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

[mommy2mrb]

I do make a mess when I scrap, but try to clean up every night when I'm done! its my creative outlet!

I've seen CD discounts before for $99 instead of the $149, so still debating on doing it.

 

[mphalens]

Thanks Chiara and Lisa. I spent way too much time uploading these pictures this morning,

Marianne... The messenger bags I purchased for our trip were from The Disney Store - I ordered them online with free embroidering. Unfortunately, the quality was HORRIBLE, and they were falling apart by the end of the trip. Which was too bad, because the girls had tons of autographs on them - now they are relegated to hanging on the back of their bedroom doors.

This is probably the best picture I have uploaded - V is carrying hers.

Now, for this trip... It's a huge surprise, but I plan to MAKE the girls messenger bags to carry in the parks. The ones they carried last time were the perfect size for them - and they always carried them empty - unless they put their sweatshirt in it. I am super excited about this... if I can get all these outfits done in time - I want to give the messenger bags to them for Christmas.

Oh - I forgot to tell you all something...

DDs have requested customs for our trip! You heard me right, plural - both of them want customs!!! Of course - for oldest dd - she is VERY specific about what she wants... An Oliver + S Icecream Dress (which I am going to have to completely redraft in her size). But little dd kind of gave me free reign! So, trust me - I will have pleanty more to post about and pictures to post once I am done with the AG outfits!

Secondly... Marianne knows this, but... Oldest dd got a part in the fall musical at school - (Judy, you're gonna love this) - Beauty & the Beast! No, she didn't get the starring roll (that went to the school singing prodigy), but she got the part of "silly girl" (how appropriate - you know, the girls who sing to Gaston at the beginning of the movie), and then she texted me at lunch, she also got cast for another part... Flatware. I am super excited for her. She is just thrilled... she has a few speaking lines and lots of singing.
OK - that should be all the updates for today. Well, maybe not, I expect to post another outfit in a few hours.

D~

If you don't have a good messenger bag pattern, I highly recommend Aivilo's from YCMT . . . super easy!!! Three sizes (medium would probably be the size you're looking for) . . .

AWESOME that they'll want customs!!! and yay! for the announcement of the role!!! SO COOL!!!

Thanks! I pretty excited about doing a few customs too...



Cheryl... I wasn't quite sure by the tone in your post, but it seems to me you were trying to get across that you'd like to go to WDW??



Thank you Chiara.



I am pretty excited about it. Realistically, I don't know how many customs I will get to do. I am for sure planning the messenger bags and an icecream dress for each of them, and maybe a cool t-shirt if I have the time.



That's good to know, I know she is really happy with her part. This is not her first play, but it is her first musical - I think she'll do really well because she loves to sing.



Aladdin sounds like a fun one! No, I haven't been asked about costumes - and I don't think A would volunteer me, so knows how busy I am at the moment. Excellent idea about going to the senior apartments!





Thank you.



Thanks!



Thanks!



Thanks!



You know, I really think he did enjoy himself, to a point. Honestly, the girls and I spent a lot of time on our own for that trip - Josh was off finding his penny press machines. Which was fine - if that's the part he enjoyed about the trip - then more power to him. His biggest issue is crowds - so being stuck in them constantly really wears on his nerves... He just has no desire to go back this time. Which is fine - I am really looking forward to spending some fun time with the girls. And I sure hope it's something they'll remember for the rest of their lives.

Question:

I am debating on preordering the Photopass CD. When we went in 2008, we had well over 1200 pictures after we edited - most of them were good. Every time we saw a PP photographer, we'd get in line. We'd always talk to them and engage them in conversation, which I think made them more interested in taking good pictures. This is something that the girls and I really enjoy doing, between doing that and pin trading - it really enhanced our overall experience at WDW. Since then, I have used our PP pictures countless times. So, I guess my real question isn't the CD - I think I am going to get that no matter what.

