The best stocking stuffer is love

In days gone by and long ago I used to make Christmas stockings for family and friends. I was young and bored and although I don't sew, I'm pretty darn handy with the glue and safety pins. I've mastered the embroidery and basting stich so the socks stayed together well and have fared pretty good over the decades.

The last stocking I made was for my baby girl in 1988. Said baby girl has now grown up and moved to the other side of the planet living her own life and falling in love with a mysterious stranger. She called a couple of weeks back and asked if this new stranger could come home with her for Christmas. After agreeing to this she asked if I would make him a special stocking to hang at the fireplace mantel next to hers. Hmmm. That is a pretty big request and as I said yes to the request, I was already doubting that I could resurrect my crafty stocking creations.

 In the past I had 10 designs and could replicate them. Definitely dated by their decade but still cute. None of them would do for the stranger so I had to come up with a new pattern. After hours of stress and attempts at cutting, success was had. I figure I invested 18 hours into the sock. Best of all I conquered the Singer sewing machine and managed to get it rethreaded and bobbinized after a few dozen attempts. ( It is new in box. A unwanted birthday gift from Mr. Man who had  visions of me sewing a fine linen suit for him). I read the operators manual and followed pictured instructions in 3 different languages before I began. I am college educated and have used sophisticated medical equipment on real people to keep them alive. Surely I could manage a sewing machine.
 Tangled in un-tameable thread of various colors, glittered and sequined in places neither belong, and trekking beads and material bits throughout the house the stocking was done. Awed at my own newfound stitching ability, I was inspired.

   So ensued the creation of 5 new stockings for 5 new people in our lives. My self congratulatory remarks are more from actually using  material and no glue on them than for artistry. All of them are flawed with major boo-boos but its as good as it can be. My fingers are scarred from the billion pricks sewn into them ( noted- keep finger out of way of surging sewing needle.) and blistered by an erroneous hot glue gun but gladly they are done.

Their recipients seem pleased and I am happy to have made them happy.

I am officially Christmas crafted out. The mess has been packed away and any remnants of the creation have been hidden in various drawers and cupboards.

Its time now to hang those stockings up and wait the arrival of our Santa Claus and hope something delightful fills them to the brim. . . but the best stocking stuffer is love and joy.. . . . and a piece of chocolate.

Happy Christmas to everyone this 2015.