~ Aug 2013~ Sew what... We've gotta find a way back! Part I!!

[sewmess]

I love the hidden castle bag.

Baby is definitely coming tomorrow. I started a PTR today to keep me distracted until I go into the hospital. I will most likely post pics of hiim on there. I have a link in my signature.

We packed our lion king bag with his clothes to bring him home in.

We're thinking of you... and little mister... and the big mister. Best results for you all.

HOLD ON JUST ONE MINUTE..​

Lets recap. your on your way home. Discussing a really cute idea. go home and IT'S FINISHED??? poof just like that??? WHO DOES THAT?!?!
certainly NOT this one...
i'm really impressed. not only is it SO SO SO cute it looks like it would fit a doll! So it's perfect for your daughter!!!

Please make sure she takes her crutches with her to school. really don't want to over due it.. Could swell up and she is without anything to help her out.
then again it's only advice, you know what they say about people and their opinions!!!

I get a lot of ideas on the drive too and from work, but it usually takes anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks for me to start on the item. Maybe I should jump right in and not ulcerate over it for perfections.

KUDOS to V for doing all that work, too. Your system reminds me of my mom and I when I was decorating cakes for 4-H, age 7 to about 13. She'd bake the cakes and make the icing and then I'd do the decorating. I got a second place at the county fair once, so something worked.

I agree with RuthIE, make sure Alli has a back up (crutches, since she's got them) she'll probably want them. Now, if she's still relying on them in a couple of weeks....

I saw your Caribou coffe on FB and nearly commented. But it was in the morning and I didn't want to appear whiney, which I probably would have. We have the obligatory Starbucks and a couple of local shops, but none on my way to work. So I feel very deprived.

The bag is absolutely dreamy. So subtle, DH wasn't sure what he was looking at .

 

[Luvchefmic]

I love the hidden castle bag.

Baby is definitely coming tomorrow. I started a PTR today to keep me distracted until I go into the hospital. I will most likely post pics of hiim on there. I have a link in my signature.

We packed our lion king bag with his clothes to bring him home in.

How WONDERFUL MrsDrewsky ! Best wishes & can't wait to see little one

 

[DMGeurts]

D~ your latest 2 bags are just Great! I hope Ali is feeling better just make sure she does not over do it. I had a really bad sprain once and my Dr said it was worse than if I broke it. He told me 2 weeks to heal after a week I was feeling better, went back to work etc and had pain for weeks later off and on.

Thank you Sheila. I had to force her to rest and ice her ankle several times yesterday - being restricted for 3 days - she has waaay too much pent up energy... LOL There are some things about her that will never change, and in some ways she will always be 3 y/o.

I did tell her that, and I've given her strict instructions that she cannot even walk at track this week - she can go and support her team, but she cannot participate at all. I feel badly, but if she doesn't heal - she could struggle with this for years to come and risk reinjury.

D, the new bag is beautiful! Truly classy and worthy of daily wear! Love it!

Thank you... The customer really did a lot to help design this one - I just threw it all together.

I need to go out in the rain to get papers. Normally we go to church and get them on the way home, but we are on the slow boat to China this morning so I'm not sure we're making it anywhere anytime soon. I blame the weather!

I won't even go into the mess we've had getting our papers delivered these last few weeks. I hope you were able to get them and get everything done that you needed to yesterday.

The skirt is too cute! An appliqué would be cute, but I guess this is the grown up version of Disney customs? It will be adorable at Disney for sure! And the underside of the hem is so fun! I love that you guys worked on ti together! How fun!

Thanks! If I would have made it - I would have done things much differently, but since V wanted it a certain way - I've learned that if I want my girls to wear it, I just better comply. LOL So, it's not exactly what I had envisioned, but... As long as she wears it...

And as soon as I hit send my oldest came down dressed for church. Nothing like the kids holding you accountable!

LOL Good job, so did you go?

A lovely skirt you made.
It's great that Alli is feeling better I hope she gets well soon.

Thanks Lillian. I need to get over to your TR - it's been several days since I've stopped by, and I need to see what you've been up to. I will try to do that this morning before I go to work.

