Disboutiquers Part 25 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew ;-)

[mphalens]

So ... once again we're approaching a holiday weekend and 250 pages ... Didn't that happen last time we made a jump???

Things are going to be crazy this weekend... Can I get a jump buddy please? If someone is friends with me on facebook that'd work great - because I feel like I get facebook notices from just about every electronic device I own I'll watch out for you if you'll watch out for me

And, I have a confession ... the ENTIRE time I was sewing today I was thinking to myself . . . maybe I should just TRY a pair of easy fits for Kirsten ... I'm sure I have enough scraps from SOMETHING . . . What are y'all DOING to me?????

Okay - I'm off to go read my library book ... gotta finish it before I have to leave town!!!!!!!

 

[VBAndrea]

I'd prefer to pay with paypal, if that's alright? Just because that's where my fabric spending stash is located.

Actually, Samantha isn't as hard to find as you might think. In a way, she is a lot like Patience... Singers like Patience were produced in different variations for about 50 years - they sold in the millions... because they were built to last, there are still a great many out there that have been through the wringer and still stitch like they were new.

Samantha was first made in Germany for Pleasant company in 1986... The first three (and only 3 until Felicity came along) dolls produced for Pleasant Company were Samantha, Kirsten and Molly. Samantha was sold in the millions over her 22 year availability - when American Girl/Mattel announced her archival in October of 2008, anyone and everyone that wanted her scrambled to buy the doll and her collection. A portion of people that purchased her at that time, knew that her resale value would skyrocket - especially between October 2008 and December 24, 2008. All those little girls that wanted Samantha that Christmas and all the parents that missed out because she sold out in a matter of weeks. Samantha and her items demanded a premium that holiday season and for a short while there after, but eventually the high premiums slowly tapered off. The same thing happened to Kirsten the following year. It didn't happen in 2010 with Felicity, however, because most people that wanted her were prepared for her (and every other historical's) archival, and also Mattel got "smart" and stocked an over abundance of the doll, which they ended up being stuck with tons of overstock. The collecting community learned the hard way that American Girl will eventually archive each and every historical character to make way for new historical characters, so any items that people wanted, they were sure to purchase them right away.

So, in some cases, Samantha is hard to find. But more likely, hard to find for less than what her original retail price was, mint in box, with her full meet outfit and accessories. I just did a Samantha search on Ebay, and it returned 1200 auctions - then I subtracted "books" and "accessories" and it still returned 400+ items. There are many, many Samantha dolls out there, in played with condition, with out her meet outfit - many more mis labeled on Ebay.

Regardless, your Samantha is gorgeous... she probably has some sentimental value - and no matter what - when you are ready to sell her, if she is properly labeled on Ebay, you will probably make a nice chunk of change - if you choose to do that. But if you are in the market for a Samantha - there are always a few to choose from... And in the collecting community, the prices are usually a little more fair than Ebay and some people are even willing to trade. Of course, there's always craigslist/garage sales and Goodwill, where if you get lucky and find a doll - you truly are lucky!

Sorry if I bored you all to death. I probaby know more about AG than the average adult should know, and for that reason alone, I do my best not to talk about it.

D~

PayPal is fine as long as you know how to do it or can walk me through what I'm supposed to do. I keep you posted as to when I get the fabric.

You do know a lot about AG dolls. Whn I looked her up to see what she was worth e-bay had a lot of them in very good condition with correct attire and they all were going for over $100 and new ones for around $300. I had no trouble finding her. The good news is I found her in dd's bedroom too. She's sitting up naked now in a basket. I'm actually the one who most likely moved her to vacuum -- why would I think my dd would pick anything up off the floor.

So what can you tell us about 2 liter soda bottles? Is a Ginger with a head a rare find? Are Ginger's platform shoes worth anything?

 

[cogero]

I really like your peasant top -- it looks like a better fit than my peasant dress. I wonder if the sash made the neckline rise up on mine. I will need to try my dress on a soda bottle and see if it fits better (the dress in the photo was a gift, but I made an identical one for my dd).



I have never used a tut. I just cut off the hem and sew the ruffle on like I would on a skirt. I double ruffle like Carla's instructions on the Portrait Peasant.

Thanks Andrea I did find a tutorial on You tube and I am going to read the instructions for the portrait peasant to see about the double ruffle.

Yesterday the kids and I went to Joann's. I needed to get some basics and I wanted to use my 10% off my entire order coupon and going on a Saturday is a nightmare.

I bought some cute stuff and only one Disney print a Halloween one and I only noticed it at the cutting table. I need to find another Joanns or remember to stop at Walmart.

Maybe I will take a picture of what I bought.

