Every stocking begins long before it’s ever hung by the fireplace. For me, the process starts with an idea, a spark of inspiration, and sometimes a bolt of fabric that catches my eye in the most unexpected places. I might find it on the shelf of a local quilt shop, tucked away in a thrift store, or waiting for me at a salvage shop that carries hidden gems. I am always on the hunt for materials that feel timeless but still have a story, pieces that deserve to be part of someone’s holiday tradition.
Once the fabric is chosen, the real work begins. Patterns are cut from a template and carefully aligned so the design flows seamlessly. The edges are outlined with precision and then stitched together one seam at a time. Each pass through the machine matters. A clean, straight line of stitching means durability. Careful alignment means the design feels balanced. Every step is slow and intentional, because these aren’t just decorations, they are pieces made to last.
After stitching, each piece is ironed and pressed to create crisp lines and polished seams. Then it’s back to the machine for reinforcement, followed by another round of ironing. It’s a rhythm that repeats: sew, press, sew, press. By the time a stocking begins to take its final shape, the fabric has been handled dozens of times, smoothed and stitched with care at every step. When it’s finally flipped inside out, that first glimpse always feels a little magical, like watching raw materials transform into something beautiful and whole.
The journey doesn’t always move in a straight line. Some fabrics sit on my shelf for years, waiting for the right collection, the right season, the right story to bring them to life. I am always thinking a few steps ahead, designing collections with future holidays in mind, imagining the mantels these stockings will eventually call home.
Every stocking carries the mark of craftsmanship. The fabric has been chosen with purpose. The design has been aligned with care. The seams have been stitched with precision. No two are ever exactly alike, because no two fabrics share the same story. By the time a stocking reaches your home, it has already lived a journey filled with artistry, patience, and the belief that handmade is always worth the wait.