It sounds like you and V had a great shopping day with a lot of bargains

She did do a pretty good job, considering it's the beginning of spring and shorts were on clearance. I am happy that my girls like getting as much value as they can for their $$.

The weather here is a lot better now and the risk for snow avalanche is not that high anymore. Spring is starting to show in form of the roads getting snow free. But we can still have some snowfalls before we get to summer.

I am glad to hear that things are starting to settle down over there. I can't believe how much snow you 've received!

We have a saying here in Tromsø that is Did you get to experience summer this year? The answer is no, because I was on the toilet then The summer is really not that short. But we almost doesn't have spring. It can go from winter to summer in no time.

LOL That would be very quick.

This is definitely the grown up version of MI which was said I love it, but what amazes me MOST is this : talk about it, plan it, BAM done
That is the kind of thing that most people can't do (ok not necessarily in this group of talented people) but to a person like me who never learned any of this it just blows me away

Yes, but the thing we all must remember is that I don't have the time, normally, to do things like this with her - especially between now and the end of June... I am working double overtime trying to make my custom orders, my monthly auction bags and the bags for my huge auction at the end of June... So, when she mentioned the skirt and how she wanted it, I figured that if we worked together, we could crank it out in a few hours. LOL So, we did.

:Sending hugs to Alli ...go E A S Y

Thanks Ruthie.

Thank you. It really isn't that hard to do. Sewing the lines was rather soothing and therapeutic after a hectic day in the office. Nini and Chiara - I highly encourage you to go for it!


Aww, thanks. I wasn't sure about the purple at first, but I do really like the finished effect. I highly recommend the chenille cutter. I cut the first third with scissors and then our local store had a sale on all Olfa cutters/scissors/blades. I lucked out that they also had a coupon on their website so I ended up saving about 35% on it. I got it for just under $20 and it sure made the rest of the cutting a breeze! I know exactly what you mean and was thinking of adding another layer so I could do just that on the next one I do. I had to go look in my machine's manual to find out what that stitch was called. And it is . . . blanket binding! My machine has all these fancy stitches on it that I never use and I played around with some of them before binding and loved how this one looked.

Yes, if I ever do another one, I will definitely be investing in a chenille cutter. I had blisters from my scissors last time. Really like that blanket binding stitch - it's very nice.

Yay! Although I do caution her on doing too much too soon. It is easy to cause additional injury while she is healing. I know crutches are not fun and a pain in the ar$e (I know from first hand experience - was on them practically every other week during grades 9 and 10 because of my knee) but they will make her slow down and allow that ankle to heal.

Yes, she will be very careful today. She just woke sayin that it hurts again... Sigh - she wasn't off of it as much yesterday as she should have been - IMO.

I love this skirt! And I love the fact that you worked on it together and knocked it out in no time! That under hem is TDF, love that fabric! I can totally see an applique on this. Doing it on felt would mean that you could attach it to the skirt such that it could be taken back off if she didn't want it there at a later date. Just a thought.

Thanks! It was fun to work on it together. I wish she'd let me put an applique on it, I did suggest the felt and just attach it a little so she could see it - but I just don't have the time to do an applique like that right now... So maybe I can convince her of that later?

Glad Alli is feeling better.

I love the MI skirt. My older kids go to some online website that puts adult clothes together to make Disney character themed outfits. It is really cool. One of my sons has a couple he has put together. Actually, that is what he asked for for Christmas. But they wouldn't do appliques either. Well, they may for our Disney trips, but nowhere else. Not on their clothes anyway.

sounds like V got some great deals! good for her!

Yes, my girls go to that website too.... It is a pretty cool site. I'd be thrilled if they'd do something like that - that would be kindo of like a custom outfit - and they would be having fun... But I don't think I will get that lucky. I am sure it will be tank tops and shorts the entire time we are there - which is fine.

I love the hidden castle bag.

Baby is definitely coming tomorrow. I started a PTR today to keep me distracted until I go into the hospital. I will most likely post pics of hiim on there. I have a link in my signature.

