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

[mphalens]

BUMMER about the in-laws, but I

1. your photos
2. the outfits and backpacks you made
2. CBR​

The first time we went to CBR we had a two year old and a four year old and were at Trinity North or South, which ever one is the farthest away. Despite being sooooo far from Old Port Royale it quickly became our favorite resort. Lately I've been staying at different resorts, just to try them out, but CBR will always be our favorite -- of course, if they wanted to extend the monorail there, that would be nice, too.

Raise your hand if it's 18° with a wind chill of 7° where you live.

Me<----- who really should be trying harder to hack into D~'s computer to get herself a spot on that trip that's happening in 68 days

​

We really liked CBR too! We were in a pirate room in Trinidad South, so the walk wasn't too bad to Old Port Royale. We'd definitely stay there again (and hopefully get to take advantage of the resort amenities more!)!!!

How adorable!!!! I'm hooked!

Thanks! I started it tonight!!! You can check it out HERE

 

[DMGeurts]

Whoot!!! I am there Marianne! Lovin' it so far!

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh - and I almost forgot... I am almost done with the applique on my carry-on/DHS/maybe Epcot bag... Super excited to show you all... I should have it ready to post tomorrow.

D~

 

[VBAndrea]

Sorry I've been MIA! The ILs visit was as horrible as I expected and it only made my time with my parents that much shorter.

I have been sorting through pictures from my trip though and have started working on things for my TR . . . y'all want to be my test audience? Here's the first "page" for my TR - tell me what you think! I realized that I really needed to go with a sort of photo-journal style since I have a TON of pictures I want to share, hence the "scrapbook style" look . . .

Love your idea for your TR! I'll be over to check it out shortly.

Glad the Outlaws are gone now. I think you need to make a New Year's Wish that you don't see them at all in 2012.

I can't wait to see your AG outfits! When you're done with your laundry - you can stop my MN and do mine quick.
D~

My wash update is that I had one load of laundry already done that I ironed. I did FOUR more loads yesterday, but I have about 3 or 4 things from the last load that still need ironing, and I still have things to put away. So technically I am not done. And I work today. And the kids already threw more clothes form yesterday into the hamper (as did I), so I'm not sure when I'll be up to MN to do your laundry. Perhaps I can do a load for you at POFQ if you extend my trip a day or two (of course, that requires extending for Marianne, Cheryl and Lisa as well so I don't get lonely).

I didn't get my second outfit finished -- the t is done which I stupidly made long sleeved as I wanted to try a long sleeved one. But long sleeves with a butterfly isn't very summery so I next made leggings (which I have yet to try on the doll and I kind of improvised a pattern to make leggings so who knows if they'll even fit) and now I am working on the skirt. But when I started working on the skirt dd came along and wanted to make a basket so I helped her with that and have an unfinished skirt now.

Andrea - don't forget to swing by NC too! I have mostly clean clothes, but they need help making their way to closets and drawers!

My ILs - yup, piece of work sums them up! I really don't like myself when they're around - because I've found the only way I can deal with them is to sort of ignore them, which kills my inner "make everyone feel welcome and included" . . . but if I don't, I know I'd wind up telling them off for how horribly they treat DH and how much they make my children crazy.

Read my post to D~ -- my laundry isn't all put away either What I really need to do is go through the kids' closets and filter out the things that no longer fit them. I need to start selling on e-bay and then donate what doesn't sell.

Your IL's treat your dh bad too? I figured they were just evil to you. Does he realize they treat him poorly? Does he want them to come visit?

Okay, okay, if you're gonna shine that bright light on me I'll confess. The stripwork jumper seemed a bit big without a shirt under it (it fit Ginger perfectly, which was the clue). I made it a tad smaller, and then it was snug when I put a t-shirt under it.

I'm with you -- I like making t-shirts. Here's a t-shirt I made to go with the auction for Barbara and the twirl skirt that seemed to have so much fabric at the waist that the t-shirt seemed a bit snug.

(Now that I see the photo again seems like the skirt may be a bit short.)

I just bought some fabric (fortunately I think it was another PTR where I wrote that I need to STOP buying fabric or START sewing). Get this . . .

I'm going to it!!!!!!!

AND I may make something with it.



Raise your hand if it's 18° with a wind chill of 7° where you live.

Me<----- who really should be trying harder to hack into D~'s computer to get herself a spot on that trip that's happening in 68 days

​

I kept telling you Ginger needed to goo on a diet.

