StockingAlong

2009-02-10T17:36:00.000-08:00

Is Anyone Else Knitting Christmas Stockings?

2007-12-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

Just wondering if anyone else is participating on this Stocking along or am I all alone on this cyberspace blog? Ahh, well, so be it, but I'm posting anyway to show you (anyone?, LOL) my progress thus far on the stocking for my granddaughter. Any comments would be welcomed, assuming anyone is seeing this post.

Hope to Complete Stocking!

2007-09-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm so glad you started this up again for Christmas 2007 as it gives me a much better chance of actually beginning and finishing up a new stocking. I think I'll make one for my 2nd granddaughter as I made one for my other GD in 2005, which you can see above. I also made one for my daughter-in-law and she loved it.

So, this year I'm thinking about using a pattern I've had for a long time with a Santa, kids, and a Christmas tree on it, but time constraints may force me to change to a less intricate one, time will tell. I'm looking forward to seeing all the wonderful stockings everyone on this blog will knit this year!

Cheers, Laura

Stocking for Baby

2007-09-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

i've got a little baby boy now, named Jonah. He likes his stuffed orca whale and I was thinking of putting an orca on a stocking for him. I haven't started sketching or anything yet but I think I'll follow on the pattern of the ones I made for my parents two years ago. I also might make a stocking for my partner this year, though he's not into Christmas (he's not Christian). I don't know what motif I would use for him -- something non-denominational of course, just like the tree ornaments I buy for him each year (guitar, flowers, basketball...)

Yeah, an excuse to go yarn shopping though. My stash is a bit more than maybe it should be -- but when you have a specific project to work on, you just have to go shopping to get ideas.

Starting back up

2007-09-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Time to plan your holiday knitting. This knitalong is for those knitting stockings or any other winter holiday decorations. Let us know what you plan to work on this fall.

My plan is to further embellish the stockings shown in the previous post. They both need names, and I'd like to add some silver beading to the blue one. If I get really ambitious I might make the felted poinsetta wreath I saw a lot of last year. They look really cool!

Completed Stockings

2007-01-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

I finished seaming DH's stocking on Christmas Eve and finished mine the day before. I am so proud of myself for actually having them done in time for us to use them. For next year, I'd like to add some silver beading to the star and perhaps add our names, but for now, they are FOs!

More pics and project specs can be found on my blog.

FO Picture

2006-12-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

With all the insanity before Christmas I didn't get a chance to take or post a picture of the finished stocking. Here it is. I am pleased with the outcome but if I ever knit this sock again it will definitely be converted to the round. I didn't get the second sock done but I'll still do it for next year.

Just In Time

2006-12-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my Christmas stocking. There were a few problems with the pattern or maybe with my interpretation of the pattern. I ended up ripping out the foot part and making my own modifications.

This pattern called for putting in a scrap piece of yarn for the heal then later going back pulling out scrap yarn picking up the stitches to knit the heal. This part went well. I just did it loop by loop making sure not to loose any of the stitches.

Overall I like the end result, and am so happy to move onto my Norwegian Hat.
HE HE HE HO HO HO.

Happy Holidays!
I am over at Alpaca Rose.

2006-12-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

Finished!

I finished all three stockings just in time to get them shipped off to my family in Iceland for a Christmas delivery:

I did the pattern as written for the green stockings as they are for the moms. I figure they are mostly decorative so it won't matter that they are a bit narrow. For the baby I added on about 6 stitches. The problem is I ended up running short on yarn. I dealt with this by eliminating the non-decrease rows on the toes. While I would never do that for a real sock I kind of like the stubbiness of the toe on the stocking.

It's been fun knitting along with everyone. Happy holidays!

Almost Done

2006-12-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Maggie and Kimberly's help I was able to get the heel done but not before I did it and had to rip it out because the way we understood the pattern was wrong. I love the actual stitch patterns on this sock which is why I wanted to do it in the first place. I think the pattern is very poorly written. I just have the sewing together to do and then I want to try and do it again in the round. I will definitely have enough yarn to knit a second sock. Will post pics when it's done.

Stumped

2006-12-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

I'm making the Fisherman Stocking. I've gotten to the heel and I have no clue what to do. This isn't my first sock either but it is my first sock knitted on two needles instead of in the round. Here is what the pattern says and for some reason I am just not seeing it.

"HEEL: Hold stocking with right side facing you and heel sts on 2 dpns at top (outer edges of stocking will be in the center between dpns). Join yarn at left outer edge of stocking (between dpns) and knit sts from left dpn onto right dpn = 32 sts now on one dpn. Continue with both dpns and work back and forth in rows as follows: ROW 1 (wrong side): Sl 1 as to purl, purl rem sts. ROW 2: SI 1 as to purl, knit rem sts. Rep Rows 1 and 2, 7 times more. (Note: You should now have a total of 16 rows, ending by working a knit row.)"