We packed our lion king bag with his clothes to bring him home in.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be thinking of you all day today! April is such a good month for birthdays! Congratulations to all of you! Please let us know how it goes when you can.

I will go check out your PTR too.

HOLD ON JUST ONE MINUTE..​

Lets recap. your on your way home. Discussing a really cute idea. go home and IT'S FINISHED??? poof just like that??? WHO DOES THAT?!?!
certainly NOT this one...
i'm really impressed. not only is it SO SO SO cute it looks like it would fit a doll! So it's perfect for your daughter!!!

LOL I guess we do that? I dunno - I didn't think anything of coming home to whip it up. I had all the fabrics on hand, so it's pretty easy to just go upstairs and make it.

[Please make sure she takes her crutches with her to school. really don't want to over due it.. Could swell up and she is without anything to help her out.
then again it's only advice, you know what they say about people and their opinions!!!

She is limping again this morning... I think she was too hard on it yesterday, but she refuses to bring the crutches to school. Not a happy momma about this.

V got some great savings!! That's awesome!!

Cute skirt!! I really need to pull my sewing machine out and start making some stuff like that for Sarah. I used to be pretty good so it'll just take me a little bit to get back in. (Not as good as you are though with your bags!!) Now to figure out where I can put it!!

Thanks! I know there are so many awesome customs out there - but my girls just aren't into the frilly, frilly items... Ok - take that back - they like those things, but would never wear them.

I would LOVE to see anything you make Sandra - I bet it's awesome!

We're thinking of you... and little mister... and the big mister. Best results for you all.

Yes - very well said.

I get a lot of ideas on the drive too and from work, but it usually takes anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks for me to start on the item. Maybe I should jump right in and not ulcerate over it for perfections.

See, and I am the exact opposite... If I come up with an idea - I must work on it right away, because once time passes, I start to lose interest in it. I am better off if I just do it right away. There have been times lately, where I've had an idea in my head, and I've had to set aside an order and work on it... Not sure what is wrong with me? But I've learned that if I don't indulge once in a while, that I am not as creative when I NEED to be... If that makes any sense?

KUDOS to V for doing all that work, too. Your system reminds me of my mom and I when I was decorating cakes for 4-H, age 7 to about 13. She'd bake the cakes and make the icing and then I'd do the decorating. I got a second place at the county fair once, so something worked.

Yes, V did a great job... She hates my serger too - can't say I blame her. It has 2 speeds... Turtle and Rabbit - and nothing in between. LOL It is super annoying.

That is awesome about the projects you did with your mom - wonderful memories, I am sure.

I agree with RuthIE, make sure Alli has a back up (crutches, since she's got them) she'll probably want them. Now, if she's still relying on them in a couple of weeks....

I've been trying to talk her into it all morning, and she won't hear anything of it - even though her ankle is bothering her again. Grrrr... She is young and doesn't understand, and sometimes as a mom, I just have to back off and let her learn on her own - even if I DO know what's best.

I saw your Caribou coffe on FB and nearly commented. But it was in the morning and I didn't want to appear whiney, which I probably would have. We have the obligatory Starbucks and a couple of local shops, but none on my way to work. So I feel very deprived.

No worries... We don't get Caribou often either... I love it and indulge occasionally - but mostly I am a tightwad and won't spend the extra $$ on it.

The bag is absolutely dreamy. So subtle, DH wasn't sure what he was looking at .

Thank you ... LOL I think that was the original intent.

How WONDERFUL MrsDrewsky ! Best wishes & can't wait to see little one

Yes, I am so excited for all of them!

**********************************************************

First of all... BEST WISHES going out to Ashley (Mrs.Drewsky)... Today is the day little Jonah arrives... I am sure we all wish her a safe and easy delivery!

Also, Ruth - I hope you are doing well?

Ruthie too???

Lois, is Dan doing better?

**********************************************************

Yesterday was pretty uneventful at our house.

While waiting for my Sunday morning paper to be delivered, I went up to my sewing room to cut out and begin quilting my auction bag for this week.