What about the memory book? Josh ordered one for me the last time we went - it wasn't prepurchased, so he paid the rack rate for it. It's a very nice book, and good quality. I enjoy looking at it - but I don't look at it nearly as often as I use my PP pictures.

So, do I spend the extra $50 and get the book? Or should I pass on the book?

D~ <----- who has to work a long shift today. Oh, and I lost 1.2 lbs last week... For a grand total of -5.4. I am really starting to feel better.

DEFINITELY get the cd! I'm going in a share group with at least two other people, so that will help . . . as for the book, if you have the cd can't you upload the pictures to shutterfly or some other site? You could probably get a book much cheaper that way . . . I'm like you, I don't print many pictures, but I make a lot of stuff WITH my pictures. Our last trip I really wanted the cd, but I couldn't swing the $150 - I made a calendar with the pictures I really couldn't live without and now I have those pictures and they're on acid free paper and are ready to just slide into a 12x12 album without much work

Way to go on the weight loss! Now, if I could just get on board with getting in shape and lose the weight I want to

Yes, my post was rather vague.

I think it might be more direct if I learn how to hack (don't know if I should Google that or youtube it) into your CD and photoshop myself into all of your pictures. I think that would help us both remember that

I

want

to

go

to

DISNEY!


Yes, I do.

<----he's Stitch, that's how my post relates to your sewing thread

Hey - D~ I think maybe Cheryl wants to go to Disney . . .

 

[MK2010]

Love the new Fairy Line

Congrats to your daughter for her parts. Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin are two of my favorite movies of Disney's from the 90's forward.

I liked your mini TR. I'm so tired at work tonight I almost skipped those posts. I'm so glad I didn't.

I really liked seeing all of the PP pictures. I didn't get the PP last time, but after seeing yours I'm contemplating it for our 2013 trip.

I'm a huge scrapbooker, but the paper scrapping just got so cumbersome. Having to get everything out, keep the kids out of my stuff (amd out of my brain) while I'm trying to be creative, then cleaning it all up. So now I'm a digital scrapbooker. I'm lucky 'cause hubby had all the adobe photoshop stuff for work.

Now on with your show.

 

[cajunfan]

Yes, my post was rather vague.

I think it might be more direct if I learn how to hack (don't know if I should Google that or youtube it) into your CD and photoshop myself into all of your pictures. I think that would help us both remember that

I

want

to

go

to

DISNEY!


Yes, I do.

<----he's Stitch, that's how my post relates to your sewing thread

This cracked me up Cheryl! I want to go too! I think D should sew 104 outfits to bring us with her...what do you think?

Lynn

 

[babynala]

I've been following along but haven't had a chance to post. I'm trying to finish up all my sewing before our trip and when I did try to multi-task my machine got hungry and ate a shirt!!

I loved your last creation. My DD was never into the ferries because I think she was a little too old when they came out so I'm only familiar with them from this board. The dress looks really cute.

Your trip report has been lots of fun to read. I think it is so fun how your DH liked to do the pressed pennies. I might try to get my son and DH to do this on our next trip. Its gotta be cheaper then the pins??? You have some great pictures. My family has never made it to rope drop at MK eventhough we usually spend 2-3 days there each trip. We've been to rope drop at all the other parks but for some reason I can't get them out the door for MK rope drop. It is a MUST for this trip. Your report is getting very excited for our upcoming trip and so much fun to read about your family enjoying themselves.

Congrats to your DD for getting a part (or 2 parts) in the play. She must be so excited.

 

[DMGeurts]

Yes, my post was rather vague.

I think it might be more direct if I learn how to hack (don't know if I should Google that or youtube it) into your CD and photoshop myself into all of your pictures. I think that would help us both remember that

I

want

to

go

to

DISNEY!


Yes, I do.

<----he's Stitch, that's how my post relates to your sewing thread

Well Cheryl... then you should probably go to WDW.

I do make a mess when I scrap, but try to clean up every night when I'm done! its my creative outlet!

