Occasionally Crafty
When we started our family, I wanted to make a stocking for each of my children. The only problem was, I didn’t know how to make one. I didn’t knit or crochet, and at the time I hadn’t sewed in years. Then, one day online, I came across Bucilla’s Felt Stocking Kits. I immediately thought- “I can do that!” Little did I knew that I would have to learn all sorts of embroidery and applique techniques! Needless to say, it was a “learn-as-you-go” experience. But my first one turned out so cute, I decided to stay with it. 
This is not a paid advertisement for Bucilla. I don’t represent them, nor have I been asked to say anything about them. This is simply my own experience with them.
Here is my oldest daughter’s stocking.
There is beading and sequining, and I had to learn running stitch, backstitch, blanket stitch, outline stitch, chain stitch, and applique stitch.
Not bad for a first try!
My middle child’s stocking was a bit simpler, but still very cute.
Then, I chose one for my youngest, who was born in October of last year. I tried to have it ready for his first Christmas, but it was just SO detailed, and he was SO demanding as a newborn, that I just gave up and put it away. I broke it out again this fall, and spent hours and hours on it to get it ready for this Christmas. Most of the work was sequin/beading. It is very time-intensive- but really adds a pop to his stocking.
Look at some of the detail on this stocking. This side of the box alone probably took me three hours to do. (Keep in mind, I have RA, so my hands don’t work as well as I would like them to). 
The top of this stocking is completely adorable- especially the jingle bells:
And I love these felt ornaments:
If you want to try one yourself, they are available at some craft or fabric stores, or online. They take a lot of time, but really aren’t that difficult. All in all, I LOVE these stockings. Right now my young children don’t appreciate the time and effort (literally, blood, sweat, and tears) that went into making them, but I hope as they grow older, they will become a treasured keepsake.