I noticed it was 11am, and still no paper... Seriously. So, I emailed the paper for the 3rd week in a row to beg for my paper to be delivered. When the guy came, he put it in one of the paper boxes next to our mail box - but the paper box wasn't for their paper. So, Josh asked him why he put it there? And the guy replied "kiss my a$$, I am just filling in"... WHOA!!!! Definitely NOT acceptable or warranted. We emailed the paper again to tell them about that incident and no reply from them. How awful.

I did get a lot accomplished yesterday though... I really needed to. The auction bag must be finished by Wednesday. Plus I have my normal custom order to finish... It will be a crazy week here for sure!

I was finally able to clip my coupons right before dinner - nothing too exciting for this week, which is good. Due to my busy work schedule, I am probably going to skip my Friday shopping to I can squeeze in an extra day of work.

Next week, I don't have any customs scheduled - so I am hoping that I can finish one of my big auction bags and get a start on the next one. I have plans for 4 sets for sure - but I am hoping for 5 or 6. The more I do - the better my odds are that I will be able to earn enough to pay off our trip. I am also hoping that I can throw a couple of GAC sets into the mix. It will be a crazy few months ahead.

**********************************************************

Nothing too exciting on the trip planning front... Trying hard not to think too much about it, because it just makes me anxious.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

 

[cogero]

Good luck with all your auction prep. I have to tell you I love our GAC and if we didn't need it for a GAC holder I would probably still want one because they are great for sticking ID and photopass cards in.

I am on the look out for another one to coordinate with other things.

 

[lovingeire]

We did go to church! However, the weather eased up and we thought it was done for the day when we left for church as the rain had stopped and the sun was peaking through. Ha ha...jokes on us! As we're sitting in church, and we could hear the thunder and we knew it was going to be nasty when we left. It was beyond nasty! We had planned a trip to the market on the way home for papers (it's cheaper to buy them on Sun vs. delivery for me) and a few odds and ends and it was so nasty out we thought getting home was the wisest idea! My husband was already soaked from running to get the oldest out of youth and picking us up under the awning. Next time maybe we should bring an umbrella just in case!

Sounds like you're going to be busy! I am always excited to see the auction bags and sneak peaks!

I know that when I have ideas it is hard to let go of them so the kids can have a say, but the older they get the more I think it's necessary! I'm glad Alli is feeling better, but also hope she heads your advice and rests so she completely heals! Fingers crossed!

 

[DMGeurts]

I thought I would share the Sneak Peek of my next bag here.

D~

 

[DreamingofCastles]

Your machine stitches so beautifully! You inspire me! I saw pics on FB of your workspace and I am green with envy! I have a very small house and sew in one room, iron in another, and there's no good space to cut out, so that's done all over the house! If I ever won the lottery (guess I'd have to play, huh?), I envision an addition to the house with a dedicated sewing room. I'm going to be a grandmother in a few short weeks and there will be lots of sewing in the coming years!

 

[Pluto0809]

Sounds like you had a very busy weekend! Mine was all about cleaning since Mom & brother arrive on Wednesday.

The new bag is gorgeous! I love how subtile it is.

V's skirt is so cute, I love the "hidden" monsters.

I'm glad Alli's ankle is doing much better. I hope she doesn't overdo it at school today.

The sneak peek for the next bag looks interesting. From the colors it looks like maybe a princess?

Oh, and thanks again for the advise on the home repairs. The valance is back on the wall! The toggle bolts were very easy to use. I didn't get a chance to tackle the towel rack but maybe once my company leaves.

 

[NiniMorris]

LOVE those fabrics!



Nini

 

[Chicago Mo]

nothing is showing up!!!!

 

[cogero]

Love your sneak peek. Great job

 

[Terkina]

great sneak peek. I can't wait to see the bag

I just heard about the explosion in Boston. No news yet about how many are injured or if anyone got killed.

 

[DMGeurts]

Yes, I just heard about the explosion in Boston. I pray that there are no more injuries or deaths - it's just awful. I have many online sewing friends who are runners, but as far as I know, none of them were in Boston today.

Sending up prayers for those impacted... Things this senseless are so hard to comprehend.