I've seen CD discounts before for $99 instead of the $149, so still debating on doing it.

I sent you a PM.

If you don't have a good messenger bag pattern, I highly recommend Aivilo's from YCMT . . . super easy!!! Three sizes (medium would probably be the size you're looking for) . . .

Don't ROFL - but you'll never guess who has a messenger bag pattern that I plan to use.

DEFINITELY get the cd! I'm going in a share group with at least two other people, so that will help . . . as for the book, if you have the cd can't you upload the pictures to shutterfly or some other site? You could probably get a book much cheaper that way . . . I'm like you, I don't print many pictures, but I make a lot of stuff WITH my pictures. Our last trip I really wanted the cd, but I couldn't swing the $150 - I made a calendar with the pictures I really couldn't live without and now I have those pictures and they're on acid free paper and are ready to just slide into a 12x12 album without much work

Alrighty then... I will probably get the CD... then I will have to sew 2 more outfits. BUt I can save those until closer to our trip, because it doesn't have to be paid for until right before we leave.

Way to go on the weight loss! Now, if I could just get on board with getting in shape and lose the weight I want to

Thanks! I am working really hard at it. I was going to work out this morning. I have to go to town too, so I was debating on parking at Target and taking my Ipod out for a walk in town - just for different scenery.

Hey - D~ I think maybe Cheryl wants to go to Disney . . .

Now, what gave you that idea?

Love the new Fairy Line

Thank you!

Congrats to your daughter for her parts. Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin are two of my favorite movies of Disney's from the 90's forward.

Thank you! I agree, I love B & B too...

I liked your mini TR. I'm so tired at work tonight I almost skipped those posts. I'm so glad I didn't.

Thank you for taking the time to read it - I know it's quite lengthly - I didn't mean for it to be...

I really liked seeing all of the PP pictures. I didn't get the PP last time, but after seeing yours I'm contemplating it for our 2013 trip.

I really do recommend the CD - especially if you have it in your mind that every time you see a photographer, you stop. That's what we did, and I really feel that we got our $$ worth with 1200 pictures. We were also very friendly with them - just because we enjoy meeting new people so much.

I'm a huge scrapbooker, but the paper scrapping just got so cumbersome. Having to get everything out, keep the kids out of my stuff (amd out of my brain) while I'm trying to be creative, then cleaning it all up. So now I'm a digital scrapbooker. I'm lucky 'cause hubby had all the adobe photoshop stuff for work.

Now on with your show.

That was always my issue, keeping the girls out of it. Finally, I just gave up. However, I must say, now that Allison is older, lately I've been letting her use all my Creative Memories stuff - and she is very good at it. So, at least I don't feel like it's all going to waste.

This cracked me up Cheryl! I want to go too! I think D should sew 104 outfits to bring us with her...what do you think?

Lynn

Ok Lynn... I am not sure I see your sense of humor here... 104 outfits!!! As it is, I am going to have to sew a few extra for souviniers, PP and our 1 extra TS meal (which I've determined the cheapest will be LTT).... Maybe Cheryl can tag along with you on your next trip???

Sooo, I need to do a mini-vent. DH needed his work pants ironed this morning, so off I went to my sewing room with them, plugged in my iron and NO lights! Ok, weird, maybe it's a plug in - afterall - my iron is only 6 months old and my house is 125 years old. So, new plug in, still didn't work. Took it to our bedroom and plugged it in... Nope. Officially, my iron is dead! I am quite angry - seeing as I use it ever single day, and I can't sew with out an iron. I probably use my iron more than the average user - but I am very annoyed at the 6 month life span. Of course, I can't return it because it's beyond the 90 days. It's a Shark, and I really liked it a lot, honestly I'll probably go out and buy the same one - because this has to be a fluke. Right? So, this means, instead of one trip to town today - I must make two, if I am going to get any sewing done. Grrr.... So, I am going to work out this morning and run to town. Then hopefully finish my next fairy outfit before I have to run back to town to get Alli this afternoon.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

I've been following along but haven't had a chance to post. I'm trying to finish up all my sewing before our trip and when I did try to multi-task my machine got hungry and ate a shirt!!

