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

[DMGeurts]

Just thought I'd post another MP page, since I won't be doing any sewing today.

D~

 

[cogero]

I need to start my Mini Planner.

Oh and D thanks for the pixie dust I will be posting in my trip report about it. The girl was over the moon about hers. You are just too sweet and your note made me teary eyed so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I will be updating my report sometime today with pictures. First though I am finishing my coffee and working on finishing easy fits for a give. I have to sew them together already did the cuffs they are so cute I wish I had more fabric for me.

 

[Lidian]

I like the ideas given:
lanyard
iPod (or cellphone case) - even if it doesn't make it into the parks
toiletry bag
water bottle holder

Some other suggestions:
autograph book/journal cover
travel game system tote (i.e. DS, MP3 player, etc.) - something to hold the odds and ends like ear buds, etc

I can't think of anything else... but little bags to hold and organize stuff, even if they don't make it into the parks, would be cute. Especially since she isn't restricted to using the bag solely in the parks.

 

[dianemom2]

Hmmm, a water bottle holder???? Not sure I know what one of those is? She does have an ipod, but I don't think I am going to let them carry those in the parks... Since dd had her's stolen in Amsterdam, I am sort of protective about their electronics. They'll have it with them while traveling and while in the resort too... A toiletry bag is also a marvelous idea... What to do, what to do???

I'd ordered Allison's interior fabric for her messenger bag, but when it got here, the color is wayyyy off from my screen and what I wanted - however - the color is perfect for the ride theme, so I am just not sure what to do. I thought I'd run down to that little fabric store and see if they had anything that looked more like what I had in mind????

D~

I wasn't thinking she'd take her ipod to the park. But it would be nice to have something she can use while you are traveling there and back. For us, adding the case helps us keep track of the ipod. It is so easy to put them down and have them slip between a cushion or under something when the ipods are not in a case.

For the water bottle holder, I was thinking of one of those insulated fabric holders w/ a strap. It would keep her water cool and be easier to carry or if she puts a bottle of water into the bag, it would keep it from sweating and getting everything in her bag damp. I also thought of a glasses case for her sunglasses.

Your cookie extravaganza sounds like lots of fun. Have a great day baking! And good luck finding the right fabric for your older DD. I hate when I order something and then find out it isn't exactly what I had in mind.

 

[NiniMorris]

I had to laugh at not taking the Ipod to the parks...I would never think of going to the parks with Mr D without his Ipod! We use it as part of his reward system. It really helps to calm him down when he has to wait. He actually can manage to watch the fireworks or parades with lots of people around if he has his Ipod in his ears!

Of course, both kids have two Ipods...one for home and one for travel....hubby found two cheap ones at a pawn shop. We put new music in them for each trip. They have to wait until we leave to find out what is in there. Since they each cost around $25.00 it is not a big deal if they get lost or stolen.

We had to go with two when Mr D's came up missing on vacation at the beach last year. It did finally turn up (about 2 months later) but it was a hard time for Mr D (and me!) until we were able to get him a replacement!

I made each of the kids a small zippered bag to keep all their chargers, earphones etc in them. We call them their electronics bags. I attached some key fobs I made...I think Mr D's was Cars and Miss B had Tink. Miss B actually uses hers now to keep her house key on....





Nini

 

[mommy2mrb]

have fun with your cookie party...sounds fun!
good luck finding you fabric!

 

[DMGeurts]

I need to start my Mini Planner.

Oh and D thanks for the pixie dust I will be posting in my trip report about it. The girl was over the moon about hers. You are just too sweet and your note made me teary eyed so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I will be updating my report sometime today with pictures. First though I am finishing my coffee and working on finishing easy fits for a give. I have to sew them together already did the cuffs they are so cute I wish I had more fabric for me.

Yay - I am glad the kids liked their Pixie Dust... Sorry I made you cry - didn't mean to do that... Just wanted you to know that I really admire you and love how you are always doing SO MUCH for others...

I like the ideas given:
lanyard
iPod (or cellphone case) - even if it doesn't make it into the parks
toiletry bag
water bottle holder

Some other suggestions:
autograph book/journal cover
travel game system tote (i.e. DS, MP3 player, etc.) - something to hold the odds and ends like ear buds, etc

I can't think of anything else... but little bags to hold and organize stuff, even if they don't make it into the parks, would be cute. Especially since she isn't restricted to using the bag solely in the parks.

I kind of like the idea of an electronics bag of some sort... This makes a lot of sense to me. For sure, on the plane they will have their Ipods, Cell phones, DSis and a set of earbuds... We will also have to carry along all the cords to charge those items. D~ might have to design something here...