D~

 

[solana131]

SO FAR BEHIND

Okay, so I didn't take notes, but this is what I remember....

Love the damask castle bag, the pink and black is just fabulous!

I hope Alli's sprain is getting better!

The MI skirt is so cute. I want to buy a sewing machine just so I can make myself some skirts for my next trip. I have NO idea how to go about this...the patterns look so simple, but I have never sewed before so it's a little daunting.

That newspaper guy....wow....

Okay, what did I forget???? Sorry, I'll try to be better. I am usually pretty good about reading along on my phone on my lunch breaks. Just got behind.

 

[Deesknee]

reports to date from Boston explosion....2 dead 100+ injuried. Horrific injuries. I am very blessed. Although 2 of my children go to college in Boston, they were not near the explosion site. Many of their classmates were volunteering at the marathon, but thank God, none were injured. DDBF's cousins & uncle usually run, but were unable to this year for various unusual reasons.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who are affected by this horrific act. To all those disboarders who will be making family sacrifice so their loved ones that work for various federal agencies can further investigate this incident. Thank you all.
God Bless us all. All good people in these United States and all the world.

Dee

 

[aksunshine]

Love the peek!!

 

[Luvchefmic]

How horrifying ! Will this madness never stop God help us all you said it very well Dee

On a different note the colors in you sneak peek I found very soothing comforting I like it

 

[Luvchefmic]

Check out this thread where OP wants to know if MNSSHP is worth it & should they go without kids ?



http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=48115866&posted=1#post48115866



Enjoy...I have NO pride

 

[mblc14]

D~

LG for the past month or so has been super crafty...so yesterday she decided to craft her own Minnie appliqué and sew it on a t-shirt. Here was her outcome.

She was super pumped to wear it to school today!! I think we have a future D~ on our hands here!! Any advice on a good type if sewing machine for beginners?? She is just so into all this right now...it's awesome.

 

[DMGeurts]

Good luck with all your auction prep. I have to tell you I love our GAC and if we didn't need it for a GAC holder I would probably still want one because they are great for sticking ID and photopass cards in.

I am on the look out for another one to coordinate with other things.

Awesome Chiara! I am so glad to hear that - I think they are a great size for in the parks.

We did go to church! However, the weather eased up and we thought it was done for the day when we left for church as the rain had stopped and the sun was peaking through. Ha ha...jokes on us! As we're sitting in church, and we could hear the thunder and we knew it was going to be nasty when we left. It was beyond nasty! We had planned a trip to the market on the way home for papers (it's cheaper to buy them on Sun vs. delivery for me) and a few odds and ends and it was so nasty out we thought getting home was the wisest idea! My husband was already soaked from running to get the oldest out of youth and picking us up under the awning. Next time maybe we should bring an umbrella just in case!

Sounds like you're going to be busy! I am always excited to see the auction bags and sneak peaks!

I know that when I have ideas it is hard to let go of them so the kids can have a say, but the older they get the more I think it's necessary! I'm glad Alli is feeling better, but also hope she heads your advice and rests so she completely heals! Fingers crossed!

Oh no - your Sunday sounds crazy! Yes, an umbrella may be a good thing to add.

Me too... I always worry that I won't be able to finish them on time.

I hope so too...

Your machine stitches so beautifully! You inspire me! I saw pics on FB of your workspace and I am green with envy! I have a very small house and sew in one room, iron in another, and there's no good space to cut out, so that's done all over the house! If I ever won the lottery (guess I'd have to play, huh?), I envision an addition to the house with a dedicated sewing room. I'm going to be a grandmother in a few short weeks and there will be lots of sewing in the coming years!

Thank you - I love my machine... I don't know where I'd be with out her. And I am so thankful that my family gave me my own sewing room - there's no way I'd be able to function now with out it. I really need to get in there and organize it though, I have so much fabric that needs to be shelved... And I really need a new/bigger shelf - but I refuse to purchase until this trip is paid in full - so I must make do with what I have. Sigh.

Congratulations on becoming a grandparent!!!