That outfit is CUTE! I am making my first skirt now, but I mainly just have it cut and serged. I'm using an on line tut and it looks like the waist band has a bit of a drop to it so maybe that will help take away thickness -- though it's 44" to gather and I think that's way too much for an AG doll. Maybe Ginger will inherit the skirt. So I won't get pics of the outfits until both are done. I don't think your t looks tight around the skirt though. I think it looks just fine

Yay on buying more fabric. I have been very good and have been using my stash; however I do need to pick some fabric up to make a tote for the daughter of the lady that gave me my sewing machine. I don't have to do it, but she likes the Aivilo tote I carry and I thought it would be a nice thing to do since I love the machine she gave me.

I can't raise my hand. Our high today is only 61º though, but I work all day so who cares if it's cold (though on the weekend our high will only be in the 50's -- not fair!).

 

[DMGeurts]

I'm with you -- I like making t-shirts. Here's a t-shirt I made to go with the auction for Barbara and the twirl skirt that seemed to have so much fabric at the waist that the t-shirt seemed a bit snug.

I love the outfit Cheryl - it's super cute!

Ok, here's what you need to do to fix that waistband. You need to actually cut out a seperate piece to be the waistband, and make it like a regular waistband. Then gather your strip work portion and sew that to the waistband portion, finish the seams and any other finishing touches you usually do. That way, the bulk is below the shirt. Make sense???

(Now that I see the photo again seems like the skirt may be a bit short.)

As long as you tell Dorrrine not to bend over all the way - the skirt will be fine. She will just have to act like a lady for a day.

I just bought some fabric (fortunately I think it was another PTR where I wrote that I need to STOP buying fabric or START sewing). Get this . . .

I'm going to it!!!!!!!

AND I may make something with it.

Me<----- who really should be trying harder to hack into D~'s computer to get herself a spot on that trip that's happening in 68 days

​

My wash update is that I had one load of laundry already done that I ironed. I did FOUR more loads yesterday, but I have about 3 or 4 things from the last load that still need ironing, and I still have things to put away. So technically I am not done. And I work today. And the kids already threw more clothes form yesterday into the hamper (as did I), so I'm not sure when I'll be up to MN to do your laundry. Perhaps I can do a load for you at POFQ if you extend my trip a day or two (of course, that requires extending for Marianne, Cheryl and Lisa as well so I don't get lonely).

I wish I could afford to... We should plan an all girls trip for next Christmas - I really want to go at Christmas time... I bet we could talk Chiara into joining us, as well. Anyone else wanna come?

I didn't get my second outfit finished -- the t is done which I stupidly made long sleeved as I wanted to try a long sleeved one. But long sleeves with a butterfly isn't very summery so I next made leggings (which I have yet to try on the doll and I kind of improvised a pattern to make leggings so who knows if they'll even fit) and now I am working on the skirt. But when I started working on the skirt dd came along and wanted to make a basket so I helped her with that and have an unfinished skirt now.

Personally, I think you need to move your laundry room out of your sewing room, then you'd actually get something done. Take me, for instance, my laundry room is in the basement... My sewing room is on the 2nd floor... If you don't see the laundry, it doesn't exist.

Read my post to D~ -- my laundry isn't all put away either What I really need to do is go through the kids' closets and filter out the things that no longer fit them. I need to start selling on e-bay and then donate what doesn't sell.

Oooh, then you can take all that $$ you just made and put it towards our trip to Disney next Christmas.

That outfit is CUTE! I am making my first skirt now, but I mainly just have it cut and serged. I'm using an on line tut and it looks like the waist band has a bit of a drop to it so maybe that will help take away thickness -- though it's 44" to gather and I think that's way too much for an AG doll. Maybe Ginger will inherit the skirt. So I won't get pics of the outfits until both are done. I don't think your t looks tight around the skirt though. I think it looks just fine

I agree, I usually double whatever length I make my waistband... So, right around 30" +/-.


I can't wait to get upstairs to finish this bag... I have a few other projects on my agenda for the weekend... Lots of accessories... I have about 5 in my head that I really want to put together... Most of them are pretty simple - so they shouldn't take long. Unless, of course, I decide to annoy myself with adding appliques to them - I am trying really hard to tell myself that not everything needs an applique... But it's so hard, because I always think that it adds so much - but they also take sooooo much time.

I'll be back later with pictures.

D~

 

[blessedmom4]

Okay D~ I am all caught up (AGAIN! I seem to have a lot of that lately).

D~

I LOVE THIS PIC!!! You look BEAUTIFUL and RADIANT! What a wonderful gift from a great guy!!