Today I am going to wash my finds I like to wash when I get it home so it is ready to go.

 

[DMGeurts]

Awesome!!

Very good information! So in your opinion would Molly be the one to retire this year? She is who I was thinking of, since she is in the original group....

I am not sure. I really thought Molly would archive in 2010 - so I was a little shocked when Felicity was anounced. Later this summer, AG has plans to release 2 new historicals - this is not a historical and BFF set - these are two seperate historicals (Cecile and Marie Grace) whose stories are intwined. The girls are from New Orleans before the turn of the centruy (1880s, I believe, but I can't remember). One of them is African American. Because their story is so amazing and their outfits are TDF - there are numerous in the collecting community that think Addy will be the next to archive. I tend to agree with this. My thoughts on Molly (and Kit, for that matter) are the fact that both their stories really resignate with kid's struggles today. Molly's dad was deployed overseas WWII during her stories - and his deployment is a huge part of her stories and what shaped her -many children now have parents who are deployed, and really relate to Molly. For this reason, I think Molly will stay for another year - however - I do think she is very high on the archival list. And of course, Kit, whose story is based on the Great Depression, and our economy is similar right now - so many kids can relate to her stories, as well. And, in the grand scheme of things, her collection has not been around quite as long as the others.

These are just my opinions, there are many other valid opinions out there that make sense...

So I had to stop working on Phalen's red, white & blue pants tonight ... My machine has demanded to be cleaned before being used any more ... so I'm hoping to do that tomorrow (but we have family coming for the weekend and I want to hang out with my cousins, so it might have to wait) ...

I hope you are able to get your machine cleaned today... I just finished Patience and when I sat down at one of the Brothers last night (they just don't whirr like Patience), I thought to myself that I really need to clean them and oil them too... Ahhh... It never ends! They're like children...

Haven't been on in a few days and can't believe all the beautiful things posted. Got to go to the AG store in Natick and DD picked out her Kanani doll.

So pretty.... you and DH should go into your own business of fixing up vintage machines.

This is so pretty too. Your machines are the best dress of all the machines.

Thank you! I hope you had fun at the AG store! How does your dd like Kanani? Her hair is sooo long... my dd has had her since Jan 1 - and mostly her hair stays in a long braid.

I never considered a vintage machine before, but after seeing Patience in action, I'm sold! I'll be stalking craigslist for just the right one! I bookmarked that link regarding restoring them. Thank you, D!

Wow - that's so neat that I've inspired someone. Let me know if you have any questions.

So ... once again we're approaching a holiday weekend and 250 pages ... Didn't that happen last time we made a jump???

Things are going to be crazy this weekend... Can I get a jump buddy please? If someone is friends with me on facebook that'd work great - because I feel like I get facebook notices from just about every electronic device I own I'll watch out for you if you'll watch out for me

And, I have a confession ... the ENTIRE time I was sewing today I was thinking to myself . . . maybe I should just TRY a pair of easy fits for Kirsten ... I'm sure I have enough scraps from SOMETHING . . . What are y'all DOING to me?????

Okay - I'm off to go read my library book ... gotta finish it before I have to leave town!!!!!!!

LOL on your easyfits!

I'll be your moving buddy - but I won't be the best one - since I will be out of town... but I'll be able to check in a couple times a day.

PayPal is fine as long as you know how to do it or can walk me through what I'm supposed to do. I keep you posted as to when I get the fabric.

You do know a lot about AG dolls. Whn I looked her up to see what she was worth e-bay had a lot of them in very good condition with correct attire and they all were going for over $100 and new ones for around $300. I had no trouble finding her. The good news is I found her in dd's bedroom too. She's sitting up naked now in a basket. I'm actually the one who most likely moved her to vacuum -- why would I think my dd would pick anything up off the floor.

So what can you tell us about 2 liter soda bottles? Is a Ginger with a head a rare find? Are Ginger's platform shoes worth anything?

I will let you know what to do with Paypal... otherwise, I can mail you a check. Just so you know, I will be out of the loop and no access to normal accts until Fri.

Oh, I do agree - the new AG Samanthas can go for a huge sum on Ebay, and the more time that passes, the less likely you are able to find one in that great of condition. I guess, I should have stated that they are out there if you are willing to spend the $$, or wait the time it takes to get lucky - whether someone mislabels their auction or your neighbor's cousin's friend's dd is selling...

Maybe you need to make more clothes for your dd's Samantha? She probably shouldn't be doing laundry nekkid.