Sounds like you had a very busy weekend! Mine was all about cleaning since Mom & brother arrive on Wednesday.

The new bag is gorgeous! I love how subtile it is.

V's skirt is so cute, I love the "hidden" monsters.

I'm glad Alli's ankle is doing much better. I hope she doesn't overdo it at school today.

The sneak peek for the next bag looks interesting. From the colors it looks like maybe a princess?

Oh, and thanks again for the advise on the home repairs. The valance is back on the wall! The toggle bolts were very easy to use. I didn't get a chance to tackle the towel rack but maybe once my company leaves.

Glad to hear your mom and brother are visiting. Thanks for the compliments - this newest bag is turning out really nice, I like it a lot.

Yes her ankle is doing better, but it's still sore... She needs to take it more easy.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you that you were able to get the valance up! Sooo, so proud for you! And I am so glad to hear that you are going to try the towel rack next. WTG!

LOVE those fabrics!
Nini

Thanks!! When I saw them, they spoke to me... But I can't tell you what they said until I reveal the bag, or I will wreck the theme... But I hope everyone else sees what I see...

nothing is showing up!!!!

Hmmm.... Maybe because the photo posted huge? It's the same one I put on my fanpage yesterday morning.

Love your sneak peek. Great job

Thanks Chiara!

great sneak peek. I can't wait to see the bag

I just heard about the explosion in Boston. No news yet about how many are injured or if anyone got killed.

Thanks! Me too!

It is just horrific - we finally had to turn the news off last night, all of this senselessness is just too much for me sometimes. My prayers go out to everyone involved in any way to these tragedies.

SO FAR BEHIND

Okay, so I didn't take notes, but this is what I remember....

Love the damask castle bag, the pink and black is just fabulous!

I hope Alli's sprain is getting better!

Thanks! I hope it continues to get better too.

The MI skirt is so cute. I want to buy a sewing machine just so I can make myself some skirts for my next trip. I have NO idea how to go about this...the patterns look so simple, but I have never sewed before so it's a little daunting.

This skirt is pretty simple... It's just done off of the waist measurment. I wanted to add elastic to the whole back side, but V only wanted a small bit of it - I was amazed when it actually worked that way - LOL. But I'd be happy to help out and tell you what to do... Otherwise, I am sure there's a tutorial online somewhere.

That newspaper guy....wow....

I know...

Okay, what did I forget???? Sorry, I'll try to be better. I am usually pretty good about reading along on my phone on my lunch breaks. Just got behind.

No worries, I know you've had a crazy week. I hope Bradey is feeling better.

reports to date from Boston explosion....2 dead 100+ injuried. Horrific injuries. I am very blessed. Although 2 of my children go to college in Boston, they were not near the explosion site. Many of their classmates were volunteering at the marathon, but thank God, none were injured. DDBF's cousins & uncle usually run, but were unable to this year for various unusual reasons.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who are affected by this horrific act. To all those disboarders who will be making family sacrifice so their loved ones that work for various federal agencies can further investigate this incident. Thank you all.
God Bless us all. All good people in these United States and all the world.

Dee

Thank you for the update Dee... It's just so scary, I can't imagine... I am so thankful that you did not know anyone who was there. I pray for everyone involved in this tragedy. Please keep us updated if you hear any more.

Love the peek!!

Thanks Alicia!

How horrifying ! Will this madness never stop God help us all you said it very well Dee

On a different note the colors in you sneak peek I found very soothing comforting I like it

I agree Ruthie!

Thanks!

Check out this thread where OP wants to know if MNSSHP is worth it & should they go without kids ?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=48115866&posted=1#post48115866

Enjoy...I have NO pride

LOL - I loved it! Love MNSSHP!!! We've been twice, and it's one of our favorite events... I would not miss it.

D~

LG for the past month or so has been super crafty...so yesterday she decided to craft her own Minnie appliqué and sew it on a t-shirt. Here was her outcome.

She was super pumped to wear it to school today!! I think we have a future D~ on our hands here!! Any advice on a good type if sewing machine for beginners?? She is just so into all this right now...it's awesome.

