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

[twob4him]

I finally started customs for our trip in October. Here is Minnie and Sleeping Booty! (that is what my 2yo calls her)

this is from the front!

Absolutely adorable!!!

One of the first dresses I made her for pre-school.

Oh My! I forgot about this outfit!

Awww look how small Morgan was! But she is just as beautiful and sweet! Love the outfits too!

I have been lurking for the last couple weeks because I have been working like a mad woman on the house. (Not even any time for facebook!) We are hoping to move in a few weeks so I really want to finish it!! Just so you can see what we started with, and what a ginormous project this has been (hence why you haven't "seen" me!)
Our charming little farm house. lol

back

living room... this is actually after we sheetrocked and painted

den looking into the kitchen which as you can see has NO walls. We has to start from scratch in there!

what the upstairs looked like. lol

Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can show you what it really looks like now!

I had to walk down memory lane too. my first post is on page 38 of thread one, 4/20/2007.
I have been sewing for a long time (mom is a seamstress) so the first thing I posted was not the first thing sewn...
I will show you the first thing I appliqued though, which like a lot of you also said, was a "hot mess".
Without further ado...

Wow...what an undertaking but I love the house...its going to be great when you are done! Keep taking pics of the progress!

I made a stripwork jumper out of those fabrics. I used a double ruffle on the bottom with the ladybug white fab first and then the black and white dot. I would go with the black and white dot for the ruffle. Here's some pics of Hayleigh from Hilton Head this spring. This was my first CarlaC pattern attempt.....so I guess this is my "first" post. SInce I started using hers I haven't touched a store-bought pattern. I can't wait for her to post the adult dress! (hint hint)

Here's an outfit I made last week using just the patchwork for easy fit shorts and the ladybug print on the bottom. I am kicking myself for not buying the rest of what walmart had when it was there

I love both of those...I havent done a double ruffle like that...I should try it....thanks for the inspiration! Your DD is so cute too...I can see she just loves the things mommy makes!!!



If you have insomnia like me.....please feel free to read my blog....I just updated it....I have to get a link like Steph with a pic....how does one do that?

CLICK HERE FOR BLOG

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

ok this is the dress I am making but I don't think I like it - I love the fabric for the top but I don't think I like it with the patchwork bottom(which I am loving how full it is coming out.) I have small red dot but it is not exactly the same color red as the red in the patch work - it is very close but not exact and the white dots are a little bigger. there are the only two prints I have from the set of fabrics - what do you think? I could probably do it if I had something to break up the top & The skirt. Yes I can go out to see if I can find the other fabric or something to match in a solid red or white and remake the bodice but I don't know if I will be able to find something in time to leave me with enough time to finish it tomorrow night for Friday. I probably only need half a yard for a bodice.

oddly enought it is kinda growing on me. maybe if I had a red ribbon to go around the waist?

 

[*Toadstool*]

I found a picture of a Disney pin and her face is natural color.
http://images.google.com/imgres?img...sa=N&start=100&um=1&ei=U2lVSoT5AZLFmQfigrG-AQ
ETA:I think this pin is actually the same picture as you posted.
http://www.dizpins.com/pinventory/japands100.htm

Hrm.. Now I don't know which way to go. I seem to not remember her having the geisha look alot in the movie. Guess I should watch it!

The closest Morgan has ever come to having "curls". It was her 4 1/2 B-day party. She was still in China for her 4th so we celebrated 4.5

One of the first dresses I made her for pre-school.

Oh My! I forgot about this outfit!

Morgan is so adorable!!! I love the picture of her with the piggy tails and the animal outfit! I love the strawberry shortcake dress too.. just because we are strawberry shortcake obsessed currently. What sweet memories!!!

I was lurking and wanted to play along.

My join date is 7-23-07
my first post here was in #1 on 8-5-07 it was about how to post pictures
My first outfit I posted.

Thank you for letting me share. i have not been able to post much but I look every day and I am always in awwwwwwww over everything I see.

Awww! How precious! Love their matching dresses.

