Christmas Stockings for Grown Ups
It really was the best of times and worst of times, that first Christmas of 1995. It was the best because I had just met Bill, the man who would become my husband and business partner. It was the worst because his mother Connie, a young widow, lay clinging to life in a hospital room. She had a degenerative illness so we could not be optimistic that her health was going to improve. It was heart-breaking and so, so sad.
Their family did not have Christmas stockings for grown-ups, only for children. I decided that making some stockings and filling them with a few small treats was going to be the only real hope for Christmas cheer that we were going to have that year.
Before her illness Connie was a very talented weaver and had a very minimal aesthetic. “Less is more” was her motto. She needed a stocking made from sophisticated textiles, simply constructed. I pulled out my antique Japanese indigo fabrics, rescued from old kimonos that I bought in Tokyo and I cut them up (gasp! I loved her that much!) and made her a stocking. I filled it with some hand lotion, a pair of fuzzy socks, and a few small treats that would be nice to have in the hospital.
We were able for fill that stocking for three more Christmases before she died and I still have it. It was so perfect for her and for what she needed Christmas to be: comfortable, portable and not too overwhelming.
And then I needed to make a stocking for Bill. Bill had just hiked the Appalachian Trail, a 2,000 mile hike through the mountains of the east coast of the US which takes six months to complete if you hike all day every day. He was also missing his family’s cat, who had just died, so I made him a soft, furry, backpacker’s stocking.
A large, red heart made out of polymer clay sewn to the outside of the stocking conveyed my affection for him and the small jingle bells sewn around the top were festive without being annoying.
Eleven years later I still love this design, with its secret pockets and straps. The best part of the backpacker’s stocking is that I made all the pockets different sizes, which require thought to fill. The tiny pocket is excellent for a lottery ticket or a ticket to an event.
The long, zippered pocket on the back is fun for a new pen or a new hankerchief. The straps lend themselves to a magazine rolled up or a Toblerone bar. There’s a secret pocket on the back that is perfect for a gift certificate for a tai chi class or a fun photo.
The main compartment is big enough for socks, small books, new art supplies or a new pair of gloves.
If your family doesn’t have stockings, think about making one that reflects each family member’s personality and interests. They don’t have to “go together” or be perfectly crafted, but don’t hold back on the making part–the more they reflect the recipient, the better.
Explore posts in the same categories: sewing+quilting+fabric
December 8th, 2006 at 4:04 am
That’s fantastic. I don’t know why it took reading “They don’t have to ‘go together’” for the lightbulb to go off in my head, but it did, and now I have ideas brewing! (Um, for next year….) Thanks & merry Christmas!
December 8th, 2006 at 4:08 am
I love the stockings and the stories behind them. :) I love that they have hand tailored personalities, just like we do.
December 8th, 2006 at 5:03 am
I love the idea of stockings created to match each family member’s personality, and the little pockets and things to stuff is really clever too.
December 8th, 2006 at 5:41 am
I love all the pockets and whatnot on the second stocking, and the lovely story behind the first. Stockings are just about my favorite part of Christmas, because they were my mom’s favorite.
December 8th, 2006 at 7:05 am
Thank you Weeks for sharing a little bit of your life with us. I love the story behind both stockings, and they both resonated with me.
December 8th, 2006 at 7:16 am
Weeks, you are incredible. I admire you and Bill so much.
December 8th, 2006 at 7:17 am
Wow, those are just incredibly perfect. Thanks for sharing.
December 8th, 2006 at 8:21 am
wow those are great! i was just pondering when i’d find time to make stockings for my family i have the fabric and everything i just need to finish making gifts before i start on the stockings.. UGH sooo much to do not enough time! well there may be more time if i get of the computer once and a while.. LOL
loved them (did i mention that already?)
December 8th, 2006 at 8:34 am
What a fabulous post! I think stockings would be just the thing to house-warm our new house this Christmas.
December 8th, 2006 at 10:36 am
great post! those personalized stockings are a great idea, and full of love.
December 8th, 2006 at 5:23 pm
beautiful idea - in action and intention. lovely. they also suit the not-so-christmasy crafter person like me. so personal. beautiful. thanks for sharing.
December 8th, 2006 at 11:01 pm
What beautiful ideas! I really like the personalized aspect and that they’re not conventional red and green.
December 9th, 2006 at 1:59 am
This is a great idea. Making things personal like this reminds us of how important the thought is behind the gift. I think people forget about the thought too easily. While it’s nice to be able to ask your family or friends for certain gifts during the holidays at times, we must remember how nice it is to receive, and give something, that wasn’t asked for but fits the receiver so perfectly. When someone truly thinks of you during the holidays, THAT is the best feeling.
December 9th, 2006 at 9:05 am
Weeks, that was inspiring! I’m trying to step back and make everyone’s Christmas gifts this year–not something huge for each person, just something hand-made to show I care more than giving the irritatingly generic gift card would. You’ve given me yet another idea to tailor to someone on my list. Thank you…
January 1st, 2007 at 12:29 am
Beautiful idea! Since our dear Mom passed, my sisters and I have donated much to the needy but kept some of her personal items — scarves, tops, etc., of which we cannot part. To use these items as pieces that can be joined into a quilt for Christmas stockings would bring the memory of Mom into our homes again during this season meant for family.
Having never quilted before, it seems a bit intimidating but the scale of a christmas stocking makes sense. Bless you, Weeks, for sharing your pictures and story!