Disboutiquers Part 15 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew

[livndisney]

Congratulations on the buttonholes! I was very intimidated at the thought of making them until late last year. I made 100+ coffee cup wraps in a few weeks and used a button as the closure. After making so many buttonholes in a short period of time, I got over my fear... mostly. I still have trouble getting them placed evenly at times. Oh, I also found out how easy it is to sew buttons on with my machine so now I look for buttons with holes through them rather than the kind on a shank like I used to prefer. Technology really can be a friend... if sometimes an uncooperative one.

I'm sorry Morgan had a rough time recently. It's so hard as a mom when these things happen. Zoe went through a rough patch in February about being so different than most of the others at school. One night at bedtime she started telling me that she didn't have any friends in school. I asked a few questions and eventually she said she felt like it was because she's African American. We talked a little as I tried to find out if there were any specific situations that made her feel that way. The next day was not a good one at school for Zoe and she was sent to the principal's office for her behavior (mostly, I think, because she hadn't slept well the night before). I let her teacher and the principal know what Zoe had told me so they could be aware to watch for any issues but I also learned to not have emotionally charged discussions with Zoe at bedtime. She is so much more likely to exaggerate a problem or situation. If she brings something up, I'll do what I can to comfort her but I don't get into serious discussions until the next day. By then she's usually able to put things into perspective so we can address what really is a problem.

Oh we just did this the other night. Morgan is usually begging to go to bed at 8pm. But she was still awake at 1 am. Because she was trying to remember China. Nevermind asking the person in the next room to help you! So we have a VERY lively discussion. I honestly have no idea what I said but it must have been the right thing because she has been happier since. We did sort out some things. And I am not such a "bad" person anymore. She had actually convinced herself that I wanted her to forget China. Yeah umm, I am not the one fighting with her to get her to go to Chinese school, not the one that shows her pics of China, speaks Chinese to her, chinese clothes, food-yeah I want her to forget LOL

WOW that felt good to let all that out LOL

 

[emcreative]

Oh we just did this the other night. Morgan is usually begging to go to bed at 8pm. But she was still awake at 1 am. Because she was trying to remember China.

(((hugs)))

We already have talks about what to say when our boys ask us about their birth parents. We don't want to be negative, but we don't want to sugar coat either. One we're okay on, but the other...

There's always hoping they won't ask until they are adults, but I'm not counting on it.

 

[LisaZoe]

Oh we just did this the other night. Morgan is usually begging to go to bed at 8pm. But she was still awake at 1 am. Because she was trying to remember China. Nevermind asking the person in the next room to help you! So we have a VERY lively discussion. I honestly have no idea what I said but it must have been the right thing because she has been happier since. We did sort out some things. And I am not such a "bad" person anymore. She had actually convinced herself that I wanted her to forget China. Yeah umm, I am not the one fighting with her to get her to go to Chinese school, not the one that shows her pics of China, speaks Chinese to her, chinese clothes, food-yeah I want her to forget LOL

WOW that felt good to let all that out LOL

I'm used to hearing how mean and rude I am on a daily basis. I've also been told I ruined her life and she wants to go back to live with her birth parents. I've tried to gently explain that she never lived with them but she insists she did... and remembers how wonderful life was. I gave up trying to point out that infants not yet a month old really don't form memories like that so even if she had lived with them, it's unlikely she'd remember. Silly me for trying to be logical.

(((hugs)))

We already have talks about what to say when our boys ask us about their birth parents. We don't want to be negative, but we don't want to sugar coat either. One we're okay on, but the other...

There's always hoping they won't ask until they are adults, but I'm not counting on it.

Zoe has asked about why her birth parents 'didn't want her'. I know a little about their situation and have tried to explain things to her. I don't want to make them into martyrs but I also don't want to make them into villains. Now that Zoe is older, I think she's beginning to understand that they were really just not ready for a baby (or a second one). It's hard, though, since she knows she has a half-brother who does live with her birth mother.

 

[ibesue]

WE GOT OUR ADOPTION DATE!​

August 7th at 9am!!

Then, I realized the girls are most likely going to be on vacation with their biodad, and he WON'T reschedule anything for us...so we might have to reschedule.

YAY!!! But sorry it comes with conditions. I hope it all gets done very soon!!! You are in my prayers.

That's what I was thinking. Often the main difference between one size and the next isn't the waist but the length. I was thinking that since the waist is elastic, the seamstress will only need to pick the length that is right and cut the elastic to the length needed. I've seen comments on this thread from people frustrated when they make something in a size they thought was right but found out it's not long enough. Some commercial patterns list finished length of garments but not all do. Also, since sizing can vary so much depending on brand and style, it sometimes feels like a guessing game to get something strictly based on the size.