Need quick Opinions.....

I am using the ladybug patchwork fabric from Walmart that a lot of people really liked from early this summer - it had quite a few coordiantes - I have the black with red & white plaid hearts (bodice is made of this) small white on red minnie dot, & i think I have small white on black minnie dot. which do I use for the ruffle on the borrom of the skirt? the rest of the skirt is the patchwork blocks. I barely had enough for that. What do you think? I have the hearts cut and ready to sew for the ruffle but didn't know if it would be too much of the heart since the bodice is all hearts.

I've been doing ruffles lately using multiple pieces of fabric pieced together.. like sew all the different fabrics together in a strip and then ruffle. Not sure if you have enough to do that though.

back

Can't wait to see what you do with the house. I hope you enjoy that kind of work.. what a big undertaking!

Tired of Morgan yet? LOL

Her first Movie: CARS and Cars Spinny dress

Nope!
How adorable!!

ok this is the dress I am making but I don't think I like it - I love the fabric for the top but I don't think I like it with the patchwork bottom(which I am loving how full it is coming out.) I have small red dot but it is not exactly the same color red as the red in the patch work - it is very close but not exact and the white dots are a little bigger. there are the only two prints I have from the set of fabrics - what do you think? I could probably do it if I had something to break up the top & The skirt. Yes I can go out to see if I can find the other fabric or something to match in a solid red or white and remake the bodice but I don't know if I will be able to find something in time to leave me with enough time to finish it tomorrow night for Friday. I probably only need half a yard for a bodice.

oddly enought it is kinda growing on me. maybe if I had a red ribbon to go around the waist?

Is it too late to do some kind of applique onto the bodice you already have made? Maybe that would pull it together a little more. If it were me I would go with something with more white in it like the dots or the ladybugs. I would hate to redo that though. I think maybe a simple applique of a heart or maybe even just some patchwork squares might make you feel like it goes together more. I think it is maybe that it is just kinda dark on top? I tend to not like to use black alot for tops.. I don't know why though.
How did you do the skirt? It looks like you have V's of fabric stuck in there? It looks awesome!! Does it have a petti underneath?? It looks super full!

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

3tiers 5 inches high first tier 44inches around, second about 80inches, third is about 135 inches? yes ther is a petti under it. That is why I haven't put the bottom ruffle on yet - I have 9 - 45" pieces cut out to make the ruffle already. I could probably put an applique on the bodice but I am not very good at it I have only done one so far successfully. I was thinking of adding maybe a 1- 1.5 inch wide grossgrain ribbon (red or white)around the waist and have a bow or flower off center - I have lady bug buttons that are about 1.5 - 2 inches each that could be sewn in the middle of a bow or flower like a daisy - what do you think about the daisy idea?

 

[*Toadstool*]

3tiers 5 inches high first tier 44inches around, second about 80inches, third is about 135 inches? yes ther is a petti under it. That is why I haven't put the bottom ruffle on yet - I have 9 - 45" pieces cut out to make the ruffle already. I could probably put an applique on the bodice but I am not very good at it I have only done one so far successfully. I was thinking of adding maybe a 1- 1.5 inch wide grossgrain ribbon (red or white)around the waist and have a bow or flower off center - I have lady bug buttons that are about 1.5 - 2 inches each that could be sewn in the middle of a bow or flower like a daisy - what do you think about the daisy idea?

DId you do something different on that top row though? It looks like there is extra fullness added with some panels in there.
I like the flower idea. People on sewforum have been making those fabric flowers.. if you could make one of those that looks like a daisy I think it would be perfect. I guess a silk daisy would work too?
Now I'm thinking an appliqued daisy in the middle would be perfect.. If it is lined it is kinda hard to sew on top of 2 layers anywho though.
I think a white daisy would be great!

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

i was playing with some ribbon and I think putting a red ribbon around the waist band would be good with a white daisy the side. Have to check out the fabric flower thing otherwise I could make the daisy removable. the skirt's top tier is not gathered at the top yet it is just bunched up and pined so I could see what it looked like, if youlook at the background you can see the rest of the skirt kinda hanging down.

