I don't usually spend alot of time making Christmas decorations - probably because they only come out once a year. However this year I was feeling very festive and got to stitching the Golden Holly Stumpwork as well as a goldwork Christmas stocking for those very special little gifts.
Apologies for the quality of the photo - I am working on the laptop computer and working with what we have with us on holidays.
I have worked the body of the stocking on burgundy cotton velveteen with cream cotton velveteen for the band of the stocking.
When I was planning the design and choosing the threads and wires, I had to keep in mind that the piece would eventually be a soft flexible piece rather than a rigid framed embroidery. So I chose goldwork threads that would withstand some handling and flexing. For the scrolls I chose gilt twist and silver Jap, Pearl Purl No1 and silk thread for the flowers, plus beads and pearls and flat sequins secured with bright check chips.
I was happy with the choices of threads and wires. However, as I used velveteen for the background fabric, I found it rather bulky when it came to attaching the band to the stocking. As a result the band didn't sit as flat as I would hve liked. Next time I will allow more fabric at the seams to compensate for the bulkiness.
The stocking is beautiful. Which blessed family member will be receiving it? Enjoy your Christmas.
Erica
Posted by: Erica Marsden | Wednesday, 23 December 2009 at 03:14 PM
I'm not a fan of 'Christmassy things' but that is just beautiful!
Posted by: Elmsley Rose | Thursday, 24 December 2009 at 09:52 AM
Lovely!!!
I LOVE the cuff!
Posted by: Mary Corbet | Thursday, 24 December 2009 at 09:12 PM