I don't think I've shared my 'cheater' method for applique on tees yet. I'm always worried I'll ruin a tee as I applique (it's happened a couple times). Also, I have problems with my wrists and found that it's hard for me to wrestle with moving the tee shirt around as I applique. I decided to try doing the applique on a separate piece of fabric (a lightweight woven cotton) then add fusible to the back and attach to the tee.

The tee I made for Mya's Big Give was done that way as was the Jasmine tee I did for an earlier Big Give. I assembled the applique pieces onto the base fabric then appliqued as I would normally except I don't applique the outer edges. Once I had the applique done, I ironed fusible to the back of the base fabric and cut it to the shape I wanted then fused it in place on the tee. For Jasmine, I added the gold pieces for the 'frame' and satin stitched around it. For Tink I fused the oval and did a looser satin stitch around the edge of the oval. Since I planned to cover the edge with ricrac, I mostly used the satin stitch to keep the edges neat rather than for a finished look. Here are photos of those tees.

Anyway, I thought I'd mention this as I've found it works really well for most applique designs to be added to purchased tees. If my applique doesn't work out, I haven't wasted the tee. Also, depending on how the applique is stitched to the tee, it's pretty easy to remove the applique and move it to a new tee - such as if the original tee is too small or stained. The tees below I did on base fabric as described above except I DID stitch around all edges of the applique. I then trimmed the base fabric leaving a narrow margin of it around the finished applique. I used a tight straight stitch to attach the applique following the outer line of the applique (I used thread that matched the base fabric). I wanted the edges of the base fabric to be able to fray a little so I cut the fusible so it went just past the edge of the applique stitching but left the base fabric margin mostly loose. However, the fusible could go all the way to the edge and the edge could be satin OR basic zigzag stitched to secure it in place.

Note: The applique are IS a bit stiffer than if it had been stitched directly onto the tee but really not that bad.

BTW - something for people who don't applique to consider is resell tees that are well appliqued but might have problems with the tee itself, i.e holes or stains. You can cut around the applique leaving a narrow edge of the old tee then do as I described above to fuse and stitch to a new tee. I've done that for a couple ladies who had tees their kids had outgrown but had worn very little - if at all.​

Wow, great info on the T's!!! I wish someone would have told me that before I struggled and struggled to learn how to do T's!

You know for skirts I only need the length. I usually use pretty much the same numbers for most sizes. My top layer is 44" (or one width of fabric) 2nd row is 1.5-2 times longer, third row is 1.5-2 times the length of the 2nd row. And so on! Then I just put in elastic to size and I am finished! Obviously that doesn't work on tiny and larger sizes, but it sure works well for all of my DGD's!

Yes, that's what I use. It's pretty easy to peel an applique off a tee once the stitching is removed. Usualls enough 'stick' left that I don't need to put more fusible on to move to another tee. I first thought of moving an applique when I made a 100th day of school tee for Zoe. I didn't like to think of all the work that went into something worn just once. I actually ended up putting it on a tee that she'd just about outgrown, too, so I didn't feel like I was 'wasting' a tee. Yup, I'm that cheap.

Oh, speaking of the tee, I thought it came out really cute. Zoe liked my letter 'monsters' that I'd done on tees and asked if they could be more girly. I added the crowns with jewels, eyelashes, 'lipstick' and nail/claw polish and we were good.

I love those T's too!

I only use that term because, sadly, that's really what he is. He only makes 33% of the scheduled visits with the kids. He's over $1k behind in child support because he took time off work for a TUMMY TUCK. And for Hannah's birthday (he actually SAW her on that day), he didn't even make her a card let alone get her a gift or even make her dinner or a cake (she got to pick if they went through the McD's or BK drive through...so stupid!)

Not that I'm cranky or bitter or anything... But my husband is their dad.

Well just don't remind him he is suppose to have the girls on the adoption day! And they know who their real dad is and that is what is important. And tummy tuck?????

Well I finally got my pictures downloaded from vacation. Here is one of DH and me.

OMGosh what a neat picture!! I love it!

That is cute! I wish I had a way to get your designs from my computer to my machine. Being limited to 4" x 4" I know I'd have fewer options but I really want to expand my options for embroidery. I was thinking, though, that it would be fun to have my monster letters digitized small enough to do a full name on a tee or a bit larger for down a pant leg. Of course I'd first need to complete the monster alphabet.

Well, when you are finished with your alphabet, I bet we know someone who can digitize them!!

NO, no news. Just hanging out contracting and waiting and walking and cleaning and contracting.

I have GREAT news!!!!! THE Carla C is going to be in my neck of the woods this week and I can NOT wait to meet her!!! Of course that is if I am not in labor...and if I am she can still come visit(we usually have a bleacher section anyway) LOL. Of course I'm already worried about what Little will wear to meet her LOL.

Wow, you are a lucky ducky!!! It gives you a great thing to look forward too!!

And there is still another way to start those contractions!