Good to see you Liz (see I remembered). I never realized how time consuming it was to have a PTR... It's a lot of fun, but a definate time eater.

So sad about your shirt - I am glad you are getting excited about your trip though!

I loved your last creation. My DD was never into the ferries because I think she was a little too old when they came out so I'm only familiar with them from this board. The dress looks really cute.

Thanks!

Your trip report has been lots of fun to read. I think it is so fun how your DH liked to do the pressed pennies. I might try to get my son and DH to do this on our next trip. Its gotta be cheaper then the pins??? You have some great pictures. My family has never made it to rope drop at MK eventhough we usually spend 2-3 days there each trip. We've been to rope drop at all the other parks but for some reason I can't get them out the door for MK rope drop. It is a MUST for this trip. Your report is getting very excited for our upcoming trip and so much fun to read about your family enjoying themselves.

Yes, it was good for DH to do the pressed pennies. You can go to guest service in each of the parks, and they have a master list of all the penny presses/locations. DH was so obsessed with getting ALL of them in MK he was telling a CM that he couldn't get the last one, so the CM went and got a supervisor for DH and the supervisor let him into Country Bear jamboree while it was being refurbished. LOL DH was a happy man. It kept him busy (less cranky) while we were waiting in line for characters, he was off finding the penny presses.

Congrats to your DD for getting a part (or 2 parts) in the play. She must be so excited.

Thank you, she is. Although, I am annoyed because it's an extra trip into town for me every day = 35 extra miles on my new car, so I can pick her up from practice. Oh well, I am very proud of her, and she loves it.

D~ <---OK, really must work out now.

 

[idofabric]

Ok, I have been a little slack...but HAVE to clean the house today, DDIL to be and her mom will be here in the MORNING!!! I have 39 costumes to make in 5 days for the school play, and wedding stuff to deal with and insurance companies that still haven't done anything about my DHs totalled car from Sunday nite...
Now that I have made every single excuse I can find, all real, but still.... I have a few teasers and comments...
I LOVE the new dresses. And am glad to see all the new ideas, cause they have given me a few ideas of what to send you, yup, I will get it in the mail, so it is out of my house. I figure you don't mind scraps of stuff since the dresses are not very big...
How do you feel about shiney and sparkles? and "different" fabrics? Hope we will all get to see, when I get this stupid box to you..
Where are you pulling the ideas from!!!!??? Love them! And I will post pics of stuff I have made, but really, I don't do photos so well, my dad was a pro.photo, AP pass and all. It is all I can do to get the TV turned on with sound. Sewing machines, ok, but there is a good reason I have so many of them!

And as for an new iron... I have 3 Rowenta irons. JoAnn's made a big mistake a year ago and had signs that said ANY iron for $50. Manager was snitty, and I ended up getting 1 steamer and 2 of the gravity irons, about $500+ of irons for $150. School bought one, friend uses one with me...I have dropped them and knock them around a lot, still works great for me. Have you ever thought about one of the little irons that have mini tips? or a Puff Iron that is used for doing sleeves in fancy smocked dresses like Martha Pullen use? I have one that is like a tennis ball cut in half, it clamps to the table next to my machine, and I can finger press seams open, and run them over the iron with out moving more then a swivle on my chair.

OK, off to clean/pack you a box! Honest! Just wish I still had all the fake fur in fun colors and patterns.... hheehehhe

 

[cogero]

D that stinks about your iron. I use a cheapy iron but do have an older back up iron.

I am going to try and do some sewing this weekend.

 

[mommy2mrb]

bummer about your iron, hope you can get a new one today!
I've had the same iron for about 10 years....goes to show how much ironing I do

thanks for the PM, will check it out!

