Design Wall Monday

My number one priority today is Christmas cards. This year I have figured out how to send them by email so many folks will be getting them that way. Not as fun as getting a card in the mail but more timely for me since that's always the last holiday chore on my list.

Merry and Chris Moose are almost done. Had to trek out in the snow for twigs to turn into antlers. One needs his arms attached and parka finished.

My design wall holds three stockings in progress. All three are Hearthsewn designs. This designer comes up with a new stocking every year. A key ingredient is a mini stuffed bear that sits on the stocking. I've made at least a dozen of these stockings. I love them! They usually incorporate several techniques: patchwork, paper piecing, hand applique and/or fusible applique. I'm hoping to finish the applique work on the center stocking this week. The two outside stockings need to be hand quilted then it is on to final construction. It takes me about 20 hours to make one of these stockings.

I work on stockings year round. Whenever I lack something to post I will turn to my stocking collection...it's my thing. I have at least 70 handmade stockings. Most people urge me to give them as gifts but I have gifting issues because I don't know how many people really appreciate handmade gifts when they are used to buying from discount stores. After all my work I don't want it thrown in a storage box for an eternity. I want them to be enjoyed and the stockings give me great enjoyment hanging on the walls of my sewing room throughout the year.