Stockings: Our New Family Heirlooms

For almost thirty years, I have been looking for the perfect stocking, whatever that is. My thought has always been, "I'll know it when I see it." While I have admired so many over the years, our stockings have remained simply functional. Until now.

I ran across the idea of a leather stocking less than two weeks ago in one of my favorite blogs, Chookooloonks. I immediately called my cousin Glen who owns Harness House Leathercraft. He helped me through the whole process, from purchasing the leather all the way to saddle stitching the edges. His gift of time was definitely one of my favorite gifts this year!

We first met at Tandy Leather Factory in Nashville. Whole-y Cow! I was immediately drawn to this one particular hide. I'm used to buying fabric by the yard. Not here. Instead of buying leather by the yard, I had to buy the hide "as is." Most of the hides were either half of a cow or the whole cow. Ouch. I looked all around the store for a more affordable option, but I kept going back to this one particular hide. Oh well. I reminded myself that I've waited thirty years for this. I'm not going to cut any corners. So, I bought the entire cow! No turning back now.

Unfortunately, due to both of our hectic schedules, we weren't able to meet again until Monday, the 23rd. I couldn't believe that Glen offered to give up one of his vacation days to help me through this process. (He's the best, and I can't thank him enough!) He convinced me this would be doable. The countdown began. I had essentially 24 hours to make them.

I wanted each one to be a little different, so I free-handed each of the patterns on the back of wrapping paper. Once I was happy with each style, we transferred the patterns to a heavier, thicker product. Using an awl, Glen traced around each of the patterns onto the leather, and then we both started cutting.

Once all of the cutting was complete, Glen used a tool that pierced small diamonds around the edges.

He patiently taught me how to saddle stitch. I had assumed the stitching was made on some kind of sewing machine; however, everything was hand-stitched. This was truly a labor of love. I continued stitching the tops as Glen began to work on the three loops needed for hanging.

We both worked for 8 straight hours; everything was complete except stitching around each of the stockings. I had to stop progress to wrap presents, prepare food to take to Mom and Dad's, gather packages, etc. We left Franklin for Knoxville at 6 am Christmas Eve. I worked on the stockings nonstop both to and from Knoxville. I finished just in the nick of time! (Or, St. Nick of time!)

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care with sore fingers and only a few hours to spare.

And worth every minute.

 Merry Christmas!