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

[DMGeurts]

Sooo... I know you've all been curious about my "little project".

Of course, I have to explain before I show you pictures.

All year I've been looking for a pattern for a travel organizer, and there are lots of them out there, but nothing with exactly what I am looking for. Keep in mind - I only pattern shop online, so there could be a pattern available from one of the bigger pattern makers, I just never looked.

The most important thing to me, is that is has a zipper closure. There are lots of travel organizers out there with button closures, elastic closures, velcro closures, snap closures... no zippers.

I also wanted the organizer to have vertical orientation, so when you are closing it, your cards won't fall out.

I wanted a wrist strap/claw clasp, so I could either hook it around my wrist so it's easily accessible, or claw clasp it to my bag, so it doesn't accidentally fall out.

You will see, in one of my last photos, I marked what all the different slots are measured for.

And, of course, I made it to match my Toy Story carry-on... For the record, I really love how the applique turned out... I hate to say it (and I am knocking very hard on wood), I think Mr. Rocket is finally finding his niche.

Front:

I didn't take a picture of the back... it's just plain, with my tag - and I'd just have to block it out anyways...

In relation to my hand... It's huge... I did that to accomodate a piece of paper folded in thirds (boarding passes)...

"The Claw" LOL - I couldn't resist.

Inside:

There's a place for everything and everything in it's place:

Oh and for the record... THis is absolutely the hardest thing I have ever made, I am not kidding. Personally, I don't believe it's up to my own quality standards, but considering that I winged the entire thing from start to finish and this is my first prototype - I think it's OK.

D~

 

[WDWCP96]

I love the travel organizer. You are so Right, you can't find any with zippers which is a definite must.

Orders are going to be flooding in after your Disney trip. I hope you have business cards to give out at Disney.

 

[mommy2mrb]

D~ you continue to amaze me love your organizer! you are one creative lady!!

 

[cajunfan]

I LOOOOVVVEE the travel organizer...I am partial to LGM!

Oh, and if you feel it is not up to your standards, you could just give me that one and make yourself a new one...



I actually would love one of those for any travel...not just WDW travel!

Lynn

 

[sl_underwood]

Love the travel bag... could I commission you to make one for me?

 

[miprender]

Front:

I didn't take a picture of the back... it's just plain, with my tag - and I'd just have to block it out anyways...

In relation to my hand... It's huge... I did that to accomodate a piece of paper folded in thirds (boarding passes)...

"The Claw" LOL - I couldn't resist.

Inside:

There's a place for everything and everything in it's place:

Oh and for the record... THis is absolutely the hardest thing I have ever made, I am not kidding. Personally, I don't believe it's up to my own quality standards, but considering that I winged the entire thing from start to finish and this is my first prototype - I think it's OK.

D~

Wow great job as usual.

 

[aboveH20]

Sooo... I know you've all been curious about my "little project".

Of course, I have to explain before I show you pictures.

All year I've been looking for a pattern for a travel organizer, and there are lots of them out there, but nothing with exactly what I am looking for. Keep in mind - I only pattern shop online, so there could be a pattern available from one of the bigger pattern makers, I just never looked.

The most important thing to me, is that is has a zipper closure. There are lots of travel organizers out there with button closures, elastic closures, velcro closures, snap closures... no zippers.

I also wanted the organizer to have vertical orientation, so when you are closing it, your cards won't fall out.

I wanted a wrist strap/claw clasp, so I could either hook it around my wrist so it's easily accessible, or claw clasp it to my bag, so it doesn't accidentally fall out.

You will see, in one of my last photos, I marked what all the different slots are measured for.

And, of course, I made it to match my Toy Story carry-on... For the record, I really love how the applique turned out... I hate to say it (and I am knocking very hard on wood), I think Mr. Rocket is finally finding his niche.

Inside:

There's a place for everything and everything in it's place:

Oh and for the record... THis is absolutely the hardest thing I have ever made, I am not kidding. Personally, I don't believe it's up to my own quality standards, but considering that I winged the entire thing from start to finish and this is my first prototype - I think it's OK.

D~

design
fabric selection
execution

It's AMAZING.

I lost many brain cells (I find a few when I vacuum under the bed) trying to figure out how to make a zipper for something to lay flat. It was probably about a year ago and I was trying to make an airplane tray size "playtown" for a MAW sibling. It DROVE ME and I never did figure it out.

Your applique is superb as always and the design is great. I can't wait to see it in person.

PS What's your address?

 

[cogero]

I thought I had posted here earlier but I haven't. I love and adore the travel organizer. I will say it again when I grow up I want to be just like you.

It is absolutely fabulous.

 

[VBAndrea]

Thanks everyone about my "doll house"

It's actually made out of cardboard boxes w/some wood to support the top floor.
I said it is a "prototype" because I want DH to make one out of wood...with more rooms. But you know that honey do list keeps getting longer...
So I made this one for now.