I wasn't thinking she'd take her ipod to the park. But it would be nice to have something she can use while you are traveling there and back. For us, adding the case helps us keep track of the ipod. It is so easy to put them down and have them slip between a cushion or under something when the ipods are not in a case.

The more I think about this, the more I like your idea... I don't think I will get to it before Christmas though... It might have to be a "just because" gift???

For the water bottle holder, I was thinking of one of those insulated fabric holders w/ a strap. It would keep her water cool and be easier to carry or if she puts a bottle of water into the bag, it would keep it from sweating and getting everything in her bag damp. I also thought of a glasses case for her sunglasses.

I think this is a wonderful idea too... but I think it will have to be for me. Since the girls don't normally carry water bottles, because I just carry a filtered water bottle, and we all share it. But I wasn't sure how to keep it from getting everything all wet - this might be just the perfect thing!

Your cookie extravaganza sounds like lots of fun. Have a great day baking! And good luck finding the right fabric for your older DD. I hate when I order something and then find out it isn't exactly what I had in mind.

It was fun - exhausting - didn't get home until 10:30 last night! We roughly estimated that we baked 54 dozen cookies yesterday, and they weren't just "mix the batter, throw them in the oven cookies"... These were all multi-step cookies. I was so tired when I got home last night, that I left all the cookies in the car... I'll try to take pictures after I haul them in today. They are truly beautiful! Well, as beautiful as I can ever get a cookie to be anyways.

I had to laugh at not taking the Ipod to the parks...I would never think of going to the parks with Mr D without his Ipod! We use it as part of his reward system. It really helps to calm him down when he has to wait. He actually can manage to watch the fireworks or parades with lots of people around if he has his Ipod in his ears!

Of course, both kids have two Ipods...one for home and one for travel....hubby found two cheap ones at a pawn shop. We put new music in them for each trip. They have to wait until we leave to find out what is in there. Since they each cost around $25.00 it is not a big deal if they get lost or stolen.

We had to go with two when Mr D's came up missing on vacation at the beach last year. It did finally turn up (about 2 months later) but it was a hard time for Mr D (and me!) until we were able to get him a replacement!

I made each of the kids a small zippered bag to keep all their chargers, earphones etc in them. We call them their electronics bags. I attached some key fobs I made...I think Mr D's was Cars and Miss B had Tink. Miss B actually uses hers now to keep her house key on....

Nini

I think I am going to research this idea and try to design something. I don't think I will design something for their DSis though - since they already have decent cases for those. But something for their Ipods and earbuds would be great. We go through more earbuds in this house than I care to admit.

have fun with your cookie party...sounds fun!
good luck finding you fabric!

I did find some fabric... It wasn't as good as my initial idea - so I am kind of bummed about that. But, at least, it coordinates. It's not nearly as fun as Victoria's either. I will continue searching, but I am quickly running out of time.

I will try and post come cookie pictures later today... We made some adorable Reindeer cake pops, which were so fun to make - but we are definately not professional cake pop makers.

Victoria made an adorable Tink AG dress for her God Mother for Christmas yesterday. She made it all by herself, while I was off baking, and it turned out adorable... So I might have to post a picture of that, as well.

Not sure what I am doing today... I hope to get up to my sewing room for a while - I have a few Christmas gifts I still have to make...

D~

 

[cogero]

Please share Victoria's dress, I love seeing her creations too

 

[VBAndrea]

Umm.... hello that was me

Glad you were able to find some things.

So sorry I messed up -- I know Diane has given me lots of AG doll guidance so I just had her in mind. I will give you all the credit now

I posted this earlier today... but it disappeared.

I made the matching zip walled for Victoria's Christmas gift this morning. I need help deciding what other accessories I should make... Ideas?????

Front:

Back:

With the messenger bag:

And then yesterday, when I was taking pictures of the bag, I didn't realize that part of the applique folded over because of the nature of the flap - so while I had the bag out of it's hiding spot today, I snapped a picture of the entire applique for you all.

D~

Lovely! I agree with all the accessory ideas -- any little cases for electronic gadgets, the water bottle holder, how about a little tissue pouch or a camera case as well???

I had to laugh at not taking the Ipod to the parks...I would never think of going to the parks with Mr D without his Ipod! We use it as part of his reward system. It really helps to calm him down when he has to wait. He actually can manage to watch the fireworks or parades with lots of people around if he has his Ipod in his ears!

