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

[VBAndrea]

Shoot, Firfox crashed and I lost a bunch of my quotes! bah. I have a headache and can't remember what I was quoting!

Andrea (I think) I would love to see a picture of the $5 AG doll! I dream of finding one that cheap!

I'm sorry you have a Sewing sometimes provides relief. Maybe it's all the computer work you've been doing for your sister. And I got my first e-mail from her with coupon codes!!!!! I'm so excited she has her own site now.

This is the AG doll, Samantha. She came in her original outfit minus the tights. She even came with a hat (and a pair of purple boots that match nothing, and a pair of sunglasses). She is in excellent condition. Here she is modeling a dress I made for Megan (Lisa's daughter) for her birthday:

Thank you... but don't make a special trip for me... just the next time you go??? I'll have you send it to my neighbor - 3 towns away - the way the crow flies - uphill both ways - in a blizzard.

D~

I actually might pick up some myself to keep on hand for BG's. It's the Toy Story fabric you want, right? If I don't go soon the sale will be over and I need to get some trim for my dd's skirt as well (hoping that's on sale -- need to look at my flyer). Likewise, if I don't go soon they will run out and they charge you a bundle to special order fabrics.

Okay, I finally had my camera out so I thought I'd take some pictures of Amy Grace. I found her (in her box) at Goodwill for $20. A few months later, I found an American Girl WC at the same store. Then a few months ago, I found forearm crutches. The rubber in the middle isn't in the same spot on both of them, but I only use one crutch, so I thought Amy Grace could do the same. They are a little too long, so I'm going to get my BIL to shorten them a little.

The outfit she is wearing was made many years ago and has a choice of collars. She is wearing the blue stars, so she will have red, white and blue. Her cat is named Amber and was adopted from a garage sale..so she is a rescue cat. Amy Grace has JRA, so she uses her chair for stamina issues and when her joints are very sore. Sometimes she needs a crutch for balance. She may go on my cruise with us and I might write a photo book about her experiences.

Whoops, I see I forgot to trim Amber's new bow.

She's adorable! My Goodwill Samantha is pictured above. My mom found her for $5 in her original clothes. I was most impressed that my mom even knew what an AG doll was! Of course, whenever I set foot in GW I only find junk.

Thanks! I really, really, really love the pattern! I don't know why, but I am in love with the Insa skirt style! To be honest with you even if I never complete another project from that book-I would still think it was worth every penny!

Thank you! I rarely pass up the opportunity for ruffles.. I was a little leery of using that shirt, but my DD insisted. Sully doesn't stand out as much as Mike, but I think it still looks alright. Can't wait to see your finished Insa! I promise you will be so happy after you are through!


Jeana

The Insa is the only I ever made out of the book as well and I only finally pulled it out for the BG. It was just so easy and is such a nice style that I now am making my dd one. I still need trim and another apllique so mine will be awhile. If I can get underskirt fabric for my other one I may end up making that first. I love your ruffles but I do hate ironing them and my dd is not at all into ruffles. All she wants is twirl.

I'm glad we're in RI and not NC right now ... in NC you have to MAKE them test for Lyme b/c it's not common like it is here ...
Our family doctor took a look at him and said it could be viral or it could be the start of Lyme so he'd rather treat for Lyme than not. Although I'm usually not quick to do antibiotics for my kids, Lyme is one thing I don't mess around with. My cousin had Lyme when we were in high school only they didn't know ... never saw the tick, never got the rash ... they thought he had mono, then something else, then another thing . . . until he woke up one morning with half his face paralyzed and he couldn't feel his legs. Thank God he recovered with treatment and doesn't show signs of anything today ... but it was terrifying.

So ... Phalen gets to have his first ever CHEWABLE medication ... he's always had liquid until now (which is a battle) ... so keep your fingers crossed this goes well!

I agree with you on the antibiotics, but my ds started walking normally the day after he started them. He never had any face paralysis, and actually no leg paralysis -- he could move them, he just couldn't put any weight on them and they really hurt him. He never had a tick or the target red spot either, but sure enough his lab came back positive. We had just been camping the week before and he went into the woods without his hat on, plus we had deer all over our yard anyway. Over half the kids in our neighborhood got it at one time or another.

I hope the chewables go well for Phalen and that he feels better right away. Keep us posted.

 

[DMGeurts]

Thanks to all for the compliments on Amy Grace.