First buttonhole on this machine. I go to extreme measures to not have to do button holes. It took me like 10 miniutes to do three. So I see more button holes in my future LOL

ok, I have to share. Morgan has been a little ummmm "difficult" (Yes HeatherSue I KNOW you have a hard time believeing that). But being sick and some adoption stuff has made her not such a fun person. Anyway, I posted a few days ago the Dalmation necklace I made. I gave it to her today and told her to put it in away. She asked if she could try it on. LOL And then wore it until bedtime. I just peeked in on her....... she hung it from her mirror so it is the first thing she sees in the morning.

Congrats on the button hole! I am sorry some things have been bothering her. I am happy she loves her Dalmatian necklace!

Totally coming on here to vent a little........

My Mother-In-Law called this weekend and asks me if my DH told me about her diaper bags. What diaper bags??? Oh, she is sending me two diaper bags that she made and wants me to sell them for her on ebay. I'm kind of frustrated with this. First of all, I have three kids......where am I supposed to get the time to do this? She has a son and a daughter living in the same town as her, why send them to me 600+ miles away? And really, I guess it won't hurt me to do it for her (and since they are in the mail I have to do it). But truthfully, she usually doesn't have the best of taste so I am worried about her fabric combos. I am thinking of putting them on etsy but I've never sold on etsy before. Anyway, just annoyed. I know it's no big deal but for some reason it bugs me!

The second thing is my DH. We have discussed going away on vacation, just the two of us for a week in August. My parents have a home in Naples and that's probably where we are going to go. Anyway, at the beginning of the month my Mom ended up in the hospital with what they thought at the time was some heart problems. So we decided to put our vacation plans on hold since my parents were going to stay with our girls. Anyway, last week (after wearing a heart monitor since June 7th) the doctor decided what really caused my Mom to be sick was probably a virus since she had no blockage (she had a cardiac catheterization while in the hospital) and the heart monitor hadn't detected any abnormalities. So I talk to my parents tonight and they agree to come and watch the girls. Anyway, I'm talking to my DH on the phone tonight (he's once again traveling) and tell him that we can move forward with our plans. He says, he does't know now if he can, he's got stuff going on with work . Really frustrated since he was just supposed to put our plans on hold, not scrap them all together. And we haven't been on a vacation together in 7 years (by ourselves anyway, we've gone with the girls). So now I'm sure that our trip will be cancelled....

Sorry to vent!

I am sorry you might not go on a nice little vacation with just you two. I still haven't been on a trip with just my DH and I in at least a decade! Now I think we might do something this summer!

Congratulations on the buttonholes! I was very intimidated at the thought of making them until late last year. I made 100+ coffee cup wraps in a few weeks and used a button as the closure. After making so many buttonholes in a short period of time, I got over my fear... mostly. I still have trouble getting them placed evenly at times. Oh, I also found out how easy it is to sew buttons on with my machine so now I look for buttons with holes through them rather than the kind on a shank like I used to prefer. Technology really can be a friend... if sometimes an uncooperative one.

I'm sorry Morgan had a rough time recently. It's so hard as a mom when these things happen. Zoe went through a rough patch in February about being so different than most of the others at school. One night at bedtime she started telling me that she didn't have any friends in school. I asked a few questions and eventually she said she felt like it was because she's African American. We talked a little as I tried to find out if there were any specific situations that made her feel that way. The next day was not a good one at school for Zoe and she was sent to the principal's office for her behavior (mostly, I think, because she hadn't slept well the night before). I let her teacher and the principal know what Zoe had told me so they could be aware to watch for any issues but I also learned to not have emotionally charged discussions with Zoe at bedtime. She is so much more likely to exaggerate a problem or situation. If she brings something up, I'll do what I can to comfort her but I don't get into serious discussions until the next day. By then she's usually able to put things into perspective so we can address what really is a problem.

Big hugs to Zoe! But good to know not to talk about things at night. She has to process things too.

Oh we just did this the other night. Morgan is usually begging to go to bed at 8pm. But she was still awake at 1 am. Because she was trying to remember China. Nevermind asking the person in the next room to help you! So we have a VERY lively discussion. I honestly have no idea what I said but it must have been the right thing because she has been happier since. We did sort out some things. And I am not such a "bad" person anymore. She had actually convinced herself that I wanted her to forget China. Yeah umm, I am not the one fighting with her to get her to go to Chinese school, not the one that shows her pics of China, speaks Chinese to her, chinese clothes, food-yeah I want her to forget LOL

WOW that felt good to let all that out LOL

Aww, I am sorry Morgan is having problems with China too. My DD is 1/2 Chinese too (but she is mine, my DH is Chinese) and we always did what we could to let her know about her heritage. She even had a Chinese Barbie and a Ginny doll!​

 

[Tykatmadismomma]

I decided to totally do what I keep talking about and have FUN FLUFFY clothes for our upcoming trip- and Hubby is playing along (as long as the shirt is black, lol!)! I thought you all might get a chuckle about what we're wearing to the parks! (I did not sew the clothes, and thank you Heather Sue for your AWESOME appliques!!)