 

[*Toadstool*]

i was playing with some ribbon and I think putting a red ribbon around the waist band would be good with a white daisy the side. Have to check out the fabric flower thing otherwise I could make the daisy removable. the skirt's top tier is not gathered at the top yet it is just bunched up and pined so I could see what it looked like, if youlook at the background you can see the rest of the skirt kinda hanging down.

Oh okay. I see now. I thought it was fitted onto the bodice instead of being gathered.
I think your idea with the ribbon is great.
http://sewritzytitzy.blogspot.com/2008/11/from-annas-gardenfabric-flower-tutorial.html
That is the kind of flower I was talking about. I haven't tried it yet, so I don't know if it is difficult. I think they are so pretty though.

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

I was just reading that right before you posted and I think I will try that tomorrow. It looks pretty and pretty simple to make too. I just have to grab some white fabric and a yellow button I think. I think it will look pretty that way. Look for some pics late thursday night or early friday. I am off to bed - gotta get up by 9am so I can get the ruffle on and attach the skirt before Juliet's Kindergarten placement testing. Hope you can get some sleep tonight. Thanks for your help
Carol

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

I actually was thinking if you change the shape of the fabric pieces you are using you could probably get rounded petals......I will have to try it.

 

[*Toadstool*]

I actually was thinking if you change the shape of the fabric pieces you are using you could probably get rounded petals......I will have to try it.

Ya, I think that would work.
Hope you get some sleep too. I'm going to try my best to get some.

 

[VBAndrea]

ok this is the dress I am making but I don't think I like it - I love the fabric for the top but I don't think I like it with the patchwork bottom(which I am loving how full it is coming out.) I have small red dot but it is not exactly the same color red as the red in the patch work - it is very close but not exact and the white dots are a little bigger. there are the only two prints I have from the set of fabrics - what do you think? I could probably do it if I had something to break up the top & The skirt. Yes I can go out to see if I can find the other fabric or something to match in a solid red or white and remake the bodice but I don't know if I will be able to find something in time to leave me with enough time to finish it tomorrow night for Friday. I probably only need half a yard for a bodice.

oddly enought it is kinda growing on me. maybe if I had a red ribbon to go around the waist?

I think a grossgrain ribbon around the waist would look great (and then you could do coordinating hairbows too!). I also saw a dress with bows at the top of the bodice where the straps attach and you could add that as well if it doesn't distract from the rest of the dress.

 

[VBAndrea]

New here and particularly new to this thread. I was planning on doing BBB with dd and doing the full package. I have seen a lot of concern on other threads over itchy dresses supplied by BBB, but a lot of people felt that it's so worth doing the full package just for the experience. I am now thinking I'd rather spend my money on a nice cotton dress (which I *might* be able to make myself), but will that take away from the experience and will dd still want one of the BBB supplied dresses as I read that happens a lot as well? Obviously there is no way anyone can predict what my fickle dd would do, but I'd liike opinions from those of you who have done BBB both with and without the dress package.

Second question is not at all related to BBB. It's a cost factor question. I can sew but am quite novice. Most of my things turn out OK, but they take me a lot of time to complete and I haven't done anything in over 2 years probably b/c sewing doesn't come easy to me. I have seen dresses on etsy for around $25-$30 that I quite like. [edited to add that these inexpensive dresses are simple ones / looks like Carla C's Simply Sweet pattern -- these are NOT princess dresses that I would use for BBB, they are just everyday dresses] Would it be less expensive for me to go with etsy than to make my own? For example, if I would try a Carla C pattern how much would materials average? I know if I make my own clothes I will get the staisfaction/pride factor, but I know I also will likely get frustrated along the way and chances are my clothes won't come across as polished as a better seamstress's would.