I'm with you -- I like making t-shirts. Here's a t-shirt I made to go with the auction for Barbara and the twirl skirt that seemed to have so much fabric at the waist that the t-shirt seemed a bit snug.

Oh I LOVE this!!! So does a little Princess who is peering over my shoulder waiting for breakfast....
Raise your hand if it's 18° with a wind chill of 7° where you live.

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! It is a balmy 34 right now; however, it is supposed to be a high of 62....You are welcome to come sew at my house where it is warm.... I even have fabric...

[/CENTER]

Oh - and I almost forgot... I am almost done with the applique on my carry-on/DHS/maybe Epcot bag... Super excited to show you all... I should have it ready to post tomorrow.

D~

I thought I was going to scroll to the end of your TR and see this, I guess I have to wait....BUT, I saw your DD bags and all I can say is WOW!!!! I love them both (Goofy is one of THE GREATEST...but I am in LOVE with that HM bag)! LOVED the pics of the fun gifts for the girls.... What a clever idea!

 

[mphalens]

Can't wait to see your latest bag!!! I just love love love that your'e planning different bags for different days!!!



Andrea - to answer your question, YES, DH realizes what they do. NO, he doesn't like them either. He'd be thrilled if that New Years' Wish came true. Let's put it this way, his brother has stated to the two of us that he will NEVER get married and/or have kids because he's seen how horribly his parents have treated us. Sad, isn't it?



I really really really need to get stuff done today - and DH is off, which I thought meant he'd help out around here this morning, but he had a "date" to go play golf with a bunch of guys from his old club. So now I need to get my butt in gear (and the boys') and get to cleaning so that later we could maybe go have some fun when he gets home.

 

[babynala]

D~ : I just noticed you changed the title of your PTR. Can't wait to see your new creation.

Sorry I've been MIA! The ILs visit was as horrible as I expected and it only made my time with my parents that much shorter.

I have been sorting through pictures from my trip though and have started working on things for my TR . . . y'all want to be my test audience? Here's the first "page" for my TR - tell me what you think! I realized that I really needed to go with a sort of photo-journal style since I have a TON of pictures I want to share, hence the "scrapbook style" look . . .

Sorry you had to endure your inlaws for Christmas. I really like your trip report technique. I took a peek at your TR and it looks cool. I need to sit down and read the details. Are you a scrapbooker?

LOL Yup, it's true... I'm really not that good... I just take good pictures. Lots n' lots of practice, and then when you think you've practiced enough, practice some more.
D~

You take good pictures AND you are "that good"

Okay, okay, if you're gonna shine that bright light on me I'll confess. The stripwork jumper seemed a bit big without a shirt under it (it fit Ginger perfectly, which was the clue). I made it a tad smaller, and then it was snug when I put a t-shirt under it.

I'm with you -- I like making t-shirts. Here's a t-shirt I made to go with the auction for Barbara and the twirl skirt that seemed to have so much fabric at the waist that the t-shirt seemed a bit snug.

(Now that I see the photo again seems like the skirt may be a bit short.)

[/CENTER]

The t-shirt and skirt look really cute. At least it is still December so you don't have to make to keep to a resolution not to buy fabric yet. If you can't get your picture on the cover of D's mini park planner maybe D~ will be nice enough to take Dorrrine along on her trip.

 

[mphalens]

I agree, D~ you need to give yourself more credit. Some people just have natural sewing abilities (the fabric and the way to put it together just talks to them) and you, my dear, have IT.

And just since I like y'all so much (it had nothing to do with avoiding the inevitable) I did up a bunch more pages for my TR and posted them.

Now to clean up, because my friend is bringing her Cricuit (sp?) over tonight to help me make a stencil for the boys' room. . .

And D~ I want to see the new bag!!! WHERE IS IT???

 

[DMGeurts]

^ Marianne... It's coming... DH gave me an idea to add to it... Soooo... It might take a bit longer than expected.

I ran into a problem this morning, so I had to run to Joann's... So, I didn't get to start on my bag until after lunch... But I am cruisin' along now... I hope to have pics up by tonight.

D~

 

[janiebubble]

just found this thread ... you are SO talented ... what you've created are just amazing. I need to learn how to make an ultimate park bag!

 

[aboveH20]

I got the offer in the mail today (been reading about it on the Budget forum) to listen to a phone pitch for DVC and then get a $40 gift card. Most say it's not too painful and the GC arrives quickly.

Got our property tax bill in the mail. It's more than $40.

