Stockings Hung Everywhere….
by
Cindy Jones
Could a simple craft idea turn into a tradition, decoration, or interior decor? If you are a Jones, it might very well be true. If you are “keeping up with the Joneses,” then perhaps you will be interested in starting your own stocking tradition.
The stocking tradition began with a gift to my son by his aunt before he turned one. Each year she would take a small pre-made stocking and decorated for her nieces and nephews. She completed the gift with candies stuffed in the stockings and hung them on her tree. One Christmas we were unable to get together with family, and I took it upon myself to make all three of my children a stocking. The tradition was born.
After that I would let my children pick out material that they liked or reminded them of a special memory for that year. I have made beach stockings, race car stockings, fish stockings, Blue’s Clues stockings, soccer stockings, football stockings, and many more. Some of the stockings have trim, ribbons, buttons, jingle bells, small pictures of my children, and polymer clay figures we made. The child’s name is always put on their stocking along with the date it was made.
Of course they don’t fit on my mantle anymore, or a Christmas tree for that matter. Thank goodness for stairwells! I have been fortunate to have one in each house that we have lived. The stairwell has become the perfect place for all the stockings.
Not only do I get many complements from the stocking display, they are a very important part of my family’s Christmas now. I have extended the stockings as gifts to family and friends. Teachers loved getting their own with baked goodies and supplies they can use through the rest of the school year. Nursing homes are another place to take them filled with goodies such as; a bar of soap, socks, and hand lotion.
I have made several different sizes from tiny to extra large. They are very simple to make either with a sewing machine or stitching by hand. A bought pattern can be used, or trace an existing stocking that you have. Use iron-on interfacing to give it a little extra support. Remember to add ribbon at the top edge to hang it with. Embroidered names and years add a nice touch, but fabric paint is just as fun and much easier. In fact, my kids enjoy decorating their own, but you may want to make a few extra, they can get carried away!
Oh, and don’t forget the family pet!
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