First I was just going to make a "background" to set up for each room. But then it turned into this when I found a book at the library.
It's called "The Most Wonderful Dollhouse Book" but Millie Hines.

It has patterns for dolls and instructions to make the houses for them and lots of furniture. I had to alter it a bit to make it large enough for the AG dolls. If I can get my scanner working I will scan the page that explains how to assemble. And I can explain more. Just send me a PM if your interested .

Also check out this Youtube channel. She makes lots of things for dolls. Most tutorials are for Barbie sized dolls...but you can always scale it up for the AG dolls!
http://www.youtube.com/user/MyFroggyStuff

And now back to D's PTR!

Your explanation is perfectly clear. I am not sure if I will ever make dd one though -- as you said, the dolls are large so a doll house takes up a lot of space. I do want to make a bed someday for dd's doll though. I asked dh and got no where, so I figure this spring I will make him teach me to use his saws.

Sooo... I know you've all been curious about my "little project".

Of course, I have to explain before I show you pictures.

All year I've been looking for a pattern for a travel organizer, and there are lots of them out there, but nothing with exactly what I am looking for. Keep in mind - I only pattern shop online, so there could be a pattern available from one of the bigger pattern makers, I just never looked.

The most important thing to me, is that is has a zipper closure. There are lots of travel organizers out there with button closures, elastic closures, velcro closures, snap closures... no zippers.

I also wanted the organizer to have vertical orientation, so when you are closing it, your cards won't fall out.

I wanted a wrist strap/claw clasp, so I could either hook it around my wrist so it's easily accessible, or claw clasp it to my bag, so it doesn't accidentally fall out.

You will see, in one of my last photos, I marked what all the different slots are measured for.

And, of course, I made it to match my Toy Story carry-on... For the record, I really love how the applique turned out... I hate to say it (and I am knocking very hard on wood), I think Mr. Rocket is finally finding his niche.

Front:

I didn't take a picture of the back... it's just plain, with my tag - and I'd just have to block it out anyways...

In relation to my hand... It's huge... I did that to accomodate a piece of paper folded in thirds (boarding passes)...

"The Claw" LOL - I couldn't resist.

Inside:

There's a place for everything and everything in it's place:

Oh and for the record... THis is absolutely the hardest thing I have ever made, I am not kidding. Personally, I don't believe it's up to my own quality standards, but considering that I winged the entire thing from start to finish and this is my first prototype - I think it's OK.

D~

That looks perfect! I love how you customized it to fit everything you need perfectly. That's the beauty about sewing. Awesome job!

PS What's your address?

Just pm me. $¢$¢$¢$¢$¢$

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

congratulations for paying off your trip!







You and the girls must be getting excited! You are almost under 50 days, right?


Your travel organizer is wonderful! You are soooo talented!


If one wants to place an order with you, how might she go about it?

 

[DMGeurts]

Thanks everyone for the comments on my organizer... There are so many things I would change on my next one. The basic dimensions are perfect - maybe a bit too perfect, because there is just enough room to fit the items I need to and no room for error - I don't like that. If I ever make another one, that is...

I immediately started work on my matching TS zippered wallet... I should be able to post pictures of that early today... I added a fun little feature to this one.

Then... my major project for the weekend is Alli's Up bag, I'd really like to make more progress on that - now that the pocket fabric is here, washed and dried... I still need to pick out the applique I plan to do.

So, I don't think I've given you all my list of customs for this trip....

In order of importance:

1. Alli's Up messenger bag
2. Alli's matching Up zippered wallet
3. Victoria's pirate skirt (done)
4. Alli's pirate skirt (almost done)
5. D's pirate skirt (not started)
6. Victoria's Goofy pirate appliqued t-shirt (still need to buy the shirt - thinking brown or green)
7. Alli's Mickey pirate appliqued t-shirt (still need to buy the shirt - thinking red)
8. D's Donald pirate appliqued t-shirt (still need to buy the shirt - thinking black or grey)
9. D's Donald appliqued sweatshirt (already purchased, just need to applique)
10. D's smaller TS bag
11. D would really like to do a "surprise theme" Epcot bag
12. V's Icecream dress
13. A's Icecream dress
14. Something with the Donald squares Marianne sent... ??? Not sure what yet.

Depending if I get the much wanted zebra shoes...

15. AK bag
16. AK skirt
17. Maybe an AK shirt too???

I can tell already - only half of this is gonna get done... I still have a few bag orders in here, which I need to do, because I still need more $$.

I've been trying to work on my bag orders during the week, and then work on our stuff on the weekends. If I am able to finish the bag orders earlier than intended, I've been using the remainder of the week to finish our projects.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

congratulations for paying off your trip!

Thanks... We are getting pretty excited... I keep looking at my list though and I get a bit nervous - I still have so much to do.

Your travel organizer is wonderful! You are soooo talented!

Thanks!

D~

 

[cogero]

and I thought I made long lists.

I think I will try and share pictures on my PTR of the organized fabric and hopefully my new desk.

