Before I learned to sew, I knitted Christmas stockings for both my son and newborn daughter. Their names were knitted into the cuffs and Ryan’s featured a choo-choo train, Rebecca’s a doll and wreath. I really dislike those stockings now, but my children hold them dear. Even though they are parents themselves, they think tradition trumps good looks and age appropriate designs. Memories of childhood Christmas magic are precious, I know.
When I was asked to make stockings for my grandchildren, it seems that I would have learned my lesson. But I reverted to my preference for childhood fantasy.   I might regret it years from now if the children prefer something more contemporary.
If that happens, I will not make a Spiderman or Dora the Explorer stocking. I refuse. So all three get traditional juvenile Christmas designs. If they want something else, they can shop at Cracker Barrel. They always have a nice selection.
Robert’s stocking is mostly appliqué, with what has become the Ferguson Family Christmas signature, a gingerbread house. I don’t recall the source of the house or the scampering boy, but I do recall the day I found the ginger colored ultrasuede and decided to buy a little instead of a lot. It is perfect for gingerbread appliqués and I’ve done a lot of those. Regrettably, my supply is about to give out.
The flying Santa is from Sew Terrific’s North Pole Express collection. Since his father is a pilot, Robert’s room is decorated with an airplane theme. So this design seemed appropriate.
I enjoyed adding the three dimensional details–the button propeller center and the bugle bead blades. The heart at the top of the gingerbread house is a button. The Christmas trees are topped with small beads, as is the front of the gingerbread boy.
Red polar fleece makes up the toe, heel and cuff of the stocking. Black piping accents the color separation and the outline. Robert’s name is stitched in a candy cane font. I spent a lot of time editing the letters so that they grew taller as the cuff became wider.
Unfortunately, I failed to take into account the depth of the polar fleece. He could go into the Witness Protection Plan with this stocking and be safe from identification. I love Christmas, both the reason and the season. Grandchildren make it more special that I ever could have imagined.
