The faceless children take a top-secret trip to WDW...

[lexmas]

I've been toying with the idea of doing Pick-a-pearl as a souvenir for Sydney's first trip to the world! I also like the idea of doing it when she's older though, and RinkyTinkyTinky posted the link to these sweet carriage necklaces for it! I want to save the carriage one for when she's older. I was going back and forth when I decided that if I can find a setting for a pearl this time, then I'll just do it twice.

I don't know if I've mentioned that we decided her favorite princess is Snow White (or that's who we're pushing on her, obviously a 9 month old doesn't have a favorite!). We make letters for the kids (I'll take a picture and post it later) with a "theme"...so J.J. has a giant blue "J" with a fish theme, and Syd has a (still unfinished) "S" with a Snow White/woodsy/Ladybug theme. She was going to have a blue "S" with an Ariel theme to go along with J.J.'s, but she brings out some freakish love of ladybugs in me, so I needed that and DH somehow stretched that into Snow White. Of course, Sydney has red hair, so Ariel probably would have been more appropriate, but we really thought it would change since no one in my family has red hair, and she has red hair and gray eyes. Hasn't changed yet, so maybe it's a gene mutation, because other that that, she looks exactly like J.J. did as a baby!

ANYWAY, the point of that ramble was that she has lots of Snow white things, or things related to that (in the same color scheme, shaped like an apple, all that stuff). So I was browsing, and the same seller that has the carriages has an apple! I was so excited! Plus, they combine shipping, so it will only cost me $8.75 for both including shipping. That's quite the deal.

My only concern is that it says it holds a 7 mm or 8x6 mm pearl and the carriage holds an 8x10 mm pearl, but 7 mm is still pretty big right? The odds of me getting something bigger aren't good? I hope? DH said that if Sydney gets a freakishly big pearl then we'll figure something out then.

 

[cheryterese]

Hey Buffalo area ladies, two of my children were born at Children's too (Sam and Madeleine)! It's such a wonderful place. Two of my friends are labor and delivery nurses there. (My third child, Matthew, was born at home - planned homebirth.)

Sam has a Sensory Processing Disorder, so if you ever want info. on sensory stuff, let me know!

 

[cheryterese]

I've been toying with the idea of doing Pick-a-pearl as a souvenir for Sydney's first trip to the world! I also like the idea of doing it when she's older though, and RinkyTinkyTinky posted the link to these sweet carriage necklaces for it! I want to save the carriage one for when she's older. I was going back and forth when I decided that if I can find a setting for a pearl this time, then I'll just do it twice.

Ooh, that's a great idea! I think I'll steal it and do it with Madeleine when she's older too!

 

[reyasmommy]

Hello....just found your PTR!

Your kids have the cutest heads EVER!!! LOL!

I love your PTR it's very entertaining.

I'll have to check out what sellers I've used on EBAY for pins and get back to ya. I've had nothing but great experiences. Reya was 2 1/2 when she did pin-trading for the first time and LOVED it.

I never thought about doing the pearl thingy, but I'm thinking Reya would love it. I'll have to look into it.

Look forward to reading more.

 

[lexmas]

Hello....just found your PTR!

Your kids have the cutest heads EVER!!! LOL!

I love your PTR it's very entertaining.

I'll have to check out what sellers I've used on EBAY for pins and get back to ya. I've had nothing but great experiences. Reya was 2 1/2 when she did pin-trading for the first time and LOVED it.

I never thought about doing the pearl thingy, but I'm thinking Reya would love it. I'll have to look into it.

Look forward to reading more.

Happy to see you here!

Thanks, we love the backs of their heads!

I'd love input on e-bay sellers. We bought a bunch a few days ago, but we LOVE most of them and won't want to trade them! How in the world did we get cheap second hand BEAUTIFUL pins? So we're going to have to buy more! That's how these things work with us!

I bet she would like it! Look into it, so I can look forward to reading all about you doing it with Reya! My trip is too far away!

 

[lexmas]

Just a quick off topic post to show you the kids "letters".

This is J.J.'s. I covered our last name, there's not actually a big black mark on it!