Cindy, I have every doll I ever got as a child. I have a Toni doll I got when I was 7, a Saucy Walker I got at age 5 (have a picture of me holding her), 2 Tiny Tears (got one of my friends that she left at my house when she moved and didn't want back) a Buddy Lee dressed in a Coke uniform (got him when I was 5 or 6) and a couple of small and large Miss Revlon dolls. Oh, and a Ginny, too. I have a lot of their clothes, too. The top shelf of my closet is full of doll trunks! They are all in great shape. I had to have Buddy Lee restrung about 10 years ago and the lady in the doll hospital offered me $400 for him. My daughter isn't interested in them, so I may sell them to someone who would appreciate them one day.

It sounds like you have a fantastic collection!

I actually might pick up some myself to keep on hand for BG's. It's the Toy Story fabric you want, right? If I don't go soon the sale will be over and I need to get some trim for my dd's skirt as well (hoping that's on sale -- need to look at my flyer). Likewise, if I don't go soon they will run out and they charge you a bundle to special order fabrics.

Yes, it's the toy story fabric. Well - I'd like to spend $20 (including shipping) - so please use your best judgement and get what you can. Does that work? So, if you can get 3 yds - please do so... otherwise, just what you can.

D~

 

[SallyfromDE]

My wonderful fabric finds thanks to Andrea! I have never been to a Walmart with sooo much fabric! VA beach may see me again, real soon.



The winnie the pooh was on clearance for $1.88 a yard! I didn't realize that until I got home or I would have bought the bolt! And the blue flowery princess fabric was on clearance for $2.99 a yard...I bought the last 3 yards. I couldn't believe the fabric they had on walmart and their prices. The peter pan was on clearnace and I paid less than $2 a panel! Can't wait to get sewing!

Our Walmarts never had the good stuff! Like the PP and SW fabrics. I love love love the tink and princess fabrics you got. I've never seen either one. I'm going to have to watch out for those.

I would love to have that tink panel. Most of our walmarts have gotten rid of fabric, so I may have to go on a search.

I can't wait to see what happens!! Our Walmart here in Wilmington, DE is marking down thier fabric wall. I don't see why they couldn't sell both by the bolt and the fabric wall. But these markdowns are all the better for me!

Could anyone recommend an embroidery machine for me? I'm looking into getting one but really have no idea where to even begin! I'd love to be able to do Disney designs with it... my daughter is 2 and LOVES to dress up (yay!!!)

I have the brother 780D and I love it. Do you have a local sewing store? I'd go look and do some trial runs. That should give you an idea where to start.

I went to the Sewing Store today in Pueblo, and fell instantly in love with the Brother Quatro.

I was referred to this thread because another one mentioned it as having a lot of suggestions for machines....but so far all I've seen is a lot of posts about children's clothing (not that there's anything wrong with that! ) But I really need some good machine advise.

I'm a newbie at this, and really not sure where to start....I know I don't want a mega professional $20,000 multi-thread machine, but I want something that I can turn a profit on (I have some great marketing ideas)....so I feel like the Quatro would really be a great fit for my needs. My fear is failure...I know this is a competitive market, but I feel I found my "winning ticket" idea that just might be a niche that can fullfill my need of a creative outlet.

If anyone has the Quatro, can you please tell me how you've liked it? What is the learning curve, is it as user friendly as it appears?

BTW, kind of OT, but my mom used to do custom embroidery work many years ago for a living. She had the machines that you had to do everything by hand "steering", no computerization, or button pushing. She did banners, cheerleading jackets, patches, you name it, all custom. Many people came to her with drawings or just ideas for her to run with. It amazes me to think how much easier her life would have been if these machines were around when she did this for a living. She supported my dad and her (with his small disability check) doing this. I'm very proud of her! I have one of her old machines in the garage that she couldn't bear to part with (she hasn't used it for years!, but I'm not sure what it does, I just know I've had to lug it around for her for the past 10 years!)

If you want it to be a "work" machine, I'd decide what I really needed it to do first. I do a craft table, and I theme it with everything cupcake. I've used a 4X4 hoop for just about everything on it. I did upgrade to a 5X7, since I had other designs I wanted to do. I would love to move up to a 6X10, although most people here have said they use that size very little. I'm also hoping Brother will come out with a larger embroidery only machine. I don't really need or want a combo machine.

