~~~SEWING my way to POFQ ~ American Girl outfits & Custom Park Bags! ~~~

[mommy2mrb]

D~ I'm sitting here with tears running down my face....what a sweet reunion you had with Josh
what you and girls went through waiting for him to come home had to be so hard.
thank you both for what you endured for our freedom

 

[NiniMorris]

Just wanted to say...being an army wife for 20 years I can so relate!


Nini

 

[cogero]

Wouldn't you know it - all along, it was my favorite guy giving me trouble.

Now, on to outfit #44...

D~

I just love your outfit that is awesome.

Thank you for sharing your and Josh's story it is wonderful to read.

 

[mphalens]

OMG! I'm bawling. Like a baby! My throat is all tight and choked up . . . you touched on a little of this story when you told in the Disboutiquers how you came to be so knowledgable about AG dolls, but what a moving story you have about Josh's deployment.

I, too, want to thank you for enduring that time while he was protecting our freedom.

 

[VBAndrea]

c

I am so teary eyed reading your story. I don't think I have ever had it as bad as you. The longest dh and I have been apart was 7 months ~ though for me it was particularly scary b/c of the ship he was on and where he was going. I had good support at home though and dh was the XO, so I got to talk to him almost every day. Even when he was in Kuwait I got to talk to him at least every other day.

I don't think anyone can ever realize how hard something like this is unless you experience it. So all I can say is thank you ever so deeply for your dh's service and thank you for being a supportive family and all your sacrifices, and I know saying that isn't nearly enough.

Now can you go sew something and post some happy pics!

 

[DMGeurts]

D~ I'm sitting here with tears running down my face....what a sweet reunion you had with Josh
what you and girls went through waiting for him to come home had to be so hard.
thank you both for what you endured for our freedom

It was a rough year, not something I ever want to do again.

I think everyone endures their own challenges, and I guess that's why I didn't want to include this in my PTR - I didn't want anyone to feel sorry for us. I feel bad telling people about what we went through, which is nothing compared to the families going on Wish Trips are going through, and what you have gone through, as well.

Just wanted to say...being an army wife for 20 years I can so relate!


Nini

I just love your outfit that is awesome.

Thank you for sharing your and Josh's story it is wonderful to read.

Thank you.

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

It was a rough year, not something I ever want to do again.

I think everyone endures their own challenges, and I guess that's why I didn't want to include this in my PTR - I didn't want anyone to feel sorry for us. I feel bad telling people about what we went through, which is nothing compared to the families going on Wish Trips are going through, and what you have gone through, as well.




Thank you.

D~

I happy you shared your story, its a part of your life!
Even though Jim travelled a lot, he was never in harm's way so I didn't have that worry, just the missing part, he came home every 5-6 weeks for a few days and we would spend every waking moment together like you all did.
Now dealing with his death is another journey for us, but every day brings new challenges and happiness too!
Megan had a dream about Jim last night....she was at school and he walked up to her with his big smile...she can't remember what he said to her though

sorry for the hi-jack, but thought you would like to her about her dream.

 

[aboveH20]

Yipes. I can't comprehend the year you and so many other military wives went through. My husband was in Viet Nam for 10 months but I think I was middle school at the time.

However, the reason for our first famly trip to Disney was service related. DH joined the Army Reserves after having been out for quite a few years. He went to a month long school at Ft. Dix in NJ and only once the entire time he was gone did either of my sons (ages 2 and 4) ask where he was. He was gone so much of the time for work that they hardly noticed anything was different. How sad is that? So the following Christmas I surprised the three of them with a January trip to WDW.

I hope the Smart People can figure out a way to end the Middle East disagreements so all of the service people can come home soon.

<------- a parade celebrating the end of war

 

[mommy2mrb]

I hope the Smart People can figure out a way to end the Middle East disagreements so all of the service people can come home soon.

<------- a parade celebrating the end of war

From your lips to God's ear....

my mom's neighbors grandson just left for the Marines, they are so scared for him.

 

[dianemom2]

It was a rough year, not something I ever want to do again.

I think everyone endures their own challenges, and I guess that's why I didn't want to include this in my PTR - I didn't want anyone to feel sorry for us. I feel bad telling people about what we went through, which is nothing compared to the families going on Wish Trips are going through, and what you have gone through, as well.
