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

[mphalens]

I was just kidding about the Pirate pants... Can't believe you pulled that one off. Great job!

Safe travels tonight... I'll be thinkin' of you guys. And have fun - kiss Mr. Duck for me.

D~

I was standing in my closet trying to find something to go with that khaki colored shirt and thought, "this is silly! D is right, I can whip up a pair of easy fits - worst case I can't hem them in time and I'll have to do that part by hand"
It did help that I just folded the material in half both ways and cut once, since the print isn't directional
Oh! I saw the cutest pic of your favorite duck - very similar to my inspiration for my Mickey sneakers... Just sayin, if a pair of the black or blue or white Toms knock offs from Payless or wherever were to appear at my door in your size I could probably impress Mr Duck on your trip

How are you coming along with the order that kept you from going to Disney with me at the last minute?

Oh! And did I tell you that Frannie got one of those nice roller bag cases from Walmart on Black Friday? Of course, she has to wait until Christmas, but she said to tell Patience she'll hop the first flight she can... I'm a little concerned those two have a trip of their own planned... I found Frannie with the touring plans book the other day... She said it was just for inspiration, but I saw some notes scribbled here and there and P was mentioned
I want to know who's financing their little expedition - Cheryl, did Ginger or Dorrrine come into some money and are taking them on a girls trip?

 

[DMGeurts]

Good morning everyone...

I finally feel like I am starting to catch up on my sleep schedule.

We went out to dinner last night... Not that you all care about that - but it is kind of a funny story. So, Josh's brother and his new wife are here from The Netherlands, and they had planned on going to this really awesome Mexican restaurant while they were here. Well, Josh's dad and step-mom flew in the other night, and were interested in going to said restaurant, as well. On TG, they invited us to tag along. So, poor Bri and Myrth - their little "date" turned into a family dinner. So, we get to the restaurant last night, and all of Josh's aunts and uncles were their with thier children. This little event turned into a family reunion - but it was so much fun! I didn't count, but I would guess that we had 25-30 people at our table.

And, of course, I didn't bring my camera. I asked Josh if I should, and we just shrugged our shoulders and left it home. Bummer - would have been some great pics last night - just the huge table alone would have been fabulous!

I was standing in my closet trying to find something to go with that khaki colored shirt and thought, "this is silly! D is right, I can whip up a pair of easy fits - worst case I can't hem them in time and I'll have to do that part by hand"
It did help that I just folded the material in half both ways and cut once, since the print isn't directional

Welll, I am glad you got them done... I can't wait to see pics!

:Oh! I saw the cutest pic of your favorite duck - very similar to my inspiration for my Mickey sneakers... Just sayin, if a pair of the black or blue or white Toms knock offs from Payless or wherever were to appear at my door in your size I could probably impress Mr Duck on your trip

Awww... I would love a pair, but I am not sure I could wear shoes like that into WDW - I have the WORST feet ever and I can only wear certain shoes. It really sucks. But I definately plan to keep my eyes open for a pair that I can wear that we can do that to, because your shoes are so adorable! Mickey is going to flip his lid!

:How are you coming along with the order that kept you from going to Disney with me at the last minute?

I haven't started it yet... I have a few orders in front of that one to get done yet.

:Oh! And did I tell you that Frannie got one of those nice roller bag cases from Walmart on Black Friday? Of course, she has to wait until Christmas, but she said to tell Patience she'll hop the first flight she can... I'm a little concerned those two have a trip of their own planned... I found Frannie with the touring plans book the other day... She said it was just for inspiration, but I saw some notes scribbled here and there and P was mentioned
I want to know who's financing their little expedition - Cheryl, did Ginger or Dorrrine come into some money and are taking them on a girls trip?

Rut-Roh (said in my best Scooby Doo voice)... I was wondering if something might be going on. I found Patience threaded in a color of thread that I hadn't used in ages. I keep getting these strange texts from your area code, that make no sence - and now they are starting to. Somthing about button holes???? You might be on to something there Marianne.