I do think that Ginger is a bit rare... and finding one with a head is going to be nearly impossible. I've never seen Ginger's label - so I am unsure of her year of manufacture - but I'm betting that she is fairly recent. So, there may be ample Gingers available for sale - many of them marked down - however, finding another with her personality - well - that's probably not going to happen. So, I hope Cheryl isn't planning on getting rid of her yet - she should hang on to her until the market turns and Ginger becomes a little more famous.

I started on my first Villian dress last night... then we got storms, so I had to stop. I don't think I will finish it before I leave and DH refuses to let me bring a machine... Maybe I should check craigslist for the trip up - see if we are driving past any good deals.

D~

 

[RMAMom]

Bows and Clothes has them both. Here's the Donald ones. Search under MickeyMouse for his, too:
http://stores.bowsandclothes.com/-strse-Appliques-cln-DonaIdDuck/searchpath/107889848/start/21/total/30/Categories.bok

Here's Donald from Divas Doodles:
http://www.divasdoodles.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=467_347&products_id=237

And Mickey from the same site:
http://www.divasdoodles.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=471_344_424&products_id=628

Sweet Peas Place has several, full body and heads, though strangely no Donald:
http://www.sweetpeasplace.com/characters-mickeyminnie-c-52_72.html?page=3&sort=2a

DigitalByDesign on Facebook has this Donald:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DigitalByDesign/254830756187?sk=app_135607783795

Hope that helps!
Regards,
C.

Oh my gosh you have made my whole week!!!!! I had just about given up on ever finding him, thank you so much. My DGD was 2 last October when we took her for her first trip and she fell in love with Donald Duck outside of Tusker House. No one was around so Donald took time with her and they chatted for about 5 minutes before we pulled her away. She has been asking me for a year to take her to WDW to see DD. So I really wanted a Donald outfit for her. Thanks again!

 

[cogero]

D~ could you send me a link to the AG site you visit. I think my daughter would love it.

She just said yesterday while she was in JoAnns that she wants to learn to sew so I think we are going to do some AG clothes.

Since she has 10 and she still plays with them all.

 

[RMAMom]

Marianne Can I just say that Finns outfit looks great but him "Rockin" in the outfit is one of the cutest things I've seen in a while!

I tried doing a search and came up empty. Didn't someone on here do a shirt with a rainbow w/Mickey heads at the ends?
Trying to link her up with the woman on this thread ( http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2750995 ) who's trying to find a way to honor her sister who loved Disney and rainbows. Don't know her, but remembered the shirts - I'm an active lurker - and thought that she could order the shirts or something... Hope this is okay to ask. If not please remove.
TIA!

The woman who posted the shirt is away but the design is available at FrouFrou by HeatherSue.com Heather is also on Etsy and Facebook.

 

[mphalens]

I am not sure. I really thought Molly would archive in 2010 - so I was a little shocked when Felicity was anounced. Later this summer, AG has plans to release 2 new historicals - this is not a historical and BFF set - these are two seperate historicals (Cecile and Marie Grace) whose stories are intwined. The girls are from New Orleans before the turn of the centruy (1880s, I believe, but I can't remember). One of them is African American. Because their story is so amazing and their outfits are TDF - there are numerous in the collecting community that think Addy will be the next to archive. I tend to agree with this. My thoughts on Molly (and Kit, for that matter) are the fact that both their stories really resignate with kid's struggles today. Molly's dad was deployed overseas WWII during her stories - and his deployment is a huge part of her stories and what shaped her -many children now have parents who are deployed, and really relate to Molly. For this reason, I think Molly will stay for another year - however - I do think she is very high on the archival list. And of course, Kit, whose story is based on the Great Depression, and our economy is similar right now - so many kids can relate to her stories, as well. And, in the grand scheme of things, her collection has not been around quite as long as the others.

These are just my opinions, there are many other valid opinions out there that make sense...



I hope you are able to get your machine cleaned today... I just finished Patience and when I sat down at one of the Brothers last night (they just don't whirr like Patience), I thought to myself that I really need to clean them and oil them too... Ahhh... It never ends! They're like children...



Thank you! I hope you had fun at the AG store! How does your dd like Kanani? Her hair is sooo long... my dd has had her since Jan 1 - and mostly her hair stays in a long braid.



Wow - that's so neat that I've inspired someone. Let me know if you have any questions.



LOL on your easyfits!

I'll be your moving buddy - but I won't be the best one - since I will be out of town... but I'll be able to check in a couple times a day.



I will let you know what to do with Paypal... otherwise, I can mail you a check. Just so you know, I will be out of the loop and no access to normal accts until Fri.

Oh, I do agree - the new AG Samanthas can go for a huge sum on Ebay, and the more time that passes, the less likely you are able to find one in that great of condition. I guess, I should have stated that they are out there if you are willing to spend the $$, or wait the time it takes to get lucky - whether someone mislabels their auction or your neighbor's cousin's friend's dd is selling...