This is Sydney's. It's not complete, obviously, since half the stuff isn't glued down! Shh, she doesn't know! Don't count too closely, you can only see 5 dwarves. One is stuck to the back of another dwarf, because J.J. peeled it off the paper it was on. The other...well, I know I found it. I know I put it somewhere that I would be sure to remember where I put it. And now I can't find it. That's how it goes, right? Either we'll find him, or we'll buy another. But anyway, those two other dwarves go in those big empty spots up top!

Oh, and I'm still waiting on more costume guesses...

 

[reyasmommy]

The last person I bought from was someone that goes by " theatreandfilms " I got 20 pins for $23.00, which included shipping and handling.

I'm really looking forward to sharing my trip report with everyone when I get back. I'm actually thinking about doing a LIVE report too. I did one when I went to DLR in 2008 and WAS able to keep up with it for several days, I had SOOOO much doing it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do it for the entire trip and finished when I returned home.

 

[Charlefours]

Hello I found your PTR and subbed in! I read through and wrote out responses.

I love JJ's curls!! Adorable photos! It looks like Syd is wearing a pillowcase dress (cherries on it?) So cute! I am hoping to get a couple made for my DD.

Have you consider renting a stroller? Not sure if you want one for everyday life too. Orlando Stroller Company gets rave reviews and they rent out Double joggers with reclining seats. Just food for thought.

Pin Trading: I think I want to do that with DD too. I think she would really like it too. : I have looked but I cannot recommend any because I have not ordered any personally. I would love to hear who others recommend too.

I am making an autograph book for my DD. I like to do things like that. Right now I am debating on the design. I like the idea of being able put pictures with it so DD can have the autographs and photos (she loves photos) in a small album for her to look through and carry around. Of course I will scan in the signatures for our big scrapbook too.

You could tell JJ that if he lets the barber cut his hair he could get pirate dust afterward. Does he like pirates??

Silhouettes: no experience in that depart unless you count the one of me that was done a LONG time ago during first grade or so. I did not realize they did these at Disney. Can you tell me where? I would assume you would tip them like you do FGIT at BBB but I am not sure. I am not sure on the etiquette of that situation. :confused2:

The convention hotels SSR and CSR make you pay to claim a package but as far as I heard/read, those are the only two that do.

Princesses and Fairies: In MK--Princesses are currently in MK at CRT, Ariel's Grotto, and Judge's tent. Fairies are also in the Judge's tent area. As far I am aware, that is really the only place you can find the fairies. Unless you do MNSSHP, than they are out at that too. With the Fantasyland Expansion slated to begin in September there is a slight chance there could be changes. They are going to start in areas that will not disturb the public areas for as long as possible from what I have read. I hope that is true!! In EP--Princesses are found in Akershus (Norway TS restaurant at breakfast and lunch) and in other various locations in the WS. Do you know about Steve Soares' site (http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm)? He lists all the entertainment and tries to include information on where to locate characters. Though if you check up in the guest relations area, they will have a listing usually telling you when and where to find characters.

ID for strollers: the DISign board has some cute stroller license plates you can print out and laminate. Another tip I read is to buy a balloon and put it on the stroller to mark it.

Hats: Disney Outlet puts hats in clearance at the end of the summer or perhaps you can look at Etsy? There are some good deals on the site if you look carefully.

Passporter--I love mine too!!!

Souvenirs: I read a TR in which the parents bought two sets of figurines for each child. They would put out two of the figurines at night after they fell asleep and said Tinkerbell left them a surprise overnight. The figurine sets go on sale via the Disney store or website. I also see the princess one at Target quite often. Maybe something like that might work too for you?

cute naptime picture!

I do not think that it is bad you want family time. With knowing you want to go again, why not just say this first trip is for us but the second trip we would like you to join us? Would she not take that kindly?

Ooohh!! You are planning MNSSHP--cute costume ideas. I am still figuring what we want to do. With how hot it is going to be, right now I am leaning towards shirts for DH and I that I would make us and then DD will be dressed up.

Cute pearl cages!! I want to do pick-a-pearl now too after reading about it on another TR. :

cute letters!!

I hope you don't mind the long post this time. I wanted to finish catching up before I head to bed!! I am looking forward to continuing on with reading your plans!!