Perhaps I can do a load for you at POFQ if you extend my trip a day or two (of course, that requires extending for Marianne, Cheryl and Lisa as well so I don't get lonely).

sooooooooooooo lucky that my schedule allows me to extend a few days

I kept telling you Ginger needed to goo on a diet.

Jan 1 is coming.

That outfit is CUTE! I am making my first skirt now, but I mainly just have it cut and serged. I'm using an on line tut and it looks like the waist band has a bit of a drop to it so maybe that will help take away thickness -- though it's 44" to gather and I think that's way too much for an AG doll. Maybe Ginger will inherit the skirt. So I won't get pics of the outfits until both are done. I don't think your t looks tight around the skirt though. I think it looks just fine

Have you tried the reversible wrap skirt? It couldn't be easier!!!!

I love the outfit Cheryl - it's super cute!

Ok, here's what you need to do to fix that waistband. You need to actually cut out a seperate piece to be the waistband, and make it like a regular waistband. Then gather your strip work portion and sew that to the waistband portion, finish the seams and any other finishing touches you usually do. That way, the bulk is below the shirt. Make sense???

Thanks, and

I'll try it.

As long as you tell Dorrrine not to bend over all the way - the skirt will be fine. She will just have to act like a lady for a day.

Fortunately that's one thing I can teach her all about.

I wish I could afford to... We should plan an all girls trip for next Christmas - I really want to go at Christmas time... I bet we could talk Chiara into joining us, as well. Anyone else wanna come?

I'm in.

D~

I LOVE THIS PIC!!! You look BEAUTIFUL and RADIANT! What a wonderful gift from a great guy!!

I agree. I think for our New Year's resolutions we should all promise to include that photo is every single post we make on Andrea's PTR.

D~ : I just noticed you changed the title of your PTR. Can't wait to see your new creation.

You're good. I hadn't noticed.

The t-shirt and skirt look really cute. At least it is still December so you don't have to make to keep to a resolution not to buy fabric yet.

Thanks, and thank goodness.

I don't know how it happened, but I went to Joann this afternoon to buy ONE spool of green thread. I bought three spools of thread and three yards of fabric!!!

If you can't get your picture on the cover of D's mini park planner maybe D~ will be nice enough to take Dorrrine along on her trip.

That would be right neighborly of her.

AND . . . since I'm the patron saint of lost causes, I'm making Dorrrine a patchwork quilt -- simple squares (48) nothing fancy. Who in their right mind would make a patchwork quilt for a doll that lives in a box in the basement?!!??

 

[NiniMorris]

AND . . . since I'm the patron saint of lost causes, I'm making Dorrrine a patchwork quilt -- simple squares (48) nothing fancy. Who in their right mind would make a patchwork quilt for a doll that lives in a box in the basement?!!??

Our new AG doll has already put her order in for a new quilt...to match the one I made my DD a few years ago. Unfortunately I no longer have any of the fabric left, and I bought it almost 9 years ago!

I think it is perfectly normal to make a quilt for a doll.......

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

I know that no one is probably reading PTRs today... But since we are just spending the day by ourselves, I have a few minutes of computer time.

I love my DH immensely... And he knows about my love for Donald, as well. And he always loves to surprise me with Donald items...

I must say, though, that even though I love Donald... I have a super-duper large soft spot for Angry Donald...

And even though this is a horrible picture of me, it really shows how happy I am.

D~

LOVE IT!!!!!! THAT IS SO CUTE! How precious!

Well, this one didn't turn out exactly like my mind had envisioned... If the interior fabric I'd ordered came, and had been the right color my monitor had said it would be... The bag would have been much better - IMO.

First of all, I wanted to show you all what Blyssfull did for me... She is such a sweetie!!! I can do a lot of things with my machines, but until I get an embroidery machine, it is difficult for me to write. So, a few weeks ago, I came up with adding some writing to Allison's bag, I contacted Beth, and she was willing to tackle my project - and get it back to me in time to finish for Christmas. I just want to take an extra moment to THANK HER - because, I know how busy I am at this time of year, and it was just really awesome of her to take time out of her busy schedule to help me out. Not only, help me out, but Pixie Dust my girls, as well. SOOOOO AWESOME!!!!

Anyways, here is a photo of what Beth did for me:

Isn't that awesome??? She really did an amazing job! She was able to digitize the font I'd wanted to use, and really tweek it to fit the bag perfectly. I seriously couldn't have done this with out her... So, again...

Thank you Beth!!​

OK, for the rest of the bag...