And yes, one more question. I would like to make dd a cotton Cinderella dress for 1900 PF. How do I dress ds? He will be almost 8 and is well past the stage where we could get by with Prince Charming (also would my dh puke if I even tried). I was thinking a light or white polo shirt with nicer khaki pants but I thought it would be really cute to do an iron on patch on the pocket of the mice or something not too girly. I can not applique. Problem is I can't find a small iron on applique of the mice. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

BTW, I have loved reading through this entire thread the past couple of days and seeing all the amazing creations. What a talented bunch you are! My dirty house has been neglected and it will only get worse if I drag my sewing machine out again!

 

[Stephres]

WOW!!! You are an inspration! I have my scrapping room taht I want to turn into a sewing room since I don't do much scrapping anymore. It just takes too much time! I wish I had the time though because I love the albums that I have created!

My goal this summer was to start to catch up on my scrapbooking, well the summer is half over so now I am revising to clean up my desk, lol!

I was looking through my albums the other day and realized how much I miss it.

Wow, that is going to be a quite a makeover! I can't wait to see the after pictures. Your LOVE pants were NOT a hot mess!

I love both of these (especially Hello Kitty)! I really like that patchwork fabric.

I missed all the discussion! I think it would look great with a red ribbon and a fabric flower on the waist.

New here and particularly new to this thread. I was planning on doing BBB with dd and doing the full package. I have seen a lot of concern on other threads over itchy dresses supplied by BBB, but a lot of people felt that it's so worth doing the full package just for the experience. I am now thinking I'd rather spend my money on a nice cotton dress (which I *might* be able to make myself), but will that take away from the experience and will dd still want one of the BBB supplied dresses as I read that happens a lot as well? Obviously there is no way anyone can predict what my fickle dd would do, but I'd liike opinions from those of you who have done BBB both with and without the dress package.

Second question is not at all related to BBB. It's a cost factor question. I can sew but am quite novice. Most of my things turn out OK, but they take me a lot of time to complete and I haven't done anyhting in over 2 years probablly b/c sewing doesn't come easy to me. I have seen dresses on etsy for around $25-$30 that I quite like. Would it be less expensive for me to go with etsy than to make my own? For example, if I would try a Carla C pattern how much would materials average? I know if I make my own clothes I will get the staisfaction/pride factor, but I know I also will likely get frustrated along the way and chances are my clothes won't come across as polished as a better seamstress's would.

And yes, one more question. I would like to make dd a cotton Cinderella dress for 1900 PF. How do I dress ds? He will be almost 8 and is well past the stage where we could get by with Prince Charming (also would my dh puke if I even tried). I was thinking a light or white polo shirt with nicer khaki pants but I thought it would be really cute to do an iron on patch on the pocket of the mice or something not too girly. I can not applique. Problem is I can't find a small iron on applique of the mice. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

BTW, I have loved reading through this entire thread the past couple of days and seeing all the amazing creations. What a talented bunch you are! My dirty house has been neglected and it will only get worse if I drag my sewing machine out again!

1) I did BBB with a disney store-bought dress and my daughter had a great time. It did not diminish the experience at all.

2) You can purchase a cotton princess dress, but the main patterns are really not that difficult. Most are some variation of a jumper or peasant dress and both patterns can be found at youcanmakethis. Our favorite pattern writer is Carla because she explains everything with pictures and is perfect for beginners. Her patterns are about $10 but have lots of options.

3) If you are a smart shopper and use coupons you can get quilting cotton for $3/yard so you would not be spending a whole lot on material. The elastic, thread, ric rac, etc., can add up. You can easily get hooking into loving fabric that costs a lot more, so pay attention when you shop!

4) The creative disigns board can help you with a iron on for your son. They have some really friendly people over there.

Hope this helps a little and welcome!

 

[minnie2]

Morning all!
Once again you all have made some great things! Can't wait to see the farmhouse make over!

I finally started customs for our trip in October. Here is Minnie and Sleeping Booty! (that is what my 2yo calls her)

this is from the front!