 

[miprender]

Finally all caught up I am slacking on my dis time lately

Congrats to D & Andrea for the weight loss.

D still loving all you AG dresses. Are you going to make Silvermist too? That is DD's favorite of the fairies.

And thanks for posting your 2008 Disney trip. Someday I will get to go to MNSSHP If airfare wasn't so expensive I would have gone this upcoming weekend

Cream Cheese Bars

Warm oven to 350°

2 pkgs Cream Cheese
2 pkgs Crescent Rolls
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1/2 Cup Pecans
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Egg White

Combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and vanilla - MIX WELL. Grease bottom of 9x13" pan.Spread out 1 pkg of crescent rolls on bottom of pan. Spread cream cheese mixture on top. Cover with 2nd package of crescent rolls. Mix 1/2 Cup of sugar, cinnamon and nuts. Brush top of crescent rolls with eg white, sprinkle cinnamon mixture on top. Bake at 350° for 25-35 minutes.

And seriously... just don't make them... unless you want your back side to expand.

D~

YUMMMMM

 

[froggy33]

I do make a mess when I scrap, but try to clean up every night when I'm done! its my creative outlet!

I've seen CD discounts before for $99 instead of the $149, so still debating on doing it.

You may already know this...

I don't think you have to get a pin for this anymore...it's $99 if you preorder it. And apparently if you don't like the pics/didn't take many you can get a refund after your trip. I'm pretty sure you just have to buy it before you leave.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2809372

I did this last year so that I could be in some of the pictures! I think if you are going to be there a while and know you need to take some pics it's a must do! I mean for $100 you can only buy what, 6-10 pics from Disney??

 

[idofabric]

Expect something in the mail on Monday....I kinda sent a bit of lots of everything...Well, not EVERYTHING, we would need a semi truck for that, but it is a few more things. SURPRISE,kinda.
Will be in/out for the next few days. DS and DDIL2B and her mom on the way, house is a major mess...Where are all the Disney Faries with Magic when we need them?!

 

[DMGeurts]

Ok, I have been a little slack...but HAVE to clean the house today, DDIL to be and her mom will be here in the MORNING!!! I have 39 costumes to make in 5 days for the school play, and wedding stuff to deal with and insurance companies that still haven't done anything about my DHs totalled car from Sunday nite...
Now that I have made every single excuse I can find, all real, but still.... I have a few teasers and comments...
I LOVE the new dresses. And am glad to see all the new ideas, cause they have given me a few ideas of what to send you, yup, I will get it in the mail, so it is out of my house. I figure you don't mind scraps of stuff since the dresses are not very big...
How do you feel about shiney and sparkles? and "different" fabrics? Hope we will all get to see, when I get this stupid box to you..
Where are you pulling the ideas from!!!!??? Love them! And I will post pics of stuff I have made, but really, I don't do photos so well, my dad was a pro.photo, AP pass and all. It is all I can do to get the TV turned on with sound. Sewing machines, ok, but there is a good reason I have so many of them!

Thanks for sending me so much variety - I can't wait to see what's in it!!!

Believe it or not, I pull most of my ideas out of my head... the really great ones come to me in my sleep. I've tried to explain it on the Disbou thred - but it just ends up being a lot of me rambling.

And as for an new iron... I have 3 Rowenta irons. JoAnn's made a big mistake a year ago and had signs that said ANY iron for $50. Manager was snitty, and I ended up getting 1 steamer and 2 of the gravity irons, about $500+ of irons for $150. School bought one, friend uses one with me...I have dropped them and knock them around a lot, still works great for me. Have you ever thought about one of the little irons that have mini tips? or a Puff Iron that is used for doing sleeves in fancy smocked dresses like Martha Pullen use? I have one that is like a tennis ball cut in half, it clamps to the table next to my machine, and I can finger press seams open, and run them over the iron with out moving more then a swivle on my chair.