 

[lexmas]

Hey Buffalo area ladies, two of my children were born at Children's too (Sam and Madeleine)! It's such a wonderful place. Two of my friends are labor and delivery nurses there. (My third child, Matthew, was born at home - planned homebirth.)

Just realized I skipped this before! I'm jealous that you had a homebirth. I get gestational diabetes so I'm always "high risk". Couple that with the fact that I had a preemie, and homebirth is out of the question. Lucky you though, and Lucky Matthew!

Sam has a Sensory Processing Disorder, so if you ever want info. on sensory stuff, let me know!

We never got too into his sensory issues, they seemed mild enough and I have a very laid back "we'll see how this progresses" pediatrician (I LOVE her!). He seems to have outgrown a lot of them (for example, he used to have texture issues, but that seems to be gone), but I would love learning more about it, maybe there's some other stuff that we never got into. Feel free to send some info my way, I'd appreciate it!

The last person I bought from was someone that goes by " theatreandfilms " I got 20 pins for $23.00, which included shipping and handling.

That's a great price! Off to look them up on e-bay! How do these people get all these pins to sell so cheaply, anyway?

I'm really looking forward to sharing my trip report with everyone when I get back. I'm actually thinking about doing a LIVE report too. I did one when I went to DLR in 2008 and WAS able to keep up with it for several days, I had SOOOO much doing it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do it for the entire trip and finished when I returned home.

That would be amazing! So fun to just follow along! We're hoping to get an ipod touch so that I can type up my trip report every day, but I don't know how uploading pictures and such would go so I was just planning on posting when I get home. It would be great to even read about one day of the fun while you're actually there!

Replies above

Hello I found your PTR and subbed in! I read through and wrote out responses.

Thanks for joining!

I love JJ's curls!! Adorable photos! It looks like Syd is wearing a pillowcase dress (cherries on it?) So cute! I am hoping to get a couple made for my DD.

Thanks! Yeah, it's a pillowcase dress. I made that for her. If you can sew a straight line, you can make them, easiest thing ever! DH wants me to get some disney fabric and make her some clothes for our trip. Also very easy, the t-shirt dress...just cut off a onesie, hem some fabric, and sew it to the shirt. I can give you better instructions for either if you're actually interested! Picture tutorial, even...Haha. Here are some that I made. And if I can make them, anyone can, because I can't sew!

Have you consider renting a stroller? Not sure if you want one for everyday life too. Orlando Stroller Company gets rave reviews and they rent out Double joggers with reclining seats. Just food for thought.

I looked at renting. But I figured that by next summer I'll want a double stroller since J.J. will be 4 and Sydney will be 2, and I know J.J. will be too lazy to walk with us. We have a playground probably a mile from here that we like to frequent, so the double stroller will come in handy. Or that's what I tell myself. I'm just afraid of schlepping the stroller through the airport. How do you fit it through that tiny little baggage scan machine at security?

Pin Trading: I think I want to do that with DD too. I think she would really like it too. : I have looked but I cannot recommend any because I have not ordered any personally. I would love to hear who others recommend too.

I am making an autograph book for my DD. I like to do things like that. Right now I am debating on the design. I like the idea of being able put pictures with it so DD can have the autographs and photos (she loves photos) in a small album for her to look through and carry around. Of course I will scan in the signatures for our big scrapbook too.

That's such a great idea putting pictures in, I never thought about that. I will have to follow your PTR to see what you come up with!

You could tell JJ that if he lets the barber cut his hair he could get pirate dust afterward. Does he like pirates??

He likes power rangers. Can I call it "power ranger dust"? I tried to bring up getting his hair cut at disney yesterday, but he told me that he likes his hair "down just like it's down" if you speak 3 year old!

Silhouettes: no experience in that depart unless you count the one of me that was done a LONG time ago during first grade or so. I did not realize they did these at Disney. Can you tell me where? I would assume you would tip them like you do FGIT at BBB but I am not sure. I am not sure on the etiquette of that situation. :confused2:

From what I know they're in a side alley on main street. (Lucky them!) and there's one in liberty square. DH told me that technically any disney employee is supposed to turn down tips the first two times they're offered and on the third time accept it and give it to their supervisor. Now what's technically supposed to happen and what's done, I just don't know, and I hate to be that rude guest!