Both are so cute! Still trying to convince Nik she needs a casual Sleeping Booty dress but she isn't budging she wants full blown gown! Maybe I can convince her she needs both

New here and particularly new to this thread. I was planning on doing BBB with dd and doing the full package. I have seen a lot of concern on other threads over itchy dresses supplied by BBB, but a lot of people felt that it's so worth doing the full package just for the experience. I am now thinking I'd rather spend my money on a nice cotton dress (which I *might* be able to make myself), but will that take away from the experience and will dd still want one of the BBB supplied dresses as I read that happens a lot as well? Obviously there is no way anyone can predict what my fickle dd would do, but I'd liike opinions from those of you who have done BBB both with and without the dress package.

Second question is not at all related to BBB. It's a cost factor question. I can sew but am quite novice. Most of my things turn out OK, but they take me a lot of time to complete and I haven't done anyhting in over 2 years probablly b/c sewing doesn't come easy to me. I have seen dresses on etsy for around $25-$30 that I quite like. Would it be less expensive for me to go with etsy than to make my own? For example, if I would try a Carla C pattern how much would materials average? I know if I make my own clothes I will get the staisfaction/pride factor, but I know I also will likely get frustrated along the way and chances are my clothes won't come across as polished as a better seamstress's would.

And yes, one more question. I would like to make dd a cotton Cinderella dress for 1900 PF. How do I dress ds? He will be almost 8 and is well past the stage where we could get by with Prince Charming (also would my dh puke if I even tried). I was thinking a light or white polo shirt with nicer khaki pants but I thought it would be really cute to do an iron on patch on the pocket of the mice or something not too girly. I can not applique. Problem is I can't find a small iron on applique of the mice. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

BTW, I have loved reading through this entire thread the past couple of days and seeing all the amazing creations. What a talented bunch you are! My dirty house has been neglected and it will only get worse if I drag my sewing machine out again!

No not having the FULL package won't diminish it at all. Nikki did it and didn't even have a dress on and she had fun.
Sewing isn't cheap But if you are a smart shopper you can find great deals and then you can make something for less then you could buy it.

 

[jenb1023]

New here and particularly new to this thread. I was planning on doing BBB with dd and doing the full package. I have seen a lot of concern on other threads over itchy dresses supplied by BBB, but a lot of people felt that it's so worth doing the full package just for the experience. I am now thinking I'd rather spend my money on a nice cotton dress (which I *might* be able to make myself), but will that take away from the experience and will dd still want one of the BBB supplied dresses as I read that happens a lot as well? Obviously there is no way anyone can predict what my fickle dd would do, but I'd liike opinions from those of you who have done BBB both with and without the dress package.

Second question is not at all related to BBB. It's a cost factor question. I can sew but am quite novice. Most of my things turn out OK, but they take me a lot of time to complete and I haven't done anyhting in over 2 years probablly b/c sewing doesn't come easy to me. I have seen dresses on etsy for around $25-$30 that I quite like. Would it be less expensive for me to go with etsy than to make my own? For example, if I would try a Carla C pattern how much would materials average? I know if I make my own clothes I will get the staisfaction/pride factor, but I know I also will likely get frustrated along the way and chances are my clothes won't come across as polished as a better seamstress's would.

And yes, one more question. I would like to make dd a cotton Cinderella dress for 1900 PF. How do I dress ds? He will be almost 8 and is well past the stage where we could get by with Prince Charming (also would my dh puke if I even tried). I was thinking a light or white polo shirt with nicer khaki pants but I thought it would be really cute to do an iron on patch on the pocket of the mice or something not too girly. I can not applique. Problem is I can't find a small iron on applique of the mice. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

BTW, I have loved reading through this entire thread the past couple of days and seeing all the amazing creations. What a talented bunch you are! My dirty house has been neglected and it will only get worse if I drag my sewing machine out again!

My (spoiled) DD has been to the BBB every trip (three times) and we always bring our own dress. She loved it every time and never even asked about getting a dress there. I would guesstimate that 90% of the girls we saw every time brought their own dresses.