OK, off to clean/pack you a box! Honest! Just wish I still had all the fake fur in fun colors and patterns.... hheehehhe

Well - I ended up buying the exact same iron again - I really like everything about it - and I was too lazy to drive another 30 miles to go to a fabric store to get something nicer. It better last a lot longer than 6 months, and believe me, I have a nice long email for Shark all typed out and ready to go.

When I first started sewing, I used DH's travel iron - it was perfect for little dolly clothes... then I dropped it and broke it - which led me to the Shark.

I really want to make a mini pressing ham for dolly sleeves - but I have yet to get around to that.

D that stinks about your iron. I use a cheapy iron but do have an older back up iron.

I am going to try and do some sewing this weekend.

This kind of made me ROFL... I have a back up iron too - but no cord for it...
I seriously contimplated warming it on the stove.

I hope you are able to get some sewing done this weekend, I have yet to even sit down at my machine today.

bummer about your iron, hope you can get a new one today!
I've had the same iron for about 10 years....goes to show how much ironing I do

thanks for the PM, will check it out!

See... that's what I mean - for the average user - this iron probably would have lasted forever. But I probably use my iron more in one day than the average user uses one in a year.

Yes, check it out... I see that froggy (see, really bad at first names) posted a link above too.

Finally all caught up I am slacking on my dis time lately

Congrats to D & Andrea for the weight loss.

D still loving all you AG dresses. Are you going to make Silvermist too? That is DD's favorite of the fairies.

And thanks for posting your 2008 Disney trip. Someday I will get to go to MNSSHP If airfare wasn't so expensive I would have gone this upcoming weekend

Thank you, and thank you. Hmmm... Silvermist??? You know I can't divulge information like that. You'll have to stay tuned.

You may already know this...

I don't think you have to get a pin for this anymore...it's $99 if you preorder it. And apparently if you don't like the pics/didn't take many you can get a refund after your trip. I'm pretty sure you just have to buy it before you leave.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2809372

I did this last year so that I could be in some of the pictures! I think if you are going to be there a while and know you need to take some pics it's a must do! I mean for $100 you can only buy what, 6-10 pics from Disney??

Thanks for posting this. I had sent it to Lisa via PM. I wasn't sure if I was alowed to post the link on the Dis.

Expect something in the mail on Monday....I kinda sent a bit of lots of everything...Well, not EVERYTHING, we would need a semi truck for that, but it is a few more things. SURPRISE,kinda.
Will be in/out for the next few days. DS and DDIL2B and her mom on the way, house is a major mess...Where are all the Disney Faries with Magic when we need them?!

Yay - I am excited to see what you sent!

I wish I could come and help you sew/clean/get ready for company... I can't believe you have to do 36 costumes in 5 days - you should do a PTR for that. IF I find the Fairies, I will send them your way for sure!!!

OK, so I went to town. I was a very good girl. I worked out this morning, then I showered and drove to town, parked at work, and then I went for a 45 minute walk around town (change of scenery) - it was very nice. I actually enjoyed it - nice tarred walking paths vs. gravel road... I will probably do it a few more times this year before it gets cold.

Then I grocery shopped... I hate grocery shopping - OK, I don't hate grocery shopping, I hate paying for it. I had tons of coupons, and I am such a bargain shopper - I saved $40+, but I spent triple that. Grrr... and part of that was my new iron. Firday night is "pizza night" at our house - so we always get take n' bake from somewhere - it's the one night a week that I don't have to think about what to make for supper. I also got stuff for salads, in an effort for me not to eat so much pizza.

So, now I need to go reorganize my cupboards quick, so I can smoosh all this food in there. Hopefully I will make it into my sewing room today - it's looking less and less likely.

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

You may already know this...

