A Little Christmas Whimsy

For the December Island Batik Ambassador challenge, we were tasked with creating anything "wonky" or "whimsical", in any size.  What fun!!

As part of the Island Batik Ambassador program, we are each generously sent product a couple of times a year with which to work - fabric, thread, and batting. The second Island Batik box sent this year included an intriguing collection of checked fabrics, which were perfect for what I had in mind for this challenge. I didn't exactly follow a pattern...but Googled "elf stockings" and found images of several that I liked.  This link should get you started, but you may want to change things up a bit as you go.  I had three colours of checked fabric...and of course, I started with the red. My plan was to place the chequered squares on point along the bias of the fabric, for more of a jester look.

I traced out my pattern and added a straight line down the centre to make sure of exact placement.

I folded the pattern in half so I could see the diamonds underneath and ran the line down the centre point of each.

It's cute already!

Working with batiks is so great as you don't have to worry about the right and wrong side of the fabric, and thus cut two fronts or two backs.  Just turn one piece over and you're good to go!

Although the pattern didn't call for batting, the quilter in me needed to add a bit of substance, and Hobbs Thermore was perfect - it added structure without bulk. (Locally, it's available at Mrs Pugsley's Emporium.) The batting was basted to both the stocking front and back, and the pieces sewn right sides together.  The pattern didn't call for a lining either, but I added one, just to give a nice finish, as these stockings will be used as gift bags for special friends.

For the top cuff, I opted for medium weight iron-on interfacing to add a bit of body.

I chose a "Grinch green" for the cuff from the Island Batik Blenders. A sleeve board comes in so handy when pressing small pieces.

Here's my first finished stocking, with a bell on the toe and pompoms on the cuff points. (It's hanging on my grandparent's old radio, from the 1940's :)).

My next two stockings are ready to cut; the purple one will have a plain white cuff  with the recipient's name hand embroidered.  To do this, I will use Aurifloss in pink and grey. The pompom colour is as yet undecided, but if I can't find anything suitable, the points may just get adorned with bells, like the toes.

I love this blue and can't wait to see it finished!

And of course, the fun of a stocking is filling it with all kinds of goodies!

Thank you to Island Batik, Hobbs Batting, and Aurifil for supplying the products used in these whimsical Christmas stockings. Please visit the other Island Batik Ambassadors at the links below to see what everyone has come up with for this month's challenge.  I am off to sew my stockings!

Alison at Little Bunny Quilts
Amy at Sew Incredibly Crazy
Anita at Quilt in a not-Shell
Anna at Ark Angel Creations
Anne at Sweetgrass DesignsBarbara at Bejeweled QuiltsBea at BeaQuilterCarole at Carole Lyles ShawConnie at Freemotion by the RiverConnie at Kauffman DesignsDione at Clever ChameleonGeraldine at Living Water QuilterJackie at If These Threads Could TalkJanet at Whispers of YoreJeanette at Inchworm FabricsJen at Patterns by JenJennifer at Curlicue CreationsJennifer at Dizzy QuilterJennifer at Inquiring QuilterJessica at Desert Bloom QuiltingJoan at Moosestash QuiltingJoyce at heARTs CreationsKaren at Sew Karen-ly Created

Karen at The Quilt RamblerKathleen at Kathleen McMusingLaura at Slice of Pi QuiltsLeanne at Devoted QuilterMania at Mania for QuiltsMaryellen at Mary Mack Made MineMichelle at Creative BlondeMyra at Busy Hands QuiltsNancy at Masterpiece QuiltingPamela at PamelaQuiltsSally at Sally MankeSandra at MMM QuiltsSarah at Sarah Goer QuiltsSharon at Yellow Cat Quilt DesignsSherry at Powered by Quilting  
Stephanie at Steph JacobsonSuzy at Adventurous Applique and QuiltingTeri at Lizard Creek QuiltsTina at Quilting Affection DesignsToby at Gateway Quilts & StuffTurid at Den Syende HimmelVicki at Vicki's Crafts & Quilting

Awesome Aurifil!

Earlier this week, these thread cases from Aurifil came in on special promotion, and it's an awesome deal!

You get a large spool of Aurifil 50 weight thread in 2024 white, PLUS a case which holds a total of 12 spools, all for $14.99!  If that weren't special enough...I received this video from Alex Veronelli, the CBDO of Aurifil thread. He has generously offered to do this for any shop selling the cases - how amazing is that?

Thank you, Alex;  it was a kick to watch this, and I thank you sincerely for your time. A great company, a fabulous thread, and a super price - all in time for Christmas!  The cases may be ordered online at my thread store (link to follow), and you'll see lots of colours there to help fill the spaces in your case!  If you are local, we can arrange for you to pick them up at Mrs Pugsley's Emporium, or here at the house.  I am also happy to ship via Canada Post Expedited, or on Maritime Bus. It's the perfect gift for the quilter on your list!
https://squareup.com/store/sew-karen-ly-created-dot-dot-dot