D~

Every family goes through "stuff". The hard times make the good times even better and make us appreciate our families even more. A year is a long time to be apart and I am sure it was very, very hard. I can't really imagine being apart for that long and being both mom and dad to your two little ones. What a big sacrifice your family made for our country!

 

[lovesdumbo]

But he was safe, and I could breathe and sleep again.
QUOTE]
Thank you for sharing your story! Thanks to your entire family for your service.





You can so handle a trip to Disney with your girls!

 

[miprender]

I am so sad just reading all about you and DH. I can't imagine all the military families that go through this everyday.

This one is an order for Rubberduckyranch.

Ariel:

D~

OMG if this wasn't already sold I might have had to purchase it. DD is a huge Ariel fan.

I try to never check bags . . . we have 3 21" rolling suitcases and 1 rolling duffle that is also "carry-on size" . . . With 2 kids plus DH & myself that's 4 carry-ons plus 4 personal items (backpacks for the boys, tote for me, backpack for DH) . . . if I can't fit it in, laundry will be done or I'll figure something else out!!!

Even 10 days in Montana we only checked 2 bags and that was more because we had SUPER short layovers . . .

That would be unheard of in this house..... did I mention we had 10 bags for our trip in July plus all our carryons Two of the bags were just our outfits I made

D~ I took both kids in January 2010 C was 8 and J was 2 it was fun and a great way to try traveling alone with kids.

You are brave. I don't think I could ever take the kids anywhere without DH.

As for all the grumpy husbands I am here for their defense as I am an awful traveller. I am the grumpy wife. When my brother brought us to the airport I wanted to press on his foot he was driving so slow. Come one ...I know we only live a few minutes from the airport but why do you have to drive 40mph on the highway

After the plane lands I am fine but something about packing, going through security, making sure we all sit together etc just unravels me

Wouldn't you know it - all along, it was my favorite guy giving me trouble.

Now, on to outfit #44...

D~

Love this one too!!!

Oooh - I almost forgot...

One of the guys I work with knows that I love all things Disney... so he brought in the October 1971 issue of Life Magazine... where they did a spread on the opening of WDW. He let me bring home the copy so that I could scan it... I know it's not the best picture ever, because it's 4 different scans photoshopped together - but it's so much fun to look at.

Cool, huh?

D~

That is cool

Megan had a dream about Jim last night....she was at school and he walked up to her with his big smile...she can't remember what he said to her though

sorry for the hi-jack, but thought you would like to her about her dream.

I hope the Smart People can figure out a way to end the Middle East disagreements so all of the service people can come home soon.

<------- a parade celebrating the end of war

We can only pray.

 

[idofabric]

WOW! You do good work. And I say that as a professional Costumer...I do "big girl" dresses for my DN now, my DD is 27, and doesn't live close. I do a ton of plays at the local schools, and teach the theater kids basic drafting/draping of clothing, and a bit of why/how...I make them learn to tell what type of fabric they have by a burn test,feel, and in some cases taste.
ANY way, having done major Princess dresses for the kids for years, and having done a bunch of American Girl stuff I am in awe. Also as a former Brat and military wife,(36 moves in 35 years!), I know how it is to try and get stuff done. Don't think I could do that many doll dresses in the short time you have, my best is 300+costumes for a few musicals in 6 weeks, but that was all I did! And I had help with them, ironing, and the boring stuff!
Where do you find your great fabric? I have a big stas/h, and some of it is bits and pieces and some I get by the bolt.
I didn't plan on going on this long...but you have really inspired me. We have a wedding in 8 1/2 weeks, and I have to hem 5 bridesmaids dresses, fit the Bridal gown, make my DS(groom) a vest and 5 vests for the groomsmen and 2 flowergirl/Jr.bridemaid dresses. And a few dozen tables clothes and do the flowers and stuff. But I only have one show and they only need 6o costumes and I have till Oct 8 to do them...
I am gonna try and channel your energy! And when I go to F&W in Oct I wil drink a toast or 2 to you!
Thanks so much for all the pics. I only saw 45 to 53..where are all the rest, did I miss them? And When did you start making them? It looks like you did 54 in less then a few weeks by the dates I see...but I bet I missed the correct post dates.
Keep on sewing..I have 13 machines, and use them all, at least most of them at least once a year...people give them to me...

 

[babynala]

Thanks for sharing your story about Josh's deployment. It is very moving and a reminder of all those that have sacrificed for our country (abroad and at home). I can't imagine the stress of having a spouse that is deployed. I loved seeing the picture of the girls when they were younger.

