥♥♥♥♥

Thanks Michelle!

LOL! My girls would never dress in colonial costumes now. But they were only 9 and 10 the last time we went to Williamsburg. I'm hoping to take my younger dd on a short trip during spring break. Williamsburg crossed my mind but my younger dd isn't a huge history buff. It is my older dd who absolutely loves history. My older dd will be on her 8th grade class trip to Europe so I thought it would be nice to do something special with my younger dd. Then the following year when the younger one is on her 8th grade class trip I will do something with the older one.


I love your new bag. I have no idea who that character is though because we've never watched that movie. I guess I really need to get it and watch it. It is one of the few Disney movies that I've never seen. But anyhow the bag and the appliques look fantastic just like usual!

Thank you! You need to watch that movie - Ray is the best!

Diane - are there any hotels in DC that are closer to the attractions? I am trying to possibly find something where we can not have to drive quite so much? I am not sure how far of a commute it is to get from the hotels you recommended to the museums, but I don't think that public transport would work very well for us? I am not sure? Just wondering if there is anything else around - or an area you recommend that is closer? When looking at travelocity and all the others, it would be nice if they had a map...

I had a great sewing room day yesterday... Obviously, I finished the bag I was working on. I also cut out my next "secret project" and was able to make good progress on it last night... Josh was watching a movie I didn't care to watch, so I snuck back up to my sewing room for a while. I hope to get back up there this afternoon for a bit.

I am taking the girls to Valleyfair today, and stopping on the way to pick up my bff and her dd. We will only stay for a couple hours, but our passes are still good for another month - so I'd like to sneak in a couple more visits. We didn't get to use them as much as I would have liked.

I was sitting in my sewing room yesterday, thinking of my conversation with Josh and how Disney brings me back to my childhood. My dad has had a very hard life, and has worked very hard for very little. I was thinking that it might be fun for him and I to take a trip together to Disney someday... After all, he is much like I am. He has been to MK before - about 10 years ago - when my aunt and uncle lived in FL... but it isn't the same as staying down there. So, it is something I am seriously considering. I also know that he has never flown before... I dunno - it would just be a short trip, because I don't know if I could handle sharing a hotel room with him for very long (we tend to annoy eachother) - but enough to get him down there and for us to enjoy some time together, which we never got to do when I was a child. I guess, if I did something like this - I would really have to take a gander over to the MAW section of the Dis, because my dad has mobility issues, and I am just not sure how all of that would work, between flying and him getting around Disney. I dunno - something I am kicking around... Maybe they'll offer a good bounceback while the girls and I are there?

OK - I better get on with my day and quit rambling.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

D~

 

[dianemom2]

Diane - are there any hotels in DC that are closer to the attractions? I am trying to possibly find something where we can not have to drive quite so much? I am not sure how far of a commute it is to get from the hotels you recommended to the museums, but I don't think that public transport would work very well for us? I am not sure? Just wondering if there is anything else around - or an area you recommend that is closer? When looking at travelocity and all the others, it would be nice if they had a map...
D~

If possible, I would recommend not driving while you are in the DC area. It is very crowded and congested to drive around here. Plus, parking is terrible in DC, especially near the attractions. There is very little parking near the Smithsonian museums and the monuments. The garages that are available can be far from the attractions, expensive and get filled quickly. Many of the buildings on the mall are government buildings so regular people can't park there. Plus, with the White House and all the government buildings around the mall, because of security issues, they closed some of the parking garages that were closer to the museums. The subway here is clean and very safe and not hard to navigate. It is also not crowded if you ride at off peak hours. If you are riding at rush hour, it will be very crowded but still manageable.

That said, if you really want to drive in this area, there are some hotels that are closer to DC but of course the closer you get to the city, the higher the prices go. There are some nice hotels in Alexandria, which is just across the river from DC. There is the Key Bridge Marriott which has great views of DC and is also right across the river. There are also several hotels in Bethesda including a nice Doubletree with a rooftop pool. In DC there are some very nice hotels. I've heard good things about the Hilton Garden Inn that is downtown. Of course there are the the famous hotels like the Hay-Adams or the Willard but they are going to be very expensive. You can also check out the hotels at the National Harbor, which is a new area just south of DC. But I believe that is quite expensive although from time to time, they have some good specials. I think they have a water taxi that goes from there in to the city.

I forgot to say that the idea of going to Disney with your dad sounds nice. After I finished school and started working, my dad and I went to Florida together. It was mostly to visit family but we stopped at Disney for a couple of days. It was so much fun and is a really nice memory for me.

 

[cogero]

Ok - here's the unique character bag!

I love how this applique turned out!

D~

I totally love this. I love Ray and this is one of my new favorite Disney movies. I only saw it a few months ago and am totally in love with it.

Your appliques are flawless.

Yep I can't decide so I told D to do whatever she wants when my name comes up.

 

[Sweetly]

~ LOVE the new bag! My wheels are spinning for an idea on a bag.
~YAY! on the compromise on the trips. I completely understand your time with the girls are short. My DD is off to college next year and I know things will change.
DC is a lot of fun. I lived just outside of DC in Alexandria many years ago. I would suggest staying outside of DC and if you end up driving or with a rental car try to park at/near the metro stations. Driving around DC can be a nightmare. The Metro is a great way to get around!
We have never been to Williamsburg but that is on our Bucket List; along with a few other places.

 

[Shaniyah]

I LOVE the new bag. I especially like how Ray is reaching for the star. I can't remember her name. Anywho awesome bag. I will be breaking out my sewing machine for the first time in YEARS today. Wish me luck!