Maybe you need to make more clothes for your dd's Samantha? She probably shouldn't be doing laundry nekkid.

I do think that Ginger is a bit rare... and finding one with a head is going to be nearly impossible. I've never seen Ginger's label - so I am unsure of her year of manufacture - but I'm betting that she is fairly recent. So, there may be ample Gingers available for sale - many of them marked down - however, finding another with her personality - well - that's probably not going to happen. So, I hope Cheryl isn't planning on getting rid of her yet - she should hang on to her until the market turns and Ginger becomes a little more famous.

I started on my first Villian dress last night... then we got storms, so I had to stop. I don't think I will finish it before I leave and DH refuses to let me bring a machine... Maybe I should check craigslist for the trip up - see if we are driving past any good deals.

D~

I have Kirsten & Addy ... I would LOVE to get Kit... but I agree with your reasoning as to why Molly & Kit are still around ... their stories do resonate with little girls of today. When I was a kid and wanted Kirsten part of it was because she looked like me, but the other reason was because her story tied into my own family history - we weren't Swedish, but my ancestors had come to the US to farm and I was forever hearing stories that sounded just like Kirsten's stories ...

How did you come to know so much about AG dolls? I know you've said you're on AG message boards but I'm curious as to what got you interested ...

I hope I can get it cleaned today too ... I have to wait for my mom though, because I don't know where she's squirreled all the required items away in her sewing room ... She has her very own method of storage and I don't have a clue how to decipher it I'll be honest, I've never cleaned my machine myself. We had it professionally cleaned and apparently updated (I mentioned needing to check the wiring, etc. and was reminded of this) when my Mom got the machine back from our family friend's husband when his wife passed away (It had been my grandmother's machine but was given to this "aunt" after her death because my Mom had her own machine and didn't need another one) ... and until this spring I didn't have enough interest in the machine itself to "worry" about things like cleaning ...

Yay! I have a moving buddy I'm sure between the two of us we can manage to make the jump

I agree about Ginger's availability, etc. It's hard to know just how rare she might be without knowing her vitals ... I mean, if she started life as a Canada Dry she's a lot more readily available than if she started life as a Vernor's, kwim?

Okay ... I think I should stop typing now ... I've completely lost my train of thought while writing this ... I've started and stopped several times ... so who KNOWS what I was originally trying to say ...

 

[mphalens]

I am not sure. I really thought Molly would archive in 2010 - so I was a little shocked when Felicity was anounced. Later this summer, AG has plans to release 2 new historicals - this is not a historical and BFF set - these are two seperate historicals (Cecile and Marie Grace) whose stories are intwined. The girls are from New Orleans before the turn of the centruy (1880s, I believe, but I can't remember). One of them is African American. Because their story is so amazing and their outfits are TDF - there are numerous in the collecting community that think Addy will be the next to archive. I tend to agree with this. My thoughts on Molly (and Kit, for that matter) are the fact that both their stories really resignate with kid's struggles today. Molly's dad was deployed overseas WWII during her stories - and his deployment is a huge part of her stories and what shaped her -many children now have parents who are deployed, and really relate to Molly. For this reason, I think Molly will stay for another year - however - I do think she is very high on the archival list. And of course, Kit, whose story is based on the Great Depression, and our economy is similar right now - so many kids can relate to her stories, as well. And, in the grand scheme of things, her collection has not been around quite as long as the others.

These are just my opinions, there are many other valid opinions out there that make sense...



I hope you are able to get your machine cleaned today... I just finished Patience and when I sat down at one of the Brothers last night (they just don't whirr like Patience), I thought to myself that I really need to clean them and oil them too... Ahhh... It never ends! They're like children...



Thank you! I hope you had fun at the AG store! How does your dd like Kanani? Her hair is sooo long... my dd has had her since Jan 1 - and mostly her hair stays in a long braid.



Wow - that's so neat that I've inspired someone. Let me know if you have any questions.



LOL on your easyfits!

I'll be your moving buddy - but I won't be the best one - since I will be out of town... but I'll be able to check in a couple times a day.



I will let you know what to do with Paypal... otherwise, I can mail you a check. Just so you know, I will be out of the loop and no access to normal accts until Fri.

Oh, I do agree - the new AG Samanthas can go for a huge sum on Ebay, and the more time that passes, the less likely you are able to find one in that great of condition. I guess, I should have stated that they are out there if you are willing to spend the $$, or wait the time it takes to get lucky - whether someone mislabels their auction or your neighbor's cousin's friend's dd is selling...