 

[DMGeurts]

OMG! I'm bawling. Like a baby! My throat is all tight and choked up . . . you touched on a little of this story when you told in the Disboutiquers how you came to be so knowledgable about AG dolls, but what a moving story you have about Josh's deployment.

I, too, want to thank you for enduring that time while he was protecting our freedom.

Thank you Marianne.

I am so teary eyed reading your story. I don't think I have ever had it as bad as you. The longest dh and I have been apart was 7 months ~ though for me it was particularly scary b/c of the ship he was on and where he was going. I had good support at home though and dh was the XO, so I got to talk to him almost every day. Even when he was in Kuwait I got to talk to him at least every other day.

I don't think anyone can ever realize how hard something like this is unless you experience it. So all I can say is thank you ever so deeply for your dh's service and thank you for being a supportive family and all your sacrifices, and I know saying that isn't nearly enough.

Now can you go sew something and post some happy pics!

Gosh - you guys don't have to cry... I mean, I understand my crying n' all - but....

Thank you for your sacrafice, as well. I can't imagine what you go though either.

I happy you shared your story, its a part of your life!
Even though Jim travelled a lot, he was never in harm's way so I didn't have that worry, just the missing part, he came home every 5-6 weeks for a few days and we would spend every waking moment together like you all did.
Now dealing with his death is another journey for us, but every day brings new challenges and happiness too!
Megan had a dream about Jim last night....she was at school and he walked up to her with his big smile...she can't remember what he said to her though

sorry for the hi-jack, but thought you would like to her about her dream.

I love that Megan dreams about Jim - it will keep him real to her, and that is so important. I hope he continues to visit her dreams.

Yipes. I can't comprehend the year you and so many other military wives went through. My husband was in Viet Nam for 10 months but I think I was middle school at the time.

However, the reason for our first famly trip to Disney was service related. DH joined the Army Reserves after having been out for quite a few years. He went to a month long school at Ft. Dix in NJ and only once the entire time he was gone did either of my sons (ages 2 and 4) ask where he was. He was gone so much of the time for work that they hardly noticed anything was different. How sad is that? So the following Christmas I surprised the three of them with a January trip to WDW.

I hope the Smart People can figure out a way to end the Middle East disagreements so all of the service people can come home soon.

I can't comprehend how you do it with your son. Josh was horrible - but if it were one of my girls - it would be so much worse.

That is neat about your frist trip to WDW.

I agree - I would love everyone to come home. It's just a horrible situation all around (not trying to be political in any way).

From your lips to God's ear....

my mom's neighbors grandson just left for the Marines, they are so scared for him.

I know, it is so scary.

Thank you for sharing your story! Thanks to your entire family for your service.

You can so handle a trip to Disney with your girls!

LOL - you are right - That's how DH's deployment ties into Disney - it proves that I am capeable of taking the girls on a vacation by myself.

I am so sad just reading all about you and DH. I can't imagine all the military families that go through this everyday.

OMG if this wasn't already sold I might have had to purchase it. DD is a huge Ariel fan.

That would be unheard of in this house..... did I mention we had 10 bags for our trip in July plus all our carryons Two of the bags were just our outfits I made

You are brave. I don't think I could ever take the kids anywhere without DH.

As for all the grumpy husbands I am here for their defense as I am an awful traveller. I am the grumpy wife. When my brother brought us to the airport I wanted to press on his foot he was driving so slow. Come one ...I know we only live a few minutes from the airport but why do you have to drive 40mph on the highway

After the plane lands I am fine but something about packing, going through security, making sure we all sit together etc just unravels me

Thank you... I am glad you like the Ariel - that one is actually kind of fun to make.

I can understand being unraveled while traveling... it is stressful.

WOW! You do good work. And I say that as a professional Costumer...I do "big girl" dresses for my DN now, my DD is 27, and doesn't live close. I do a ton of plays at the local schools, and teach the theater kids basic drafting/draping of clothing, and a bit of why/how...I make them learn to tell what type of fabric they have by a burn test,feel, and in some cases taste.
ANY way, having done major Princess dresses for the kids for years, and having done a bunch of American Girl stuff I am in awe. Also as a former Brat and military wife,(36 moves in 35 years!), I know how it is to try and get stuff done. Don't think I could do that many doll dresses in the short time you have, my best is 300+costumes for a few musicals in 6 weeks, but that was all I did! And I had help with them, ironing, and the boring stuff!