Star Wars Day:
My Imperial Dress:

Hubby's Shirt:

Up Day:
My Up Dress:

Hubby's "UP"

Second "UP" Day!
My Grape Soda Dress:

I love your dresses and DH's shirts, I was going to say I cant get my DH to dress up but then I looked at my pics from over the years.

 

[PrincessKell]

Well I finally got my pictures downloaded from vacation. Here is one of DH and me.

that is beautiful! what a lovely couple you two make!

I decided to totally do what I keep talking about and have FUN FLUFFY clothes for our upcoming trip- and Hubby is playing along (as long as the shirt is black, lol!)! I thought you all might get a chuckle about what we're wearing to the parks! (I did not sew the clothes, and thank you Heather Sue for your AWESOME appliques!!)

Star Wars Day:
My Imperial Dress:

Hubby's Shirt:

Up Day:
My Up Dress:

Hubby's "UP"

Second "UP" Day!
My Grape Soda Dress:

awwh look what a fantastic job! Where did you get those dresses? I like them. they look like they would hang well. So cute.

 

[NiniMorris]

So sorry to hear of all the problems everyone is hving with their little ones on the adoption issue. I guess we are lucky on that one. The oldest is 9 and vaguely remembers her bio mom, but not in a good way. The youngest is 7, but has no memories prior to his accident (and is emotionally a 3 year old) and doesn't remember EVER having a biomom (of course he was 6 months old when he came to live with us.)

The older one was having a discussion with me one day about her bio mom. She refers to her as our 'old mom'. My youngest looked strange and then after a long thught, made the announcement that we didn't have an old mom...she had her hair colored and now she is young!

They both have a lot of questions as to why their last name is different than ours (adoption has been on hold for YEARS!!!) but they just tell everyone they are Alley-Morris. They thinkit is cut to have a hyphenated name! (and since my maiden name is Alley it gets really confusing!)

They are bi-racial, so when they were in public school there were LOTS of problems. But the older one always describes herself as 'chocolate' and doesn't really have many questions about how come she is a different color than us...only that when she grows up she hopes she get long straight blonde hair like her older sister (26)!

Good luck and good wishes to all those wonderful mommies who get lucky enough to have children born in their hearts! Just know that bio moms have problems like that with their bio kiddies as well.....(the stories I could tell would make you decide to NEVER have kids...but they all turned out great!)

Nini Morris

 

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Wow! Some great stuff posted yesterday!
Love the Hollywood studio dress! It is hard to think of a custom for that park!

Lisa, your new skirt looks awesome! Of course I would have to attatch it to a bodice for Leighanna, she likes to wear them under her belly too!

Cindee, Leighanna was just talking about Morgan to me yesterday! She says that she is her friend, and wants to go back to Disney to ride the rides with her again. She loves that girl! She also wanted me to mention to tell her she said "Hi!". Can't leave out that important detail!

 

[NiniMorris]

I warn you...I almost decided not to post this here...but I think good sense left and I'm putting it out for the world to see anyway...

I was at my DIL's last night helping with her second dress (still really green on the way the sewing machine works but is full of ideas - got to encourage that!) I was watching and playing with my little angelic 2 year old grand daughter...you know the kind...will NEVER be able to do wrong in her grandmother's eyes...

She, DGD2, decided she wanted me to take her potty. Being the dutiful grandmother I sat in there with her while she ...er ...went #2. (yes we have several 'potty' songs we sing to keep her occupied and on the potty. She is very impatient!) All of a sudden, she jumps up and looks to view her ...um progress. And starts screaming "Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse!!" I thought she was refering to the fact we ae using the bribe...I mean reward...of a trip to Disney if she completes potty training before we go. (to be honest she is going regardless, but she doesn't have to know that!)

Nope, she was refering to the shape of her ...er..um..the 'results' of what was in her potty! Yup...a Mickey Head!!!!

You can tell she is from me!

Nini Morris

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Okay first of all I hate my sister, she is going with us to Disney World, and was looking at all the outfits I made for Taylor.... We were talking about making us a few matching Ts or tank tops. Well she is holding up Taylor's animal kingdom skirt and saying she wanted one.... I joked it looked like Taylor's would fit her, low and behold she put it on and it fit (it's a little short, but it fit! My 3 year old's skirt fit her! Then she wears one of my old bikinnis this weekend (which I guess rubbed it in that a 3 year old's skirt would have fit me pre Taylor). I so hate her, not really but dang I need to get on a diet. Anyhow...she decided she wants a matching skirt for animal kingdom, I will probably make it a little longer even though she is doing to wear tights or leggings or whatever they are called.

