Felted Wool Sweater Stockings

Some of you may know that my dad passed away earlier this year.  One of the things I took as a memento was an old dirty, moth-eaten and much-mended wool sweater that he used to wear.  I brought it home and threw it into the washer and dryer and felted it.

Next, I took it apart as carefully as I could.  I particularly wanted to remove the front band and pockets carefully (I put them aside for other projects).  Several years ago I downloaded a free machine embroidery design from Embroidery Garden for little Christmas stockings made from a sweater, and I knew this would be the perfect project for my dad’s sweater. 

I created a total of six stockings, each with a different color wool star (which is part of the embroidery design) on the front.  I made one for each of my dad’s grandkids (my two boys will share one) as a memento and will tuck a little note inside the stocking telling the story behind them.

This design was originally a limited-time freebie offered to members of Embroidery Garden’s Yahoo group.   Often, after the time limit for the freebie has expired, Reen will put the design on her regular site for sale.  When I was preparing this post I went looking for the design but couldn’t find it.  I sent Reen an email and she did the most awesome thing!  She posted this design (in THREE sizes) as a freebie on her site!  Thanks so much, Reen, for your generosity.  I know everyone will enjoy using this design.

The stockings are stitched using the ribbing from the sweater as the top of the stocking.  The embroidery design also lets you insert a piece of ribbon for hanging.  I forgot to do that on the first one I made so I thought I would just add the hangers later by hand.  Well, if you want a loop hanger add it as instructed.  I found it impossible to add one later in a way that looked good.  Instead I used a piece of fishing line and made a hanger so these can be used as Christmas ornaments.  (Also, note that I mirrored the design before stitching out my stockings).

I still have a lot of the sweater left and, if I can just find a few more hours this week, will be making some other little ornaments for my siblings.  When those are finished I think I will STILL have some wool left.  I’d like to think that my frugal dad would be happy to see how his old, much-loved sweater is being put to use.  My dad instilled a love of craftsmanship in me and for that I will always be grateful.  I miss him, but hope that these little tokens will help keep his memory alive for me and my family.