Currently Stitching: Mini Stockings and Mug Rugs

If you've been following along the last few weeks, you know I've been working my way through a pile of Christmas fabric leftovers. Originally I was going to make a bunch of bags, and instead ended up with some scrappy coasters - which I like a lot! I tried to get back to the bags again, and then ended up with these mini Christmas stockings!

I started out by using as many of the same size strips as possible from the scrap pile. I tried to get 2.5 x 5 inch strips for the herringbone design. This pattern requires half seams to get the final look, which I know some folks would rather avoid! But the final affect is always worth it for me! 

Once I got the whole piece put together, I couldn't decide how to cut to make one large stocking. So  I decided to make miniature ones instead! I've never made one before and I did not have a pattern. (So, you know, really good plan!) Sometimes you've just got to mess around and have fun and see how it turns out! Hopefully this will inspire you to squeeze in some last minute Christmas sewing!

I went through some of my leftover scrap trimmings that were in my stash and used it to quilt all over. I didn't want to do anything to distract from the herringbone so I thought large waves would be the best option. It gives it some movement while not taking away from the points. Despite the work behind it, I really like how it looks when it's sewn, ironed, and quilted.

I used this variegated thread to quilt the fabric. I like that it had green, red, gold and white in it! A very festive spool of thread indeed!

I took a piece of scrap batting and traced out a stocking shape until I was happy with the look of it. I laid it on top of parts of the herringbone design until I found a placement I liked. I wanted to get as much of the fabrics and pattern into the boots as I could.

It's important to remember to FLIP the boot when cutting them out. You need a front and a back in order to make a stocking. I managed to get enough for 5 out of the sewn up strips!

After that, I treated it a lot like a normal bag. I cut out linings in the same shape of the boots (both sides).

Instead of a zipper I chose to do little hanging loops and the embroidered cuffs. Unfortunately I messed those up quite a bit. It's very important to be careful of the placement of the name and the hoop. You're sort of doing everything backwards so that it shows up right side out when you're done.

One side - quilted boot, embroidered cuff, lining, sewn like sides together.

Other side - quilted boot, plain cuff, and hoop. Make sure to sew the hoop in a quarter inch away from the outside so you don't sew it down to the boot.

Then you lay the it all like sides tougher and sew around the outside, leaving a hole in a part of the lining to turn it inside out. I did not top stitch around the cuff. But I did iron the boots pretty good once they were reversed.

I am pretty pleased with how they turned out! They're going to go on the tree at work!

While I was working on the boots I had the embroidery machine running and made these mugs rugs! It's a pattern from Amelie Scott Designs. While I can't share the instructions or measurements with you, I can say that if you're new to embroidery, I would recommend it! I felt comfortable sewing on something else why the machine ran through these.

It comes in a pattern pack of four with snowmen, mittens, snowflakes and hot cocoa. The instructions are extensive and very clear! It's also a great way to use up some scraps.

I've only done two of the designs so far and they still need to be bound! I can't wait to get the other ones made! I just keep making these two because they're so cute! They're also a great winter project - not related to the holidays. She's got tons of other mug rug designs on her website if these don't appeal to you.

Lastly this week, they let me do some training on the longarm at work! I cannot even tell you how pumped I am! I kept it really simple and chose to do a penguin flannel and a this flag mug flannel. I learned so much about the machine and how to get a better product than I could have imagined. There are so many steps between loading and stitching, it was crazy! I have even more respect for my long armer. 

I'm really glad I didn't choose a high stakes project because I made a lot of mistakes. But this soft, happy, warm winter quilt makes it worth it! I did a large snowflake pattern in white thread and it was so much fun! I am so grateful for the folks who are willing to teach and train me.

Now all that's left is to bind the training quilt and the mug rugs! All in all it's been a pretty productive week for me in the studio! Yay! I hope you find yourself getting sewing projects done too! You've still got time to stitch a few things before Christmas!