When I was a little girl my Mom made me learn how to sew – more or less.  I say more or less because the onus was on me.  Either I learned to sew my own clothes or I better get used to wearing the same old things over and over again.

Now don’t get me wrong.  We weren’t poor or anything like that… it’s just that my Mom comes from the old School of Frugal.  Years ago, this type of school used to be pretty common, but sadly times have changed.

Funny thing is… I pulled the same line with Somerset my own daughter. I have to admit though, I don’t remember threatening to make her wear the same clothes over and over again.

Nevertheless, under considerable protest all I heard for sometime was “Oh, Mom… do I have to?”.  In the end, she spent more time riding her horses and mucking stalls than learning how to sew.

But, under the circumstances, she turned out really well!  In fact, she recently gave birth to her own daughter (already having 2 sons), so hopefully our family tradition will extend into the next generation. That’s a shot of her Sophie above.

I really love to craft my Santa dolls. Never in a million years did I think the passion would be this strong.

Part of me sometimes feels like a painter or even an architect.  I can stare at a piece of garment for the longest time and my head starts to spin with different ideas about how to create a style or develop a theme.

The big challenge comes when it’s time to accessorize the doll to make sure everything is properly coordinated. I’ve been known to take everything apart and practically start all over again, if my eyes don’t approve of what is being developed.

You can access the complete 2009 Santa Doll Collection here.  My goal for this blog is to periodically update those who might like the inside track as the 2010 collection gets finalized.

I wasn’t going to make any stockings this year due to time constraints, but one of my best customers asked me a year ago to make her something special.

So, once I got into the spirit… well, you know, I just couldn’t stop.  Now there are two and I think I can squeeze another 3 before I run out of time… or simply lose my mind.

It’s September and in 16 days I have to begin packing everything up to load in the van.  I can do it… I can do it… this is my mantra and I can’t forget it.