WTG LG!!! That is awesome! Did she get lots of compliments on it? I bet she did.

You know what I am going to tell you Mike... Vintage all the way. LOL You could start her on a machine from Walmart/Joanns/some other store... But I have not heard of anyone having much luck with those machines. I would hate for her to be so frustrated that she gives up right away. Victoria LOVES sewing on my machine - even over her own machine (which is exactly like mine, but 1/3 smaller)... The old vintage straight stich Singers are very basic, easy to learn & reliable. They are not very portable though, because they are super heavy, but they are also easy to maintain. Once you get in to the vintage machines that zig-zag, the maintenance isn't as easy anymore. Even a hand crank machine is a great machine to learn on, because LG would totally control the speed with her own power.

My machine is a Singer 15-91 circa 1952:

The machine that I use exclusively for appliqueing is my Singer 503A (Rocketeer)... I know it's circa 1960s, I don't remember the year off the top of my head this early in the morning. LOL

I don't recommend a machine like my Mr. Rocket - he is too fussy and gives me fits way too often.

Aren't you glad you asked my opinion? LOL

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help. I paid $65 on Craigslist for Patience... I didn't have to do much restoration on her, just cleaning. I paid $9.99 at Goodwill for Mr. Rocket, and I had to do a full restoration on him - including adjusting his timing, which took me weeks to get right. But in the last 2 years (remember, I sew for 8 hours a day, every single day) I've spent $0 on maintenance on my machines (I do all of my own maintenance, these machines were made for self reliance), and a total of 2 hours of down time one day fixing my machine due to a bent needle. I hear of MANY people who are down for WEEKS while their machines are in the shop, spending hundreds every time, because you need a trained technician to work on them.

OK... Sorry for the LONG ramble this morning.

**********************************************************

Yesterday was an AWESOME day in my sewing room... I was able to get soooo much done - I am very happy with my progress. I started and finished the applique on the auction bag, and I started and finished the applique on the coordinating wallet, then I started some of my pre-assembly. I couldn't believe how much I was able to get done.

I plan to be up in my sewing room before breakfast this morning - I am hoping to totally finish this bag right away. That would be soooo awesome!

Then, I will start on my custom order bag for the week. I hope to have it totally cut out and quilted by the end of the day. If I accomplish this, I will feel like I am caught up again.

Victoria has a field trip today... Josh is chaperoning... A bunch of middle schoolers... I chaperoned a middle schooler outing for Allison's first year of middle school - at that time, I decided I would never EVER chaperone a middle school event again... I wish Josh all the luck in the world today. LOL

Allison's ankle seems to be doing well. She is still complaining of pain, but she is walking on it. And we are making her continue to ice it, and wear her compression ankle thingy as much as possible.

I also wanted to do an update on BFF... Her and her dd seem to be working things out - which is good.

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I am still stalking airfare for our trip. I am starting to get really nervous that it won't come down. We just can't afford to pay $1300+ in airfare alone, and I am very frustrated about it. I have been checking twice/day for weeks and there just seems to be no sway to the prices at all. HOpefully some deals will come out soon.

I am hoping to purchase a HUGE batch of Disney GCs very soon - just as soon at BFF gets her pharmacy rewards card.

Also, something that may interest you... It definitely interested me... Target will now be carrying Southwest GCs... Which means, we could also get our great Target disounts (which ever ones you all qualify for) for airfare as well. There is one stipulation on the back of the GCs though, and that is: A limit of 4 GCs may be used per transaction... Which means, each GC is $50, so your round trip airfare would have to be less than $200. And each person in your party would have to be a seperate transaction. So, potentially - it could be a decent $$ savings (considering that SW has no baggage fees), but it could also be a huge pain... Your choice...

I'd LOVE it if Target would start carrying Sun Country GCs, since I love their flight times to Orlando and it's non-stop from our airport. I'd totally be buying those. But as of now, all I could see was the Southwest GCs. Something to watch for anyways.

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I hope everyone is starting to feel better today.

Many prayers going out to those who were affected by the bombs in Boston yesterday.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

D~