I’ve spent the past couple fo weeks working on a present for my new nephew, and have finally finished it – so I thought I’d share my project with you. I have used my Crafting Christmas Gifts book from Dunelm Mill for the penguin pattern and stocking-making instructions, and it was so easy follow that I got the whole item finished within a couple of evenings!
I used iron-on sticky webbing on the back of all of the fabrics that I wanted to appliqué, which made it easier to trace the pattern onto the paper backing, and much easier to cut the fabric into intricate shapes without it fraying.
I layered up the pieces of the main motif into a sort of ‘fabric painting’ of the penguin and christmas tree, then ironed all of the pieces together before machine stitching around the edges to secure them and stop any future fraying.
I also appliquéd a name badge onto the front of the pocket before stitching it to the stocking – the pocket is for putting the letter to Santa on Christmas eve!
I added a few patches and holly leaves and tried using blanket stitch for the first time! It was much easier than I’d expected, and the instructions in the book were excellent.
The stocking is constructed with a stocking-lining within the main stocking and folded over at the top. Plus, I blanket stitched all the way around the stocking to join the front to the back. I loved actually sewing by hand for once, and I’ll definitely be doing it again, as I found it so relaxing! I added a loop for hanging the stocking on the fireplace, ready for Father Christmas’ visit this year!