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

[PrincessMickey]

Love the Stitch bag!!! As much as I like the UPB I'm really liking your messenger bags. I like that it is a bit bigger so a bigger camera can fit!

 

[WDWCP96]

I am not a fan of Stitch but I think that messenger bag is awesome. The interior fabric is perfect. That appliqué looks like it would be difficult.

 

[DMGeurts]

Love the Stitch bag!!! As much as I like the UPB I'm really liking your messenger bags. I like that it is a bit bigger so a bigger camera can fit!

Stay tuned... It might be a while... but Marianne is trying to talk me into designing an insert for my bags that are specifically for DSLRs.

D~

 

[cogero]

Believe it or not, this applique was incredibly difficult, but it turned out really awesome - so I am happy with it.

The interior fabric was found at the famous Mary Jo's Cloth Shop in Charlotte when I was there... And it made the nail biting pilgrimage back to MN in my backpack... Now, I remember Liz telling me that there was a large selection of Hawaiian themed fabric, and bringing me to it to show me, however, I do not remember for certain, if this was one of the actual fabrics she showed me, or if I found this one in the stack on my own. Regardless, I saw it and I knew it was destined to be the inside of this bag.

I have not made a messenger in so long, I'd forgotten how much I enjoy making this pattern.

D~

This is ours and I am not sure I can surrender it to the girl child for her birthday. it is simply fabulous.

 

[Alysa]

Believe it or not, this applique was incredibly difficult, but it turned out really awesome - so I am happy with it.

Believe it or not? It looks so amazing and incredibly, incredibly difficult. I am so in awe of your talent!

 

[mommy2mrb]

stitch turned out cute! love the inside fabric!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Another great bag! I cannot tell you how excited I am to become a proud owner of one of your bags. As we discussed it at the dinner table last night, Brian and the kids were getting excited about it too. I replied to your PM and I actually included the theme I have chosen...

 

[solana131]

That bag is really....wait for it.....rockin!
Yep, I'm a dork....but the bag is really cute.

 

[lovethattink]

What a cute Elvis Stitch!!

 

[dianemom2]

That's a great bag! I love the theme!

 

[rpcvpanama]

Been lurking for awhile but read your whole PTR. Have to say I love your bags. I wanted to weigh in on your DVC discussion. I bought DVC at BLT about 3 years ago. Kinda just jumped into it without visiting first. But I did do lots of research. I bought direct and at the time 160 was the minimum number of points you could buy. I am already looking to add on more points at another resort. Just know that as soon as you buy you will get addonitis...it is a never ending battle!!

I really would suggest that you rent points for your next trip and stay in a studio. Since that is where you are thinking of mostly staying it would be a good idea to see what it is like. I find the studios to be very small. Remember that they have a queen bed and a pull out sofa. Only OKW (or maybe SSR) has 2 queen beds in the studios. I found it difficult to stay with just my sister in a studio, a little too cramped. But definitely try it out first then you will know if studios will work for you in the future when your whole family goes, or really just you and the girls.

Also, your suggested time to go (October) is a very busy DVC time. You will definitely need your 11 month booking window for that time. Popular DVC times do not necessarily align with popular Disney times. But for sure October/November/December are very popular with DVC owners. If you are relying on booking AKV values you will have to own there. Those units a never (well, I have never heard of them being) available at the 7mo. window. Because of their low point value AKV owners book those as soon as the 11 mo. window opens.

I have to say I have had no regrets about buying my DVC. I have been to AKV twice in a savanna view (loved it), BLT once in a studio, and a trip to Aulani in a studio. Have loved all the resorts so far. But now I have a year to wait until I have more points to use!!! Hence the addonitis.

Good luck with your decision. Sounds like you are giving it a lot of thought. Oh, also using points for a disney cruise or ABD is really not a good use of points. Takes way too many points to book those options. Better off paying cash, IMO.

 

[nannye]

He is awesome!

 

[ladylyons]

Another fun bag!! I love how Stitch turned out and love how the material on the inside ties it all together!!

 

[DMGeurts]

All your calculations have my head spinning! When I try and make a decision like this I do go through something similar and set up spreadsheets etc.

We did rent through the rent/trade board on the Dis.

I know - they had my head spinning too... But it was something I really wanted to see for myself... Just how many points I could get away with? And how many I really wanted, and just to see the cost. You would think that you wouldn't need that many more points to do a 1 bedroom most of the time, but I was quite shocked at how many more were necessary. I can totally understand having to do Studios for the years on both sides of the 2 bedroom villa to pay for that one though.

wow that's a lot of math D guess I need to work that all out too to help make my decision!
I'm on the fence whether to buy direct from DVC or resale - ABD is a big perk since we want to take tours from them when Megan graduates highschool and go to Europe....more thinking on my part today!

happy Max is doing better today!

