"The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care"

I have been on the hunt for Christmas stockings for all of us that I LOVE for what seems like FOREVER! I'm talking year after year after year. More specifically, since 2006 when Joe and I got married. I wanted stockings that were festive, personalized, unique and would grow with the kids throughout the years.

After looking in stores, browsing the web and scouring Pinterest I gave up and solicited my Momma to help make our own. I got so many compliments on them I thought I would share the process with you so you could make your own, too :)

First, I found a few sample ideas on Pinterest and used those to help figure out what kind of layout I needed and the amount/type of supplies I need (fabric, ribbon, bells).

I went to local fabric stores and looked online for fabric pieces that I liked. I wanted each of us to have our own stockings but wanted them to match as a whole even though each one was different. The hardest fabric to find was the Yankees logo; I had to use a pair of Joe's pajama pants for that strip because fleece was the only fabric online and that's not really conducive to the project we were working on.

After buying the different pieces I decided that I wanted each stocking to have the same layout. I treated each one like a puzzle and even though the pieces looked different the shape and size were all the same. I think this helps make the stockings look like a whole set instead of too individualized.

I played with the different fabrics and ribbons until I found a layout for each stocking that I liked. The final step was taking a picture and passing this project along to my Mom.

My mom designed a stocking pattern to use as the base so it was easier to sew on the different puzzle pieces. I wanted the stockings to be a bit larger and more wide than typical stockings so we could fit enough goodies in there on Christmas morning. First, she sewed the fabric pieces on and then added the ribbon segments, making sure the seams were tight and followed the shape of the stocking. Mom added the top cuff last and embroidered our names on them. 

Here's the final product! We love them and they are perfect to grow with our family each year.