I have ny SnB on Tuesday and I hope someone there can help me figure it out.

Giant Jester Stocking

2006-12-12T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hello, I am knitting the Giant Jester stocking pattern from the book Christmas Stockings by Interweave Press. I think the pattern is also in their magazine that is out now called Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts.

I chose Caron Simply Soft yarn in colors: Grape 9610, Limelight 9607, Autumn Red 9730 & Blue Mint 9608.

Here is my progress so far. If you look closely you can see the strip of waste yarn that was knit in where I will be putting the heel. I am at the part where I am decreasing for the toe. Soon I will switch back to the Purple & Green to complete the toe.

You can find me over at Alpaca Rose.

2006-12-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

I made this small stocking to decorate a live wreath for my project this year. I will sew on some small ornaments yet but haven't decided just what I want to use.

Progress So Far

2006-12-06T02:07:00.000-08:00

I decided to do the Fisherman stocking first. I liked the colour of the yarn so much I had to knit it up. I am using the Fisherman pattern because I bought 3 balls of the yarn and with the cabling I figured I might need the extra ball. I'm almost done with the 40 rows the pattern tells you to knit before you move on to the next step. It's a fun knit. I just wish I could do the cable sections without a cable needle. I don't usually use them anymore but this cable is very fiddly and if I try doing it without the needle the one stitch that later needs to be brought to the front of the needle always drops. I should have this done by the weekend and then I'll knit the Colleen sock.

Just Joined

2006-12-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

I just joined the KAL. I am thinking of knitting Colleen Stocking. Now I just have to decide what yarn I want to use.

1 Down...

2006-12-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone, I finished my first stocking! The name was duplicate stitched on AKA swiss darning. This was my first time doing it and I found it pretty easy, the trick is not to pull the yarn too hard, otherwise you'll get the background color showing out...I used this tutorial. Now I just need to make a trip to the fabric store to find a lining, put it in and it's done! (Well now I need to start on mine!)

Annie's Woolens Christmas Moose Stocking
In Plymouth galway (#16, #17, #8)
US 8 16" Addi Needle/US 8 DPNS

Thanks,
Keri

PROGRESS

2006-12-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

i've gotten this far on my 6 stockings

gotta go pic up the yarn to dye for the Name,
Year & Hat, scarves & mittens

they won't be done by the deadline, but i figure i have 2 weeks and i CAN make that

Finished Stocking # 1

2006-11-28T19:56:00.000-08:00

I finished my first of three stockings:

I used the Knitpicks Twirl Top Stocking pattern with the recommended yarn. It was the first time I ever used the magic loop method. I love the stocking and the pattern was simple and quick but I really should have gone up a needle size or two. I figure it's ok though since the green ones are for the grown-ups. I'll make sure the red one is nice and big for plenty of kid sized treats!

Finished Knitting

2006-11-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

The good news: I have now finished the knitting on both of the stockings I am making for Christmas. The bad news is, now I have two stockings which need lots of ends woven in, lots of beads added, names stitched on, and seaming. This is the part I am NOT looking forward to.

Here's my second stocking. The design was drawn by my husband, the pattern is the same as the Christmas Tree stocking I made and posted previously which is an Elegant Heirlooms kit.

My first stocking

2006-11-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

I made this stocking for a stocking exchange. I had been wanting to make a stocking for a while so I figured if I signed up for an exchange, I would HAVE to get it done. It was my first time to do a short row heel, follow a chart, and make I-cord so I learned a lot and now I want to make even more stockings. The pattern is Star Brocade from the book, "Knit Christmas Stockings".

Mini Stockings

2006-11-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

How do you like my collection of mini stockings? This makes for a couple of really fast stocking stuffers. I figure they can be used as christmas ornaments on the tree, as zipper pulls on a sweater or a backpack to hold your kids name, as a key chain, or to keep a quarter for a shopping card or a parking meter. Any other suggestiong what to use them for? Let me know.

Large Christmas Mitten Completed

2006-11-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

I have completed my large Christmas mitten for another swap partner. It measures about 15 inches from the cuff to the bottom of mitten. The eyelash cuff is 3 inches. It was very easy to do and I hope this partner will like her Christmas mitten instead of me having made her a Christmas stocking. Unfortunately you can't see the silver threading that is twisted in with both the red and green yarn. That is why the cuff was done in silver. So what do you all think?
Penny

Another Completed and Another Started

2006-11-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

I have now completed the stocking I designed for my stocking swap partner. The toe isn't as good as it should be. I know I am over critical. I lined this stocking with a black lightweight fabric so nothing would come out of any spaces between the stitches.