Yes, I really recommend working everything out... At least you know going into it what you need, so they can't talk you into more.

I am on that same fence, as well.

MM is doing much better. Still trying to keep him mellow.

IDK, for what it's worth, I wouldn't think of renting points this go around as "wasting" money, but rather "test driving DVC".


HURRAY for Max improving! Continuing to pray he keeps at it!

Sunshine

Thanks Sunshine, I think you may be right. The more I think about it, the more I really think we should rent a studio from someone - just to make sure. It doesn't even have to be for our whole trip (but it would be nice), even for a few days, so we could just check it out.

Thank you for the prayers, he seems to be doing much better.

Another thing I forgot to mention... at this time and subject to change is DVC does allow you to buy up to 24 one time points at $15/pp for each Use year. You can only book using these points at the 7mths booking but it has come in handy from time to time.

This really helps when you are short a few points.... right now for our trip in April I am short 100 pts I was hoping to book a 2 bed value so my mom could stay in the same room, but like I mentioned earlier you need to know your use year I screwed up and had borrowed too many points that I can not borrow until June 2013 not April

That is interesting, and perfect for the times where you just don't have enough. Do you pay dues on those points, as well? Also, at what point do you pay dues on your banked/borrowed points? When you use them, or during their use year?

That's a bummer... So, can you use your own points, and then transfer some from someone else? Or do they all have to be yours?

Our T, who is. . .4? Maybe?. . .anyway, he has traits of an 18 month old. We know this because we compared notes with our friends with an 18 mo and there were some scary similarities.

But mostly he's just lazy. Unless it's 40 degrees out.

Still, it's wonderful to hear that he's feeling better and maybe even healing!

LOL Yah - it's amazing how human they are.

I know I didn't actually quote all the DVC stuff, but all that figuring that you did, that right there is what's making me wary of jumping into the water - so to speak.

I actually enjoy the figuring part of it... I like looking at how much I can get, and how much of a game it is to budget it out.

I was going to ask you if you used stabilzer on your bag linings, but then went back and looked at the pictures of your quilted pockets and answered my own question. I'm having some wobbliness in my bag's lining and I don't know if it's the vintage cotton I used or that I should have used something to shore it up or my winging it cutting style. I suspect the winging it cutting style. I really need to learn how to measure.

Not usually, unless it's a really awful fabric. Yes, grain is important or you will get wonkiness in your bags and lining.

He does??? Do you know something I know? He didn't hate our Feb trip, but he doesn't want to go back anytime soon. He hates heat, crowds and rides...so no, I wouldn't say he "enjoys" it. He might tolerate it once every 4 or 5 years...

Hmmm... I guess I was wrong, I thought he did? Well, we need to get this figured out - how in the world are we going to "turn" our guys>

Well, maybe we will just have to meet up when and if I ever get to the MOA. I have tried to plan a trip out there for my birthday in June for the past few years but things just never seem to come together. Maybe this next year will work out...

For sure!!! IF you ever come to the MOA - you better let me know, I will be there to stalk you in a heartbeat~!

So glad Max is doing better. Keeping my fingers crossed though, just to be sure

Thank you - me too!

Love the Stitch bag!!! As much as I like the UPB I'm really liking your messenger bags. I like that it is a bit bigger so a bigger camera can fit!

Thanks! Yah - I love the messenger - and it's definately a bigger bag. The girls really liked carrying theirs when we were in WDW, it was the perfect size to carry a pair of flip flops and their ponchos... Who knows what else they had in there?

I am not a fan of Stitch but I think that messenger bag is awesome. The interior fabric is perfect. That appliqué looks like it would be difficult.

Thanks! Yah - I loved the fabric. It was difficult just because the piece I had to applique him on was already stabilized and so HUGE - if he would have been done on a smaller piece, it would have been a much easier applique.

This is ours and I am not sure I can surrender it to the girl child for her birthday. it is simply fabulous.

Yay!!! I am so glad you love it!!! I hope to get it in the mail today! I have to get envelopes while I am in town today - story of my life.

Believe it or not? It looks so amazing and incredibly, incredibly difficult. I am so in awe of your talent!

Awww... thanks!

stitch turned out cute! love the inside fabric!

Thanks, me too!

Another great bag!I cannot tell you how excited I am to become a proud owner of one of your bags. As we discussed it at the dinner table last night, Brian and the kids were getting excited about it too. I replied to your PM and I actually included the theme I have chosen...

I am excited for you!!! I am glad you told me that, or I wouldn't have seen it.

That bag is really....wait for it.....rockin!
Yep, I'm a dork....but the bag is really cute.

ROFL - thanks!

What a cute Elvis Stitch!!

Thanks Tink!

That's a great bag! I love the theme!

Thanks Diane!