Where do you find your great fabric? I have a big stas/h, and some of it is bits and pieces and some I get by the bolt.
I didn't plan on going on this long...but you have really inspired me. We have a wedding in 8 1/2 weeks, and I have to hem 5 bridesmaids dresses, fit the Bridal gown, make my DS(groom) a vest and 5 vests for the groomsmen and 2 flowergirl/Jr.bridemaid dresses. And a few dozen tables clothes and do the flowers and stuff. But I only have one show and they only need 6o costumes and I have till Oct 8 to do them...
I am gonna try and channel your energy! And when I go to F&W in Oct I wil drink a toast or 2 to you!
Thanks so much for all the pics. I only saw 45 to 53..where are all the rest, did I miss them? And When did you start making them? It looks like you did 54 in less then a few weeks by the dates I see...but I bet I missed the correct post dates.
Keep on sewing..I have 13 machines, and use them all, at least most of them at least once a year...people give them to me...

Welcome! And thank you.

I am actually counting down... I still have 119 days to make the other 44 outfits. I guess that's the point to this TR - to keep people coming back to see what I've been making.

I would love it if you've have a drink for me at F&W

Sounds like you have lots on your plate to finish, in a short amount of time... You can do it! Especially with your background.

I hope you'll stop back and see what else I create.

Thanks for sharing your story about Josh's deployment. It is very moving and a reminder of all those that have sacrificed for our country (abroad and at home). I can't imagine the stress of having a spouse that is deployed. I loved seeing the picture of the girls when they were younger.

Thank you... I love looking at my girls when they were younger too. It makes me realize that they grow too fast though.

Sorry my replies to everyone are so short tonight... I really want to get upstairs and finish my last dress in this Fab 5 series, plus I still have a headband to make for it. My photographer took vacation time and didn't tell me - so I am on my own to get these all photographed. Guess what I am doing after work tomorrow?

D~

 

[idofabric]

Will have that Adult Bev for you at F&W..It just hit me....I thought you had made all the dresses already. I was counting "up", you are counting "down" the number of ones you have made..? Right? I hope, or I am more brain drained then I thought.
Have you ever done an Incrediables dress? Or with the holidays a Jack/Sally from Nightmare? How about a firworks/Wishes one? I would love to see your take on Fantasia, Grim Grinning Ghosts, Dumbo!!!, Seven Dwarfs(I did SnowWhite and painted the dwarfs on a dress for my now 27yoDD and we went to Tokyo Disney-the Dwarfs followed us around for hours! and took her on rides!she was only 5yo then,still have the dress), and a whole ECPOT thing..countries, the Golf Ball, test track, the Seas,NEMO.... now you have ME doing it!

Do you find yourself sewing your self to sleep? I don't count sheep, I construct sewing stuff,specially stuff I am trying to design and figure out how to do, like 3D quilts, and Hats and stuff.

Can NOT wait to see what is next! I use tight old T-shirts and mark on them when I make a new pattern for a costume, won't work with the dolls, but it will as your girls get older and won't hold still for stuff, like prom dresses....

And have you discovered Ultra Suede? it is costly, but you don't have to zig-zag over the edges of your appliques, I get it at Mary Joes In Gastonia, NC. She has mail order, I little goes a LONG way! I used to get scrap bags, made great hair for Alice in Wonderland for a quilt...and her shoes! and it is very washable. Found some at a thrift shop in a suit form...

Will let you get back to work now...

 

[mkwj]

Wow D thank you for sharing your story. I am sure it is not easy to do that.

I am loving the outfits you have made. I think Donald is my favorite so far.

 

[DMGeurts]

Will have that Adult Bev for you at F&W..It just hit me....I thought you had made all the dresses already. I was counting "up", you are counting "down" the number of ones you have made..? Right? I hope, or I am more brain drained then I thought.
Have you ever done an Incrediables dress? Or with the holidays a Jack/Sally from Nightmare? How about a firworks/Wishes one? I would love to see your take on Fantasia, Grim Grinning Ghosts, Dumbo!!!, Seven Dwarfs(I did SnowWhite and painted the dwarfs on a dress for my now 27yoDD and we went to Tokyo Disney-the Dwarfs followed us around for hours! and took her on rides!she was only 5yo then,still have the dress), and a whole ECPOT thing..countries, the Golf Ball, test track, the Seas,NEMO.... now you have ME doing it!

LOL I have lots of ideas in my head, some of what you mentioned, and quite a few others.