The convention hotels SSR and CSR make you pay to claim a package but as far as I heard/read, those are the only two that do.

Oh good! Now I can be cheap and ship things to myself!

Princesses and Fairies: In MK--Princesses are currently in MK at CRT, Ariel's Grotto, and Judge's tent. Fairies are also in the Judge's tent area. As far I am aware, that is really the only place you can find the fairies. Unless you do MNSSHP, than they are out at that too. With the Fantasyland Expansion slated to begin in September there is a slight chance there could be changes. They are going to start in areas that will not disturb the public areas for as long as possible from what I have read. I hope that is true!! In EP--Princesses are found in Akershus (Norway TS restaurant at breakfast and lunch) and in other various locations in the WS. Do you know about Steve Soares' site (http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm)? He lists all the entertainment and tries to include information on where to locate characters. Though if you check up in the guest relations area, they will have a listing usually telling you when and where to find characters.

Thanks for all the info! I'll have to check out that site!

ID for strollers: the DISign board has some cute stroller license plates you can print out and laminate. Another tip I read is to buy a balloon and put it on the stroller to mark it.

I will have to look for them! The DISign board intimidaes me a little! But I will try!

Hats: Disney Outlet puts hats in clearance at the end of the summer or perhaps you can look at Etsy? There are some good deals on the site if you look carefully.

I'll have to look at etsy again. And that's a good idea checking disneyoutlet at the end of season! Maybe I can use my disney visa points and get them for free! Can't beat free!

Passporter--I love mine too!!!

Souvenirs: I read a TR in which the parents bought two sets of figurines for each child. They would put out two of the figurines at night after they fell asleep and said Tinkerbell left them a surprise overnight. The figurine sets go on sale via the Disney store or website. I also see the princess one at Target quite often. Maybe something like that might work too for you?

I have thought about this...we actually have some (boy) sets in the attic from when the disney store around here closed and everything was crazy on sale. I did not know they had them at target, I'll have to check it out! If we don't go souvenir crazy it would just make the trip so much more affordable! However, we don't have a good history of such self-restraint!

cute naptime picture!

I do not think that it is bad you want family time. With knowing you want to go again, why not just say this first trip is for us but the second trip we would like you to join us? Would she not take that kindly?

Hard to say! DH has suggested this as well. I wish it wasn't such difficult ground to tread!

Ooohh!! You are planning MNSSHP--cute costume ideas. I am still figuring what we want to do. With how hot it is going to be, right now I am leaning towards shirts for DH and I that I would make us and then DD will be dressed up.

It is hot in September, but at least in 2008 the nights weren't too bad. That is interesting, our costumes might be warm, I never thought about it!

Cute pearl cages!! I want to do pick-a-pearl now too after reading about it on another TR. :

Gotta get the cheap e-bay pearl settings!

cute letters!!

I hope you don't mind the long post this time. I wanted to finish catching up before I head to bed!! I am looking forward to continuing on with reading your plans!!

Certainly not! Thanks for all the great input!

replies above

 

[lexmas]

I'll have to check out what sellers I've used on EBAY for pins and get back to ya. I've had nothing but great experiences. Reya was 2 1/2 when she did pin-trading for the first time and LOVED it.

Another question for you! Did you use locking pin backs? Or just the mickey head ones that come with the pins? The mickey ones seem to be on there really tight, so I'm not sure they would really fall off. Plus, I kind of feel like, if I have dollar pins and I lose one...well, oh well. DH wants to "show off" his pins though, so maybe they would be good for him!

 

[reyasmommy]

Another question for you! Did you use locking pin backs? Or just the mickey head ones that come with the pins? The mickey ones seem to be on there really tight, so I'm not sure they would really fall off. Plus, I kind of feel like, if I have dollar pins and I lose one...well, oh well. DH wants to "show off" his pins though, so maybe they would be good for him!

We use the Mickey Head ones.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I love the title of your thread, and your pictures! That's how I'd do it too. I've read just a bit, but plan to read more! Very nice!

