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

[NiniMorris]

I have't paid a babysitter in probably 25 years!

But...I am so envious of you who can find a babysitter who will watch your little ones! I only trust Mr D with family...so I am at the mercy of my older daughter and daughter in law! It doesn't happen very often so when it does we like to take advantage of it! (yeah right...I picked them up 2 hours early last time!)

My DD11 reminded me that age 12 she can take the red cross certification to babysit. She doesn't want to babysit for me...she wants to make REAL money...evidently I don't pay enough for chores and helping me clip threads!

Nini

 

[DMGeurts]

So, I have had everything done on this skirt since before Halloween - I remember specifically, because Allison wanted to wear it for Halloween, but I still had to put the bottom on it.

I chose the "Pirate" fabric designed by Emily Taylor for Riley Blake, the girls chose their own colorways, and I was left with the one they didn't want.

Allison chose black:

Close up of the fabrics:

And my favorite part on these skirts is actually a part that you rarely see, the under hem. I used a hem on these skirts that is borrowed from the Oliver & S patterns that I so dearly love. I really enjoy this hem, because of the way it's put together, the bottom stitching is on the underside, so you don't actually see it from the outside, but it still adds weight to the bottom of the skirt so it hangs properly. I also love, that when the girls are sitting down, you will be surprised by the little peek that you might see of the underhem. Now, just so you know, I made these skirt purposly short to we could wear leggings under them.

Now I have to figure out what to do for the applique on the shirts. I'd really like to do something simple, but it probably won't happen. I purchased the T-shirt to go with this skirt yesterday, and I chose black.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Now, I know for a fact that Victoria's Pirate skirt has been completely finished since before Halloween, all I had to do today was iron and take pictures.

Victoria chose the blue colorway.

Close-up of her fabrics:

And I got to have fun with her underhem, because her hem is a bit shorter - so I could use the fabrics that came on the jellyroll... I couldn't use the same ones, so she got two different. But it's super cute anyways. Again, she chose the fabrics for the underhem.

Now, I need to do the appliques... I also purchased her T-shirt yesterday, and I chose a cream color for her's.

D~ <--- Who hasn't even started her Pirate skirt yet...

 

[mommy2mrb]

Sure! Of course, Lisa & Rachel might have something to say about that

your right, you'd have to share Megan with them!

It's not that babysitters are cheap, it's that some of our neighbors take advantage of of my girls and don't pay them very well... But will turn around and hire other kids and pay them waaaay better (we know this because my girls go to school with those other kids and they tell). It's super irritating and very hurtful to my girls.

I hope that your machine is much better for you today.

It is nice when they start paying for some of their own items.

Yep Stitch Kingdom is awesome, that's where I learned everything I know about PP.

ROFL.

Thanks Liddy.

ROFL - yes, that is exactly what I need in my life...

Yes, I would put on my best Donald shirt for the occasion. Long Live The Duck!
Certainly can... Maybe they'll love each other if the spend the summer apart?

Thanks! I didn't know you made an Up dress.... If I would have known, I probably would have cased you.

That is an awesome story! I love how you didn't give up and you just kept running, even though you were so close to being swept. GREAT JOB!!! And, of course, I love the medal! That would be an awesome medal to have.

This is very good to know... I didn't realize they changed the tickets like that - I would have been SoL if I tried to add another ticket on our last day. I really apprecate you telling me about this.

Thanks... And I am one of those people who has to add every single border to every single picture...
I will try to remember to do this. I don't have a fancy camera or anything, but I think it takes pretty decent pics.

Thanks for the reminder about this too... I'd forgotten about this.

So, will you all be wearing your best Character shirts as well???


But of Course!!!!!

I was watching the news last night, I couldn't believe how much snow you've gotten. Drive safe out there.

don't think we will get out again today...still snowing, but turning to sleet around noon....the roads are an ice rink, lots of accidents, trees going down, airport was closed, finally got one runway open...just a mess!

I plan to work on my bag order this morning, I am going to try and finish up quilting it, then I am going to assemble what I can with out the blasted zippers that I forgot to get... Grrr... still irritated with myself over that one.

So, this afternoon, I am going to try and finish up a bunch of half finished projects I have going on... Allison's Pirate skirt is a major one - I have had it done for months, all I have to do is add the bottom hem...

I will also be stalking the mail man all day, because Marianne told me my package should be arriving today...

I am hoping to have a ton of pictures to post by the end of the day... Pirate skirt pictures, any other projects I finish off of my pile, Pixie Dust pictures.... I'll probably be posting them as I finish them.