I don't dare get Patience one of those roller cases - she'd demand to go everywhere with me, sometimes I go grocery shopping just so I have an excuse to leave her behind. Don't tell her that though.

Oh, and Marianne... I know you are getting settled at CBR as I type... Please enjoy your vacation.

I just wanted to let the rest of you know that I finished my latest bag yesterday, and I will be posting pictures sometime today - probably this morning. It turned out really cute and I am very happy with it.

D~

 

[cogero]

D- Can't wait to see your bag. I wanted to sew this morning but wouldn't you know the boy is up. May see what I can sneak in here and there once the girl gets up.

 

[DMGeurts]

I just have to say that I am still really annoyed by airfare prices... Still insane for the days we are booked.

I don't want the girls to miss any more school... but if we leave Tues, vs. Thurs - we save almost $300 p/p... Which means we would also have to come home a few days earlier. Our resort is open for these days, I just checked.

I just don't know what to do?

D~

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

I just have to say that I am still really annoyed by airfare prices... Still insane for the days we are booked.

I don't want the girls to miss any more school... but if we leave Tues, vs. Thurs - we save almost $300 p/p... Which means we would also have to come home a few days earlier. Our resort is open for these days, I just checked.

I just don't know what to do?

D~

I'd say save the money and leave earlier! You'd still have the same length vacation right? $300 is a nice chunk saved!

 

[DMGeurts]

Sooo... I've been crunching #s this morning.

As our vacation sits right now, this is what it will cost us - not including trivial items.

Dates: March 8-16
POFQ $2720
Airfare $2661
____________
Total 5381

If I was to switch dates...

March 6-15th (which gives us an extra day)
POFQ $3038
Airfare $1143
______________
Total $4181

Which is a savings of exactly $1200 plus we get an extra day. I did check resort availability online, and our resort is still avial for free dining during this time.

Statistically, these airfare dates have been much better for these new dates the entire time I've been checking... they have always been much lower than my original dates.

Before I jump the gun and switch the dates, there are a couple of hurdles to jump... one of the major ones is the girls missing school - this would add 2 more days to their missed days.

The second is financial... I have 45 days until my balance is due to WDW. I am very close to my financial goal, so adding this extra day on there adds an extra chunk of $$ due earlier. I know I can do that portion - but to do that, means I have to wait and take the gamble that the airfare would continue to stay low for my selected dates. Does that make sense? Well, regardless, I would have to wait on airfare, because I can't afford the current astronomical $2661 for my original dates anyways. So, I guess either way, I'd have to gamble on airfare.

Another thing, I would have to change a couple of my ADRs - most of them would stay the same, I guess, I would jsut have to add a couple...

Help me out here...

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

One other thing... I can always add days to my park passes, right???

So, my concern right now, is paying for my trip on time... If I change my dates, and knock my park passes down to the min 2 days... I can add the additional 8 days later, even when we check in - correct?

So, if I take all those park pass days off my trip, that makes the trip portion that I am paying off the exact same for either scenerio... then I can add those extra days when I save up that $$... I just need to know if I am correct in assuming this???

D~

 

[miprender]

Tough decision but I always like the save money spend extra day at Disney. But I understand about the girls missing school. How many days in total would they be missing?

And I am in the same boat for our flight to Disney. Since I still really need to wait until March to see how many snow days DH will have to make up but if there are none I want to leave on Thursday but if not we would be leaving Saturday 6/23 and the flights are around $300 pp one way. I was able to snag flights home though for $114 pp


Also I believe you can add extra days to your ticket at the front desk. I have never done that but I believe I have read others have with no problem.

 

[DMGeurts]

I've never booked one way before... So, airfare for our outgoing day (if we switch dates) is $114 now... should I book that, and then find a better deal for on the way home? I've always booked round trip tickets at the same time...