 

[dianemom2]

So, I don't think I've given you all my list of customs for this trip....

In order of importance:

1. Alli's Up messenger bag
2. Alli's matching Up zippered wallet
3. Victoria's pirate skirt (done)
4. Alli's pirate skirt (almost done)
5. D's pirate skirt (not started)
6. Victoria's Goofy pirate appliqued t-shirt (still need to buy the shirt - thinking brown or green)
7. Alli's Mickey pirate appliqued t-shirt (still need to buy the shirt - thinking red)
8. D's Donald pirate appliqued t-shirt (still need to buy the shirt - thinking black or grey)
9. D's Donald appliqued sweatshirt (already purchased, just need to applique)
10. D's smaller TS bag
11. D would really like to do a "surprise theme" Epcot bag
12. V's Icecream dress
13. A's Icecream dress
14. Something with the Donald squares Marianne sent... ??? Not sure what yet.

Depending if I get the much wanted zebra shoes...

15. AK bag
16. AK skirt
17. Maybe an AK shirt too???

I can tell already - only half of this is gonna get done... I still have a few bag orders in here, which I need to do, because I still need more $$.


D~

I love the TS travel wallet. It is perfect to hold everything you need for your trip! You did a great job. I don't think I could ever do a zipper on something that opens up flat like that.

Your list of customs is long but I have faith that you will get it done. I wanted to tell you that I have a pair of shoes from Allegria and they are super comfortable. They fit a little loose, almost like clogs with a back. I am very happy with them. I hope you are able to get your zebra pair since I'm sure you will love them.

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

Front:

I didn't take a picture of the back... it's just plain, with my tag - and I'd just have to block it out anyways...

In relation to my hand... It's huge... I did that to accomodate a piece of paper folded in thirds (boarding passes)...

"The Claw" LOL - I couldn't resist.

Inside:

There's a place for everything and everything in it's place:

Oh and for the record... THis is absolutely the hardest thing I have ever made, I am not kidding. Personally, I don't believe it's up to my own quality standards, but considering that I winged the entire thing from start to finish and this is my first prototype - I think it's OK.

D~

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS!

oh you do FABULOUS work!

Love, love, love, LOOOVE it!

I keep getting so behind on your PTR! But it doesnt help that you're so wildly popular either!

 

[DMGeurts]

You know me... Have to have all the accessories...

I am a bit "meh" on how this applique turned out - but I love the back.

Front:

Back:

..... And - I just couldn't handle having a mismatched lanyard - I was going to make one out of the matching fabric, and then I happened to find this grosgrain ribbon when I was looking for the lanyard hardware that I just (ahem) happend to have...

And with the wallet:

On to my next project... The Up! bag, that I know I've been dragging on...

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

I took this picture, because I thought you all would appreciate it... It's the back of my sewing room door, as I finish items (or receive Pixie Dust), I hang them here - it's starting to fill up. All of the bags are full of their respecive accessories.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

I love the TS travel wallet. It is perfect to hold everything you need for your trip! You did a great job. I don't think I could ever do a zipper on something that opens up flat like that.

Your list of customs is long but I have faith that you will get it done. I wanted to tell you that I have a pair of shoes from Allegria and they are super comfortable. They fit a little loose, almost like clogs with a back. I am very happy with them. I hope you are able to get your zebra pair since I'm sure you will love them.

Thanks Diane!

Oooh and I really want to thank you for your Allegria review... Which pair do you have? I have heard that they run big. I know I need to order them really soon (like before DH has surgery and he is here all the time - no sneaking in pkgs then)... I am just trying to time the order right, so they don't come on his days off. I must do it soon, because I need time to break them in...

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS!

oh you do FABULOUS work!

Love, love, love, LOOOVE it!

I keep getting so behind on your PTR! But it doesnt help that you're so wildly popular either!

Thanks Stephanie! I know it's hard to keep up around here - I have a hard time myself. Looks like that puppy is being good to you today??

D~ <---Back to work - honest.

 

[VBAndrea]

ATTENTION D~!!!!!!!

Zulily has the zebra shoes on sale today for $44 -- hurry -- sizes go quickly -- I lost a pair of boots and a pair of legwarmers (for dd) while I was still shopping for other shoes. Bad thing is though there are no returns. I ordered two pairs of boots and a pair of flats for myself so I am very hopeful they all fit.

 

[VBAndrea]

You know me... Have to have all the accessories...

I am a bit "meh" on how this applique turned out - but I love the back.

Front:

Back:

..... And - I just couldn't handle having a mismatched lanyard - I was going to make one out of the matching fabric, and then I happened to find this grosgrain ribbon when I was looking for the lanyard hardware that I just (ahem) happend to have...

And with the wallet:

On to my next project... The Up! bag, that I know I've been dragging on...

D~

So cute! I don't know how you can applique those tiny letters though! I do well with hand applique on large things, but little details aren't my friends.