Been lurking for awhile but read your whole PTR. Have to say I love your bags. I wanted to weigh in on your DVC discussion. I bought DVC at BLT about 3 years ago. Kinda just jumped into it without visiting first. But I did do lots of research. I bought direct and at the time 160 was the minimum number of points you could buy. I am already looking to add on more points at another resort. Just know that as soon as you buy you will get addonitis...it is a never ending battle!!

WELCOME!!! And thank you.

Hmmmm... I wondered about that add-on-itis... I seem to be getting it with out even purchasing yet.

I really would suggest that you rent points for your next trip and stay in a studio. Since that is where you are thinking of mostly staying it would be a good idea to see what it is like. I find the studios to be very small. Remember that they have a queen bed and a pull out sofa. Only OKW (or maybe SSR) has 2 queen beds in the studios. I found it difficult to stay with just my sister in a studio, a little too cramped. But definitely try it out first then you will know if studios will work for you in the future when your whole family goes, or really just you and the girls.

And that is where I am a bit perplexed. The square footage is bigger than our room at POFQ - and yes we could have used more space, but it worked out OK. The part that concerns me is the bed situation, I just dunno if we could make it work on a pull out couch and a bed. However, even if we were to go up to a 1 bedroom, it would still be a pull out couch and a bed - the only difference is that they are in 2 different rooms and there is the added kitchen/ bigger table. So, I guess that is where I am stumped... The only benefit to the extra room is that my snoring would be in a different room - LOL - and my snoring does' t bother me...

Also, your suggested time to go (October) is a very busy DVC time. You will definitely need your 11 month booking window for that time. Popular DVC times do not necessarily align with popular Disney times. But for sure October/November/December are very popular with DVC owners. If you are relying on booking AKV values you will have to own there. Those units a never (well, I have never heard of them being) available at the 7mo. window. Because of their low point value AKV owners book those as soon as the 11 mo. window opens.

I was worried about this. And I was really thinking that my 11 month booking window would be important at this time.

Can you tell me how the booking windows work? Do they open on a daily basis, or weekly? For instance, if the girls and I are to cancel our upcoming March trip and switch to October 2013 (12-19th) - when would our booking window begin?

I have to say I have had no regrets about buying my DVC. I have been to AKV twice in a savanna view (loved it), BLT once in a studio, and a trip to Aulani in a studio. Have loved all the resorts so far. But now I have a year to wait until I have more points to use!!! Hence the addonitis.

See, and this is what I like about it... It's almost like paying for a portion of your trips in advance. Not only that, but you get to experience some of the best resorts out there.

Good luck with your decision. Sounds like you are giving it a lot of thought. Oh, also using points for a disney cruise or ABD is really not a good use of points. Takes way too many points to book those options. Better off paying cash, IMO.

Thank you very much for chiming in with your opinion, I really appreciate it! Yah, the more I think about it, the more I wonder about ABD and DCL... I would love to take a DCL cruise one day, but I am not sure if that's important enough to me to justify paying 30+% more for the initial cost of the points?

He is awesome!

Thanks Erin!

Another fun bag!! I love how Stitch turned out and love how the material on the inside ties it all together!!

Thanks Sandra!

So, I finished the Stitch bag yesterday - WHOOT! Then I went back to work on my Super-Secret Project... I am very happy with how it is coming along. I am hoping to finish up a good portion of it this afternoon.

This morning, I have to run to town - we need a couple of items around the house. Then, someone came into work a few weeks ago, she didn't know much about her camera, so I was trying to help her out (not that I am an expert in any way)... We got to talking and she was complaining how she can't find anyone to clean her vintage sewing machine... So, I offered to take a look at it and clean it for her. I am headed over there this morning to take care of that... It should be fun!

Then it's back home to have lunch, sew for a bit... Then make dinner. Such a boring life I lead...

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

D~

 

[cogero]

D I am working on a response for you about DVC and our point situation which is not normal and a bit of overkill

C likes the sofa beds though this was the first trip that she slept in an acutal bed but she had to share with J LOL

 

[rpcvpanama]

So, one of the nice things about the newer resorts (AKV, BLT and SSR??) is that the one bedrooms have a sleeper couch and a sleeper chair in the living room. You could, technically, fit 2 on the couch and one on the chair but a little cramped for me. I took a trip with my mother and sister one year and I let my mother have the master and my sister and I stayed on the couch and chair. It worked out fine. Also, those resorts have an extra bathroom in the living room, definitely a benefit with 3 women!! To me the extra points for the one bedroom were worth it. You also get the full kitchen and washer/dryer. We ended up eating breakfast in the room and saving some money that way. We don't tend to eat any other meals in the room but definitely could.

So the 11 month window means you can book your trip (+10 days) at exactly 11 months before your trip. So, if you were traveling Oct 12-19, you would call on Nov 12 and be able to book your entire trip. 7 month window works the same, but you would call on March 12. What people often do is book 11 months at their home resort and call at 7 months to see what is available if you want to try a different resort. Then you cancel your home resort and rebook at the other resort. Pretty easy, generally.

