A Christmas Stocking for Baby James

Becoming a grand-mother (or Mamie) has brought me a kind of joy that's really hard to explain. There's something so special about holding your child's baby. And when you have grand-babies, you really get to experience the whole thing without all the stress of being a new mother, without all the sleepless nights and without wondering if you're doing things "wrong". You've been there, done that, got the T-Shirt!!

This is little Madison in her Halloween costume

This is baby James with his gorgeous smile which melts my heart

Having grand-babies also means I get to make baby quilts, playmats and many, many other crafty things. So when James' father and mother asked me to make a Christmas stocking for him, I didn't hesitate for a second. First, I love when my children ask for handmade items and second, it was for James! Of course I would make him a Christmas stocking!

I had a few Cheery Christmas charm squares leftover from my holiday placemats so pulled those out along with a Kona red and got to work.  I used a free pattern by Amy Friend from During Quiet Time and it came together super easily and quickly.

I quilted diagonal lines in the body of the stocking and some organic wavy lines in the cuff using my trusty Aurifil #2600 in 50 wt.

So they could hang it on their mantle, I used some red ribbon and sewed a loop to the top.

I'm happy to report that James' parents were thrilled with his stocking. As a maker, what more can I ask for?

Quilt Stats:

• Pattern: Simple Patchwork Christmas Stocking by Amy Friend  
• Fabrics: Cherry Christmas by Aneela Hoey for Moda 
• Thread: Pieced and quilted with Aurifil #2600 in 50 wt 
• Recipient: Baby James

I will be linking up at Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish It Up Friday and at Faith and Fabric Design for TGIFF.