Tuesday, November 04, 2008

A stocking ornament


I finished up my first Christmas ornament of the year. I stitched the Blackbird Design stocking from the 2008 JCS Ornament issue. It stitched up so quickly that I went back through some older issues and found the candy cane design that I remembered seeing before, also by Blackbird Designs. The small square of fabric showing is what I used for the backing fabric.

But I'm not too thrilled with my finishing. I ironed the fusible interfacing to the back of each piece and then whipstitched both together but I found a lot of little threads kept slipping out. Any ideas on how to put these together without a smoother finished edge? Did I cut the margins too small? I really need some finishing classes!

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your stocking looks lovely Wendy!

I did mine on the machine, rather than handstitching it, as the instructions said. Alma said (on Legacy) that apparently JCS added those instructions themselves; she finished hers using a sewing machine and just left a gap for turning, which she slip-stitched closed - much easier!

Lelia said...

Hi Wendy: I have no advice on your stocking - I think Karen has the right idea, use a machine (I don't personally own one).

As for The Lace Reader - I really, really liked the book. I wasnt sure until after the 9th or 10th chapter, when I got the rhythm of the book -- then, I could barely put it down. Of the people I know who read it, ONE person didn't like it much.

It was easy to read, interesting characters, and enough drama to carry thru to the end.

If you aren't sure, check it out from the public library!

Natasha said...

Wendy,
It looks wonderful. I have this one all stitched up all I need to do is finish it. Seeing your is making me get on the ball.

What issue was the candy cane in?
Thank you
Natasha

Ranae said...

I believe this is the first time I have visited your blog.
The BBD stocking is adorable.
I see you stitched BBD Sunflower House I have had that kitted up for some time now. I love all the BBD and PS designs too.

Laura said...

The stocking ornament is just precious! I can not give any finishing advice, but from the photo, it looks really good.

Susimac said...

Lovely finishes, I always finish by hand, and not a machine, I usually leave about a quarter inch just a bit less and then trim sometimes afterwards.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Sew it on the machine and make sure at the rounded places your cut your triangles so that it smooth :)
But I think it is gorgeous!

Leah said...

Those are cute finishes!

You might try serging or using a zigzag stitch on the edges before assembling it. And I would definitely use a sewing machine, as well.

Anonymous said...

Ooo, that little stocking is my favourite, and I still haven't stitched it. Yours looks beautiful!!

Kathy A. said...

Lovely little stocking Wendy.Looks great to me.

Dani - tkdchick said...

YOu did a lovely job. I would of probably used a sewing machine myself. Its always easier to leave a bigger seam and trim it after the fact then to cut the fabric too short to start with.

Michele said...

I just love that stocking! Are you going to make the candy cane into a stocking too? Hope it goes better for you :)

Von said...

Your stocking is so sweet, Wendy. I had to enlarge the pic to see the threads. The expert finishers have already given you some great tips so go ahead and try it again! :)

Carol R said...

You did a lovely job on the stocking Wendy and the candy cane is pretty to!

I always hand-finish from the outside.

Sonda said...

Those are cute stockings. Hope the second one finishes more easily

Melissa said...

Hi Wendy,

I've just discovered your blog. What wonderful stitching you've done! I will come back to visit again. I live in Vancouver BC and just started a blog a couple of months ago. Glad to find another Canadian!

AgnÄ— said...

Your stocking is great!!!

Sherry said...

How cute!

Annemarie said...

Hey, this wee stocking looks familiar! I used the same method KarenV suggests and it looks fine. Ahem, if I do say so myself.
Having said that, I think yours looks perfect just the way it is :o)
Hope you're well!

Margaret said...

Let me try that again - I just wrote a long comment and when I tried to upload it disappeared.

It's been great catching up on your posts of these past few months.

Congrats on the marriage of your lovely daughter. It looks like it was an amazing day. Loved the pictures.

Sorry to hear that you have recently had an operation. I hope you feel much better now and that before long you will be completely recovered.

Your stocking is adorable Wendy. Isn't it great to finish the first ornament of the year?

Lots of great stitching since I last visited you. Of course I love the PS patterns and seeing your Halloween finished makes me want to grab mine. But no - patience Margaret - finish some WIPs first.(LOL)

Now that we're settled I hope to visit regularly again.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Andrea said...

Your stocking looks great and the candy cane piece will be a great companion to it.

Unknown said...

Hello Wendy,

Today i discovered your blog!!
The tree LHN turnt out soooo beautifull. I have the Home of a needleworker chart already two , maybe tree years in my drawer,
Now that i have seen yours, i yust have to stitch it. The colors you used give it an old look, if you know what i mean . You did some changes from DMC to GAST, Would you mind sharing the changes you did?? :-))
The little stocking is just great.

Happy stitching, Nicole

stitcherw said...

What a cute stocking, both designs are so pretty. I loved your earlier finishes as well, Halloween designs are my favorites. The PS one turned out awesome.
Sue

Lynn said...

I think your stocking looks terrific! It's certainly much better than my recent attempt at a mitten. I'm afraid I'm lacking in the finishing department.
What issue is the Candy Cane in? I have all the back issues but I don't remember this one. I'd love to do it sometime.

Kathy said...

What a cute stocking Wendy, looks great. I am going to be getting my JCS Mag this weekend, when I go visiting a friend of mine.

Hugs xxxxx

Bine said...

Hi Wendy, you've been tagged. Please check my blog for details. :)