Maybe you need to make more clothes for your dd's Samantha? She probably shouldn't be doing laundry nekkid.

I do think that Ginger is a bit rare... and finding one with a head is going to be nearly impossible. I've never seen Ginger's label - so I am unsure of her year of manufacture - but I'm betting that she is fairly recent. So, there may be ample Gingers available for sale - many of them marked down - however, finding another with her personality - well - that's probably not going to happen. So, I hope Cheryl isn't planning on getting rid of her yet - she should hang on to her until the market turns and Ginger becomes a little more famous.

I started on my first Villian dress last night... then we got storms, so I had to stop. I don't think I will finish it before I leave and DH refuses to let me bring a machine... Maybe I should check craigslist for the trip up - see if we are driving past any good deals.

D~

Marianne Can I just say that Finns outfit looks great but him "Rockin" in the outfit is one of the cutest things I've seen in a while!

Aw! Thanks!!! He insisted on wearing the outfit (I took the shoes off after he fell asleep) to bed last night ... he said he needed to "rock to sleep"

 

[Meshell2002]

D~ could you send me a link to the AG site you visit. I think my daughter would love it.

She just said yesterday while she was in JoAnns that she wants to learn to sew so I think we are going to do some AG clothes.

Since she has 10 and she still plays with them all.

I just found yesterday this site that has free AG doll patterns....and if you sign up for their newsletter they will send you links to 2 other free patterns.
http://libertyjanepatterns.com/

If your daughter likes modern clothes for her doll....I'd start with the strappy tank (get that one when you sign up). I can't wait to buy and try the designer jeans pattern!

 

[mphalens]

I just found yesterday this site that has free AG doll patterns....and if you sign up for their newsletter they will send you links to 2 other free patterns.
http://libertyjanepatterns.com/

If your daughter likes modern clothes for her doll....I'd start with the strappy tank (get that one when you sign up). I can't wait to buy and try the designer jeans pattern!

What a cool site!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

How did you come to know so much about AG dolls? I know you've said you're on AG message boards but I'm curious as to what got you interested ...

One Thanksgiving weekend 2004, Dh left for a year long deployment to Iraq. I was devistated, the girls were heartbroken - and I just wanted to do something very special for them for Christmas that year. A was 6 and V was 5 and I was broke... thanks to the US Government for messing up Josh's pay - we hadn't received a paycheck in 16 weeks! Somehow, after weeks of trying, I finally managed to reach the right person and get Josh paid - with back pay - but it was only 2 weeks before Christmas - I had nothing for the girls and bills had piled up and savings had been emptied. By the time bills were paid and savings was restored - I had just enough for Christmas dinner and an AG doll for each of them. Grandma and Grandpa were kind enough to raid that AG Chicago store, and get each of them several outfits for Christmas. Fast forward a bit... the girls' bdays rolled around and there were outfits that they desperately wanted for their dolls, so I went online to order them and they were gone - retired. I was a bit angry because they outftis were still featured in the current AG catalog. Which led me to an online search to try and find out retirement info in advance... and I found the message boards. I've been very active in those communities for several years, and even moderate one of the boards.

Eventually, my girls' collection started me on my own collection, because there were so many items that I wanted them to have, that they had no interest in having. And it was something fun and wholesome that we could enjoy together. Now that the girls are pretty much done with AG - I am so thankful and fortunate that we had that time together building memories, we had that one thing that bound us together at a time when children tend to start growing away from their parents. Now, I feel that I am very close to my girls and we enjoy spending time together, because we have various hobbies that we take interest in. Our AG collecting has turned into creating items, and we still have a lot of bonding time.

So, in a nutshell - I learned so much - because it was something my girls enjoyed.

I hope I can get it cleaned today too ... I have to wait for my mom though, because I don't know where she's squirreled all the required items away in her sewing room ... She has her very own method of storage and I don't have a clue how to decipher it I'll be honest, I've never cleaned my machine myself. We had it professionally cleaned and apparently updated (I mentioned needing to check the wiring, etc. and was reminded of this) when my Mom got the machine back from our family friend's husband when his wife passed away (It had been my grandmother's machine but was given to this "aunt" after her death because my Mom had her own machine and didn't need another one) ... and until this spring I didn't have enough interest in the machine itself to "worry" about things like cleaning ...

LOL about your mom's cleaning methods... I hope you're able to figure it out. What kind of machine is it/year?

Yay! I have a moving buddy I'm sure between the two of us we can manage to make the jump

Yay... I am so glad you'll have me... since I'll probably be a slacker.

I agree about Ginger's availability, etc. It's hard to know just how rare she might be without knowing her vitals ... I mean, if she started life as a Canada Dry she's a lot more readily available than if she started life as a Vernor's, kwim?