Here she is in the skirt:

Here was Taylor in the skirt:

So I guess I have another one to make!

I also finished another Hollywood Studios outfit for Taylor today. She is wearing this one for dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby.

Looks like I still have a few loose threads I need to get to... but you get the idea.

I love the Hollywood outfit! That is adorable. I need to get HeatherSue's designs. So Cute! And not a lot of thread changes. . .

Here is my latest! I am pretty proud of it! I have to thank Jessica for all her help and her telling me I could do it! Oh and it is a total case of er famous shirts!

Here are some pics from the Harry potter exhibit we went to. I couldn't take any inside
Waiting to go in

My 3 kids playig with a water exhibit at the museum

Ok off to finish uploading my pics from Atlanta AG and meeting Jessica! Oh and catching up on this thread.

Love the Jedi Mickey shirt! What museum did you visit? Was it here in Atlanta?

Well, let me tell everyone about my weekend. I always complain about not having enough time to sew because I work full time, well saturday I fell at the bank, broke my right ankle and sprained my left knee. So I am out of commission for a while, but here's the bright side, I HAVE MORE TIME TO SEW. I have my followup with the ortho dr. this afternoon, and we will see then if I need surgery, hopefully not. But today while at home I have already cut out the sophie tunic pattern and I am getting ready to cut out the sewsensible faith double layer dress top for Maddie's fourth of july top. Plus I need to finish off the wrap top dress but looks like time will be on my side. Have a great day everyone, looks like I will be able to post a little more often.

Ouch! I hope it heals up quickly.

I finally uploaded our trip pics. Sorry for all the pics I can't just pick one.
Nikki at the IL airport dressed to match her AG doll

Mema out side of AG in Atlanta

Eating with matching outfits I made. They where amazing with her Celiac Gluten free Diet!
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n80/mtroy_2006/
Off to meet Jessica!

[IMG]http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n80/mtroy_2006/IMG_1278.jpg

I love this picture! All the kids got along so well!
Jessica and I couldn't stop talking. We had so much fun. Her stuff is even more amazing in person.

Looks like you had a lot of fun. But it sure was hot here last week. *Your DD looks a lot like you*

 

[KarenW]

I warn you...I almost decided not to post this here...but I think good sense left and I'm putting it out for the world to see anyway...

I was at my DIL's last night helping with her second dress (still really green on the way the sewing machine works but is full of ideas - got to encourage that!) I was watching and playing with my little angelic 2 year old grand daughter...you know the kind...will NEVER be able to do wrong in her grandmother's eyes...

She, DGD2, decided she wanted me to take her potty. Being the dutiful grandmother I sat in there with her while she ...er ...went #2. (yes we have several 'potty' songs we sing to keep her occupied and on the potty. She is very impatient!) All of a sudden, she jumps up and looks to view her ...um progress. And starts screaming "Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse!!" I thought she was refering to the fact we ae using the bribe...I mean reward...of a trip to Disney if she completes potty training before we go. (to be honest she is going regardless, but she doesn't have to know that!)

Nope, she was refering to the shape of her ...er..um..the 'results' of what was in her potty! Yup...a Mickey Head!!!!

You can tell she is from me!

Nini Morris

At least you didn't take a picture .... or did you?!?! That is so funny!

 

[snubie]

I warn you...I almost decided not to post this here...but I think good sense left and I'm putting it out for the world to see anyway...

I was at my DIL's last night helping with her second dress (still really green on the way the sewing machine works but is full of ideas - got to encourage that!) I was watching and playing with my little angelic 2 year old grand daughter...you know the kind...will NEVER be able to do wrong in her grandmother's eyes...

She, DGD2, decided she wanted me to take her potty. Being the dutiful grandmother I sat in there with her while she ...er ...went #2. (yes we have several 'potty' songs we sing to keep her occupied and on the potty. She is very impatient!) All of a sudden, she jumps up and looks to view her ...um progress. And starts screaming "Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse!!" I thought she was refering to the fact we ae using the bribe...I mean reward...of a trip to Disney if she completes potty training before we go. (to be honest she is going regardless, but she doesn't have to know that!)

Nope, she was refering to the shape of her ...er..um..the 'results' of what was in her potty! Yup...a Mickey Head!!!!

You can tell she is from me!

Nini Morris

That is too funny!

 

[littlepeppers]

I warn you...I almost decided not to post this here...but I think good sense left and I'm putting it out for the world to see anyway...

I was at my DIL's last night helping with her second dress (still really green on the way the sewing machine works but is full of ideas - got to encourage that!) I was watching and playing with my little angelic 2 year old grand daughter...you know the kind...will NEVER be able to do wrong in her grandmother's eyes...