Your Mom's machine sounds great! Makes me think of my first Disney hat that had my name on the back. I think they used that type of machine.

 

[Meshell2002]

Okay, I finally had my camera out so I thought I'd take some pictures of Amy Grace. I found her (in her box) at Goodwill for $20. A few months later, I found an American Girl WC at the same store. Then a few months ago, I found forearm crutches. The rubber in the middle isn't in the same spot on both of them, but I only use one crutch, so I thought Amy Grace could do the same. They are a little too long, so I'm going to get my BIL to shorten them a little.

The outfit she is wearing was made many years ago and has a choice of collars. She is wearing the blue stars, so she will have red, white and blue. Her cat is named Amber and was adopted from a garage sale..so she is a rescue cat. Amy Grace has JRA, so she uses her chair for stamina issues and when her joints are very sore. Sometimes she needs a crutch for balance. She may go on my cruise with us and I might write a photo book about her experiences.

Whoops, I see I forgot to trim Amber's new bow.

She looks great!

I'm sorry you have a Sewing sometimes provides relief. Maybe it's all the computer work you've been doing for your sister. And I got my first e-mail from her with coupon codes!!!!! I'm so excited she has her own site now.

This is the AG doll, Samantha. She came in her original outfit minus the tights. She even came with a hat (and a pair of purple boots that match nothing, and a pair of sunglasses). She is in excellent condition. Here she is modeling a dress I made for Megan (Lisa's daughter) for her birthday:

I actually might pick up some myself to keep on hand for BG's. It's the Toy Story fabric you want, right? If I don't go soon the sale will be over and I need to get some trim for my dd's skirt as well (hoping that's on sale -- need to look at my flyer). Likewise, if I don't go soon they will run out and they charge you a bundle to special order fabrics.


She's adorable! My Goodwill Samantha is pictured above. My mom found her for $5 in her original clothes. I was most impressed that my mom even knew what an AG doll was! Of course, whenever I set foot in GW I only find junk.


The Insa is the only I ever made out of the book as well and I only finally pulled it out for the BG. It was just so easy and is such a nice style that I now am making my dd one. I still need trim and another apllique so mine will be awhile. If I can get underskirt fabric for my other one I may end up making that first. I love your ruffles but I do hate ironing them and my dd is not at all into ruffles. All she wants is twirl.


I agree with you on the antibiotics, but my ds started walking normally the day after he started them. He never had any face paralysis, and actually no leg paralysis -- he could move them, he just couldn't put any weight on them and they really hurt him. He never had a tick or the target red spot either, but sure enough his lab came back positive. We had just been camping the week before and he went into the woods without his hat on, plus we had deer all over our yard anyway. Over half the kids in our neighborhood got it at one time or another.

I hope the chewables go well for Phalen and that he feels better right away. Keep us posted.

Love it! Kudos to your Mom!

I hope your son feels better, and I like the rock star pants.....funny how it finally registered he was going to have pink pockets

The Monsters Inc Isna looks great....can't wait to get that book!

I finished Lucy's peasant top today.....actually this is the second one I made....I cut out the empire top for a single ruffle shirt.....it was way too short so I had to make a second one. I think I got distracted because Lucy kept trying to climb on the potty with DD, and she doesn't know she can fall in! As you can see I forgot to restyle her hair after the shirt change

 

[cogero]

Does anyone have a tutorial on how to add a ruffle to denim shorts?

I am cutting down a pair of jeans that have a hole in them

 

[Piper]

This is the AG doll, Samantha. She came in her original outfit minus the tights. She even came with a hat (and a pair of purple boots that match nothing, and a pair of sunglasses). She is in excellent condition. Here she is modeling a dress I made for Megan (Lisa's daughter) for her birthday:

.

Samantha looks great! She is difficult to find now, I think. I am tickled for you!

 

[mphalens]

Thank you! Those pant are crazy cute! I love the whole outfit! And the Cars shirts are adorable as well!

Aw! Thanks!!!!

adorable. Love them all

THanks!

Cindy, I have every doll I ever got as a child. I have a Toni doll I got when I was 7, a Saucy Walker I got at age 5 (have a picture of me holding her), 2 Tiny Tears (got one of my friends that she left at my house when she moved and didn't want back) a Buddy Lee dressed in a Coke uniform (got him when I was 5 or 6) and a couple of small and large Miss Revlon dolls. Oh, and a Ginny, too. I have a lot of their clothes, too. The top shelf of my closet is full of doll trunks! They are all in great shape. I had to have Buddy Lee restrung about 10 years ago and the lady in the doll hospital offered me $400 for him. My daughter isn't interested in them, so I may sell them to someone who would appreciate them one day.

