only ten thousand stitches to go
November 01, 2017
Everyone in my family has a needlepointed Christmas stocking. I made the last one in 2000 when my granddaughter was born and now with the birth of my grandson Carter, the kids kept hinting that he needed one too. I managed to ignore them because I'm so into knitting now, but I couldn't ignore the package that arrived on my doorstep. When I opened it I saw a complete Christmas stocking kit. I texted my son, "????", and he replied, "Can you teach me how to do it?" I said I could and then inspected it closely not knowing what to expect as in all my years of needlepointing I had never bought a kit. I'm here to tell you it has EVERYTHING you need, and all so neatly organized with beautiful wools (not acrylics) that are labeled with a color map and detailed directions and even a needle. And here's the big surprise, they only paid $25 including shipping. I'm completely shocked and think it's an unbelievable bargain for the quality. The wool is gorgeous, the design is adorable, the organization is lovely.
I decided to help out my son and stitch Carter's name on it using this free charted alphabet to graph it out. Once that was done I decided to stitch a few of the blue snowflake blobs. I liked it and so I did a few more. It felt very familiar and soothing. Next I asked my husband how many square inches I would have to do per day to have it done by mid-December. He looked at it and figured about three. Hmmm, that seemed doable--only three square inches a day--maybe I would do it myself. The little family popped by on Sunday for dinner and I told him I was thinking about stitching it myself and did he mind. He smiled. And that's how I have added another project to my Christmas craft/knitting/stitching queue. Holy. Moly.
Years ago I professionally finished needlepointed projects into ornaments, pillows, stockings, etc. for a few of the local shops. It was very lucrative and I don't remember why I stopped doing it. When I'm finished with this stitching I'll write up a step-by-step tutorial on how to finish a stocking that is lined and edged with piping. It's not so difficult. In the meantime you may like to start on your own stocking. Below is a link to the Hugging Penguins Christmas Stocking from Dimensions in case you are in need of expanding your Christmas project queue. :) I also found a cute stocking with Santa. He's a pretty popular guy to have on a stocking.
8 Comments
What a great talent to have, but, selfishly, please don't go back to needlepointing after Carter's stocking is done, or we will have less knitting content! Chloe
ReplyDeleteNo way! Needlepoint is awfully fun though!
DeleteWhat a sweet story. I can just see your son's smile when you asked if he'd mind. I know we can count on seeing a picture of the finished project! Carol
ReplyDeleteI know, right? Kinda sneaky! Hopefully I'll have this done by Thanksgiving and I can give it to them then. I've still got my knitting too!
DeleteHi Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI love needlepoint. My Mother-in-Law used to do cross stitch. I did needlepoint. Can I ask what company your kit was ordered from. I would love to make these for my future grandchildren. Beautiful work as always.
Take care,
Leslie
Hi Leslie. Here's the link--it's even cheaper today! Less than $23! https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Needlecrafts-Needlepoint-Hugging-Penguins/dp/B003O9KJ28/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=klrcsr-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=f67b023d67da11de4d960ce8e236d281&creativeASIN=B003O9KJ28
DeleteYou'll have to copy and paste this url to your browser.
DeleteWhat a lovely gift for Carter's first Christmas.
ReplyDeleteCarole
You make my day when you make a comment!