Santa's Workshop.

About a month ago I decided to make many if not most of Ryan and Lilly's Christmas presents. One reason is they already have more toys than they know what to do with and the other is to keep from spending too much money. I am also lucky that they are still young enough that they don't ask for specific things and the best thing about presents to them is tearing the paper off.

I spent several weeks looking at sewing books, blogs and on-line market places like ETSY for inspiration. The more I looked the more excited I became about doing this for the kids.

Lilly loves dolls and animals and there is an endless number of projects for her, but as soon as I saw the pattern for this simple rag doll I knew I had to make one, maybe two, oh, why not three for her. There's also a mini-quilt in the works and a few new outfits, too. I am sure I'll think of more stuff along the way, girls are easy.

Then there's Ryan. His new discovery is robots. I plan to applique him a robot t-shirt similar to this one. I also have a stash of Alexander Henry's Robot Fabric. What I should say is I have a huge stash of the robot fabric. It is now discontinued and I saw it on the internet and impulsively bought it. Now I am glad I have it and have so much of it because I believe there is enough to make a new valance, pillow shams and a few other decorative items for Ryan's room. I know these aren't exciting things for a five year old boy, so don't worry he's also getting something that will qualify as fun and exciting in his eyes. But then again, I made Ryan a pair of pants from a pirate print several months ago and he's all about wearing them.

With only 33 days until Christmas I had better get to work. I just hope my sewing list is not too ambitious.