That's awesome! My grandmother loved dolls so I had a bit of a collection too ... they mostly live in the shelf of my mother's closet ... I think we both keep hoping I'll have a girl ... but No plans for that until at least after our Disney trip!

But I LOVED my Ginny doll ... I had her trunk too!

This is the AG doll, Samantha. She came in her original outfit minus the tights. She even came with a hat (and a pair of purple boots that match nothing, and a pair of sunglasses). She is in excellent condition. Here she is modeling a dress I made for Megan (Lisa's daughter) for her birthday:

I agree with you on the antibiotics, but my ds started walking normally the day after he started them. He never had any face paralysis, and actually no leg paralysis -- he could move them, he just couldn't put any weight on them and they really hurt him. He never had a tick or the target red spot either, but sure enough his lab came back positive. We had just been camping the week before and he went into the woods without his hat on, plus we had deer all over our yard anyway. Over half the kids in our neighborhood got it at one time or another.

I hope the chewables go well for Phalen and that he feels better right away. Keep us posted.

Very cool! Samantha is VERY hard to find now ... I always chuckle a little when I see her though ... she is the doll my childhood best friend received ... and she looks JUST like her (my friend and Samantha) ... it always made me laugh and I guess it still does!

So far so good with the chewables... he says they taste good He also finally ate a decent dinner ... so hopefully we're moving in the right direction ...

I hope your son feels better, and I like the rock star pants.....funny how it finally registered he was going to have pink pockets


I finished Lucy's peasant top today.....actually this is the second one I made....I cut out the empire top for a single ruffle shirt.....it was way too short so I had to make a second one. I think I got distracted because Lucy kept trying to climb on the potty with DD, and she doesn't know she can fall in! As you can see I forgot to restyle her hair after the shirt change

Thanks! I love Lucy's peasant top! She is one stylin' girl these days!


So... after I took Phalen to the doctor's my mom took both boys to the grocery store off island and I got to come home and sew... I finished Finn's "RockStar" Pants AND Phalen's original "try out the pattern" star pants (so much for trying out the pattern on those ... we've made a few others since those were cut out... but I hadn't gotten back to sew these yet and he was asking for them ...)
I still have one pair of pants left to finish tonight, so I'm back to the sewing room in a few!
But first ... here are pictures:

Finn's "RockStar" outfit so far:

Close up of the shoes (his favorite part):

And then he had to put it all on and rock out (sorry for the blurriness, he was rockin' ):

Phalen's star pants. I did the same detail work on these that I did on Finn's, so I didn't take close ups-Sorry! (front):

star pants (back):

 

[KathleensKid]

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!

 

[VBAndrea]

Yes, it's the toy story fabric. Well - I'd like to spend $20 (including shipping) - so please use your best judgement and get what you can. Does that work? So, if you can get 3 yds - please do so... otherwise, just what you can.

D~

According to my flyer, it will be $5.99/yd at the most. I have no idea what shipping will be -- I never can figure that right but I should be able to put it in a flat envelope and that usually seems to help. I should be able to get at least 2.5 yds if it's at the highest price for licensed. I'll just pm you or e-mail you for your address once I get it and then ship it off. I'll give you the total and then you can send me a check. DH has paypal if you prefer that, but I am totally confused to PayPal other than I know how to purchase things with his account That's all I really need to know right?

Our Walmarts never had the good stuff! Like the PP and SW fabrics. I love love love the tink and princess fabrics you got. I've never seen either one. I'm going to have to watch out for those.

I can't wait to see what happens!! Our Walmart here in Wilmington, DE is marking down thier fabric wall. I don't see why they couldn't sell both by the bolt and the fabric wall. But these markdowns are all the better for me!

I'm the one with the good Walmart, but I'm so hoping the one right by my house gets fabric back. They never carried the two yard panels but they have one aisle that has yarn and some sewing supplies (needles, buttons, elastic) -- their buttons are all marked down as were some scisoors and cutting mats. It might be a good sign!

