Bella's Stocking

Bella's stocking is finally done. And I have to say that I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. It's probably not quite as pink as she would like, but in all honesty, what is?
I've been collecting Bella's stash of fabrics for a while now. Little pieces of fabric that are just the right pink to become a dress or a quilt or a stocking. I never really have anything specific in mind, other than Bella of course. And it's been the same with her stocking. Nothing specific in mind, just a little pile of prints that seemed to go nicely together.

I knew that I didn't want this stocking to be too pink, because of course, there may come a time when pink loses it's magic for Bella. And I knew that I wanted it to look like it had always been there, in the family.  But that was pretty much it on the ideas front.
When I received the latest copy of Marie Claire Idee's I knew that I wanted to include a little bit of red work in the design but was still lost about where to actually go with it all.
So I left the pile of fabrics sitting around and waited for inspiration to strike.

And then a couple of days ago I started cutting and placing pieces on the design wall and it all fell in to place.
I've used a combination of liberty prints, linen pieces, a couple of retro japanese prints, and some pink polka dot flannel. When I was at the Knitting and Stitching show last month I picked up a bag of vintage lace and crochet trims for next to nothing and used a large piece for the top of the stocking.
I've then lined it with one of my favourite vintage, tiny floral prints.

I embroidered the Doe and the Dove designs randomly and added my best red crochet trim ( I can't remember where I got it, but I really love it) to give it that little extra kick.

I really do like the fact that the stocking has a vintage feel to it, whilst still being  young and girly looking.
And because of the lining it's good and sturdy - perfect for holding all those presents from Santa!
Now I just have to hope that Bella likes it as much as I do..

 

Comments

[tracy]

speaking as a former little girl who loved pink, I am sure Miss Bella will love it :)

[Laura]

I love it! It's given me a great idea of how to incorporate some embroidery into my daughter's stocking (which I have yet to make...with 4 whole days left!). Thanks for sharing.

[liz r.]

It's beautiful. And how lovely to think that a year (or two) from now you will be designing an equally beautiful one for M-P2. All your decorations look terrific!

[Gill]

It's so pretty! I'm sure Bella will love to take her stocking out every year for many years to come. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and all the very best for 2008. Thanks for writing such a inspiring, honest, "real" blog, you have touched so many lives.I don't comment very often (sometimes there are so many comments I think one more won't be missed!) but I read every post and am here, cheering you on.
Gill x

[M&Co]

Sooo sweeeeet! Love it!

[Vicki]

What a perfect little girl stocking. I need another week.I may be giving out Winter Celebration gifts in late January. I marvel at your accomplishments.

[Sam]

That is so beautiful. I too marvel at your accomplishments! p.s. in the new year any chance of a little blog tutorial on diffent types of material and how best to use them. I notice (from my lovely cushion) that you mix and match cotton and what looks like cotton canvas. I am buying fabric willy nilly with no idea at all on how best to use it. (I ruined a piece of velvet last week and when I put a piece of denim on the back of a cushion I ended up with blue hands!)

[Ali]

The doe and the dove are perfect additions.

Merry Christmas to you and yours Manda. Rest up, because 2008 is sure to be very exciting for you!

[Joanne]

How could she not love it? It's perfectly girly but grown up. she'll still be insisting on putting it out when she's 16 and by the time she's 30 it will be so full of memories.

[Maxine]

How lovely! Destined to become a family heirloom I think! Merry Christmas to you all and all the very, very best for 2008. x

[Suzie Sews]

Adorable Manda, she will treasure this as will you for many years to come...remember next year you have another one to make!!!
Hope your well and not to jiggered with all the Christmas rush...Woshing you and yours all the VERY BEST this Christmas and a Healthy and Happy 2208

[Suzie Sews]

Wooops usual spelling issues....Thats Wishing not washing!I will try harder next year!!!

[Kristy]

Beautiful.I love the redwork.First of all I thought you had used this fabric http://volksfaden.de/product_info.php?info=p547_Deer-Purple.html&XTCsid=16f717bfd12e237f91ac4323491deeb1
I nearly bought some the other day when Bloesom had the 25% off offer!

[Pam]

very pretty.

[Matroskin]

What a cute stocking! Merry Christmas, your blog is inspiring.

[Lil' d]

It's beautiful - I'm sure she'll love it and treasure it.

[tammyCA]

It's wonderful! I made both my girls Christmas stockings a few years ago & I just made one for my baby nephew. I love to embroider, so his has patches of embroidered cuties, buttons and ric-rac. I love the fact that you didn't have a plan but just used what you loved & what you think Bella would love...that is what makes it so special...lovingly handmade. Have a very Merry Christmas & New Year!

[Julie Ann]

I would so buy one of these! I collect stockings.

[Siri]

And now, coming from someone who isn't really a pink (aside from dusky, off-pinks) kind of gal at all: This is my favorite stocking I've seen out there in blog-land yet.
So, so pretty. It truly does look like it's been around and well-loved for years. And just think, each year when you pull it out, you'll see your best red trim again and be so glad you used it here.
She'll be looking forward, too, to seeing it again and rediscover all the details you put into it, year after year.

[Louise]

Just lovely!