D~

good luck getting your project finished up....can't wait to see the photos and your pixie dust!!

I hope she only watched them for 2 hours! I pay about $10/hr (never less than $9) and I have two very well behaved kids (well, except for yesterday after school!). They love babysitters though and are always angels for them.


We had a young sitter in RI who only charged $7 an hour and the kids quite liked her. I am also lucky that my sister will occasionally watch my kids -- though she is single and usually has plans. My mom will watch the kids during daytime hours only, and she's 81 and a little loopy now so we try to limit that -- my kids are old enough now though that I tell them they are babysitting their grandma!



Two of my quotes disappeared -- lovesdumbo and Lisa's --

yeah on the marathon and all your hard work!

And the kids calmed down rather quickly. DD was sent to her room and she just plays there by herself and calms down doing that. DS took a bit longer -- he's usually my sweet, super well behaved child, but he's almost 10 now and starting to pick up a little attitude, particularly with school work. And he had a homework assignment in his folder that I didn't see until this morning!!!! Something he needed help with --- Grrrrr!!!!! Didn't take too long, but he's old enough to be responsible and get all his homework done in the evening. He has a big Civil War paper that just got assigned (making a newspaper and covering numerous topics) which I am dreading. I hate history and he will need guidance with it, so both of will likely be miserable doing it!

Lisa -- I'm sure Megan enjoyed her rare days off -- but yes, I'm sure you're ready for a little peace too!

yes I am!!! when we used a babysitter - which was very rare was always $10 an hour ....now I have my mom for the few times I go out with a friend or have a school meeting.

That really stinks! I have a girl who started off as a mother's helper and now babysits by herself (well, usually her bff comes with her, but not always) . . I try to pay her at least $10 an hr, but sometimes I have to pay her a little less if that's all I have, kwim? I always try to make up for a smaller amount on the next babysitting job though.


I can see it now - D~ in her Donald shirt, struggling with the police, maybe trying to ward them off by swinging her Donald UPB???



That's it!

I do this too!!! I added all kinds of different holiday borders to my PP pics, even though I didn't get the cd until after Christmas.



Of course! Well, we might have to make new ones for the occasion . . . I'm thinking a bright orange with a black & white stripe maybe???

Not a real fan of orange....but will support our D~ and wear if in needed


Don't forget to take lots of pictures of the unwrapping process!!!



Cannot WAIT to see - just think of all the pics you're going to get to post today!!!

I have't paid a babysitter in probably 25 years!

But...I am so envious of you who can find a babysitter who will watch your little ones! I only trust Mr D with family...so I am at the mercy of my older daughter and daughter in law! It doesn't happen very often so when it does we like to take advantage of it! (yeah right...I picked them up 2 hours early last time!)

My DD11 reminded me that age 12 she can take the red cross certification to babysit. She doesn't want to babysit for me...she wants to make REAL money...evidently I don't pay enough for chores and helping me clip threads!

Nini

Megan wants to babysit too....just don't know anyone with little kids and no kids in our condo bldg

So, I have had everything done on this skirt since before Halloween - I remember specifically, because Allison wanted to wear it for Halloween, but I still had to put the bottom on it.

I chose the "Pirate" fabric designed by Emily Taylor for Riley Blake, the girls chose their own colorways, and I was left with the one they didn't want.

Allison chose black:

Close up of the fabrics:

And my favorite part on these skirts is actually a part that you rarely see, the under hem. I used a hem on these skirts that is borrowed from the Oliver & S patterns that I so dearly love. I really enjoy this hem, because of the way it's put together, the bottom stitching is on the underside, so you don't actually see it from the outside, but it still adds weight to the bottom of the skirt so it hangs properly. I also love, that when the girls are sitting down, you will be surprised by the little peek that you might see of the underhem. Now, just so you know, I made these skirt purposly short to we could wear leggings under them.

Now I have to figure out what to do for the applique on the shirts. I'd really like to do something simple, but it probably won't happen. I purchased the T-shirt to go with this skirt yesterday, and I chose black.

D~

how cute are those!!! great job!!

 

[DMGeurts]

OK... I just have to say... As of now, D~ will NOT make herself a Pirate skirt.

I just went upstairs with the intention of starting it, I tried Allison's on to figure out what size I should do... and it looks horrendous! You know, those pictures you sometimes get in your email "the people of Wal-mart" or whatever... Um yah - that was me... No thank you. I will have to figure out something else, or just go with out - because I am NOT wearing that thing!

