Refashioning #6: Quilted Christmas Stockings

I know I’m a little late on this entry, but in my defense it’s been a busy 6 months (nothing big or life-changing, thankfully, just one thing after another). But, as of writing this, this project is still technically on-going (for reasons I’ll explain later) and is definitely one I’d love to revisit with a different project. Besides, I like to get things written down while they’re still fresh in my mind… because my brain has too many tabs open at any given time.

So, my friend, Delaney, reached out in early October (2025) with a question of if I could up-cycle a thrifted quilt into a set of Christmas stockings.

For a frame of reference, she sent me these inspiration photos (which, full-disclosure, is always super helpful in these commissions, so Thank You, Delaney!)

Well, the first thing that came to mind for me was: “BET!”

And then we started discussing the size of the quilt to accommodate how many she wanted; in these kinds of projects - which are usually “firsts” for both me and my client - I like to err on the side of caution and go for larger quilts and blankets. It’s all part of the mentality that it’s better to have it and not need it, versus needing it but not having it.

A train of thought I quickly adopted when I started my sewing-journey many years ago… I can’t tell you how many times I messed up my own projects because I tried too hard to calculate just enough (without including extra). Now, does that mean it can’t be done - calculating the exact amount you’ll need? Actually, as a matter of fact, it can - that’s actually how a lot of designers operate because, like most of us, they’re operating on a set-budget.

But that’s a skill that can take a long time to develop, especially when you have to factor in unknown variables for esoteric (uncommon) projects. Besides, even if there is a little extra material left over - or a lot! - there’s always a way to make good use of it; thus ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

But I’m getting a little ahead of myself…

Anyway, once Delaney knew how many stockings she wanted, we agreed that a full- to queen-sized quilt was probably the best way to go. It took some time, but when she found the right quilt, she bought it (for a steal), and brought it on over so I could take a closer look.

It was in really great shape! Only a few worn-spots, and a few picks here and there, but otherwise all in one piece with nary a patch in sight.

It also had this beautiful wide-scalloping along the borders; one Delaney was hoping I’d be able to incorporate into the final look. I’ll admit I had my initial doubts, just because the scallops were so large compared to the average size of a Christmas stocking. I let her know I’d see what I could do, and just put a mental-pin in it to revisit later.

In the end, I was able to use the scalloping for the decorative trim around the stockings’ openings. And it turned out so beautifully! I think the only I was really sweating was if I would have enough of the original maroon-colored bias tape to finish all the raw edges; unfortunately I had just run out of my own supply that color-matched well enough to be invisible.

It was a close call on that end (literally - only 3 inches of bias tape was left!), but fortunately my math was math-ing and it all worked out.

(Featuring a visit from your favorite mascot!)

Unfortunately, I lost all of progress photos during the New-Year-Shuffle of 2026 (…dammit!).

But I still had more than enough leftover material to take this project just one step further…

Even though I couldn't go as quickly as I wanted, I’m still so proud of the end result! The stockings turned out beautifully and I got to make something special for a friend. That alone is it’s own reward for me.

I can’t wait to dive into another set! Or even custom-create another original as I did for Hunter:

Custom made Christmas Stocking (2025)

Quilts still represent something special even now in our modern time. I think it’s because deep down most people recognize that each quilt a labor of love… something fast-fashion brands just can’t hold a candle to.

And being able to re-purpose a quilt into something so truly unique only adds depth to all of those layers of love.

If you think you’re interested in getting in on all these good times, just let me know - we’ll see just what we can do!

Or, if you’re local and looking for some truly tasty treats, check out Delaney’s home-grown business, Clay Feathered Greens.

(Seriously, these are the best treats I’ve had in a LOOONG time. You won’t be disappointed!)

Thank you Delaney! Love ya, girl! <3