I finished Lucy's peasant top today.....actually this is the second one I made....I cut out the empire top for a single ruffle shirt.....it was way too short so I had to make a second one. I think I got distracted because Lucy kept trying to climb on the potty with DD, and she doesn't know she can fall in! As you can see I forgot to restyle her hair after the shirt change

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).

Does anyone have a tutorial on how to add a ruffle to denim shorts?

I am cutting down a pair of jeans that have a hole in them

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.

Samantha looks great! She is difficult to find now, I think. I am tickled for you!

She is no longer made. I saw a new one for close to $300 and ones in the shape of mine go for well over $100 on ebay. I'm not selling her though. I do really need to get her hair spiffied up a bit. It came looking nicer -- dd just tosses her around. I'm not sure where she is now -- last I saw her she was face down in her panties only on dd's bedroom floor, but she since has relocated herself.

 

[VBAndrea]

Very cool! Samantha is VERY hard to find now ... I always chuckle a little when I see her though ... she is the doll my childhood best friend received ... and she looks JUST like her (my friend and Samantha) ... it always made me laugh and I guess it still does!

So far so good with the chewables... he says they taste good He also finally ate a decent dinner ... so hopefully we're moving in the right direction ...


So... after I took Phalen to the doctor's my mom took both boys to the grocery store off island and I got to come home and sew... I finished Finn's "RockStar" Pants AND Phalen's original "try out the pattern" star pants (so much for trying out the pattern on those ... we've made a few others since those were cut out... but I hadn't gotten back to sew these yet and he was asking for them ...)
I still have one pair of pants left to finish tonight, so I'm back to the sewing room in a few!
But first ... here are pictures:

Finn's "RockStar" outfit so far:

Close up of the shoes (his favorite part):

And then he had to put it all on and rock out (sorry for the blurriness, he was rockin' ):

Phalen's star pants. I did the same detail work on these that I did on Finn's, so I didn't take close ups-Sorry! (front):

star pants (back):

The cool thing about Samantha is she has my dd's eye color and hair color (my dd does not have bangs though). Alexa prefers playing with her Webkinz cat and other stuffed animal over any dolls, hence I have not made Sam any more clothes.

Cool rock star!!! Those shoes do make the outfit! And the pink zebra on clearance at Wally's was bright pink and light pink -- yours is much better for your application.

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!

Wendy embroidered that shirt. The embroidery design is available from FrouFour by Heather Sue

 

[Meshell2002]

According to my flyer, it will be $5.99/yd at the most. I have no idea what shipping will be -- I never can figure that right but I should be able to put it in a flat envelope and that usually seems to help. I should be able to get at least 2.5 yds if it's at the highest price for licensed. I'll just pm you or e-mail you for your address once I get it and then ship it off. I'll give you the total and then you can send me a check. DH has paypal if you prefer that, but I am totally confused to PayPal other than I know how to purchase things with his account That's all I really need to know right?


I'm the one with the good Walmart, but I'm so hoping the one right by my house gets fabric back. They never carried the two yard panels but they have one aisle that has yarn and some sewing supplies (needles, buttons, elastic) -- their buttons are all marked down as were some scisoors and cutting mats. It might be a good sign!




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.



She is no longer made. I saw a new one for close to $300 and ones in the shape of mine go for well over $100 on ebay. I'm not selling her though. I do really need to get her hair spiffied up a bit. It came looking nicer -- dd just tosses her around. I'm not sure where she is now -- last I saw her she was face down in her panties only on dd's bedroom floor, but she since has relocated herself.

I did actually add a little length to the elastic in the neck than the instructions....I think the pattern said 8.5 inches and I used 9....I like my peasants a little more lower in the neckline...something I modified after my crop top shirt

Samantha dolls are a little HTF....I was looking for one since it looks like me as a kid (bangs and all! thanks goodness I don't have bangs now in the south al humidity). But don't tell Lucy, she may get the scissors and give me back my bangs, she thinks I was looking for her.

 

[Meshell2002]

oops double post

 

[DMGeurts]

According to my flyer, it will be $5.99/yd at the most. I have no idea what shipping will be -- I never can figure that right but I should be able to put it in a flat envelope and that usually seems to help. I should be able to get at least 2.5 yds if it's at the highest price for licensed. I'll just pm you or e-mail you for your address once I get it and then ship it off. I'll give you the total and then you can send me a check. DH has paypal if you prefer that, but I am totally confused to PayPal other than I know how to purchase things with his account That's all I really need to know right?