She, DGD2, decided she wanted me to take her potty. Being the dutiful grandmother I sat in there with her while she ...er ...went #2. (yes we have several 'potty' songs we sing to keep her occupied and on the potty. She is very impatient!) All of a sudden, she jumps up and looks to view her ...um progress. And starts screaming "Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse!!" I thought she was refering to the fact we ae using the bribe...I mean reward...of a trip to Disney if she completes potty training before we go. (to be honest she is going regardless, but she doesn't have to know that!)

Nope, she was refering to the shape of her ...er..um..the 'results' of what was in her potty! Yup...a Mickey Head!!!!

You can tell she is from me!

Nini Morris

Priceless. You need a VISA commercial for that one.

 

[littlepeppers]

I have the Disney Brother Embreoidery machine & the quality of the stuff isn't great. I don't know if it is the capability of the machine or the programing for the pics.

I hope it is the programming for the pics. I have the card thing to download from the interned, but I've never used it. I've had it for 1 1/2 yrs now. Shame on me. I think it is time to read the instructions & get moving on that.

 

[disneygirlsanddrew]

Here was Taylor in the skirt:

I also finished another Hollywood Studios outfit for Taylor today. She is wearing this one for dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby.

Oh my goodness!!! All of the stuff you have been making is so cute! I was just checking out your blog and I can't believe you just started recently sewing!!!! Did you teach yourself or take lessons? Also, what embroidery machine do you have? I have been teaching myself with Carla C's patterns and keep telling my DH that I NEED and embroidery machine after seeing all of the things you all have been making!

I can't believe how quickly you have been making everything. Also, what pattern did you use for your AK skirt? Is it one of Carla's?

Thanks for the help!

 

[littlepeppers]

I thought that I was doing a good job of babysitting my embroidery, but a small piece of the back escaped me.

That's ok. I will not cry, I will not shout, I will simply cut it out. (too much cat in the hat)

I think I will try to straight stitch it on another shirt. I should have listened & done it on another material & went w/ the straignt stitch to the tshirt method. Always in a hurry & look how behind it makes you look.

You all are the best. Love everyone's stuff, but too scatter brained to comment on all of them. I hope your skills and ideas continue to flow here & hopefully rub off on me some.

Not crying. Going do laundry & pick up the meat from the grocery store. Acting like nothing every happened. DS & DH are coming home soon from camping. I need to look like I've been cleaning house & stuff like that.

 

[NiniMorris]

At least you didn't take a picture .... or did you?!?! That is so funny!

No pictures from me....however I do believe Mommy might have taken a few. Daddy wasn't home yet and she wanted him to see it!

That's my baby! Er..big girl!

Nini

 

[TravelinGal]

quick post for those who sell their things on ebay/etsy etc... Saw this article about colors from a sewing forum and thought it was interesting. One doesn't always think about the webpage colors...

http://sew-whats-new.com/group/etsysellers/forum/topic/show?id=2031451:Topic:68593&xgs=1

 

[minnie2]

How long would you need the skirt? Since I'm still working out the details on this, I could see about including a few longer lengths.

My initial thought was 19 inches because that is the length of her petti's then I went and measured her from waist to knee and she is 16 inches.
So I wonder why her Pettis are 19 and fit perfect..
I have seen several things for tweens that are 19 inches and I really think that skirt would be great for tweens too.

ATTENTION! THOSE IN NEED OF RUFFLE INSTRUCTION!
I just got this week's Martha Pullen newsletter in my email box. There was this ruffling tip:

GATHERING IDEA FROM MARIA FROM UPSTATE NEW YORK
When I need to gather fabric, especially when adding a full skirt to a little dress, this is what I do instead of 2 sets of running stitches:
I attach a button to one side of a long heavy piece of DMC thread and place the thread just above the seam line. Then I zigzag over it so that the bottom of the zigzag is at the seam line (so I don't have to remove it). When I gather, the thread never breaks, and I can pull out the DMC when I've put the first basting stitches into the seam. Works great, and the button keeps the thread from pulling in while I gather. It also helps when I pull out the DMC thread. Plus – I can use it again!


I had read different variations, but I don't know that I've ever heard of using a button to help pull in the gathers. Thought this might help someone!

Very clever! Thanks for posting! Stupid question what is DMC thread??

Wait...you're supposed to be off having the T-Baby, what are you doing on the computer?!?!? (And aren't you SICK of people bugging about whether you've had the baby yet or not?)

I only use that term because, sadly, that's really what he is. He only makes 33% of the scheduled visits with the kids. He's over $1k behind in child support because he took time off work for a TUMMY TUCK. And for Hannah's birthday (he actually SAW her on that day), he didn't even make her a card let alone get her a gift or even make her dinner or a cake (she got to pick if they went through the McD's or BK drive through...so stupid!)

Not that I'm cranky or bitter or anything... But my husband is their dad.

I am sorry her biodad is being so selfish.
It is so nice to here how she has her step dad to show her what a good dad is! YOu have a good man there!

