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Homespun Christmas – Handmade Holidays

By Anita 52 Comments

I consider myself craft-challenged, and you regular readers know where I’m headed here.  Yes, it’s time for this week’s installment of…

Anita’s clumsy craft.

 

I’ve been thinking for a long time about making some little stockings (like the ones Ann On Sutton Place makes) so I thought why not make them for our party?  I have made lots of things from grain sacks, so I had lots of fabric bits left over, just begging to be used.


As I was planning the wee little stockings, I began to look at Ann’s stockings on Etsy.  I read about her regular-sized stockings and how they are lined, and how she uses the drawstring from vintage grain sacks for the hanging loop.  I began to compare my work to hers.  I NOW know that is a dangerous thing.

I began to think that my stockings would not be good enough.  I am a home seamstress; I sew A LOT, but I don’t usually line things that I sew.  Sure I make window covering, slipcovers, pillows, and bedding and such,  but they are usually UN-lined.  (You can see more of my sewing projects, here.)

 

I wanted my stockings to be perfect for you, so I decided I would line my mini stockings.  I also looked at the loop on Ann’s stockings and how she uses the drawstring from vintage grain sacks.  Although I also used vintage grain sack fabric, they were all scraps from previous projects, and I had long ago discarded the drawstring from them.  For this project, I would have to use something less exciting, like new satin ribbon.

In rifling through my sewing cabinet, I discovered some leftover muslin fabric to use for the lining.  I cut out all of my stocking pieces so I had a stack for the stockings, and a stack for the liners. I began to sew my first stocking. Soon it was time to add the liner, but the little bugger was so tiny that it became almost impossible to attach the lining using my machine. I soldiered on.  After man-handling the first stocking pretty roughly, I was finished with my first one.

I stepped back to survey my work.  It looked funny.  Maybe it was the way I was looking at it, so tilted my head like Nipper the Victrola dog.  (Remember him?  Oh, NVM.) No, it still looked… well… weird… wonky. It wasn’t the viewing angle, it was the stocking; in a word, it looked AWFUL.  It didn’t lay flat.  Now I wanted to say a bad word, but I didn’t because I used to be a Sunday School teacher.  One might have slipped out.  Now what was I going to do, about the stockings, I mean?

I knew you were coming and you would be expecting something gorgeous; you would be excited and have your party hats on (not literally of course) and you would open up my page, and your smile would disappear, with the sound of a ‘hmmmm’.  In it’s place, a puzzled look would form.  You would think “Oh.., that’s weird.”  And then I could see hundreds of people simultaneously tilting their heads to the right when they saw my stockings, wondering if maybe a different angle would improve the view.  Oh, no that would be dreadful.

I began to feel pretty silly for cutting out all of those little liners for my stockings.  I began to wonder if the whole thing had been a big mistake. But then I remembered my little friend… one of my best friends… my seam ripper.  Yes, I ripped that puppy out of my perfectly good (or good enough) little stocking.  I then realized that there was no way anyone lines these little guys.  (Ann is probably laughing as she reads about my fiasco.  I now realize she probably does not line her LITTLE stockings.)

 

And that’s when I re-learned one of life’s little lessons…

BE YOURSELF.

After I removed the bogus lining, the bunchy stocking morphed into what I had imagined.  It looked well… pretty cute to me.  And when I realized I couldn’t use the liners for the stockings, honestly I was relieved.  I didn’t want to do all of that extra work any way.  It’s not that I don’t love you, it’s just that my family wanted to eat dinner that night.  I went back to the sewing machine and made the rest of my stockings, after I made dinner.

So I was pleased with my stockings now, but there was still the little matter of a ginormous pile of muslin pieces already cut and ready to be sewn. Right then and there, I decided I was not going to be defeated by a pile of fabric.  Soooo, do you know what the latest thing is at my house?  Homemade muslin gift bags!  That’s right, I predict they will be all the rage this year.  (Sorry no pictures today, but I’ll have some later.)

When I make mistakes, which is more often than I care to admit here, I try to figure out how to make lemonade from lemons.  That’s where I’m the most creative probably from years of practice.  So if you get a gift from me in a muslin stocking gift bag, just forget you ever heard this story.

 

 

Thanks for coming by for a visit, and not judging.  Want more Christmas, try these posts…

 

Christmas on the Back Porch

 

 

Homemade Linen Stocking

 

Homemade Snow Globes

Want even more???
Come back later, and I will have even more Christmas decorating, simple and natural, cause that’s how I roll.

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Filed Under: Christmas, Project

Comments

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    December 7, 2012 at 00:34

    The party link is set for 22 hours from now.

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    December 7, 2012 at 00:37

    Well, I think your little stockings are over the top cute. I wish I sewed, but then I would be afraid to cut my grain sacks.