Of course, both kids have two Ipods...one for home and one for travel....hubby found two cheap ones at a pawn shop. We put new music in them for each trip. They have to wait until we leave to find out what is in there. Since they each cost around $25.00 it is not a big deal if they get lost or stolen.

We had to go with two when Mr D's came up missing on vacation at the beach last year. It did finally turn up (about 2 months later) but it was a hard time for Mr D (and me!) until we were able to get him a replacement!

I made each of the kids a small zippered bag to keep all their chargers, earphones etc in them. We call them their electronics bags. I attached some key fobs I made...I think Mr D's was Cars and Miss B had Tink. Miss B actually uses hers now to keep her house key on....





Nini

We couldn't be without the ipod for my ds either. He detested the character meals and we had to let him listen to the ipod during dinners to ease his anxiety.



D~ I can't wait to see the cookies and to see the AG tink creation. So did the other girls spend as much as $70? If you came out with loads of cookies, that really isn't a bad deal.

 

[DMGeurts]

I don't show many of Victoria's creations on my PTR... In all fairness, she hasn't been sewing too much in the last couple of months.

Victoria is a very talented girl when it comes to sewing. It's something she enjoys, and she is very creative.

Victoria's God Mother requested "an item made by Victoria" for Christmas. She didn't care what Victoria made, as long as it was totally created by her.

So, yesterday, while I was out holiday cookie making, Victoria was at home creating something special for her aunt Tonya.

I do want to add, that I did nothing to help her with this project... She chose all of the fabrics, did all the pattern placement and cutting, plus all the sewing and ruffling... Not to mention, she also created the bodice detail all on her own, and straight stitched it with Patience.

She was so excited about this dress, that she waited up for me, so I could see it. I have to say that I am very impressed with what she made. For a 12 y/o - she did a magnificant job - even rivaling some of my work. I love seeing her create and using her imagination.

I just love the detail she chose to put into the bodice... and seriously, she straight stitched it...

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

So, as most of you know... I spent the day with my neighbors yesterday, baking holiday cookies.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a fussy baker... I enjoy baking - I've done it most of my life - I first learned to bake in 5th grade. I did do some dabbling in my early 20's in cake decorating, and I even managed to make a couple of nice cakes... (hmmm, I may even have some photos on my PC, let me look....)

Ooooh - I did find some - unbelievable!

My first cake from cake decorating class:

And the girls' 1st & 2nd birthday cakes...

So, other than chocolate chip cookies, bars and such - I really don't do that much baking anymore... However, believe it or not, Victoria loves to bake.

Anyways... I had a lot of fun yesterday, we did accomplish a lot... but I am a bit sick of baking now. I took pictures of my share of everything that I brought home...

Frosted sugar cookies:

Oreo balls:

Pretzel hugs (I am sure these have a real name, I just didn't catch it)

Peanut butter balls (num!)

Christmas tree spritz cookies:

Little Christmas dessert cakes:

Can't remember what these are called, but they are tasty!!! Lemon zest and cinnamon flavored cookies - I know they are from the swiss heritage...

And our favorite - the Reindeer pops... This isn't all of them I brought home - I think I ended up with 18.

Plus, today Melanie is going to use up the rest of the pretzels by dipping them in our left over chocolate - so she will drop those off later. She is also going to finish up the pistacchio fruit bark and drop that off, as well.

As far as how much was spent... I think $70 was pretty average. I didn't even bring it up at all - because once I saw all the stuff that everyone else brought - it really wasn't an issue. However, I will say - I do plan on returning some of the ingredients we didn't use - I wouldn't normally do that - but this was stuff that I already have in my pantry for personal use, and since it was never opened - I'll never use it before it expires. So, it's gonna go back.

D~

 

[cogero]

Victoria is a very talented girl when it comes to sewing. It's something she enjoys, and she is very creative.

Victoria's God Mother requested "an item made by Victoria" for Christmas. She didn't care what Victoria made, as long as it was totally created by her.

So, yesterday, while I was out holiday cookie making, Victoria was at home creating something special for her aunt Tonya.

D~

Omg this is absolutely fabulous. Victoria is super talented.

 

[VBAndrea]

I don't show many of Victoria's creations on my PTR... In all fairness, she hasn't been sewing too much in the last couple of months.

Victoria is a very talented girl when it comes to sewing. It's something she enjoys, and she is very creative.

Victoria's God Mother requested "an item made by Victoria" for Christmas. She didn't care what Victoria made, as long as it was totally created by her.

