A longer gestation time than my child

As we were putting our Christmas decorations away last January, Kraig mentioned that he thought it would be nice if our family had matching stockings. The previous 4 Christmases we've just used a mismatched few collected from various locations. I've always wanted to have matching stockings, but never thought Kraig would go for it. When he mentioned it, I didn't hesitate in going out to buy a pattern and the perfect fabric I had always envisioned for our stockings.

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I started the project in January. First I did the tree skirt. The fabric I bought was two different patterns with a low loft batting machine quilted in between the layers. I had to modify the pattern a bit to fit my "pre-made" fabric, but I was pleased with the results. I even learned to do mitered corners on the binding (there aren't a lot of mitered corners required in clothing construction--most of the sewing I've done to this point)

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Then I started on the matching stockings. The first Wednesday of every month our Relief Society gathers for our Workshop Wednesday to work on our unfinished projects. I started my stockings there, working once a month at the Workshop. After 10 months (11 months, if you count the time I spent on the tree skirt), I FINALLY finished the project. The other ladies applauded as I cut my last thread. Here are the finished products:

I hand stitched on the white binding, and used my sister's embroidery machine for the names. The hardest part was figuring out how to attach the stocking to the cuff since I had altered the pattern. But I'm SO pleased with the results and I finished them not a moment too soon.

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Oh, and don't worry. I made 4 additional small stockings that just need a name added for any additional children and/or daughters-in-law that will join our family.

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Check this unfinished "baby" off my list!