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

Samantha looks great! She is difficult to find now, I think. I am tickled for you!

She is no longer made. I saw a new one for close to $300 and ones in the shape of mine go for well over $100 on ebay. I'm not selling her though. I do really need to get her hair spiffied up a bit. It came looking nicer -- dd just tosses her around. I'm not sure where she is now -- last I saw her she was face down in her panties only on dd's bedroom floor, but she since has relocated herself.

Very cool! Samantha is VERY hard to find now ...

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.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a71/mphalens/th_149893af.jpg[/IMG]

Close up of the shoes (his favorite part):

And then he had to put it all on and rock out (sorry for the blurriness, he was rockin' ):

Phalen's star pants. I did the same detail work on these that I did on Finn's, so I didn't take close ups-Sorry! (front):

star pants (back):

I totally love it all! He is going to be one awesome rockin' little man!

D~

 

[DisneyTeacher01]

Okay, I finally had my camera out so I thought I'd take some pictures of Amy Grace. I found her (in her box) at Goodwill for $20. A few months later, I found an American Girl WC at the same store. Then a few months ago, I found forearm crutches. The rubber in the middle isn't in the same spot on both of them, but I only use one crutch, so I thought Amy Grace could do the same. They are a little too long, so I'm going to get my BIL to shorten them a little.

The outfit she is wearing was made many years ago and has a choice of collars. She is wearing the blue stars, so she will have red, white and blue. Her cat is named Amber and was adopted from a garage sale..so she is a rescue cat. Amy Grace has JRA, so she uses her chair for stamina issues and when her joints are very sore. Sometimes she needs a crutch for balance. She may go on my cruise with us and I might write a photo book about her experiences.

Whoops, I see I forgot to trim Amber's new bow.

Awesome!!

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~

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....

 

[mphalens]

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) ...

The only things left on them are the hem and the waistband ... and I really need him to be awake for both of those, so I guess it won't kill me to wait anyway!

I do need to get them done before the 4th though ... since he plans on wearing them in the parade ...

 

[ivey_family]

I am trying to find both Mickey and Donald in safari hats for AK, can anyone tell me where I would find them. I have looked but keep coming up empty!

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.

 

[miprender]

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.

Great job on the hat.

And Insa skirts for the girls:

WOW Ellen that is just amazing.

Thanks to all your inspirations and great versions of a "Cars" shirt I made this for my DS. He gave me a big kiss when he saw it but I think it was more for the effort and not because he really loved the shirt. This is with the shirt sleeve rolled up to show the lining fabric (thanks April for that suggestion, and all the other help everyone offered).

Great job on the shirt and pillow.

NK Walmart ... right down the street from Allie's Donuts!!!! There was a 2.5 yard piece left but that was it ... I'm sure it's now rolled and tossed in the remant bin ... if I'd had a little more cash I would have taken it (there were two pieces left on the bolt when I found it ... I took the 3 yd 16" one)...

I went there about a month ago and it couldn't find anything.

House is in Saunderstown (NK) and will be priced over $100K LESS than what we paid for it and never mind the $50K we spent finishing the basement and doing various other projects. I think the house is about 9 years old. It's in a great neighborhood and backs up to horse trails. I used to love taking the kids for walks through the woods and going to the horse farm to bring them baby carrots. We actually had the chance to move back up there, but the kids school up there is twice as much as we pay down here and I am not licensed in RI either so I would be out of a job.

FYI the Westerly Walmart had fabric as of 2.75 years ago.

That is such a pretty area. But the economy in RI stinks to put it nicely. We have friends that lived in Narragansett that ended up losing their house

There was only one house for sale in Jamestown when we were looking and we couldn't afford the million dollar price tag! I would have loved to have lived on Jamestown. We picked NK for a better school district and dh hates Newport traffic -- then of course we sent our son to private K instead of public b/c the good school system still didn't meet my standards. We still preferred living off island.

When we lived in RI there was a fabulous fabric store in Warwick that went out of business and had a huge clearance. I had only been in the store looking for ballerina faric to make my dd a little tote for her shoes -- I really wasn't into sewing then. Now I surely wish I had been. Just Fabrics sounds like a real find though. I should do a little research and see if I could find something down here within an hour's drive. Truly though I really only use Diney fabric for BGs, and when we went to Disney I did so much applique that I only used a couple of Disney prints.

We almost bought in NK but DH couldn't leave Warwick I remember that store too, but unfortunatly I wasn't sewing then.