So, yesterday, while I was out holiday cookie making, Victoria was at home creating something special for her aunt Tonya.

I do want to add, that I did nothing to help her with this project... She chose all of the fabrics, did all the pattern placement and cutting, plus all the sewing and ruffling... Not to mention, she also created the bodice detail all on her own, and straight stitched it with Patience.

She was so excited about this dress, that she waited up for me, so I could see it. I have to say that I am very impressed with what she made. For a 12 y/o - she did a magnificant job - even rivaling some of my work. I love seeing her create and using her imagination.

I just love the detail she chose to put into the bodice... and seriously, she straight stitched it...

D~

Beautiful! I love the colors! I don't understand how "Tink" was stitched using Patience. It looks double stitched and too perfect for a machine to do, but from what I understood you said she used Patience to stitch it? That's too perfect on a doll dress - me thinks she did it by hand.

So, as most of you know... I spent the day with my neighbors yesterday, baking holiday cookies.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a fussy baker... I enjoy baking - I've done it most of my life - I first learned to bake in 5th grade. I did do some dabbling in my early 20's in cake decorating, and I even managed to make a couple of nice cakes... (hmmm, I may even have some photos on my PC, let me look....)

Ooooh - I did find some - unbelievable!

My first cake from cake decorating class:

And the girls' 1st & 2nd birthday cakes...

So, other than chocolate chip cookies, bars and such - I really don't do that much baking anymore... However, believe it or not, Victoria loves to bake.

Anyways... I had a lot of fun yesterday, we did accomplish a lot... but I am a bit sick of baking now. I took pictures of my share of everything that I brought home...


Peanut butter balls (num!)

And our favorite - the Reindeer pops... This isn't all of them I brought home - I think I ended up with 18.

Plus, today Melanie is going to use up the rest of the pretzels by dipping them in our left over chocolate - so she will drop those off later. She is also going to finish up the pistacchio fruit bark and drop that off, as well.

As far as how much was spent... I think $70 was pretty average. I didn't even bring it up at all - because once I saw all the stuff that everyone else brought - it really wasn't an issue. However, I will say - I do plan on returning some of the ingredients we didn't use - I wouldn't normally do that - but this was stuff that I already have in my pantry for personal use, and since it was never opened - I'll never use it before it expires. So, it's gonna go back.

D~

Your cakes are great! I never took a class, but I decorate as well. I don't enjoy it but I do a very good job.

I LOVE peanut butter balls!!!! And the reindeer pops are soooo cute! Glad you have some leftover items you can return. I haven't done any cookies this year and doubt I will. Last year I did tons and I think it burned me out. I'd rather be sewing than baking.

BTW, I posted the Bitty Baby clothes I made on the Disbout thread. I am going to try to make dd a few outfits this week plus I have a birthday gift to do. I'm making an art tote with all these little pockets. I'm too cheap to buy the pattern so it will likely take me a wee bit longer to make it, but I think I can figure it out without a pattern.

 

[DMGeurts]

Beautiful! I love the colors! I don't understand how "Tink" was stitched using Patience. It looks double stitched and too perfect for a machine to do, but from what I understood you said she used Patience to stitch it? That's too perfect on a doll dress - me thinks she did it by hand.

I knew it was done with Patience by the way the stitch looks... I asked her if she hand cranked it or not - she told me that she hand cranked on the back stitches to get them perfect, but she just sewed slowly on the rest of it... So, no, it wasn't done by hand - according to her, she used Patience for the entire thing.

Your cakes are great! I never took a class, but I decorate as well. I don't enjoy it but I do a very good job.

I LOVE peanut butter balls!!!! And the reindeer pops are soooo cute! Glad you have some leftover items you can return. I haven't done any cookies this year and doubt I will. Last year I did tons and I think it burned me out. I'd rather be sewing than baking.

BTW, I posted the Bitty Baby clothes I made on the Disbout thread. I am going to try to make dd a few outfits this week plus I have a birthday gift to do. I'm making an art tote with all these little pockets. I'm too cheap to buy the pattern so it will likely take me a wee bit longer to make it, but I think I can figure it out without a pattern.

Headed to Disbout now... Thanks for the heads up. Can't wait to see...

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

Victoria did a beautiful job on the tink dress

Cute cakes ....love the little Pooh heads!


wow that's a lot of cookies and goodies! we've done the hugs with pretzels before too, but use the square "window pane" looking ones, does a good job of keep the hugs on the pretzels. love the reindeer pops!!

