It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas….

Despite my passion for sewing, I don’t usually consider myself a “crafty” person- I’m a terrible interior decorator, and the only thing I’ve ever sewn besides clothing are a couple pillow cases my boys talked me into last Christmas out of Star Wars fabric they made me buy during a shopping trip to JoAnns (note to self: NEVER take all three kids to the fabric store. The entire place is designed to lure unsuspecting parents into pacifying their bored children with overpriced disney fabric, stuffed animals and stale candy).

That said, I’m determined to give some handmade gifts this Christmas, so when I saw the pattern test come up for the FREE Christmas stocking from Ellie and Mac, I couldn’t resist, as I knew it was just the kick in the pants I needed to get my craft on and start planning ahead for the holiday season.

A quick dive into my fabric stash revealed a few cute Christmas prints, sent to me by my Aunt as gift wrapping a few years ago (gifts wrapped in fabric? Yes please!), and I ventured (alone!) to the fabric store to pick up some fusible fleece as recommended in the pattern (it is also available by the yard).

I chose the larger size, and used quilting cotton for my stocking, but the pattern also works with knits, and would be perfect for scraps of all sorts- you could even sew up a cute pieced stocking!

This was my first time using fusible fleece, and I found it needed more pressure and heat than I expected to adhere well, but I was glad I used it, as it gave my stocking the right amount of structure. One package was enough for two big stockings, with a little left over, or you could probably get four little stockings out of it. Throw in a 50% off coupon, and you’ve got a pretty economical Christmas gift, especially if you add in some personalization (next step: learn how to use my embroidery machine)!

After I was finished, I felt like it was missing something, so I dove into my box of trimmings and came up with this cute eyelet ribbon for the cuff. We had to break out all our Christmas decorations to style this photo shoot, making the whole family look forward to the holidays- they always feel so far away, but I know they’ll be here before I can blink!

Of course, now the boys want Star Wars Stockings this Christmas….

Grab your free pattern here (no code needed). All other Ellie and Mac patterns are 30% off all September, and you can use the code “labor10” for an additional 10% off through 9/10/17!

What’s your go-to holiday gift? Comment below!

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