Sew much to do, sew little time - but it was worth it! New PTR link posted! ~~~~~~~~~

[sandym718]

Thanks everyone!!!

Just a super quick drive-by post. I have so much to get done this morning before the girls and I leave!

I managed to get a lot more done on the backpack yesterday - I am starting to get more excited about putting it all together. I just hope that everyone likes it. Putting it together is going to be the biggest task - and the drawstring part is going to be interesting too. I have it all figured out in my head - but whether or not my head jives with the real world is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT STORY.

And, as a side note... I had a semi-serious talk with Josh last night. I told him that I really want to take the girls back to Disney. I pleaded my case - and I told him - we only have 4 years left... That's it. Then they are off to live their own lives, and leave their poor momma and dad in the dust. He said "OK"! So, I am still not 100% sure - but I think that's permission? Right?

Soooo.... After I clarify if this is actually *permission*... Then I need to choose some dates.

First off - I have 2 options. The first one would be Spring Break 2013, the girls are out of school from March 7-17. Despite it being so busy last year, the girls and I really enjoyed ourselves. My only issue, is in 2013 - Easter is early... So, it could be even busier.

Our other option would be anytime over summer break. The girls get out of school on June 10th. I would want to go as early in summer break as we could go. So that's another possability. Has anyone ever been in June? How are the crowds? Is the heat unbearable?

The calendar for the following school year (fall 2013 and beyond) won't be out until school starts this year. But I'd really like to go earlier than that.

I would love some opinions please... It will give you all something to do while I am gone this weekend.

Oh, and lastly... I think we are definately going to do the water parks and PH ticket option this time... Sandy's pictures of BB really got me in the mood for a water park!

Have a great weekend everyone... And I am uploading my next round of Then n' Nows - hopefully I will get them on here before I leave today.

D~

I'd definitely take that OK as permission!!! That's what I always say to DH - the kids will only want to travel with us for so long...they won't be here (living with us) forever...etc. yes, we could use new furniture, could invest in some stuff for the house...but we can do that when they don't want to travel with us anymore! I want to soak up that family time while I can. We've traveled a lot and I plan to continue that. And same for going to WDW, as long as they want to, and we ALL enjoy it, let's keep doing it!!!

I've never been in the summer, but that heat sounds crazy. I guess I'd vote for March, the first part overlaps our dates this year and it was definitely managable. Easter is earlier, but as long as you're not doing the week before or the week after it, I don't think the crowds will be any worse than any other Spring Break week. Around here, almost everyone has SB the week before or after Easter.

Glad my photos inspired you, I think you'll love it!!

 

[lovethattink]

And, as a side note... I had a semi-serious talk with Josh last night. I told him that I really want to take the girls back to Disney. I pleaded my case - and I told him - we only have 4 years left... That's it. Then they are off to live their own lives, and leave their poor momma and dad in the dust. He said "OK"! So, I am still not 100% sure - but I think that's permission? Right?

Soooo.... After I clarify if this is actually *permission*... Then I need to choose some dates.

First off - I have 2 options. The first one would be Spring Break 2013, the girls are out of school from March 7-17. Despite it being so busy last year, the girls and I really enjoyed ourselves. My only issue, is in 2013 - Easter is early... So, it could be even busier.

Our other option would be anytime over summer break. The girls get out of school on June 10th. I would want to go as early in summer break as we could go. So that's another possability. Has anyone ever been in June? How are the crowds? Is the heat unbearable?


D~

It's June and I am here! It's hot and humid most days in the low 90's for highs and 70's for lows. This week has been particularly rainy do due to tropical weather. The crowds were insane Tuesday at the MK!! It took us and hour and a half to get on the monorail at the TTC. Never saw this, even at Christmas. SWW were crowded as usual. Today we are off to Epcot for a bit. Definately more crowded now than during spring break.

(Btw, I started a new TR for SWW)

 

[nowellsl]

Well I vote "yes", you have permission! You haven't mentioned going over Christmas break, have you considered that? The holidays are just beautiful at WDW!!

 

[Corrine 1973]

OMG, I totally think that husband of yours gave his permission.

I'm with Liddy, I think you should go in May. Yea I know not in the cards at this time. To much of a critical time at school with the girls.

If you liked Spring break this year, you should be fine next year. I would take in account that the crowds will be a little busier if it is closer to Easter and the weather can be unpredictable for a WP.

I have only been to WDW for the first couple days in June and it wasn't to bad. It was hot, but not OMG I am going to die hot that it can be in July and August. It was busy, but not as busy as what we saw in March. That being said it was only the first couple of days in June, so I don't know how much worse it will be when everyone is offically off of school.