I don't think you have to get a pin for this anymore...it's $99 if you preorder it. And apparently if you don't like the pics/didn't take many you can get a refund after your trip. I'm pretty sure you just have to buy it before you leave.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2809372

I did this last year so that I could be in some of the pictures! I think if you are going to be there a while and know you need to take some pics it's a must do! I mean for $100 you can only buy what, 6-10 pics from Disney??

I ordered it this morning!

D~ yay on a new place for walking, will help keep you motivated having new scenery!
enjoy your pizza tonight!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Sorry I haven't had the time to post lately-I've had a rough couple of weeks. I have really enjoyed seeing your prior trip photos and LOVE all your new creations! Your PTR has been a nice diversion when I've had a few minutes here and there to lurk.

Sorry about your iron. My iron died last week when I was trying to do an applique. I looked at what JoAnn's sold and then looked at reviews. I ened up with the Singer as it got very good reviews on amazon. I do really like it so far. I had a Rowenta years ago and really liked it but when it died the new Rowentas weren't getting good reviews. Then I got a TFal which was fine. I think it lasted maybe 5 years. I need to put my iron to good use today making a messenger bag. A purse size one. I have the flap done. I hope it comes out they way I have it pictured in my mind.

Don't ROFL - but you'll never guess who has a messenger bag pattern that I plan to use.

Have you seen the Oliver & S pattern?




You've been doing so well with the diet and exercise too! I need to follow your example!!!

 

[mphalens]

I'm still here! But since the laptop is in the "computer icu" I'm posting from the iPad .... But I'm still here!

 

[Meshell2002]

D that's great about the wt loss! how much did Andrea lose? I tried to catch up with this thread but I must have missed that part.

 

[lisateaches]

Well, you are truly an inspiration, and just in time. I need to make a Laura Ingalls Costume for my 9 yo DD. I really hate patterns and I have no idea what my new Brother sewing machine can even do!!! I think it is high time I read the manual and just took the plunge. Your designs are beautiful! Did you say HAND APPLIQUE? I have great stitches on my new machine and... haven't used them yet. I'm even losing patience with my used Janome embroidery machine. I retired my mom's old Kenmore, it just was one mistake after another. Come to think of it, maybe it's not the machines.
Well, after volleyball I will work on her Halloween costume and keep you in mind. Then, later tonight I will finish reading your stuff.
Thanks, you made a difference today!

 

[DMGeurts]

I ordered it this morning!

D~ yay on a new place for walking, will help keep you motivated having new scenery!
enjoy your pizza tonight!

Thanks, it was good. I ate a large salad, and that kept me from eating as much pizza as usual - I only at 1 1/2 pieces - so that's a plus.

Sorry I haven't had the time to post lately-I've had a rough couple of weeks. I have really enjoyed seeing your prior trip photos and LOVE all your new creations! Your PTR has been a nice diversion when I've had a few minutes here and there to lurk.

I hope everything is OK.

Sorry about your iron. My iron died last week when I was trying to do an applique. I looked at what JoAnn's sold and then looked at reviews. I ened up with the Singer as it got very good reviews on amazon. I do really like it so far. I had a Rowenta years ago and really liked it but when it died the new Rowentas weren't getting good reviews. Then I got a TFal which was fine. I think it lasted maybe 5 years. I need to put my iron to good use today making a messenger bag. A purse size one. I have the flap done. I hope it comes out they way I have it pictured in my mind.

I hope your messenger bag turns out.

Have you seen the Oliver & S pattern?

You guessed it right! This is the pattern I plan to use - I am just not sure which size yet... I am thinking the large one for me (as long as it's deep enough to hold my water bottle upright - I haven't measured yet) and the small ones for the girls - since they won't be carrying much, except for sweatshirts if they decide to take them off. And, of course, I am probably going to modify it a bit... I'd like a zipper pocket on it somewhere, and a strap to attach my wallet to... and other little obscure things.

You've been doing so well with the diet and exercise too! I need to follow your example!!!