If you are thinking of purchasing direct pick a use year that is later in the year and they will give you 2011 points. So, like getting bonus points. I got that when I purchased and is the reason I was able to take so many trips in the very beginning. So, if you pick a December use year you will get all 2011 points and then on December 1st you will get you 2012 points. I ended up financing my purchase but I know some people use their Disney rewards card to do the purchase and get all those bonus Disney reward points. All sorts of ways to make it work but definitely a faster transaction by going thru DVC.

 

[mommy2mrb]

So, one of the nice things about the newer resorts (AKV, BLT and SSR??) is that the one bedrooms have a sleeper couch and a sleeper chair in the living room. You could, technically, fit 2 on the couch and one on the chair but a little cramped for me. I took a trip with my mother and sister one year and I let my mother have the master and my sister and I stayed on the couch and chair. It worked out fine. Also, those resorts have an extra bathroom in the living room, definitely a benefit with 3 women!! To me the extra points for the one bedroom were worth it. You also get the full kitchen and washer/dryer. We ended up eating breakfast in the room and saving some money that way. We don't tend to eat any other meals in the room but definitely could.

So the 11 month window means you can book your trip (+10 days) at exactly 11 months before your trip. So, if you were traveling Oct 12-19, you would call on Nov 12 and be able to book your entire trip. 7 month window works the same, but you would call on March 12. What people often do is book 11 months at their home resort and call at 7 months to see what is available if you want to try a different resort. Then you cancel your home resort and rebook at the other resort. Pretty easy, generally.

If you are thinking of purchasing direct pick a use year that is later in the year and they will give you 2011 points. So, like getting bonus points. I got that when I purchased and is the reason I was able to take so many trips in the very beginning. So, if you pick a December use year you will get all 2011 points and then on December 1st you will get you 2012 points. I ended up financing my purchase but I know some people use their Disney rewards card to do the purchase and get all those bonus Disney reward points. All sorts of ways to make it work but definitely a faster transaction by going thru DVC.

thanks for the input...I didn't know you could request your use year month on direct sales!

 

[dianemom2]

Thanks Sunshine, I think you may be right. The more I think about it, the more I really think we should rent a studio from someone - just to make sure. It doesn't even have to be for our whole trip (but it would be nice), even for a few days, so we could just check it out.

We got to talking and she was complaining how she can't find anyone to clean her vintage sewing machine... So, I offered to take a look at it and clean it for her. I am headed over there this morning to take care of that... It should be fun!


D~

Since the Sunday through Thursday rentals cost less points maybe you could work it around those days to divide your trip up between a DVC points rental and booking a package with the free dining. I was also wondering how the DVC compares in price to going during a free dining promotion. Is the DVC still better?

How nice that you are going to go and help the woman with her machine.

 

[DMGeurts]

Since the Sunday through Thursday rentals cost less points maybe you could work it around those days to divide your trip up between a DVC points rental and booking a package with the free dining. I was also wondering how the DVC compares in price to going during a free dining promotion. Is the DVC still better?

How nice that you are going to go and help the woman with her machine.

Well, rough figures... If we were to stay at POFQ during free Dining, and pay the exact same way as we did last year (Food, Tickets & room only) - it would cost us a total of $1800 oop for 9 nights.

If we were to stay at DVC, and rent points for 7 nights... Say we were able to get a value studio at akv and points were $11/pt.. The room would cost us $759/week... But we wouldn't qualify for FD, so oop to eat the same meals would be approx $1500 for the week (obviously, we would cancel a lot of our ADRs) And 7 days of tickets - roughly $850.

So, clearly - POFQ wins with a landslide. Once I figured those figures it really puts the cost of DVC into perspective, and as much as I would LOVE to do it, we just don't have that much expendible income to put towards vacationing... A few K per year, sure - for various trips, not exclusively Disney... I dunno - it's a lot!

OK - so those of you with DVC... How do you work your food while in Disney?​

Honestly - I go there to vacation, so cooking - except maybe an english muffin in the morning - isn't going to happen. My above food figures were 1 TS + 1 CS meal per day and a snack... Which really worked out well for us on the dining plan.

D~

 

[solana131]

So, clearly - POFQ wins with a landslide. Once I figured those figures it really puts the cost of DVC into perspective, and as much as I would LOVE to do it, we just don't have that much expendible income to put towards vacationing... A few K per year, sure - for various trips, not exclusively Disney... I dunno - it's a lot!

That's pretty much what I came up with too. It's just too expensive to make that initial jump. I'm sure in the long run it would be better, but we just don't have $20K laying around to put into Disney. I'll make you a deal D....when I win the lottery, I will buy both you and me DVC at the Poly....Deal?

Okay, so now I need to start playing the lottery