    Reply
  3. Salmagundi says

    December 7, 2012 at 01:04

    I think your little stockings are adorable. Thanks for hosting this fun party. Sally

    Reply
  4. Doreen @ Hymns and Verses says

    December 7, 2012 at 01:05

    I think all bloggers who sew compare themselves to Ann (because I do too)!!! So funny! I think your stockings are adorable displayed on the drying rack!

    Reply
  5. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    December 7, 2012 at 01:06

    Oh Anita I am cracking up!! I adore this whole post. Your little stockings are just perfect…and you are right. I don’t line the mini ones. I just put a little facing on the top to finish them off. Your pictures are crystal clear and beautiful. Well done. I’ve loved doing this link party with you!

    Reply
  6. Karen says

    December 7, 2012 at 01:09

    Those stockings are perfect and I love that drying rack too. Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  7. Dawn says

    December 7, 2012 at 01:12

    The stockings are adorable. Thanks for hosting tonight:)

    Reply
  8. Designs By Pinky says

    December 7, 2012 at 01:42

    I sure wish I had something to link up but I do not sew. I wish I were more “crafty”, that is not my forte. Your stockings are adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!! XO, Pinky

    Reply
  9. Debra @ Common Ground says

    December 7, 2012 at 01:43

    Anita, you’re way too funny. I try not to overthink projects too much, it gives me a headache! LOVE your adorable little stockings, so so cute!!

    Reply
  10. Jill Flory of Sew a Fine Seam says

    December 7, 2012 at 01:50

    Your stockings are darling! I love them! And I’m sure Ann does too!!

    Reply
  11. Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says

    December 7, 2012 at 01:55

    Ooooh, Anita, I love your grain sack mini stockings!!! They are so lovely!!

    Reply
  12. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    December 7, 2012 at 02:18

    I love your stockings, Anita! They are gorgeous! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  13. thepaintedapron.com says

    December 7, 2012 at 02:38

    That’s hilarious, but now I’m nervous…I have to finish a needlepoint stocking for my grendson…I decided to do it myself because I don’t want to pay $100+ to have it professionally done. I thought, well, how hard can it be to line it? Thanks for SAVING ME from that waste of time, this year it goes unlined and maybe by next year I’ll figure it out! Thanks for a fun party!
    Jenna

    Reply
  14. Cristina Garay says

    December 7, 2012 at 02:39

    I love your mini stockings and how they look on the drying rack! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  15. Kim @ La Belle Époque says

    December 7, 2012 at 02:44

    Muslin stocking gift bags are a great idea and I think your little stockings are adorable. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  16. Leslie Harris says

    December 7, 2012 at 03:00

    Anita I love these. But I have to say that your version of a clumsy craft would be my dream one. I wish I could sew these little guys, even the lumpy ones would make me proud. Too cute!
    Leslie (aka Gwen Moss)

    Reply
  17. Lizy says

    December 7, 2012 at 03:14

    Anita, there’re many things I can’t do and sewing is a the top of my list!!! but your stockings are super cute! I love them! Thanks for hosting this great party! Be Proud of your Cuties!

    Reply
  18. Chenille Cottage says

    December 7, 2012 at 03:21

    Cute Times Ten!!! What sweet little stockings and just in time to make up a few for friends for Christmas!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Carolynn

    Reply
  19. At The Picket Fence says

    December 7, 2012 at 03:46

    Oh no! If you think you are craft challenged Anita then I must be a craft disaster. LOL! Those little stockings are soooo adorable and I think you are incredibly talented. I’m so happy to be linking up my homemade vanilla extract and re-purposed gift packaging! 🙂
    Thanks so much for hosting,
    Vanessa

    Reply
  20. Jann Olson says

    December 7, 2012 at 04:06

    Loving your sweet little stockings Anita. Lining those babies would be a tough job. I am still drooling over that French rack! You are an amazing seamstress. I can’t even imagine recovering your furniture like you did. Thanks for this fun party.
    Hugs,
    Jann

    Reply
  21. Sarah says

    December 7, 2012 at 04:26

    Anita, your little mini stockings are darling. I can think of lots of uses for these charmers. Great job!

    Reply
  22. Sharon @ Lilikoi Joy says

    December 7, 2012 at 05:56

    I enjoyed reading your stocking story. 🙂 The stockings turned out so cute! Thank you for hosting. Sharon

    Reply
  23. Gray Cardigan says

    December 7, 2012 at 09:48

    I’m having trouble linking up and I have tried it twice. Not sure what the problem is — I have linked at this type of Linky Party before.

    Janet

    Reply
  24. Gray Cardigan says

    December 7, 2012 at 10:01

    Oh, dear — they must have taken a little bit to show up — I see the posts are there – twice. Are you able to delete one of them as I cannot?