Agreed... So, Cheryl - do you have any more information about Ginger?

Okay ... I think I should stop typing now ... I've completely lost my train of thought while writing this ... I've started and stopped several times ... so who KNOWS what I was originally trying to say ...

I do this all the time...

D~ could you send me a link to the AG site you visit. I think my daughter would love it.

I will send you a PM right now.

D~

 

[cogero]

I just found yesterday this site that has free AG doll patterns....and if you sign up for their newsletter they will send you links to 2 other free patterns.
http://libertyjanepatterns.com/

If your daughter likes modern clothes for her doll....I'd start with the strappy tank (get that one when you sign up). I can't wait to buy and try the designer jeans pattern!

Thanks for the tip about signing up for the newsletter. GOing to do that right now.

Going to set up my old simplicity machine for her and try to get it working though I may let her just try on the Duetta though I found a basic brother on Craigslist for pretty cheap.

 

[mphalens]

One Thanksgiving weekend 2004, Dh left for a year long deployment to Iraq. I was devistated, the girls were heartbroken - and I just wanted to do something very special for them for Christmas that year. A was 6 and V was 5 and I was broke... thanks to the US Government for messing up Josh's pay - we hadn't received a paycheck in 16 weeks! Somehow, after weeks of trying, I finally managed to reach the right person and get Josh paid - with back pay - but it was only 2 weeks before Christmas - I had nothing for the girls and bills had piled up and savings had been emptied. By the time bills were paid and savings was restored - I had just enough for Christmas dinner and an AG doll for each of them. Grandma and Grandpa were kind enough to raid that AG Chicago store, and get each of them several outfits for Christmas. Fast forward a bit... the girls' bdays rolled around and there were outfits that they desperately wanted for their dolls, so I went online to order them and they were gone - retired. I was a bit angry because they outftis were still featured in the current AG catalog. Which led me to an online search to try and find out retirement info in advance... and I found the message boards. I've been very active in those communities for several years, and even moderate one of the boards.

Eventually, my girls' collection started me on my own collection, because there were so many items that I wanted them to have, that they had no interest in having. And it was something fun and wholesome that we could enjoy together. Now that the girls are pretty much done with AG - I am so thankful and fortunate that we had that time together building memories, we had that one thing that bound us together at a time when children tend to start growing away from their parents. Now, I feel that I am very close to my girls and we enjoy spending time together, because we have various hobbies that we take interest in. Our AG collecting has turned into creating items, and we still have a lot of bonding time.

So, in a nutshell - I learned so much - because it was something my girls enjoyed.

That is a GREAT story . . . Of course, I wish it hadn't had to have happened that way (with the lack of paycheck, deployment, etc) but I'm sure that is a wonderful group of memories your girls will cherish forever ...
I had to save up for all of my AG stuff (with the exception of my Kirsten doll and one of her outfits - those were a Christmas present) and I think that's part of why I won't let of them ... I worked hard to earn them as a kid

LOL about your mom's cleaning methods... I hope you're able to figure it out. What kind of machine is it/year?

It's a Singer 401A ... not sure of the year ... 50's I think, based on what I know about how it came into the family ...
The Singer 401 (401A), 403, (403A) and 404 (404A) are all models in the Singer Slant-o-matic/Slant Needle Deluxe Series from the late 1950‘s, early 1960‘s. They are all gear driven (no belt), slant shank, all metal, aluminum bodied sewing machines with a fully rotary hook. from here

Yay... I am so glad you'll have me... since I'll probably be a slacker.

We can be slackers together this weekend

Agreed... So, Cheryl - do you have any more information about Ginger?

Yes ... interested to see Ginger's origins

I do this all the time...

My Dad just asked if I plan to take the sewing cabinet home with me that I've been using ... We have it on loan from one of his employee's mother ... It's old, but FABULOUS! totally closes up and the machine can "live" inside, but the doors open to provide the "leg hole" and they have tons of storage in them, plus more storage in the cabinet itself ... AND the top is so cool ... it will drop down to the front and side of the machine for when you need that extra access for projects (like sewing on the apron to the apron skirt I made)... I love it! My cabinet at home is just a simple one with one side drawer that I can close my machine into ...
As a piece of furniture, my current cabinet is "prettier" but the cabinet here is much more practical and functional ...