How sweet is that about the 7 dwarfs.

Oh, and yes, I am counting down. I am a glass half full type person, and I find that things go easier when my numbers get smaller rather than bigger. I dunno... I am just weird, I guess.

Do you find yourself sewing your self to sleep? I don't count sheep, I construct sewing stuff,specially stuff I am trying to design and figure out how to do, like 3D quilts, and Hats and stuff.

Can NOT wait to see what is next! I use tight old T-shirts and mark on them when I make a new pattern for a costume, won't work with the dolls, but it will as your girls get older and won't hold still for stuff, like prom dresses....

And have you discovered Ultra Suede? it is costly, but you don't have to zig-zag over the edges of your appliques, I get it at Mary Joes In Gastonia, NC. She has mail order, I little goes a LONG way! I used to get scrap bags, made great hair for Alice in Wonderland for a quilt...and her shoes! and it is very washable. Found some at a thrift shop in a suit form...

Will let you get back to work now...

I do my best sewing in my sleep, actually. Laying awake in the middle of the night is when I have come up with some of my best ideas.

I have not heard of Ultra Suede. I will have to look into it.

Wow D thank you for sharing your story. I am sure it is not easy to do that.

I am loving the outfits you have made. I think Donald is my favorite so far.

Thank you. You all know how I feel about Donald - even DH gets jealous every now and then.

OK - so I actually hopped on The Dis for a reason... I wanted to let you all know that I finished #44 - however - I won't be able to post pictures until I get home from work tomorrow. So, you're gonna have to wait. This is when Cheryl will probably hop online and wonder why she always has to have so much Patience when dealing with me.

Nighty-night.

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

I love that Megan dreams about Jim - it will keep him real to her, and that is so important. I hope he continues to visit her dreams.

D~

I brings me so much peace that she is having happy dreams about Jim....I always worry she will have bad, scary ones about the earthquake.... unfortunately Jim hasn't visited my dreams yet, my counselor says its a my brains way of protecting me.

LOL I have lots of ideas in my head, some of what you mentioned, and quite a few others.

I do my best sewing in my sleep, actually. Laying awake in the middle of the night is when I have come up with some of my best ideas.

OK - so I actually hopped on The Dis for a reason... I wanted to let you all know that I finished #44 - however - I won't be able to post pictures until I get home from work tomorrow. So, you're gonna have to wait. This is when Cheryl will probably hop online and wonder why she always has to have so much Patience when dealing with me.

Nighty-night.

D~

well you must not sleep very much, because all your work is just to dang cute!

breaking out my as I wait .....

 

[mphalens]

Will have that Adult Bev for you at F&W..It just hit me....I thought you had made all the dresses already. I was counting "up", you are counting "down" the number of ones you have made..? Right? I hope, or I am more brain drained then I thought.
Have you ever done an Incrediables dress? Or with the holidays a Jack/Sally from Nightmare? How about a firworks/Wishes one? I would love to see your take on Fantasia, Grim Grinning Ghosts, Dumbo!!!, Seven Dwarfs(I did SnowWhite and painted the dwarfs on a dress for my now 27yoDD and we went to Tokyo Disney-the Dwarfs followed us around for hours! and took her on rides!she was only 5yo then,still have the dress), and a whole ECPOT thing..countries, the Golf Ball, test track, the Seas,NEMO.... now you have ME doing it!

Do you find yourself sewing your self to sleep? I don't count sheep, I construct sewing stuff,specially stuff I am trying to design and figure out how to do, like 3D quilts, and Hats and stuff.

Can NOT wait to see what is next! I use tight old T-shirts and mark on them when I make a new pattern for a costume, won't work with the dolls, but it will as your girls get older and won't hold still for stuff, like prom dresses....

And have you discovered Ultra Suede? it is costly, but you don't have to zig-zag over the edges of your appliques, I get it at Mary Joes In Gastonia, NC. She has mail order, I little goes a LONG way! I used to get scrap bags, made great hair for Alice in Wonderland for a quilt...and her shoes! and it is very washable. Found some at a thrift shop in a suit form...

Will let you get back to work now...

Just had to ask, have you made your way over to the Disboutiquers thread yet??? You need come "visit" with us!!
I will warn you though - we're getting ready to hit 250 pages in that thread (we're at 218) which means we'll "JUMP" to a new thread (it will be #27 for the Disboutiquers). . .


Sorry to hijack, D~ Can't wait to see the latest outfit!!!!