After:

Patience and get to town and get groceries for the holiday weekend.

D~

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

I made J a pair of Buzz Light Year shorts and am trying to decide between a Buzz Applique or a Green alien applique and I can't decide LOL

So glad you picked aliens. I wanted to do the aliens on one of the kids shirts but no one wanted one.

Today I sewed myself a Rosetta...first thing I have made for me in forever! Love the pattern and see many more in my future.

So jelous. I really want to make one of these.

I am trying to find both Mickey and Donald in safari hats for AK, can anyone tell me where I would find them. I have looked but keep coming up empty!

Did you try Bows and Clothes? They may have it.

Whatcha think? I ended up making it in a size 2 and a size 5 to give as parts of birthday gifts for Finn's girlfriend and her older sister ...

The size 5 skirt:

SO cute.

The set (front and then back):

Front and treaure chest tush:

OMG... That has to be the most beautiful pirate outfits I have ever seen. This is just so amazing.

My wonderful fabric finds thanks to Andrea! I have never been to a Walmart with sooo much fabric! VA beach may see me again, real soon.

A hobby lobby clearance find.

Great shopping! And love that SnowWhite dress.

So, Patience and I completed our first project yesterday - her sewing machine cover. After all that work getting her clean - I wanted to make sure I did everything I could to keep her dust free. She insisted on lots of ruffles - after all - she is living in a male dominant room...

That's it for today folks. I actually have to go to work - so no sewing until this afternoon... but I'd really like to make a Villians outfit in AG size - so that might just be my next project.

D~

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

Front.

And a picture with the shirt that inspired my skirt.... ps the shirt has been done for a couple of weeks now! I fully intended on doing the skirt right away, but like I said.... completely intimidated! Not anymore! Loved making this skirt!

Thanks for looking!
Jeana

What a great job you did. When I saw those colors they just sceamed MI.

 

[miprender]

Continued......

Could anyone recommend an embroidery machine for me? I'm looking into getting one but really have no idea where to even begin! I'd love to be able to do Disney designs with it... my daughter is 2 and LOVES to dress up (yay!!!)

Like many others I have the PE770 and do all my Disney appliqueing on it. I love this machine and have been putting it to much use. I can't even imagine how many stitches I have put on it. I purchased mine through Walmart online and had free shipping.

Oh! I finished Phalen's "Rock Star" pants ... I've felt like I was back in the 80s all morning ... the kids were watching Bugs Bunny with my Mom and I've been sewing on neon zebra print All that's left is for the boys to start rockin' out to NKOTB and I'll know we went through a time warp!
Here they are with the T-shirt I found on clearance at Crazy8 -they go well together, don't they?

Later today I need to make Phalen's red, white & blue pants and his star pants AND Finn's "RockStar" pants ... wish me luck, because FIRST I have to take Phalen to the doctor's b/c we think he might have Lyme's

Love all what you posted.

I hope Phalen is OK. We have been going through something like this with DH. For several years he has seen many specialist for pain that comes and goes. One day at work he wasn't even sure if he could walk up the stairs. But all his Lyme test come back negative and no one can say what is really going on. as all the other test come back normal.

Okay, I finally had my camera out so I thought I'd take some pictures of Amy Grace.

Whoops, I see I forgot to trim Amber's new bow.

Hell Amy Grace.

I don't have a pattern, but I made this reversible cover 2 days ago. It was so simple. Only took about an hour total.

Nice cover. I keep my cricut in the box, so she is not too happy with that.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Did you happen to notice the name of the thread?

yeah, I figured that was a clue . But was referred to this thread by another one, asking the same question. guess I just need to start my own thread specifically about machines!

 

[ivey_family]

I think keeping up with this thread has become a full-time job! Worse, my laptop died and I can't easily quote on my ipod. Please know that I drool over everyone's awesome work! And I keep adding to my own project list, too!

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!

Love, love, love the black and white ladybug quilt, the Villian insas, D's Patience, machine covers and Goofy doll dress, the Pirate outfits. And all the AG doll and Ginger adventures! So many more wonderful things that I know I'm missing.

I hit my local Walmart tonight and came home with 18 fat quarters and five 2 yard Disney related pieces for about $16, including the Cars fabric I almost paid $5 a yard for at JoAnns!

Have a happy Independence Day, everyone!
Regards,
C.