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Tough decision but I always like the save money spend extra day at Disney. But I understand about the girls missing school. How many days in total would they be missing?

And I am in the same boat for our flight to Disney. Since I still really need to wait until March to see how many snow days DH will have to make up but if there are none I want to leave on Thursday but if not we would be leaving Saturday 6/23 and the flights are around $300 pp one way. I was able to snag flights home though for $114 pp


Also I believe you can add extra days to your ticket at the front desk. I have never done that but I believe I have read others have with no problem.

OK... I called Disney.

It's official, I've changed my dates...

March 6-15, 2012 at POFQ with FD.

I only got 2 day base tickets, I will add more days when we get there - my main concern is paying off this trip.

In the end - if airfare stays the way it has been for the last 2 months while I've been looking - it will save us about $1200.

Off to take some pictures and sew.

D~

 

[cogero]

I was going to suggest changing days.

I am all about saving airfare.

Also you could buy your tickets from undercover tourist through the link in the mousesavers newsletter and save money that way too.

You can even add them to your room key after using them once.

The UT prices include the sales tax in them.

 

[Lidian]

OK... I called Disney.

It's official, I've changed my dates...

March 6-15, 2012 at POFQ with FD.

I only got 2 day base tickets, I will add more days when we get there - my main concern is paying off this trip.

In the end - if airfare stays the way it has been for the last 2 months while I've been looking - it will save us about $1200.

Off to take some pictures and sew.

D~

Glad you was able to get it switched!

I'd have backed down to the 2 day passes as well, and then add the amount of days I needed at check-in.

Hope you get the finances all sorted out!

 

[DMGeurts]

I am quite amazed that I finished this bag in a week, considering my crazy Thanksgiving schedule at work...

Before you see the pics... I just have to say, one of my favorite things about making these bags, is I just love the element of surprise for what's inside. I really want people to look at the outside of the bag and love it, but then I want them to open it up and say "WOW I didn't expect that in there!" With that in mind...


Front:

Applique close-up, this was my first applique after I'd fixed Mr. Rocket - I am very happy with his stitch:

Inside the front zip pocket:

Inside the front slip in pocket:

Main zipper:

Inside the main compartment... This lucky person requested a set of quilted pockets across the front and a zippered pocket across the back:

LGMH:

 

[miprender]

Yeah for changing your dates. This is the first time I ever booked just one way but with Southwest it doesn't really matter. Now I just have to wait for the price going to Disney to come down.

I am quite amazed that I finished this bag in a week, considering my crazy Thanksgiving schedule at work...

Before you see the pics... I just have to say, one of my favorite things about making these bags, is I just love the element of surprise for what's inside. I really want people to look at the outside of the bag and love it, but then I want them to open it up and say "WOW I didn't expect that in there!" With that in mind...


Front:

LGMH:

I love it and love that LGMH

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

another gorgeous bag!

I need to get a sewing machine.

 

[karebear23]

The bag turned out super cute!

Glad you got your dates sorted out !
Sounds like you had a nice Thanksgiving!

 

[idofabric]

Just Fab! I have a ton of holiday sewing to do,for otheres,...but I have always longed for a bag like these! Thinking this year I will sew for me, wrap and have a large man in Red deliver it. Surprise to me!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

I love it and love that LGMH

another gorgeous bag!

I need to get a sewing machine.

The bag turned out super cute!

Glad you got your dates sorted out !
Sounds like you had a nice Thanksgiving!

Thanks everyone. I started on my next bag yesterday.

So, now that I have rebooked our trip.... I have a lot of work that needs to be done to edit all of my Mini-Planner pages, especially my main calendar page.

We have added one day to our trip, so that means that we are exactly even on our dining reservations (I was going to pay for one of them OOP)... So, if you figure that in, the value in rebooking is even better. So, now I need to figure out if we need to make another ADR and pay for it OOP or just do counter service meals for those first 2 days - maybe one or two of them OOP. The girls an I need to sit down and figure out what we want to do. We really wanted to do Chef Mickey's on this trip, but it just didn't work with our schedule - of course - it's unavailable now for any of our new days too. However, I will continue to check, but it's not that big of a deal.

