Stitch A Stocking Surprise

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A TRADITIONAL RED STOCKING

To make a more conventional Christmas stocking, you'll need 1/2 yard of red flannel and a 17" X 3-1/2" strip of white fake fur to replace the maroon and calico fabrics, and red thread instead of maroon. Cut two stocking pieces from the flannel, and cut the polyester batting and the parts for the horse as described above. Pin each batting stocking to a flannel one, making sure there are two corresponding halves. With the flannel pieces together and the batting on the outside, pin, baste (don't skip this step), and stitch the halves together, leaving the top open. Trim the batting 1/8" from the seam and clip all the curves.

Make the horse from the instructions already given. Then insert the flannel stocking, inside out, into the puppet. Match the seams and the open edges, and pin the two sections together around the opening. Next, pin the fur strip—right side against the puppet—around the edge of the opening. Baste a seam over the pins and then sew it. Stitch the fur strip's ends together, and trim the seam. Trim the batting, too, about 1/8" from the cuff seam. Now turn the puppet/ stocking inside out so the red flannel is on the outside. Fold the fur down over the top to make a generous cuff. Turn the raw edge of the fur under 1/4" and slip-stitch the cuff to the flannel, being sure the stitches don't show on the puppet side.

MIX AND MATCH

So, with one simple pattern you can please every child on your Christmas gift list and, at the same time, produce lovely decorations that either complement a special holiday decor or add to the traditional color scheme of the season. Who says that Christmas comes but once a year? With this stocking/horse puppet, it can be enjoyed all year long!
Two Sewing Tips
1. A milliner's needle—longer than common hand-sewing needles and available in most sewing departments—may prove very useful in basting and stitching the polyester batting and the fur.
2. A 5" X 7" strip of staff but bendable clear plastic, such as that used to cover windows in wintertime, will greatly simpli fy the business of attaching the eyes and the ears.

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