 

[aboveH20]

10 tips to help you "spend" your summer vacation wisely

1. Buy fabric for your next project

2. And probably some thread, maybe stabilizer, buttons, and a zipper

3. Get a doll whether or not there is anyone in your house of an approriate age

4. Buy an old vintage antique Singer (not Paul McCartney, the other kind of singer)

5. Buy some fabric for a project you might sew sometime

6. Git yourself a ruffle bunny foot

7. Probably getting a laptop to sit next to your sewing machine would make it easier for following epatterns

8. Book a trip to Disney World so you'll have a reason to sew -- and try for reservations at 1900 Park Fare to see what the stepsisters are all about

9. Order some fabric that you know you'll never use but have to have anyway

10. Buy one first class and one coach ticket to MN to surprise ~D at her fourth of July picnic (be polite, don't eat more than $180 of food)

 

[DisneyTeacher01]

I am not sure. I really thought Molly would archive in 2010 - so I was a little shocked when Felicity was anounced. Later this summer, AG has plans to release 2 new historicals - this is not a historical and BFF set - these are two seperate historicals (Cecile and Marie Grace) whose stories are intwined. The girls are from New Orleans before the turn of the centruy (1880s, I believe, but I can't remember). One of them is African American. Because their story is so amazing and their outfits are TDF - there are numerous in the collecting community that think Addy will be the next to archive. I tend to agree with this. My thoughts on Molly (and Kit, for that matter) are the fact that both their stories really resignate with kid's struggles today. Molly's dad was deployed overseas WWII during her stories - and his deployment is a huge part of her stories and what shaped her -many children now have parents who are deployed, and really relate to Molly. For this reason, I think Molly will stay for another year - however - I do think she is very high on the archival list. And of course, Kit, whose story is based on the Great Depression, and our economy is similar right now - so many kids can relate to her stories, as well. And, in the grand scheme of things, her collection has not been around quite as long as the others.

These are just my opinions, there are many other valid opinions out there that make sense...



I hope you are able to get your machine cleaned today... I just finished Patience and when I sat down at one of the Brothers last night (they just don't whirr like Patience), I thought to myself that I really need to clean them and oil them too... Ahhh... It never ends! They're like children...



Thank you! I hope you had fun at the AG store! How does your dd like Kanani? Her hair is sooo long... my dd has had her since Jan 1 - and mostly her hair stays in a long braid.



Wow - that's so neat that I've inspired someone. Let me know if you have any questions.



LOL on your easyfits!

I'll be your moving buddy - but I won't be the best one - since I will be out of town... but I'll be able to check in a couple times a day.



I will let you know what to do with Paypal... otherwise, I can mail you a check. Just so you know, I will be out of the loop and no access to normal accts until Fri.

Oh, I do agree - the new AG Samanthas can go for a huge sum on Ebay, and the more time that passes, the less likely you are able to find one in that great of condition. I guess, I should have stated that they are out there if you are willing to spend the $$, or wait the time it takes to get lucky - whether someone mislabels their auction or your neighbor's cousin's friend's dd is selling...

Maybe you need to make more clothes for your dd's Samantha? She probably shouldn't be doing laundry nekkid.

I do think that Ginger is a bit rare... and finding one with a head is going to be nearly impossible. I've never seen Ginger's label - so I am unsure of her year of manufacture - but I'm betting that she is fairly recent. So, there may be ample Gingers available for sale - many of them marked down - however, finding another with her personality - well - that's probably not going to happen. So, I hope Cheryl isn't planning on getting rid of her yet - she should hang on to her until the market turns and Ginger becomes a little more famous.

I started on my first Villian dress last night... then we got storms, so I had to stop. I don't think I will finish it before I leave and DH refuses to let me bring a machine... Maybe I should check craigslist for the trip up - see if we are driving past any good deals.

D~

Thanks for the info....Kit and Molly sticking around really does make sense

D~ could you send me a link to the AG site you visit. I think my daughter would love it.

She just said yesterday while she was in JoAnns that she wants to learn to sew so I think we are going to do some AG clothes.

Since she has 10 and she still plays with them all.

I would like that link too please

I just found yesterday this site that has free AG doll patterns....and if you sign up for their newsletter they will send you links to 2 other free patterns.
http://libertyjanepatterns.com/

If your daughter likes modern clothes for her doll....I'd start with the strappy tank (get that one when you sign up). I can't wait to buy and try the designer jeans pattern!

oooo Thanks for the link! I'm headed to download

One Thanksgiving weekend 2004, Dh left for a year long deployment to Iraq. I was devistated, the girls were heartbroken - and I just wanted to do something very special for them for Christmas that year. A was 6 and V was 5 and I was broke... thanks to the US Government for messing up Josh's pay - we hadn't received a paycheck in 16 weeks! Somehow, after weeks of trying, I finally managed to reach the right person and get Josh paid - with back pay - but it was only 2 weeks before Christmas - I had nothing for the girls and bills had piled up and savings had been emptied. By the time bills were paid and savings was restored - I had just enough for Christmas dinner and an AG doll for each of them. Grandma and Grandpa were kind enough to raid that AG Chicago store, and get each of them several outfits for Christmas. Fast forward a bit... the girls' bdays rolled around and there were outfits that they desperately wanted for their dolls, so I went online to order them and they were gone - retired. I was a bit angry because they outftis were still featured in the current AG catalog. Which led me to an online search to try and find out retirement info in advance... and I found the message boards. I've been very active in those communities for several years, and even moderate one of the boards.