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Honestly... I was almost in tears when I was opening this, because Marianne went above and beyond, you can just tell that she put so much thought into this and time too.

Now, no flames, but I am not going to post all of the pictures right now... I need to wait for the girls to get home, because I want pictures of them opening their stuff... Seriously, if you hear screaming tonight - it's just my girls.

The box had a "hump" in the middle, I tried to take a picture of it - but I didn't do very well.

Inside the box, was another box...

Which really had a hump....

See...

And another layer of paper... At this point, I was begining to wonder if Marianne truly wanted me to get into this box???

And LOOK!!!! It's Donald!!!! I knew about this shirt, because it's the result of one of our "shopping by text" excursions.

He was taped on there pretty securely (is that a word? Or did I just spell it wrong? It looks wrong...)

All unwrapped... Isn't this a cool shirt?

Ahhh, but wait, there's more...

To be continued...

D~

 

[mphalens]

The boys think I'm nuts because I keep clapping my hands with glee over your pictures!!!! SO glad you like everything!!!!



Okay - now I have to ask - WHERE did you get the fabrics for the pirate skirts? Do you have any pieces from the jelly rolls left ??? Definitely Allison's color palette would be perfect additions to the scrap fabric tutu I'm making for a BG I might have to beg a few from you

 

[DMGeurts]

The boys think I'm nuts because I keep clapping my hands with glee over your pictures!!!! SO glad you like everything!!!!

Of course, I LOVE EVERYTHING!!! I can barely wait for the girls to get home!!! They are going to FLIP!

Okay - now I have to ask - WHERE did you get the fabrics for the pirate skirts? Do you have any pieces from the jelly rolls left ??? Definitely Allison's color palette would be perfect additions to the scrap fabric tutu I'm making for a BG I might have to beg a few from you

I do have a tiny little bit left... Not much though... What are you thinking you need?

D~

 

[aboveH20]

Hope the nice folks at Target didn't send you to jail. I looked for you when I was there yesterday and didn't see you so I'm concerned.

The Up bag is fantabulous. Such fine detail, exceptional fabrics and genius to use the buttons. I bet when the Cast Member In Charge of Important Things sees it s/he will recommend an Up ride -- or maybe a restaurant -- to go along with it.

The pirate skirts turned out great. I love the way the different fabrics created such different looks. Are you sure we can't talk you into one?

Hooray for pixie dust from M. I've been doing some calculating about the time differences and figure out if I check back here next Tuesday the girls should be home from school by then. Can't wait.

 

[cogero]

I am totally in love with the pirate skirts. What pattern did you use.

Loving the pixie dust so far.

 

[mphalens]

I do have a tiny little bit left... Not much though... What are you thinking you need?

D~

I'm doing a skirt like this:

Fabric Scrap Tutu


Did you fabric come as jellyrolls? If so, where did you buy it? Maybe I could do mine that way . . .

 

[miprender]

. My mom will watch the kids during daytime hours only, and she's 81 and a little loopy now so we try to limit that -- my kids are old enough now though that I tell them they are babysitting their grandma!
!

Sorry I found that so funny.

But...I am so envious of you who can find a babysitter who will watch your little ones! I only trust Mr D with family...so I am at the mercy of my older daughter and daughter in law! It doesn't happen very often so when it does we like to take advantage of it! (yeah right...I picked them up 2 hours early last time!)

Nini

I am the same way I really don't trust anyone but family but the funny thing is I was babysitting at 13 and but there is noway I would let a 13 y/o babysit my own kids.

So, I have had everything done on this skirt since before Halloween - I remember specifically, because Allison wanted to wear it for Halloween, but I still had to put the bottom on it.

I chose the "Pirate" fabric designed by Emily Taylor for Riley Blake, the girls chose their own colorways, and I was left with the one they didn't want.

Allison chose black:

Close up of the fabrics:

And my favorite part on these skirts is actually a part that you rarely see, the under hem. I used a hem on these skirts that is borrowed from the Oliver & S patterns that I so dearly love. I really enjoy this hem, because of the way it's put together, the bottom stitching is on the underside, so you don't actually see it from the outside, but it still adds weight to the bottom of the skirt so it hangs properly. I also love, that when the girls are sitting down, you will be surprised by the little peek that you might see of the underhem. Now, just so you know, I made these skirt purposly short to we could wear leggings under them.

Victoria chose the blue colorway.