    So sorry,
    Janet

    Reply
  25. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    December 7, 2012 at 10:10

    Your stockings turned out so cute-fun idea:@)

    Reply
  26. Debbie@Mountain Breaths says

    December 7, 2012 at 11:56

    Those sweet mini stockings are darling! I am happy to share my urn makeover using unwanted bowling balls. Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  27. Patty says

    December 7, 2012 at 12:44

    Your stockings are adorable…I am linking up for the first time at your party and am now a follower of your lovely blog….. 🙂

    Reply
  28. On Crooked Creek says

    December 7, 2012 at 13:30

    Anita,
    What adorable little mini~Christmas Stockings!!!

    FIRST. . .Thanks for hosting this informative and crative Homespun Christmas Link Party!!!

    SECOND. . .Thank you for posting your entry on making Christmas Stockings!!! I am in the planning stage of making four handmade Christmas Stockings for our Christmas On Crooked Creek!!! Need all the HELP I can get!!!

    THIRD. . .Thank you for sharing with us that sometimes, things just don’tgo as planned!!!

    Wish me luck!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    Reply
  29. Eclectically Vintage says

    December 7, 2012 at 13:35

    Your stockings are hung on the bottle drying rack with care – love them! Nipper would approve!

    Thanks for the party.
    Kelly

    Reply
  30. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    December 7, 2012 at 13:54

    What a great idea to hang on the stockings on the drying rack…They are wonderful….and love the linen stocking!!…Thanks for hosting … love this link party!!

    Reply
  31. Melissa says

    December 7, 2012 at 14:37

    I love your stockings, they are so pretty! You did a wonderful job.

    All of your photos / and rooms are gorgeous!
    Thanks for hosting this party!

    Reply
  32. Mary says

    December 7, 2012 at 15:00

    Your stockings look great on the drying rack. Thank you for hosting.

    Reply
  33. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    December 7, 2012 at 15:30

    Thanks for hosting! Love those stockings! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  34. Nici Higby says

    December 7, 2012 at 15:32

    I love your little stockings! All your Christmas touches are adorable. Thanks for hosting!
    Christmas blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
  35. Marianne Songbird says

    December 7, 2012 at 16:05

    Those stockings are adorable! What a fun little craft project. Thanks for sharing and thanks for hosting the party.

    Reply
  36. Anne says

    December 7, 2012 at 16:07

    Your stockings are so pretty Anita even with that fiasco.I envy those that can sew because I cannot! Thank you so much for hosting!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  37. Sherry says

    December 7, 2012 at 16:34

    Christmas is looking wonderful at your place! Thank you for hosting!
    Sherry

    Reply
  38. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    December 7, 2012 at 17:38

    What a darling little group of Christmas stocking! I somehow feel so much better about my sewing exploits (sorry) after reading your post! Something always seems to go astray!!!!
    Your stocking and the way you displayed them… and everything else you have done is so so beautiful!!!!
    Thanks for sharing and being such a darling hostess!

    Reply
  39. Sweet Cottage Dreams says

    December 7, 2012 at 18:00

    I love your stockings! You had me at wonky! 🙂 They turned out so cute and how you displayed them is just fabulous! Thanks for hosting the party! I joined up, too. I’ll be back for more visits when I get home today.

    Merry Christmas from California to Texas!

    Becky

    Reply
  40. Gail says

    December 7, 2012 at 18:39

    These little stockings are so lovable and sweet. Thanks so much for hosting. I just discovered your wonderful blog through StoneGable!

    Reply
  41. Athena at Minervas Garden says

    December 7, 2012 at 18:54

    I love your little stockings, Anita. They are really cute! Thank you so much for hosting the party today, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  42. Mary Ann at classic•casual•home says

    December 7, 2012 at 19:56

    I like how you roll…”simple and natural”…me too!

    Reply
  43. PURA VIDA says

    December 7, 2012 at 21:19

    cute little socks!

    Reply
  44. kitty says

    December 8, 2012 at 00:47

    I think your little stockings are adorable! Thanks for hosting and sharing.

    Reply
  45. Kathy Shea Mormino says

    December 8, 2012 at 01:58

    Thank you for hosting this inspiring party! I have linked up a few. Have a wonderful week!

    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

    Reply
  46. Jeanette@Creating A Life says

    December 8, 2012 at 02:01

    Your little stockings are just beautiful, Anita! Such gorgeous photos. Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  47. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    December 8, 2012 at 02:18

    The stockings are so cute. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  48. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    December 8, 2012 at 02:37

    I think your tiny stockings are gorgeous! They are so much better than what I could make! I would have to glue them! 🙂 You know me and sewing! I love them on the French drying rack! Your Christmas looks wonderful!

    Reply
  49. Maria Elena says

    December 8, 2012 at 12:11

    Love, love your little stockings!!! Thank you for hosting this fabulous party!

    Reply
  50. Maria Elena says

    December 8, 2012 at 12:11

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  51. Kerry says

    December 8, 2012 at 18:00

    Hi Anita, found your party and decided to join in and follow on GFC. Nice to meet you!

    Reply
  52. Denise @ secondtimearoundfinds says

    December 10, 2012 at 18:36

    Thanks for hosting. Have a great week.
    Denise

    Reply

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