 

[Monny2AE]

Your faceless kids are adorable- love DS's curls!

I understand your dilemma with inviting/not inviting your friend. Our last trip was just our family and it was nice to take a vacation as just us. Maybe you could nicely tell her that you're going and that she is welcome to go at the same time but would need her own room since you would be using both beds. Plus you could lay down some ground rules (like the no 40"+ rides during naps) so there wouldn't be any conflicts while you're on the trip.

Love your family pic

And this picture melts my heart. So sweet!

QSDDP- we got the QSDDP for our past 2 trips and I didn't eat chicken nuggets or pizza once in the entire week. We liked Cosmic Rays in MK- great rotisserie chicken, Sunshine Seasons in Epcot, DHS was the tough park for CS meals. I wanted to try the Picnic in the Park but they made it seasonal, AK- we like Flame Tree BBQ.

Online Check IN- We used it this past trip with no trouble. I did still have to call and put in a request for bedrails because they don't really let you make any requests when you do online.

Characters: The fairies are in Toon Town. We got there pretty early and lucked out that the line was pretty short. Ariel is in MK but her line was waaay long every time we were there. We waited a while and let the kids play in the little play area but gave up since the line wasn't moving much. We met Jasmine in Morocco in Epcot. Perhaps you should consider Akershus. Not as pricey as CRT but you get to meet princesses.

Stroller: We tied ribbons to the handles and I had license plates made for it by a DISigner here on the DIS. The license plates came off within a day. I use mine for my day care so it has my day care logo ironed on the seats. No one wants to take a stroller that's so easily identifiable. Iron on transfers don't come off too easily. I also have my phone # written in permanent marker in a hidden place so if it were stolen I could verify that it's mine.

Disney clothes: Do you have a Disney store outlet near you. I got my kids tshirts for $2.50 before our trip. You could also buy plain t shirt cheap and iron on transfer some cute Disney designs. Amy_Mickey has the best transfers and you can find adorable personalized designs over on the DISigns board.

 

[Charlefours]

I would love to see/read the directions for the t-shirt dress. I have one for the pillowcase dress. Did you make bias tape for the arm openings?

I don't blame you for wanting a double--I would if I had two younger children too!!

Well, maybe JJ will change his mind? Power Ranger dust may work

Silhouette Tip: Maybe if there is a tip cup/mentioning of it you could do one? It is one of those awkward situations I just hate! Thanks for letting me know where to find them. I may have to check it out but I highly doubt my DD would sit still for it!

There are some really cute designs on DISign for MNSSHP. I am going to do an iron-transfer shirt for DH and I think instead of dressing up.

 

[lexmas]

I love the title of your thread, and your pictures! That's how I'd do it too. I've read just a bit, but plan to read more! Very nice!

Thanks for joining!

Your faceless kids are adorable- love DS's curls!

I understand your dilemma with inviting/not inviting your friend. Our last trip was just our family and it was nice to take a vacation as just us. Maybe you could nicely tell her that you're going and that she is welcome to go at the same time but would need her own room since you would be using both beds. Plus you could lay down some ground rules (like the no 40"+ rides during naps) so there wouldn't be any conflicts while you're on the trip.

I know, apparently we opened up quite the can of worms inviting her along last time! Who knew? Past me didn't think about future me when making that trip!

QSDDP- we got the QSDDP for our past 2 trips and I didn't eat chicken nuggets or pizza once in the entire week. We liked Cosmic Rays in MK- great rotisserie chicken, Sunshine Seasons in Epcot, DHS was the tough park for CS meals. I wanted to try the Picnic in the Park but they made it seasonal, AK- we like Flame Tree BBQ.

I'm glad to hear this! I did some quick browsing of menus and it looks like there should be lots. Somehow on our last trip we did eat all "fast food" type food for our counter service and I wasn't too crazy about it!

Online Check IN- We used it this past trip with no trouble. I did still have to call and put in a request for bedrails because they don't really let you make any requests when you do online.