Eventually, my girls' collection started me on my own collection, because there were so many items that I wanted them to have, that they had no interest in having. And it was something fun and wholesome that we could enjoy together. Now that the girls are pretty much done with AG - I am so thankful and fortunate that we had that time together building memories, we had that one thing that bound us together at a time when children tend to start growing away from their parents. Now, I feel that I am very close to my girls and we enjoy spending time together, because we have various hobbies that we take interest in. Our AG collecting has turned into creating items, and we still have a lot of bonding time.

So, in a nutshell - I learned so much - because it was something my girls enjoyed.



LOL about your mom's cleaning methods... I hope you're able to figure it out. What kind of machine is it/year?



Yay... I am so glad you'll have me... since I'll probably be a slacker.



Agreed... So, Cheryl - do you have any more information about Ginger?



I do this all the time...



I will send you a PM right now.

D~

What a story...I'm sorry you had to go through that. What a way to get into AGs.

10 tips to help you "spend" your summer vacation wisely

1. Buy fabric for your next project

2. And probably some thread, maybe stabilizer, buttons, and a zipper

3. Get a doll whether or not there is anyone in your house of an approriate age

4. Buy an old vintage antique Singer (not Paul McCarthy, the other kind of singer)

5. Buy some fabric for a project you might sew sometime

6. Git yourself a ruffle bunny foot

7. Probably getting a laptop to sit next to your sewing machine would make it easier for following epatterns

8. Book a trip to Disney World so you'll have a reason to sew -- and try for reservations at 1900 Park Fare to see what the stepsisters are all about

9. Order some fabric that you know you'll never use but have to have anyway

10. Buy one first class and one coach ticket to MN to surprise ~D at her fourth of July picnic (be polite, don't eat more than $180 of food)

 

[NiniMorris]

10 tips to help you "spend" your summer vacation wisely

1. Buy fabric for your next project

2. And probably some thread, maybe stabilizer, buttons, and a zipper

3. Get a doll whether or not there is anyone in your house of an approriate age

4. Buy an old vintage antique Singer (not Paul McCarthy, the other kind of singer)

5. Buy some fabric for a project you might sew sometime

6. Git yourself a ruffle bunny foot

7. Probably getting a laptop to sit next to your sewing machine would make it easier for following epatterns

8. Book a trip to Disney World so you'll have a reason to sew -- and try for reservations at 1900 Park Fare to see what the stepsisters are all about

9. Order some fabric that you know you'll never use but have to have anyway

10. Buy one first class and one coach ticket to MN to surprise ~D at her fourth of July picnic (be polite, don't eat more than $180 of food)

 

[Blyssfull]

Question: Where is the best site to download SEU? I keep finding things about dealers and I'm way too impatient for all of that.... Is there somewhere you can download it instantly?

Thanks!


Hope everyone has a fantastic 4th!

 

[Blyssfull]

10 tips to help you "spend" your summer vacation wisely

1. Buy fabric for your next project

2. And probably some thread, maybe stabilizer, buttons, and a zipper

3. Get a doll whether or not there is anyone in your house of an approriate age

4. Buy an old vintage antique Singer (not Paul McCarthy, the other kind of singer)

5. Buy some fabric for a project you might sew sometime

6. Git yourself a ruffle bunny foot

7. Probably getting a laptop to sit next to your sewing machine would make it easier for following epatterns

8. Book a trip to Disney World so you'll have a reason to sew -- and try for reservations at 1900 Park Fare to see what the stepsisters are all about

9. Order some fabric that you know you'll never use but have to have anyway

10. Buy one first class and one coach ticket to MN to surprise ~D at her fourth of July picnic (be polite, don't eat more than $180 of food)

ahhhhahahahahahahaha

 

[SallyfromDE]

Question: Where is the best site to download SEU? I keep finding things about dealers and I'm way too impatient for all of that.... Is there somewhere you can download it instantly?

Thanks!


Hope everyone has a fantastic 4th!

I think it was given to dealers. So just do an internet search and you'll find a site where someone has it. That's how I find mine. I've yet to take the time to figure it out.