And now for a photo of my lastest creation. Instead of a stocking I am knitting a large mitten. The cuff is knitted with two strands eyelash in silver and the mitt is knitted with two strands of yarn; one strand of red with silver in it and the other strand of yarn is green with silver in it. You can even see where the thumb will be. I will post a photo when it has been completed in the next couple of days.

Penny

Introduction

2006-11-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

I'm using my leftover sock yarn to make stocking/sweater/mitten ornaments for my Christmas tree. They are pseudo quick knits although that cabled stocking was a challenge(read pain in the butt).

I think it would be cool to take 24 of these and make them into an Advent calendar somehow(not for this Christmas, but as a long term goal). Maybe get one of those wire trees and let the kiddos hang one every day until Christmas?

I also have plans to take a sock pattern and turn it into a large stocking. I need to finish a couple things before I start that though.

Thanks for letting me play along :)

Stockings

2006-11-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone, I wanted to pop in and introduce myself, my name is Keri and I blog over here. I just joined last week and I love the idea of a stocking-along. I have always wanted to make handknitted christmas stockings. I have these visions of knitting one for each member of the family and hanging them from my (now inexistant =)) mantle, filling them with candy, fruit and little treats. I'd like them to last forever and have them bring special meaning to the holidays, each and every year. Last year I purchased some stocking patterns from here, holly for me and moose for the hubby. They've languished all year in my stash just waiting for me to gain the color knitting skills to give it a shot. I'm happy to say that time has finally come, after many practice items I was ready to give it a try and cast-on. It was very exciting after waiting for so long!

The yarn is plymouth galway in very christmassy colors, #16, #17, #8. I had debated using other yarn, the pattern calls for Bartletts. However after looking around at all the choices, I'm happy with it. It was like russian roulette, ordering off the internet in color cards, so I was desperately hoping the yarn looked as good in person as it did on the screen.

So far I'm happy the way they're turning out, I hope a few wonky spots will block out a bit nicer when I'm done. The scary part I'm dreading is the heel, they give you two options, short-row or afterthought. My short-rows are always holey and I've never given afterthought a try but I think for this I'll have to pick the lesser of two evils and go with short-row. They do have great instructions written up, so maybe it's time to give it another go. *Sigh* I can do it!!

Another Stocking form Angelika

2006-11-07T06:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. As promised I present you with my second stocking of the season. This one is actually for a human being. I tried to keep the colors a little more muted. All that is missing is the name, that should be stitched in the top row with white yarn to match the whole color scheme. I had pictures of this ready, but somehow they got deleted of my digicam and I had to redo them. I hope you like it.
This pattern is also from the same book "Knit Christmas Stockings!"

My Christmas Stockings

2006-11-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

I have completed one Christmas stocking which is for me. I made it with a grab bag of yarn that cost $6.00 I purchased from Ram Wools. Below are two photos. One is a close up. I did add a small white pearl emblishment to each side after the photo was taken. There were no duplicates of yarn in my grab bag. I put different yarns together to creat this stocking.

This next photo is one of the stocking I am knitting now. It is for a Christmas Stocking swap I am in. I designed this one myself. The off white cuff was done with a provisional cast on. The yarn is wool but of two different brands. One is Briggs and Little and the second is Lopi. The cuff is a lacey yarn.

The next Christmas stocking will be a very large mitten and not the traditional stocking.

I am certainly enjoying seeing everyone's Christmas stockings. The are all so lovely giving lots of ideas for the future.

Penny

Angelika's 1st Entry

2006-11-05T04:32:00.000-08:00

How do you like my first stocking for this season? It's kinda like a test project, that's why I made if for my dog. She won't complain, at least I hope she won't. I guess she'll let me know by tearing it to shreds, if she absolutesly hates it, but I guess as long as she likes what's going to be in it, I'll be o.k. I just have to add her name.

The pattern I used is from the book "Knit Christmas Stockings!". I just changed the colors. I have another stocking to post, just couldn't find the picture of it, so that will be for another entry. If you can't wait you'll have to check it on my blog or my etsy shop.

finished knitting a stocking

2006-11-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

about 1 am, finished knitting the first of 6 stockings

after all 6 are knit, they will all be felted

still have to knit the embellishments

some of them will be knit BEFORE i felt the stockings

started the 2nd of 6 to be knit

First Stocking of the Holiday...Done...well...almost

2006-10-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a stocking by www.woolandcompany.com and I just loved working on it!

I am almost done with it...I need to line it (the pattern doesn't call for it, however with all the beading and threads in the back, I want to
) and put a name on it. Originally I was making it for myself, HOWEVER, I may want to give it as a gift for the holiday...so I will wait on the name for now.

At least 2 more stockings to go.