 

[miprender]

So sorry I messed up -- I know Diane has given me lots of AG doll guidance so I just had her in mind. I will give you all the credit now

I forgive you.

I'll have to go check your itty bitty outfit.

I don't show many of Victoria's creations on my PTR... In all fairness, she hasn't been sewing too much in the last couple of months.

Victoria is a very talented girl when it comes to sewing. It's something she enjoys, and she is very creative.

Victoria's God Mother requested "an item made by Victoria" for Christmas. She didn't care what Victoria made, as long as it was totally created by her.

So, yesterday, while I was out holiday cookie making, Victoria was at home creating something special for her aunt Tonya.

I do want to add, that I did nothing to help her with this project... She chose all of the fabrics, did all the pattern placement and cutting, plus all the sewing and ruffling... Not to mention, she also created the bodice detail all on her own, and straight stitched it with Patience.

She was so excited about this dress, that she waited up for me, so I could see it. I have to say that I am very impressed with what she made. For a 12 y/o - she did a magnificant job - even rivaling some of my work. I love seeing her create and using her imagination.

I just love the detail she chose to put into the bodice... and seriously, she straight stitched it...

D~

WOW what a great job she did. Weird though how Chiara's post posted first.

And our favorite - the Reindeer pops... This isn't all of them I brought home - I think I ended up with 18.

Plus, today Melanie is going to use up the rest of the pretzels by dipping them in our left over chocolate - so she will drop those off later. She is also going to finish up the pistacchio fruit bark and drop that off, as well.

As far as how much was spent... I think $70 was pretty average. I didn't even bring it up at all - because once I saw all the stuff that everyone else brought - it really wasn't an issue. However, I will say - I do plan on returning some of the ingredients we didn't use - I wouldn't normally do that - but this was stuff that I already have in my pantry for personal use, and since it was never opened - I'll never use it before it expires. So, it's gonna go back.

D~

Everything looks so cute but I really love those reindeer pops

 

[dianemom2]

I just love the detail she chose to put into the bodice... and seriously, she straight stitched it...

D~

The dress is awesome! I love that she made it all by herself. The whole dress is great but the Tink embroidered on the chest is amazing. I can't write that neatly with a pen and she sewed that on! Amazing!

My first cake from cake decorating class:

And the girls' 1st & 2nd birthday cakes...

So, other than chocolate chip cookies, bars and such - I really don't do that much baking anymore... However, believe it or not, Victoria loves to bake.

Anyways... I had a lot of fun yesterday, we did accomplish a lot... but I am a bit sick of baking now. I took pictures of my share of everything that I brought home...

Frosted sugar cookies:

Oreo balls:

Pretzel hugs (I am sure these have a real name, I just didn't catch it)

Peanut butter balls (num!)

Christmas tree spritz cookies:

Little Christmas dessert cakes:

Can't remember what these are called, but they are tasty!!! Lemon zest and cinnamon flavored cookies - I know they are from the swiss heritage...

And our favorite - the Reindeer pops... This isn't all of them I brought home - I think I ended up with 18.

D~

Your Pooh cakes are adorable. I've never done any cake decorating. I don't think I have the patience for it.

I would like to jump into the computer screen and snack on some of those cookies you made yesterday. They all look delicious! YUM!

 

[aboveH20]

I think that the last time I posted I asked if you remembered me because it had been so long. (I think you recognized my face but couldn't remember my name.)

I'm too far behind to ever get caught up so let me just say WOW to all of the sewing. I'll have to go back and at least skim through all of the photos. I still can't believe the hours your creations must take. It's enough to do the construction without applique, too.

 

[mphalens]

All of the pictures of the goodies forced me to go grab a piece of fudge I brought home from Goofy's Everything looks yum yum yummy!!!

And V's Tink dress ​

I loved seeing your cakes! I used to decorate cakes too! The woman who took care of me when I was little taught me . . . I still LIKE to do it, but these two little boys of mine make it VERY difficult!!! I think the last one I did was for a friend's son's 2nd birthday - a Mickey Mouse smash cake

 

[karebear23]

We are back . I did nothing but clean & bake...clean & bake today! Not fun! Well the eating part. Made sugar cookies, caramel layers, & gingerbread men.

I see you have been busy in the kitchen too!

Wow Victoria did such a wonderful job!
How did she sew so straight?? I never do unless I go super slow!
Patience's stitching is perfect!

I made dd a pair of PJ pants tonight. I messed them up...
They have mermaids swimming in one direction on one leg...and the other direction on the other one!
Ooops! Oh well at least they are only pj's!
Time for bed!