Well I finally got my pictures downloaded from vacation. Here is one of DH and me.

What a nice picture! Such gorgeous scenery!

I know where you can get a machine applique of a cutie Esmerelda for a matching shirt!

Have you seen the October Dismeet thread? It looks like you'll be there at the same time as some of the other Disboutiquers!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2205560

I love your em designs! They just make me smile theya re so sweet! I may stitch out the Walt and Mickey today and tuck it away until I can find a T shirt for me to put it on!

I am so sad that I am going to miss you all at WDW!

First buttonhole on this machine. I go to extreme measures to not have to do button holes. It took me like 10 miniutes to do three. So I see more button holes in my future LOL

ok, I have to share. Morgan has been a little ummmm "difficult" (Yes HeatherSue I KNOW you have a hard time believeing that). But being sick and some adoption stuff has made her not such a fun person. Anyway, I posted a few days ago the Dalmation necklace I made. I gave it to her today and told her to put it in away. She asked if she could try it on. LOL And then wore it until bedtime. I just peeked in on her....... she hung it from her mirror so it is the first thing she sees in the morning.

YAY on the button hole!
Sorry Morgan is having a rough time.
That is so sweet about the necklace!

NO, no news. Just hanging out contracting and waiting and walking and cleaning and contracting.

I am tired today though. Very tired. I am NOT so tired of people asking about the baby as I am of WAITING!!! I could've waited patiently NOT in labor but this early labor stuff is Killing me!! If I would've stayed w/ my OB I probably would have been induced already b/c he wanted to induce me a week early. But that is actually one of the reasons why I changed to a midwife. That and my utter disdain for the hospital here. And wanting to have a non invasive birth w/out all the fluorescent lights and beeping machines and such. I know it's all going to be worth it in the end but it is tiring me out LOL

I have GREAT news!!!!! THE Carla C is going to be in my neck of the woods this week and I can NOT wait to meet her!!! Of course that is if I am not in labor...and if I am she can still come visit(we usually have a bleacher section anyway) LOL. Of course I'm already worried about what Little will wear to meet her LOL.

Sorry youa re so Tired T but SOON you will ahve that baby in your arms!
I had a midwife with Nik and I loved her we did have her in a hospital but it was set up like a birthing center with no bright lights and looked like a bedroom not a hospital room. The MW was alla bout letting things go naturally but pushing things along when need be which I Loved.
then with Kyle I had a MW too the one I had with Nik ended up on vacation when I went in to labor with him she tried to get Kyle out but he was too lazy and well the mw with him sounds like your MW and I swear I said 100 times during labor next time I want a dr who will just give me meds and get this baby out! Looking back I am happy I didn't do that. I am sure you will feel the same way soon.

Totally coming on here to vent a little........

My Mother-In-Law called this weekend and asks me if my DH told me about her diaper bags. What diaper bags??? Oh, she is sending me two diaper bags that she made and wants me to sell them for her on ebay. I'm kind of frustrated with this. First of all, I have three kids......where am I supposed to get the time to do this? She has a son and a daughter living in the same town as her, why send them to me 600+ miles away? And really, I guess it won't hurt me to do it for her (and since they are in the mail I have to do it). But truthfully, she usually doesn't have the best of taste so I am worried about her fabric combos. I am thinking of putting them on etsy but I've never sold on etsy before. Anyway, just annoyed. I know it's no big deal but for some reason it bugs me!

The second thing is my DH. We have discussed going away on vacation, just the two of us for a week in August. My parents have a home in Naples and that's probably where we are going to go. Anyway, at the beginning of the month my Mom ended up in the hospital with what they thought at the time was some heart problems. So we decided to put our vacation plans on hold since my parents were going to stay with our girls. Anyway, last week (after wearing a heart monitor since June 7th) the doctor decided what really caused my Mom to be sick was probably a virus since she had no blockage (she had a cardiac catheterization while in the hospital) and the heart monitor hadn't detected any abnormalities. So I talk to my parents tonight and they agree to come and watch the girls. Anyway, I'm talking to my DH on the phone tonight (he's once again traveling) and tell him that we can move forward with our plans. He says, he does't know now if he can, he's got stuff going on with work . Really frustrated since he was just supposed to put our plans on hold, not scrap them all together. And we haven't been on a vacation together in 7 years (by ourselves anyway, we've gone with the girls). So now I'm sure that our trip will be cancelled....

Sorry to vent!

Sorry about your MIL and the vacation hopefully DH will change his mind.

Congratulations on the buttonholes! I was very intimidated at the thought of making them until late last year. I made 100+ coffee cup wraps in a few weeks and used a button as the closure. After making so many buttonholes in a short period of time, I got over my fear... mostly. I still have trouble getting them placed evenly at times. Oh, I also found out how easy it is to sew buttons on with my machine so now I look for buttons with holes through them rather than the kind on a shank like I used to prefer. Technology really can be a friend... if sometimes an uncooperative one.