I also agree with Chiara, any week at WDW will be a great week.

Have fun on your trip.

 

[juligrl]

Grant it, it's been 12 years since I've done Disney in the summer, but my husband and I honeymooned there the last week of June - July 3. Yes, it was hot and humid, but not at all unlike Pittsburgh can be in the summer. It also got cooler in the evening - I have photographic evidence - DH, Goofy & me wearing a lightweight jacket. As a kid we went once the day school let out (June 6th) for a week. Again, hot, but not unbearable if you're pacing yourself. I've been to Disney in September and thought I was going to melt - I don't remember that feeling in either of my June trips.

Crowd wise, based on your last trip, you and your girls will be fine. Definately try out the water parks. We did both on our honeymoon but haven't taken our kids to either yet. I'm waiting 'til they're bigger and both are more willing to try stuff. I liked both but Typhoon Lagoon is my favorite water park - so lush!

 

[smile5sunshine]

Thanks everyone!!!

Just a super quick drive-by post. I have so much to get done this morning before the girls and I leave!

I managed to get a lot more done on the backpack yesterday - I am starting to get more excited about putting it all together. I just hope that everyone likes it. Putting it together is going to be the biggest task - and the drawstring part is going to be interesting too. I have it all figured out in my head - but whether or not my head jives with the real world is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT STORY.

And, as a side note... I had a semi-serious talk with Josh last night. I told him that I really want to take the girls back to Disney. I pleaded my case - and I told him - we only have 4 years left... That's it. Then they are off to live their own lives, and leave their poor momma and dad in the dust. He said "OK"! So, I am still not 100% sure - but I think that's permission? Right?

Soooo.... After I clarify if this is actually *permission*... Then I need to choose some dates.

First off - I have 2 options. The first one would be Spring Break 2013, the girls are out of school from March 7-17. Despite it being so busy last year, the girls and I really enjoyed ourselves. My only issue, is in 2013 - Easter is early... So, it could be even busier.

Our other option would be anytime over summer break. The girls get out of school on June 10th. I would want to go as early in summer break as we could go. So that's another possability. Has anyone ever been in June? How are the crowds? Is the heat unbearable?

The calendar for the following school year (fall 2013 and beyond) won't be out until school starts this year. But I'd really like to go earlier than that.

I would love some opinions please... It will give you all something to do while I am gone this weekend.

Oh, and lastly... I think we are definately going to do the water parks and PH ticket option this time... Sandy's pictures of BB really got me in the mood for a water park!

Have a great weekend everyone... And I am uploading my next round of Then n' Nows - hopefully I will get them on here before I leave today.

D~

Hope you have a wonderful time this weekend!

HURRAY for making such great progress on the backpack. I can't wait to see it all put together. FX it goes together like you want it to.

AND I agree with everyone else, I think the "ok" was permission to go. IDK when to suggest, though. I suppose you should take into consideration if you'll have enough time to get the money together for another spring break trip or if you think it will take you longer (and then you would need to do the summer trip). Either way, YOU'RE GOING TO DISNEY!!!!

Sunshine

 

[teachermommy78]

We were there late June last year (a year ago today, to be exact!!!). It was fine. I always say that Disney in the summer is like child birth. During it is a bit painful, but really you only care about and remember the good parts afterward. If you use fast pass well and get there early, it's manageable. 4 years ago we didn't know that they were loose on the FP rule (I know it's gotten strict since March), and we had a great time anyway. It can be done! The heat was honestly not TERRIBLE. Yes, it's hot, but Disney has so many ways to beat the heat.

 

[miprender]

Sounds like permission to me.

And I am here in June right now.... but guess what I never took into consideration Tropical Storms? But it really hasn't been that hot so far, compared to last year.

 

[babynala]

Just catching up on your TR and I loved all your pictures from your last full day in the parks. Congrats on having a high schooler!

Hope you had a nice time on your visit this weekend. I love the "then" pictures of you and your BF. I hope we get to see some "now" pictures too.

Loved the Stitch bag!

I really need to check my calendar to see if I can figure out a way to make it to Charlotte. I can not believe that June is almost over!

Can't wait to see your backpack.

 

[VBAndrea]

Just dropping in with a quick "hi" -- sorry I haven't been around much. I will probably be sparse for the next week or so. Life is for crap right now which doesn't make me feel like posting much. I work a bit this week too (which is good b/c we need the $$$$). Yay on the OK for a return trip! I would pick June b/c I think spring break would be too crowded.

 

[DMGeurts]

Hi everyone!!!

