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beats the fun of putting your own stamp on the Christmas preparations,
so why not make your own stocking? There are eighteen to choose
from in here, from wee ones making up an advent calendar to
a huge toy sack, and you can embellish them in a number of
attractive ways.
You don’t need a lot of sewing know how to make any
of these stockings, and indeed some are even suitable for
children or beginners. You only need the most basic of sewing
machines and equipment. Some stockings are even made from
(or include) felt, that most forgiving and novice-friendly
of fabrics. The book begins with a section on how to make
the basic stocking, complete with plenty of helpful photographic
stages, plus a page about using fusible web for appliqué.
The stockings themselves are pleasantly varied in both decoration
and technique, and make the most of the range of Christmas
fabrics available. There are Scandinavian stockings in red
and white, one decorated with felt scallops, an appliqué
snowman, baubles or trees, stripes, stars and more. Work with
felt and/or cotton, embroider, appliqué, add trimming
or even upcycle an old sweater. I had imagined just stockings
for hanging up on Christmas Eve, but there is an advent calendar,
party favor bag and stockings for just decoration too, a nice
mix. The instructions are fairly easy to follow once you have
mastered the basic technique, and all the patterns are contained
at the back of the book in a pocket. Each project comprises
a full page photo of the finished item, while opposite it
are the instructions plus materials and tools list, the latter
a nice touch. The result is a user friendly book that is suitable
for all levels of crafter with cheerful, contemporary patterns.
If you cannot find a good range of sewing materials locally
try www.searchpress.com
for a list of suppliers.
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