What is it though? I guess I just don't understand why it makes it faster or anything, isn't the "wait time" for checking in just the line at the counter? It always goes pretty fast once you're up there! Good to know that you have to call to put in requests though, we'll need bedrails too. I requested them last trip and never got them, but it wasn't important enough to ask again! This trip we'll actually need them though, since we'll each be sleeping with a kid...when it was both of us and J.J., we acted as his bedrails!

Characters: The fairies are in Toon Town. We got there pretty early and lucked out that the line was pretty short. Ariel is in MK but her line was waaay long every time we were there. We waited a while and let the kids play in the little play area but gave up since the line wasn't moving much. We met Jasmine in Morocco in Epcot. Perhaps you should consider Akershus. Not as pricey as CRT but you get to meet princesses.

We'll have to head over early for the fairies. I'll pretend we're going to ride the barnstormer, and then while we're there...

Stroller: We tied ribbons to the handles and I had license plates made for it by a DISigner here on the DIS. The license plates came off within a day. I use mine for my day care so it has my day care logo ironed on the seats. No one wants to take a stroller that's so easily identifiable. Iron on transfers don't come off too easily. I also have my phone # written in permanent marker in a hidden place so if it were stolen I could verify that it's mine.

I think that's really smart to write your phone number in a hidden place. I made some "name tags" for our strollers last night, but I'll update with those pictures when I get some more time!

Disney clothes: Do you have a Disney store outlet near you. I got my kids tshirts for $2.50 before our trip. You could also buy plain t shirt cheap and iron on transfer some cute Disney designs. Amy_Mickey has the best transfers and you can find adorable personalized designs over on the DISigns board.

We don't, unfortunately. Our disney stores all closed a few years ago. We were SO sad. I think we went there too much because that was the only thing we went to the mall for EVER, and I went mall-walking with my friend one day a few months after it closed and 18 month DS tried to go to the empty store, even though there was no visible sign that it used to be the disney store! We do have a LOT of stuff in storage from when it closed though, because there were awesome deals! Too bad we didn't know we would have a DD some day. DH let me pick out one girly thing, and some rattles. She's already used the rattles, and the dress will be her first birthday dress! I am thinking about iron-ons!

replies above!

I would love to see/read the directions for the t-shirt dress. I have one for the pillowcase dress. Did you make bias tape for the arm openings?

I will make you a quick tutorial when I get a minute. I looked online, but everything is way more complicated then what I did! I didn't make bias tape, I just hemmed everything. I'll take pictures of that while I'm taking pictures of the dress! It may not be the prettiest, but it's on the inside where no one sees it, and it's held up to washing just fine. I'm sure I could have done something fancier, but I'm just not crafty like that!

I don't blame you for wanting a double--I would if I had two younger children too!!

Well, maybe JJ will change his mind? Power Ranger dust may work

I hope so. I really do like it long, I love those curls! But by then it's going to be REALLY long! I like it above his shoulders, I don't think I'll be crazy about it in the middle of his back!

Silhouette Tip: Maybe if there is a tip cup/mentioning of it you could do one? It is one of those awkward situations I just hate! Thanks for letting me know where to find them. I may have to check it out but I highly doubt my DD would sit still for it!

That is a good point. I just hate the awkwardness. We got help with our luggage at the airport last time (we needed it!) and DH was busy checking in and the lady kept announcing, "I'M LEAVING NOW" really loudly and closely to us. Yes, we know we have to tip you. Please, just wait a minute!

I suspect we will bribe J.J. with food and/or drink to sit there! He won't sit still otherwise!


There are some really cute designs on DISign for MNSSHP. I am going to do an iron-transfer shirt for DH and I think instead of dressing up.

There are really cute iron-ons. You don't even have to dress up, most people don't. It's fun to be there, costume or no costume!

Replies above!

 

[lexmas]

Sorry for not putting any real updates for planning in the past few days! I promise I have lots of stuff to post, but weekends are really busy around here! Thanks for being patient!

 

[Charlefours]

if you get a chance--I would love your thoughts on how to make the dresses Thanks for the offer.

 

[lexmas]

This is only sort of OT, since I'll be making disney dresses for Syd for the trip! Please excuse the messy house in the background!