Front:

Close-up of the applique:

Close- up of the whole front:

Under the flap:

Looking down into the bag:

The back zippered pocket (forgot to take a picture of the lining of the pocket) :

The lining of all the pockets... I didn't count - but I did do a rough estimate - and there are roughly "999 Happy Hunts" inside Allison's bag:

With the wallet:

I just want to add something...

I realize that this bag could be scary to some smaller children - and I just want everyone to know that this is something that I am conscious of, and if we appear to be freightening anyone, we will definately turn the bag around. We want WDW to be a happy place for everyone.

D~

OOOOOOHHHHH I LOVE THIS BAG! Too stinkin' cute!

 

[aboveH20]

Our new AG doll has already put her order in for a new quilt...to match the one I made my DD a few years ago. Unfortunately I no longer have any of the fabric left, and I bought it almost 9 years ago!

I think it is perfectly normal to make a quilt for a doll.......

I nearly got kicked out of the church quilting group last year because my squares never quite met at the corners. I was surprised they sent me the announcment about the group beginning again this year -- I had a feeling they'd conveniently forget to let me know the dates.

It's going to have a variety of fabrics -- cotton, flannel and minkly or plushie stuff. I hope that's a "style" and not just breaking quilting rules. It's what Dorrrine asked for, so my hands are tied.

 

[cogero]

Can't wait to see your new project

 

[NiniMorris]

D~
I think I will blame you for my new obsession! I have made so many doll clothes in the last few weeks, I just HAD to have a dress form...so I bought the pattern to make one nd we are on our way to try and get it made tonight...might actually wait until tomorrow...

But I just thought I'd let you know it was all your fault! (has nothing to do with the fact that my DD wanted to make more clothes fro her doll....


Nini

 

[aboveH20]

Can't wait to see your new project

Welcome Back!! I can't believe it's over. I hope it was everything you were expecting and more!

D~
I think I will blame you for my new obsession! I have made so many doll clothes in the last few weeks, I just HAD to have a dress form...so I bought the pattern to make one nd we are on our way to try and get it made tonight...might actually wait until tomorrow...

But I just thought I'd let you know it was all your fault! (has nothing to do with the fact that my DD wanted to make more clothes fro her doll....


Nini

You know D~ expects you to send her the bill for anything that she's forced you to buy. She absolutely insists.

With that in mind, I have a couple quilting questions for you. I don't expect you to give me a free lesson, just add the charges on to the bill for the dress form you're sending D~. I know she'd want to pay for anything related to AG sewing.

I'm hoping maybe I can figure out where I need to be more careful so the church ladies don't have to use non-church words when they look at my quilting.

I want my quilt to end up aproximately 18" by 24".

I cut 48 3 1/2"-squares. I sewed six to a row and made eight rows.

I ironed all the seams facing the same direction on each row. Should I pay attention to the seams so in ALL rows they're all going the same dirction or should I alternate which direction the seams are in each row?

I remember good old Eleanor Burns was always trimming things with her rotary cutter -- which back when she used to be on TV was a novelty to me. The edges of my rows are not a straight line. I have noticed that the flannel stretches when I sew the seam, even though it's only 3 1/2". I'm guessing I should even up all my rows. Is there a standard quilting formula, that if I started with 3 1/2" sqaures I should trim to 3 1/4" or should my edges be straight and I should be using Mr. Seam Ripper until they are???

I don't want you to fall asleep in the middle of reading this, so I guess that's my questions for tonight.

Thanks! And don't be shy about sending D~ the bill. Really!

 

[mphalens]

^ Marianne... It's coming... DH gave me an idea to add to it... Soooo... It might take a bit longer than expected.

I ran into a problem this morning, so I had to run to Joann's... So, I didn't get to start on my bag until after lunch... But I am cruisin' along now... I hope to have pics up by tonight.

D~

^Ahem^ It's 9:26pm and I've got my Baileys on the rocks and I'm in my chair ready to admire the fabulousness that is your latest creation. I even checked in on all the OTHER threads I follow (except my own) first to give you extra time . . . I guess there's something wrong with my computer because I'm not seeing any new bag pictures

 

[DisneyTeacher01]

^Ahem^ It's 9:26pm and I've got my Baileys on the rocks and I'm in my chair ready to admire the fabulousness that is your latest creation. I even checked in on all the OTHER threads I follow (except my own) first to give you extra time . . . I guess there's something wrong with my computer because I'm not seeing any new bag pictures

I agree D~ I'm waiting too!!