 

[princessmom29]

New here and particularly new to this thread. I was planning on doing BBB with dd and doing the full package. I have seen a lot of concern on other threads over itchy dresses supplied by BBB, but a lot of people felt that it's so worth doing the full package just for the experience. I am now thinking I'd rather spend my money on a nice cotton dress (which I *might* be able to make myself), but will that take away from the experience and will dd still want one of the BBB supplied dresses as I read that happens a lot as well? Obviously there is no way anyone can predict what my fickle dd would do, but I'd liike opinions from those of you who have done BBB both with and without the dress package.

Second question is not at all related to BBB. It's a cost factor question. I can sew but am quite novice. Most of my things turn out OK, but they take me a lot of time to complete and I haven't done anyhting in over 2 years probablly b/c sewing doesn't come easy to me. I have seen dresses on etsy for around $25-$30 that I quite like. Would it be less expensive for me to go with etsy than to make my own? For example, if I would try a Carla C pattern how much would materials average? I know if I make my own clothes I will get the staisfaction/pride factor, but I know I also will likely get frustrated along the way and chances are my clothes won't come across as polished as a better seamstress's would.

And yes, one more question. I would like to make dd a cotton Cinderella dress for 1900 PF. How do I dress ds? He will be almost 8 and is well past the stage where we could get by with Prince Charming (also would my dh puke if I even tried). I was thinking a light or white polo shirt with nicer khaki pants but I thought it would be really cute to do an iron on patch on the pocket of the mice or something not too girly. I can not applique. Problem is I can't find a small iron on applique of the mice. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

BTW, I have loved reading through this entire thread the past couple of days and seeing all the amazing creations. What a talented bunch you are! My dirty house has been neglected and it will only get worse if I drag my sewing machine out again!

We did BBB with our own dress last year b/c DD does NOT do well with itchy. I used a disney store dress, but I made the pink Cindy Dress for Parke Fare, and it was a big hit. I don't think you would be spending a lot on materials to make one. As lots of pp's have said cotton broadcloth is pretty cheap. Also, I don't know that I would fully trust a $20-30 dress on etsy. I would personally never be able to make it worth my time to sell one for that b/c of the time involved in making it. Those rull skirted ball gowns take a lot of time to gather, and the detailing takes time as well.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

My mom just called a few minutes ago. She and my dad have AbbyGrace at WDW right now. Today they are at Epcot. I had sent all of her outfits labelled in ziploc bags so she would put the right outfits on the right days. WELL... this morning my mom called and said "This dress is so cute! Where on earth did you ever get this fabric?" Today she was supposed to wear the Mulan dress that Cindee made her. So, I'm thinking, "well, I didn't make it! And it's solid colored cotton - not real hard to find!" Mom says, "NO! It has Chinese children all over it!" That's when I realize that she has on the wrong dress! She is wearing this!

She was supposed to wear that Sunday to church after they get home. Whatever. No big deal, I guess.
SO, my mom just calls and tells me that they took AbbyGrace to see Mulan. When the character assistant saw her he said, "well, technically, she's finished after this family, but stick around! I'm SURE she wants to see you!" After Mulan finished with her last family, she spent time with AbbyGrace, and took her by the hand and went back to the China pavillion and took pictures for my parents and the photopass guy all along the way. It reminded me of the story that Cindee told us all of her Morgan with Mulan. Now it looks like I'm gonna have similar pictures, but with AbbyGrace in the above dress. I can't wait to see them! Mom was so excited and so touched.

THeres nothing better than getting compliments from others on your sewing creations and this dress deserves it! This dress is THE reason I bought this pattern- although I have yet to make it, I think this pattern really lends it self to a asian influence.
Great story and I still LOVE this dress!

It wasn't challenging, just time consuming because I had to hem all the ruffles. And I hadn't sewn anything since december so I had to get back in the groove. It's definately one of my favorite patterns. I have her "all ruffled up dress". That one is definately time consuming but so cute!