Close-up of her fabrics:

And I got to have fun with her underhem, because her hem is a bit shorter - so I could use the fabrics that came on the jellyroll... I couldn't use the same ones, so she got two different. But it's super cute anyways. Again, she chose the fabrics for the underhem.

Now, I need to do the appliques... I also purchased her T-shirt yesterday, and I chose a cream color for her's.

D~ <--- Who hasn't even started her Pirate skirt yet...

WOW love those skirts.

Marianne I have the two black & beige pirate skulls that I purchased at RYCO's last year but I wish they had the rest of that collection I just love it all!!

 

[mommy2mrb]

I am the same way I really don't trust anyone but family but the funny thing is I was babysitting at 13 and but there is noway I would let a 13 y/o babysit my own kids.

I was the same....started sitting for a family who had 2 boys age 3 & 5 when I was 12...she had a 3rd boy when I was 13 - first time to sit all three boys the baby was 2 WEEKS OLD!!! 2 yrs later they had another boy!

wouldn't leave my newborn with a 18 yr old .....always said I could handle anything any kid could throw my way after taking care of 4 boys!

 

[DMGeurts]

OK - so the girls finally opened their pixie dust...

I was smart enough to take some pictures this afternoon, because they tore into that box like a bunch of hyenas.

Here they are ripping into it... I tried to get them to slow down, but they were so excited. The word "manners" means nothing to them.

I just love the look on V's face here - she is so determined to get that shirt untied.

There was sooooo much in the box... Silly putty, cookies, glow in the dark bracelets, chocolate coins, genuine WDW cookies... And, I hate to say it - but my second favorite part - Marianne sent coloring books!!! I am super excited, I was just telling the girls yesterday that I wanted to go out and find some coloring books for us on the flight (yes, I got "the look" from them), so we can color. And these aren't just any coloring books... There's a Toy Story one... and MMCH and I think the last one is TLK... So, I am THRILLED!!!!

There were also nail files, ring pops, a Donald Duck Pez dispenser... Just super cool stuff!

I was laughing so hard because every time I snapped a picture, Allison was taking a bite of her cookie... Her lips were black at dinner from the frosting!

I tried on my shirt - which I absolutely TOTALLY LOVE!!!! It's so adorable -and I just love the HUGE applique on it! Marianne did such a wonderful job on everything! Oh and as I was saying, I didn't model it because my hair looks horrendous... I am trying to hold off on getting a hair cut for a few more weeks - yes, I know - I am a tightwad.

Allison loved her shirt! And it looks so cute on her!

Victoria was extatic about having a Goofy shirt - I just love that huge applique!

Thank you Marianne!!! It was so much fun getting Pixie Dusted... and Thank you so much for doing shirts of our favorite characters - that was so very awesome of you, and so very thoughtful! I was so worried that we woudn't have very many customs, and thanks to you, we will!!! ​

I just feel like I could thank you a million times over, and it still wouldn't be enough... And I don't know how to tell you enough that the girls and I loved everything...
D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

LOVE< LOVE < LOVE the shirts!!!!!

what a fun package for you all!

 

[mphalens]

Okay - those pics just made my week! I got all teary-eyed even!
I was so glad to be able to do something for you and the girls and I'm so glad you all like all of your pixie dust

 

[Blyssfull]

I read real quick through stuff... and comment in my head and then don't know if I actually COMMENTED or if I just thought it, having little kids and trying to keep up with the Disboards is not ideal. So anywho.. LOVE! the Up bag, if I haven't said it already. So imaginative to use the buttons and love that it's "3D" with the extra bling buttons hanging on.

I WANT THOSE COOKIES! Great job on the appliques Marianne!

I love to watch Pixie Dusting. I honestly think it's better for my soul than the recipient. I really think I would Pixie Dust everyone going to Disney if I could afford it.

 

[babynala]

I was the same....started sitting for a family who had 2 boys age 3 & 5 when I was 12...she had a 3rd boy when I was 13 - first time to sit all three boys the baby was 2 WEEKS OLD!!! 2 yrs later they had another boy!

wouldn't leave my newborn with a 18 yr old .....always said I could handle anything any kid could throw my way after taking care of 4 boys!

Yeah, you can handle anything. Well I hope you can handle a week of being snowed in with your teenage daughter.


Marianne - I LOVE the shirts you made. The appliques are amazing and came out so nice. So much fun pixie dust. That Donald t-shirt is really cute too.