Then, by adding this one day... We will get to go into MK on our first night there. I was feeling really ho-hum because we didn't have any MK days scheduled until day 6 previously, so now we can slide into MK for a bit of evening fun on our first day. This also enables us to visit all the other parks twice... So, on our second day, I think we will go into DHS. On our 3rd day (which was our arrival day before), I think we will spend the day in Epcot - since we have a dinner ADR at Cape May, we can just skip out the back entrance, and then come back into the park later. I think that will work out well. The rest of our schedule will remain the same.

The only downfall, is that we leave a day earlier than previously... So our last full day at AK will be cut short. We have an early lunch ADR at Tusker House that day (11 am), so I think our plan will be to get into AK that morning, collect our FP... Ride the rides we want standby, then go to our early lunch ADR, use our FP and head back to the resort to be ready for ME. Now, dd really wanted to do AK 2 full days, so I am contimplating doing AK instead for DHS on day 2, as well. That would make 2 and a half days in AK... I dunno - I will have to see if I can get any adrs for that day???

Sorry for the ramble, just trying to work this out in my head.

D~

 

[nowellsl]

The bag is great! I love it. I can't wait to take it on my next trip You did a fantastic job!

 

[Lidian]

D, totally love the Mickey bag!!! Now you make my Mickey bag look hideous.

another gorgeous bag!

I need to get a sewing machine.

Should have went to Walmart! You could have started a riot, gotten a $3 waffle maker, and a nice sewing machine!

Thanks everyone. I started on my next bag yesterday.

So, now that I have rebooked our trip.... I have a lot of work that needs to be done to edit all of my Mini-Planner pages, especially my main calendar page.

We have added one day to our trip, so that means that we are exactly even on our dining reservations (I was going to pay for one of them OOP)... So, if you figure that in, the value in rebooking is even better. So, now I need to figure out if we need to make another ADR and pay for it OOP or just do counter service meals for those first 2 days - maybe one or two of them OOP. The girls an I need to sit down and figure out what we want to do. We really wanted to do Chef Mickey's on this trip, but it just didn't work with our schedule - of course - it's unavailable now for any of our new days too. However, I will continue to check, but it's not that big of a deal.

Then, by adding this one day... We will get to go into MK on our first night there. I was feeling really ho-hum because we didn't have any MK days scheduled until day 6 previously, so now we can slide into MK for a bit of evening fun on our first day. This also enables us to visit all the other parks twice... So, on our second day, I think we will go into DHS. On our 3rd day (which was our arrival day before), I think we will spend the day in Epcot - since we have a dinner ADR at Cape May, we can just skip out the back entrance, and then come back into the park later. I think that will work out well. The rest of our schedule will remain the same.

The only downfall, is that we leave a day earlier than previously... So our last full day at AK will be cut short. We have an early lunch ADR at Tusker House that day (11 am), so I think our plan will be to get into AK that morning, collect our FP... Ride the rides we want standby, then go to our early lunch ADR, use our FP and head back to the resort to be ready for ME. Now, dd really wanted to do AK 2 full days, so I am contimplating doing AK instead for DHS on day 2, as well. That would make 2 and a half days in AK... I dunno - I will have to see if I can get any adrs for that day???

Sorry for the ramble, just trying to work this out in my head.

D~

D ... are you stalking me?

If I understand correctly,
3-6 MK
3-7 DHS
3-8 EP

I'm in those parks on those days. As much as I love AK ... I can't do 2.5 days there on a trip. I could do 1.5 ... but that's just me. I say stalk me at DHS. We can start a riot at the TSM FP machines, and hopefully cause a distraction so our DDs can score all the FPs.

Can't wait to see what you decide to do in the end!