I've returned from my trip to my BFF's house - it was so much fun catching up. We met when we were 12 - at a very transitional time in my life - and we have remained BFFs since then. Don't get me wrong - we've had fights that have lasted for years, but in the end - she is just one of those people I can go years with out seeing, and we can pick up right where we left off. It's boggles my mind that not only does she know everything about me - but she was there for all of it - there is something so amazing about a friendship like that! It was great fun seeing her and her family again! I even got to see her mom - who put up with a lot from us over the years - and I've always suspected that she didn't like me very much when I was growing up - but as I became an adult, she liked me more and more. Anyways - we did have so much fun!

Thank you everyone for your input on our trip dates! I have not made a final decision, but I think it will depend on how much $$ I can save over the next few months. If March can't be done (financially), then I think it will be June. It's nice to know that we really won't need many souveniers this time, maybe just a few trading pins?

I hope everyone has a wonderful day today!

D~

 

[lovethattink]

Look forward to seeing the new bag, and March or June, whichever you choose, it's Disney it will be great!

 

[Lidian]

Hi everyone!!!

I've returned from my trip to my BFF's house - it was so much fun catching up. We met when we were 12 - at a very transitional time in my life - and we have remained BFFs since then. Don't get me wrong - we've had fights that have lasted for years, but in the end - she is just one of those people I can go years with out seeing, and we can pick up right where we left off. It's boggles my mind that not only does she know everything about me - but she was there for all of it - there is something so amazing about a friendship like that! It was great fun seeing her and her family again! I even got to see her mom - who put up with a lot from us over the years - and I've always suspected that she didn't like me very much when I was growing up - but as I became an adult, she liked me more and more. Anyways - we did have so much fun!

Thank you everyone for your input on our trip dates! I have not made a final decision, but I think it will depend on how much $$ I can save over the next few months. If March can't be done (financially), then I think it will be June. It's nice to know that we really won't need many souveniers this time, maybe just a few trading pins?

I hope to finish up my prototype backpack and have it posted by the end of today - if everything goes right. Whatever the case - it will be later rather than sooner - because I still have a lot of work left to do on it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day today!

D~

So glad that you have such an amazing friendship like that!

Anxious to hear what your tentative plans are, and to see your backpack!!!!!

 

[solana131]

Glad you had a good weekend. Those kind of friendships are the best. Of course everyone likes new friends, but the old ones are the best!

Yay! For the Squishy Bag! Can't wait to see it...I'm sure it will be the best bag yet! No pressure

 

[newtexan]

Can't wait to see the new backpack bag.

How wonderful to have a friend like that in your life.

 

[mommy2mrb]

happy you had such a fun weekend! so nice to have friendship like that!
good luck getting the bag done today!


Andrea....we are here for you!!!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

First of all - Andrea... (((Hugs))) I wish there was something I could do for you. I am so sorry that things aren't going well right now.


D~

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Well I am late to the trip dates opinion game, but here is my two cents...OCTOBER 2013!!!! Oh~that wasn't an option? Well, it should be...just sayin"!

Can't wait to see the backpack pics! Just keep working on it while we wait to see it...

 

[DMGeurts]

I know you all have been waiting a while for this bag... Some of you more anxiously than others...

I've had this pattern drawn up in great detail for months now. I had only planned on building the prototype this week, but when Suzi announced her trip, I really wanted to get this bag done in time for her. Since I am so busy, the only way to do that was to build my prototype and Suzi's bag as one in the same.

I am super duper amazingly happy with how this bag turned out. Considering that this bag is made from my pattern, and I have never made it before - not even a super simple one just to make sure - I couldn't be more pleased with it!

Now, I know that I said I was planning on doing a "drawstring backpack"... Technically - this is not. It is a backpack, it does have a drawstring, but I needed to modify it for park touring... So, I decided to do adjustable quilted straps. Not only that, but since the backpack will be hanging off (none other than) your back, I decided to hide the front zipper pocket.

Anyways... What you've all been waiting for...

Front:

Front Hidden pocket:

V was kind enough to model for me - I asked her to make the backpack tight on her shoulders - that's why it looks a little awkward.

Applique close-up:

Back:

Adjustable strap close-up:

Interior:

I hope it was worth the wait!

ETA: Matching Zippered Wallet

D~

 

[solana131]

Oh D.....its PERFECT! I am so happy with it And such a great treat to be able to take it on this trip! Thank you Thank you Thank you! I will call it Squishy. It will be mine. It will be my Squishy Only problem is, I will have to let Dani carry it so I can admire it all day....kinda hard to see it on my own back