D~ the pirate skirts are perfect. As for something for yourself, maybe you could make some jeans like Marianne's using your fabric or piece the strips together and use them to make a Mickey head applique???? Or a new bag (just kidding)

I think Cheryl is currently trying to remove the pink from the pictures of your package so she can track you down!

 

[mommy2mrb]

Yeah, you can handle anything. Well I hope you can handle a week of being snowed in with your teenage daughter.

well she's only 11 1/2 don't make her a teenager yet please it has been a long week....and guess what???? no school yet again tomorrow! but we will get out....I have a pilates class at noon and Megan has ballet make-up class at 530....rain is supposed to start tomorrow so that will get the roads cleared!!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

LOVE< LOVE < LOVE the shirts!!!!!

what a fun package for you all!

Thanks! I am still so super excited about them... I shoudl take close up pics of the appliques, because Marianne did such an amazing job - and the fabrics she chose were perfect!

Okay - those pics just made my week! I got all teary-eyed even!
I was so glad to be able to do something for you and the girls and I'm so glad you all like all of your pixie dust

Awwww... Thank YOU so much - it was so much fun! I am super excited to wear our shirts (now I need to figure out which day????) and I am just like a little kid with the coloring books.

I read real quick through stuff... and comment in my head and then don't know if I actually COMMENTED or if I just thought it, having little kids and trying to keep up with the Disboards is not ideal. So anywho.. LOVE! the Up bag, if I haven't said it already. So imaginative to use the buttons and love that it's "3D" with the extra bling buttons hanging on.

Thanks Beth... Someone at work actually asked me "What would you sell it for? About $65-$70?" I about choked on my soda... Um, no, higher... I wasn't offended at all, I just sometimes wonder if people have this distorted view of how much time and $$ things cost to make, becase most of our items are imported from countries that make them so cheap. Does that make sense? Not trying to be rude or disrespectful - just an observation.

I WANT THOSE COOKIES! Great job on the appliques Marianne!

I had a few bites of mine last night... I can only eat a little bit at a time though - they are really sweet (NUM).

I love to watch Pixie Dusting. I honestly think it's better for my soul than the recipient. I really think I would Pixie Dust everyone going to Disney if I could afford it.

I know, I wish I had the time and $$ to Pixie Dust everyone... I can't wait until I am done sewing for this trip. I am really missing the BG and I have so many Dis friends that I am dying to Pixie Dust.

Yeah, you can handle anything. Well I hope you can handle a week of being snowed in with your teenage daughter.


Marianne - I LOVE the shirts you made. The appliques are amazing and came out so nice. So much fun pixie dust. That Donald t-shirt is really cute too.

D~ the pirate skirts are perfect. As for something for yourself, maybe you could make some jeans like Marianne's using your fabric or piece the strips together and use them to make a Mickey head applique???? Or a new bag (just kidding)

ROFL - that thought has crossed my mind... Right now, I have 3 more bags to make for our trip... Toy Story, AK and a fun one... I really need to get a move on these bags! ACK!!

I am thinking maybe a denim skirt or something that I can embellish??? I dunno... I'll have to find one first.

I think Cheryl is currently trying to remove the pink from the pictures of your package so she can track you down!

Liz, I think you might be right... She has been suspiciously missing again.

well she's only 11 1/2 don't make her a teenager yet please it has been a long week....and guess what???? no school yet again tomorrow! but we will get out....I have a pilates class at noon and Megan has ballet make-up class at 530....rain is supposed to start tomorrow so that will get the roads cleared!!!!

Yes, enjoy every minute... And be careful out there driving today!

I have so much to do today - it isn't even funny...

First, I have to drive 40 miles to the fabric store... I have a HUGE list I need to get today. I am out of my applique supplies - so I need to stock up again (cha-ching)... I need the fabric for 2 of my bags, so I can get started on those... I can't forget the zippers because that is the whole reason I am going in the first place... And some more Gutermann thread for Mr. Rocket - it's expensive trying to keep that guy happy.

Then, it's grocery shopping... And Friday is always pizza day (unless it's Lent), so I need to get take n' bakes... I also might hit Kohls to see if I can find more of those awesome Ts like Marianne sent (they are super nice and super soft - much better than my bargain ones from Target).

Oh, and my zebra shoes are supposed to be here today. I also emailed the company I ordered my shoe inserts from, since I ordered them 11 days ago (as of yesterday) and they hadn't even shipped yet... So, they finally got them in the mail yesterday.

I feel like I am forgetting something...

I looked at my ticker this morning... ACK!!! I shouldn't have done that... Now I am in panic mode...

D~