Don't follow my example too much - this is about the 20th time I've lost this same weight in my adult life, I don't know why, but I just can't keep it off. I can lose about 50 pounds over several months, and the whole time I tell myself it's the last time I'm losing it... then I gain it all back faster than I lost it. It's super frustrating. Otherwise you can follow my example.

I'm still here! But since the laptop is in the "computer icu" I'm posting from the iPad .... But I'm still here!

Marianne - I was about to send a search party out for you. Spring the pc from the icu asap... Didya get that?

D that's great about the wt loss! how much did Andrea lose? I tried to catch up with this thread but I must have missed that part.

I am not sure how much Andrea lost this week... I don't think she has said. I know I am hoping for a better loss this week. I really wanted to walk today, but I had a major snafu - which I'll tell you all about in a minute.

Well, you are truly an inspiration, and just in time. I need to make a Laura Ingalls Costume for my 9 yo DD. I really hate patterns and I have no idea what my new Brother sewing machine can even do!!! I think it is high time I read the manual and just took the plunge. Your designs are beautiful! Did you say HAND APPLIQUE? I have great stitches on my new machine and... haven't used them yet. I'm even losing patience with my used Janome embroidery machine. I retired my mom's old Kenmore, it just was one mistake after another. Come to think of it, maybe it's not the machines.
Well, after volleyball I will work on her Halloween costume and keep you in mind. Then, later tonight I will finish reading your stuff.
Thanks, you made a difference today!

Welcome! Well, you've really made me blush today - and stroked my ego - DH will love you. ROFL!

How neat about the Laura Ingalls costume - since I am from MN - she holds a special place in my heart (and childhood). I wish I could help you out with the costume... which pattern are you using?

Yes, I do a lot of hand appliqueing (by machine - so the name is decieving) - pretty much all of my embroidery is by hand applique. However, if the spot is too tight for my machine, then I'll whip out the ol' needle and embroidery floss and go to town on it truly by hand.

I am sorry your machines are acting up... sounds like you haven't had much luck with them. I'd seriously crack open your manual, and just tell the thing to "shape up or ship out"... after all, you can't make it any worse than it is, right? Or maybe wrong??? Are any of the machines computerized??? If they are, I'd leave that to the professionals.

Anyways, thanks for all the compliments, that was so nice of you. Please let us know how your Laura Ingalls costume is going, and if you need any help. There is also the Disboutiquers thread in the "Disney for Families" section - those ladies (and Tom) are a wonderful help.

OK - nows the time for D~'s pity party.... Everyone's invited - pajamas are the preferred attire.

So, DH has a "semi-formal" dinner tonight to recognize his retirement from the MNANG... So, D~ goes up to her closet this morning, trying to find something to wear... I got through everything on hangers (no luck), Everything in my dresser (no luck), Everything in my giant rubbermaid container (no luck)... I have absolutely nothing to wear, except a denim skirt. ACK!!!! Oh, and I offered to wear my Donald skirt - DH vetoed that immediately. So, he sent me to Kohl's... not that they really have anything semi formal - but to me - anything with out legs is semi formal - so it would have to do. First of all... standing nekkid (almost) in front of those mirrors made me want to puke - it was horrible. Second of all - looking at all these cute clothes that wouldn't go on me, no matter how hard I tried - just made me want to cry. YOu'd never know I've been working so hard these last few weeks.

The outfit I ended up with is "OK"... I'd maybe wear it again, if I couldn't get into any of the other cute stuff I have upstairs. However, I did end up with a cute pair of boots and dress shoes... which, no matter which ones I wear, I probably won't be able to walk for the next 3 days. I told Allison that I will wear my flipflops in the car to the event, I will put on my shoes when we get there, walk in, plant my buttox in a chair, sit there all evening, walk to the car, immediately put my flip flops back on. And pray I can walk tomorrow.

Seriously, why do they have to make these things "semi formal" why can't they just be "dressy casual"????

D~ <---- who has yet to get into her sewing room today either.