The Stockings Are Hung . . . .

. . . . not by this fireplace -- I just wanted to make sure they hung properly before I delivered them to the triplets yesterday!  This has been my "make" for the past week (along with a couple pairs of tiny little socks).

I asked my daughter-in-law in November if I could make the triplets Christmas stockings just as she was getting ready to ask me if I would!  Happy coincidence.  Her Mom passed away several years ago and was also a crafty woman, so I asked if there were any fabrics from her stash that I could incorporate.  It was fun to blend our fabrics together!!

I pieced the fronts using fabric from both our stashes using a pattern traced off my kids' stockings.  The first front went slowly as I figured out the configuration needed to get a large enough piece of patchwork for the stocking.

Sew some together, lay it on the pattern, add some more diamonds here and there. 

The second and third pieces went much faster with no decisions to make, just repeat the first one! 

The assembly of the sections revolved around inserting the fussy cut hexagons with a creature! 

The first step was finished and it was time to figure out the construction of the stocking.

I didn't quilt this patchwork but if I did, I would use the thinnest batting I could find or perhaps pre-washed flannel. 

I got to use the embroider feature of my Bernina 180 -- I've had it for almost 20 years and we get along well as long as I can find the manual!  I used a cotton pique from the other grandma's stash to create the cuffs -- it has good body so the embroidery worked well.

To be sure the names were centered on the cuffs, I used a huge piece for the embroidery step and then cut the cuffs in two pieces (back and front) so I could center the name perfectly.

Here are all my parts ready for the final assembly.  

Notice that I added the green polka dot for the undercuff.  It's also the lining, a little pocket on the backside (a whim?), and the hanger loop.  It came from the other grandma's fabric as well as the plaid corduroy for the back. 

NOTICE that the back stocking piece is reversed -- must do that!

I felt a bit tentative about the final assembly since I was winging it without a pattern so I spent some time watching several You-tube videos about "making a patchwork stocking".  

I liked this ONE.

I probably should have done that first but I did a couple things differently so I'll share those ideas with you.  

To begin, I cut the cuff pieces 1/4" wider than the top of the stocking so it will be slightly larger and will lay smoother.  I stitched the side seams of the cuff pieces with 1/4" seams and the side seams of the lining pieces with 5/16" seams to make two rings.  Taking a slightly deeper seam on the lining helps it lay smoothly inside the cuff because it's just slightly smaller.

 I pressed the seams of both open. 

The cuff lining is inserted inside the cuff with right sides together, pinned along the lower edge and stitched all the way around with a 1/4" seam along the lower edge with the lining inside.  

Once the lining is pulled out of the cuff, pressing the seam flat towards the lining makes it easier to crease the edge when the lining is folded to the inside. 

Once the lining is pulled to the inside of the cuff and the lower edge pressed, it could be edge stitched by hand along the fold with a contrasting floss or by machine with a decorative stitch.

The cuff is ready!

 

As the videos instructed, I stitched the pieced front and the backing together, right sides facing, with a 1/4" seam.

I clipped the curves of the heel, toe, and the instep to get a smoother curve before turning the stocking right side out and steaming the edges.

When I stitched the two lining pieces together I left a 4" opening along the straightest side for turning and used this tip from a stuffed-object-maker friend -- stitch off at an angle (as below) on both sides of any opening to make it easier to turn the seam allowance inwards after everything is right side out.

I also use a different seam allowance for the lining!  I begin the seam allowance depth at 5/16" at the top of the stocking and taper into 3/8" within the upper 2" of the stocking.  Then I continue at 3/8" all the way around and then as taper back to 5/16" within 2" of the opposite end.  This is a trick I learned from tailoring classes many years ago to make the lining slightly smaller so it lays more smoothly inside the stocking.  This is especially helpful if batting is used in the stocking.

(I do the same thing on pouches and totebags!)

No picture, but I used 1 1/2" by 8" strips of the lining material to make the hanging loops.

Press the strip in half lengthwise, then fold each raw edge into the fold and press.

Fold again and edge stitch along the open edge.

Slip the cuff over the top of the stocking matching the side seams. 

 Pin in place and baste around the top edge.

Fold the hanger strip in half and pin the raw ends to top edge at the side seam  with the loop laying down along the cuff. 

It was easiest just to fold back the foot of the stocking before pushing it down into the lining - there's no need to push it all the way in and get it flat because it's just going to come back out.

Insert the outside stocking with the cuff and hanging loop attached into the lining which is still wrong side out.

Align the raw edges of the lining and the stocking.  Stitch with 1/4" seam -- it's a good idea to stitch over the section where the loop is attached a couple times to reinforce it.  

(Don't want that loop to come out when the stocking is loaded with goodies!!) 

Now pull the stocking out through the hole in the side of the lining.

Make sure everything is attached and secure. 

Final step is to close up the opening in the lining.

Then push the lining down into the stocking and make sure it is smooth.

Press around the top edge and it's finished!! 

Preston's middle name is Fox (family name) so when I spotted the red fox on a Lewis and Irene Christmas print from last year, I had to fussy cut it and add it to the patchwork. 

What we do for one, we have to do for all!!

The kids' personalities are beginning to emerge and the snowy owl in the print reminds me of Payton.

She has a serene countenance already and I think she'll be a quiet girl but strong.

Parker is bright and promises to be a busy, cheerful person much like a squirrel.  

Almost done with my Christmas making -- 2 socks left to knit!!

Working hard not to get any more clever ideas!!

How about you?

Next it will be time to clean up the studio and get ready for 2020 making!!

Merry Christmas!

Mary

Linking up with TGIFF!!