I'm sorry Morgan had a rough time recently. It's so hard as a mom when these things happen. Zoe went through a rough patch in February about being so different than most of the others at school. One night at bedtime she started telling me that she didn't have any friends in school. I asked a few questions and eventually she said she felt like it was because she's African American. We talked a little as I tried to find out if there were any specific situations that made her feel that way. The next day was not a good one at school for Zoe and she was sent to the principal's office for her behavior (mostly, I think, because she hadn't slept well the night before). I let her teacher and the principal know what Zoe had told me so they could be aware to watch for any issues but I also learned to not have emotionally charged discussions with Zoe at bedtime. She is so much more likely to exaggerate a problem or situation. If she brings something up, I'll do what I can to comfort her but I don't get into serious discussions until the next day. By then she's usually able to put things into perspective so we can address what really is a problem.

I am sorry Zoe had a rough time in school

I decided to totally do what I keep talking about and have FUN FLUFFY clothes for our upcoming trip- and Hubby is playing along (as long as the shirt is black, lol!)! I thought you all might get a chuckle about what we're wearing to the parks! (I did not sew the clothes, and thank you Heather Sue for your AWESOME appliques!!)

Star Wars Day:
My Imperial Dress:

Hubby's Shirt:

Up Day:
My Up Dress:

Hubby's "UP"

Second "UP" Day!
My Grape Soda Dress:

those are GREAT! Are those Heather's designs???
We saw UP this weekend and George Loved the little old guy! Maybe I can get him to wear a shirt with him on it....

Oh we just did this the other night. Morgan is usually begging to go to bed at 8pm. But she was still awake at 1 am. Because she was trying to remember China. Nevermind asking the person in the next room to help you! So we have a VERY lively discussion. I honestly have no idea what I said but it must have been the right thing because she has been happier since. We did sort out some things. And I am not such a "bad" person anymore. She had actually convinced herself that I wanted her to forget China. Yeah umm, I am not the one fighting with her to get her to go to Chinese school, not the one that shows her pics of China, speaks Chinese to her, chinese clothes, food-yeah I want her to forget LOL

WOW that felt good to let all that out LOL

AWWW Poor sweet Morgan!

I warn you...I almost decided not to post this here...but I think good sense left and I'm putting it out for the world to see anyway...

I was at my DIL's last night helping with her second dress (still really green on the way the sewing machine works but is full of ideas - got to encourage that!) I was watching and playing with my little angelic 2 year old grand daughter...you know the kind...will NEVER be able to do wrong in her grandmother's eyes...

She, DGD2, decided she wanted me to take her potty. Being the dutiful grandmother I sat in there with her while she ...er ...went #2. (yes we have several 'potty' songs we sing to keep her occupied and on the potty. She is very impatient!) All of a sudden, she jumps up and looks to view her ...um progress. And starts screaming "Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse!!" I thought she was refering to the fact we ae using the bribe...I mean reward...of a trip to Disney if she completes potty training before we go. (to be honest she is going regardless, but she doesn't have to know that!)

Nope, she was refering to the shape of her ...er..um..the 'results' of what was in her potty! Yup...a Mickey Head!!!!

You can tell she is from me!

Nini Morris

Love the Jedi Mickey shirt! What museum did you visit? Was it here in Atlanta?

Looks like you had a lot of fun. But it sure was hot here last week. *Your DD looks a lot like you*

Thank you!
That was from the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
Yes it was hot last week in Atlanta but heat really doesn't affect me. My mom couldn't believe it was almost a 100 degrees out and we where outside walking and I wasn't sweating at all. She was dripping! Heat has never affected me it is the cold where I get so uncomfortable and can't breathe. To me heat is like a snuggly blanket! Yeah I know I am weird! I so need to get back down south!
It is only going to be 70 here today and I am freezing!

 

[livndisney]

Wow! Some great stuff posted yesterday!
Love the Hollywood studio dress! It is hard to think of a custom for that park!

Lisa, your new skirt looks awesome! Of course I would have to attatch it to a bodice for Leighanna, she likes to wear them under her belly too!

Cindee, Leighanna was just talking about Morgan to me yesterday! She says that she is her friend, and wants to go back to Disney to ride the rides with her again. She loves that girl! She also wanted me to mention to tell her she said "Hi!". Can't leave out that important detail!

I woke Morgan up by telling her she had a message from Lee. She jumped out of bed and ran to the computer! Morgan has been asking if Lee and Mr and Mrs. T are coming back to WDW in Oct. She also thinks you should visit in December so she can show "Her Friend" Lee all the Christmas lights. (And Mr. T can make some Christmas Disney dresses). Needless to say Morgan wants to say Hi and I miss you Leighanna and Mr. T and Ms. Cathy.