Homemade Christmas gifts 2012

Here is a report of this year's homemade gifts. 

James gave to Charles and used a kit from Weir crafts to make him this soft doll. Charles loved it right out of the wrapping but James admitted to never wanting to sew again, he didn't mind doing the stuffing and sculpting but relied a lot on me for "fixing" it.

  

Peter gave to George and designed his own pattern for these stuffed magnetic fish.  Peter is always the most enthusiastic about Christmas makings and when our babysitter Peggy found him a second hand Pfaff for only $5 he took to sewing every night as late as I'd let him.  He did a good job on these fish but we are still reworking the fishing pole. 

William gave to Henry and Henry was specific in his request for some more FIMO Star Wars guys.  William was totally independent in this creation and even very generous in the time he spends playing Star Wars with Henry.

Maryanna picked Clara's name out of the pot and there was no end to the ideas she wanted to make for her. She stapled several fabric scraps together to make doll outfits but couldn't wait until Christmas to give them to her.  This pillow was put together just a few days before Christmas, Maryanna drew a picture and dug through all my scraps and trim to get it just right.  Not pictured is a secret pocket on the back for Clara to hide her treasures.  

Henry created for Maryanna this year and with recent siblings tension between the two of them he threatened more than once not to finish a present for her.  We pulled through the conflict and Henry found it in his heart to paint her a special rock.  Henry also helped pick out the fabric for this art case that I sewed and also helped collect art supplies to fill it with.
 

George gave to Peter this year and he was quick in his decision to paint a blue rock with a robot on it.  He picked out a robot image online and told me to type "Rodger, Rodger you are very special", so I did and we glued it on top of the painted rock.  George also helped me put together a Shutterfly book just for Peter.

Charles had William this year and really there is not much a baby can make for a sibling so this was a semi handmade gift that he basically watched James and I do.  William got a personalized pitch fork that was etched in with a wood burning tool, it says "Farmer William".

Clara made for James this year and picked out the fabric for these jammie pants.  She also was skilled enough to iron the fabric by herself and help pin down the pattern.  I let her sit on my lap and do most the sewing as well.

Paul's mom surprised Paul with a mystery box under the tree.   In it was the farmer sculpture he made in 4th grade, what a treasure, who would have thought he'd be anywhere near being a farmer!