Okay, this is very simple. My methods would probably make a seamstress cry, they're that unprofessional. I don't measure, or pin. And, I just used what fabrics I had laying around, so that's why both of these dresses look like what they look like! But, it works, and makes a pretty decent dress!

Pillowcase Dress:

Start with your fabric, cut two of whatever size rectangle you need. My estimation works as such: I know about how long I want it (or could get another dress to measure against) and I make the whole thing as wide as I want the bottom of the dress (so the widest part). (This picture may or may not be sideways. I tried to turn it but it wasn't working!)

On both pieces, sew the bottom up to make the hem. Then just fold it up and sew it again (I didn't on this dress, but I've found it's better) so that it won't unravel in the wash. If you don't, you'll just have to trim some loose strings a few times. Then fold the top sides in as shown and just sew those down as well. Nothing fancy, just a straight stitch.

Then lay your ribbon across the top of the dress, (I didn't have ribbon, I used elastic. Don't use elastic, it's not soft or pretty! I will be replacing the elastic in this!)

Fold the top down over it. Find the middle, and sew a vertical line to hold the ribbon in place.

Then sew the bottom of the folded section to make the rest of the casing for the ribbon. Just be careful not to sew the ribbon, but you can leave enough room that it's really easy. You can sew the casing first and then put the ribbon in, but this is easier. And, as you can tell, I go for easy.

Once you've done that on both, this is what you have:

Lay them on top of each other, pattern side in. Line up the bottom hems (it doesn't entirely matter if the tops line up) and sew the sides together from the bottom, from the bottom of the dress to about 2/3 of the way up the dress. I probably sewed to the top of the dark section of the dress.

That's it! Turn the dress right-side-out, and scrunch up the top.

Try it on a cute kid. Yours can have a gigantic Minnie Mouse head, or not, your choice!

Her smile was too cute to hide here!

The arm to show how it's just all hemmed in:

Now, the T-shirt dress:

This is easier. Cut the t-shirt to whatever length you want. You can have it the length of a normal t-shirt or a few inches under the armpits. I should have cut this shorter, but I didn't. I was trying to get it done fast before the kids destroyed something!

Decide how long you want the dress to be, and cut your fabric a little longer than that, an inch or two. Now, how do I use my exact skills of measuring and sewing math and all that to figure out how wide to cut my fabric? Well, I'll show you:

Yup, stretch it out as far as it goes. Make it two or three inches wider. I promise you, this is not an exact art.

Cut two rectangles, and hem the bottom. I like to cut the edges in so it's oh so slightly tapered at the top. I don't think it's necessary, but it's habit.

Now, put the fabric and the shirt together, with the patterned side of the fabric facing the t-shirt. Stretch. Sew, while stretching. This is not as complicated as it sounds... (if it sounds complicated at all!) just line your fabric up with the side seam of the shirt and start sewing. Then stretch the shirt out while you sew...once you get a few inches in you can easily hold both sides of the shirt while sewing.

Do this with the front and the back. When you finish that turn the shirt inside out, and, you'll have this:

Sew the sides together. Just make sure to keep sewing until you reach the t-shirt part so you don't get any gaps where the skirt meets the shirt. (my thread is red. Can you see where I sewed on the shirt?)

That's it, you're done! Here's the dress!

It's a little too big for Sydney. I could take up the bottom seam, or I could just turn it so I can see that seam between the skirt and the shirt and sew in another inch. But I'm going to just leave it so she can fit into it for our trip!

Hope that helps. I hope it wasn't too confusing, and that I didn't offend someone with my horrible, unusual sewing skills!

 

[BabyEeyore]

Hooray, I finally got a chance to sit down and read your PTR! Loving it so far! I don't have any guesses right now, but I can't wait to hear what your costumes will be! I really want to go to MNSSHP this year. I'm still trying to convince DH.

Very cool that you put up the tutorials for those dresses. We just recently got a sewing machine and I've never sewn anything ever. So I'm going to practice on some stuff and one day I'm definitely going to try to make one of those dresses!

 

[SilverSynchro919]

I'm here and loving your PTR so far! The dresses are adorable and you're so resourceful and creative to think of something like that! Can't wait to read more about you and your family...your kid's heads are adorable