Felt Stockings

When we started our family, I wanted to make a stocking for each of my children.  The only problem was, I didn't know how to make one.  I didn't knit or crochet, and at the time I hadn't sewed in years. 

Then, one day online, I came across Bucilla's Felt Stocking Kits.  I immediately thought- "I can do that!"  Little did I knew that I would have to learn all sorts of embroidery and applique techniques!  Needless to say, it was a "learn-as-you-go" experience.  But my first one turned out so cute, I decided to stay with it.

This is not a paid advertisement for Bucilla.  I don't represent them, nor have I been asked to say anything about them.  This is simply my own experience with them.

Here is my oldest daughter's stocking. 

There is beading and sequining, and I had to learn running stitch, backstitch, blanket stitch, outline stitch, chain stitch, and applique stitch.

Not bad for a first try!

My middle child's stocking was a bit simpler, but still very cute.

Then, I chose one for my youngest, who was born in October of last year.  I tried to have it ready for his first Christmas, but it was just SO detailed, and he was SO demanding as a newborn, that I just gave up and put it away.  I broke it out again this fall, and spent hours and hours on it to get it ready for this Christmas.  Most of the work was sequin/beading.  It is very time-intensive- but really adds a pop to his stocking.

Look at some of the detail on this stocking.  This side of the box alone probably took me three hours to do. (Keep in mind, I have RA, so my hands don't work as well as I would like them to).

The top of this stocking is completely adorable- especially the jingle bells:

And I love these felt ornaments:

If you want to try one yourself, they are available at some craft or fabric stores, or online.  They take a lot of time, but really aren't that difficult.  All in all, I LOVE these stockings.  Right now my young children don't appreciate the time and effort (literally, blood, sweat, and tears) that went into making them, but I hope as they grow older, they will become a treasured keepsake.