Thank you! Now I need to decide which to do- buy this or do the one I own and havent tried

If the boutique owner is willing to take phone orders and ship I would be ordering a few! If you are willing, please pm me the store's info & I would love to call them and see if I can place an order. My dd is 6 & it is hard to find these in the bigger sizes around here without dropping over $100
Thanks!!! Krysta

yeah really! i wish megan liked wearing them

 

[ncmomof2]

ok this is the dress I am making but I don't think I like it - I love the fabric for the top but I don't think I like it with the patchwork bottom(which I am loving how full it is coming out.) I have small red dot but it is not exactly the same color red as the red in the patch work - it is very close but not exact and the white dots are a little bigger. there are the only two prints I have from the set of fabrics - what do you think? I could probably do it if I had something to break up the top & The skirt. Yes I can go out to see if I can find the other fabric or something to match in a solid red or white and remake the bodice but I don't know if I will be able to find something in time to leave me with enough time to finish it tomorrow night for Friday. I probably only need half a yard for a bodice.

oddly enought it is kinda growing on me. maybe if I had a red ribbon to go around the waist?

It is beautiful! I love how full it is! My daughter wants this type of twirl action and I have yet to achieve it.

 

[ncmomof2]

I think this is really cute!!! I always stitch, then serge the edges.

Thanks for the advise. I lost some of my ruffles because I didn't stich it first. I think that is why I am not thrilled with it. She likes it though!

 

[aimeeg]

New here and particularly new to this thread. I was planning on doing BBB with dd and doing the full package. I have seen a lot of concern on other threads over itchy dresses supplied by BBB, but a lot of people felt that it's so worth doing the full package just for the experience. I am now thinking I'd rather spend my money on a nice cotton dress (which I *might* be able to make myself), but will that take away from the experience and will dd still want one of the BBB supplied dresses as I read that happens a lot as well? Obviously there is no way anyone can predict what my fickle dd would do, but I'd liike opinions from those of you who have done BBB both with and without the dress package.

Second question is not at all related to BBB. It's a cost factor question. I can sew but am quite novice. Most of my things turn out OK, but they take me a lot of time to complete and I haven't done anyhting in over 2 years probablly b/c sewing doesn't come easy to me. I have seen dresses on etsy for around $25-$30 that I quite like. Would it be less expensive for me to go with etsy than to make my own? For example, if I would try a Carla C pattern how much would materials average? I know if I make my own clothes I will get the staisfaction/pride factor, but I know I also will likely get frustrated along the way and chances are my clothes won't come across as polished as a better seamstress's would.

And yes, one more question. I would like to make dd a cotton Cinderella dress for 1900 PF. How do I dress ds? He will be almost 8 and is well past the stage where we could get by with Prince Charming (also would my dh puke if I even tried). I was thinking a light or white polo shirt with nicer khaki pants but I thought it would be really cute to do an iron on patch on the pocket of the mice or something not too girly. I can not applique. Problem is I can't find a small iron on applique of the mice. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

BTW, I have loved reading through this entire thread the past couple of days and seeing all the amazing creations. What a talented bunch you are! My dirty house has been neglected and it will only get worse if I drag my sewing machine out again!

I think Steph had some really good advice.

The BBB is so cool that your daughter would be happy in jean shorts and a tank top. She will feel like a princess no matter what!!! My girls normally do the Disney dresses. They love the dress up dresses and do not find them itchy at all. In March the dresses were all $49.99. I think they were $5 off.

IMHO the biggest package is not worth it. With the base package you get the hair, make up and tiara. The other package they add nail polish that does not last! With the biggest package you get the dress, shoes, crown, wand and necklace. I guess I am mean because I see that all as stuff that break or another thing I have to carry!!! If your appt is in the castle. I would bring the dress up dress and have your daughter dress in the dressing room in the back of the BBB. It is really cute and adds to the experience.

I too would be concerned about the etsy dress. Carla's patterns are fantastic and very easy to follow. Everyone here is more than helpful. If you find along the way that you need help just ask. I have learned so much from the ladies here.

Have a wonderful trip!!!