Lisa

Pattern links and progress report

2006-10-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

There is a BEAUTIFUL lacy cabled stocking in the Holiday 06 issue of Vogue Knitting. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a picture of it online, but if you are looking for a pattern, check it out.

I've also added some patterns to the link list on the right-hand sidebar. If you have others, please email them to me so I can add them to the list.

Hope everyone's projects are going well! I finished the knitting (still lots of finishing left!) on my first stocking and have started the knitting of the second one.

How's everyone else doing? Please post progress reports!

2nd stocking finished

2006-10-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

will mail it in a day or 3
now to work on the Muchkin Stockings
6 to go

now that i know what i am doing
they will FLY

MY pattern
2 skeins Lion Wool - color Cadet Blue # 110 - stock

White Naturespun Worsted - snowwoman & year

White Naturespun Fingering - name

Sulky thread - Sliver Metallic (knit w/ white)
145-8040(Jo-Ann)

fiberfill to stuff snowwoman

kool-aid dyed sock yarn - hat & scarf
{intentionally NOT felted}

Lion Wool - Cocoa #125 -arms
{forgot to felt them}

buttons (down front) - Hancock

orange bead (nose) - Hobby Lobby

black buttons (eyes) - Hobby Lobby

black bugle bead (mouth) - Michael's

white & iridescence beads (snow) Hobby Lobby

toothpicks (knitting needles) Wal*Mart

1st of 2 stockings sent

2006-09-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

i joined 2 stocking swaps

the first one was mailed today

about 1/3 of the way done knitting the top
of the 2nd

knit 2006 in the heel

well .. back to knitting the 2nd one

i have decided

2006-09-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

so i volunteered to make my

Great Niece & Great Nephew a stocking this year

didn't make them baby blankets

well ..

their uncle is gonna be a daddy soon

so i am up to 3

then their mom's cousin was JUST a daddy

so i am up to 4

a friend has an daughter
about to be TWO years old
up to 5
she has an older brother
which brings me to SIX

i decided to make Snow Children

knit the child in white

use a Glittery Filament with the yarn

knit Hat, Scarf & Mittens out of sock yarn

attach to the stocking

embellish the children using

the Clover Felting Needle supplies

AND the punch needle supplies i bought

gonna knit the name out of varigated yarn

that's the plan NOW

will see how it looks when i start knitting

MAY use strands for each letter so that the letters

stripe as opposed to the NAME striping long ways

then i see that there is the kit to

needle felt & embellish

using similar idea

anyways ..

gonna graph a snow child

knit it in the stocking

also knitting the name into the TOP

the year 2006 in the heel

& proceed from there

bought yarn

the longest name is 7 letters so that's

100 stitches to cast on

will felt it when i am done knitting

bought cascade 220

naturespun worsted

galway

Lion brand cool wool

Paton's classic wool

it will ALSO be an experiment to see

how different yarns FELT

gonna make them ALL

using the same pattern

then will felt them altogether

IF i don't get antsie

I think I chose one!

2006-09-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

This one is from the book, Christmas Stockings. I made a solid green knit/purl textured one from this book last year, so this year I think I'll do some color work instead. Who knows when I'll finally get a chance to start though, sigh.....

Happy labor Day...and, my introduction...

2006-09-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. My name is Lisa and I am from Illinois. I have been knitting since last November (which led me right up to Christmas eve at 2 a.m. desperately finishing all my gifts....). This year, hopefully, I will get them all done by 1 a.m. (hehehe).

I am currently finishing up some WIP (a baby hat, and a sweater) and then I want to start my stockings. I hope to have 2 or 3 of them done by Christmas. The ones I am working on are at www.woolandcompany.net and I just love how they look...here are some small pics of them, but there are many more designs available!

I am so excited to be a member of this blog. I hope to get to know everyone soon!

aloha!

2006-09-03T22:19:00.000-07:00

hi! this is debbie from hawaii and i will be first working on a project i had hoped to complete last christmas. it's a crochet christmas tree about 1 foot high to use as a table or desk decoration. i saw one last year all decorated with little ornaments, but it took me practically the whole holiday before i found the pattern at www.crochetnmore.com/christmastree.htm i hope to do one holiday stocking too, for my hubby, but i'll be happy if i can complete one christmas tree....

What are you working on?

2006-09-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

I'd like to invite everyone to write a post introducing themselves and what projects they are planning on doing for the StockingAlong this year.

I'm Becky, I'm a law student from Austin, TX, and I am hoping to complete 2 stockings in time for Christmas for my husband and I's first Christmas in our new home (which has a fireplace perfect for stockings).

For mine, I am doing this kit from Elegant Heirlooms: http://www.beckyanddaniel.com/images/kit.jpg My husband is charting out a graph for his stocking which will use the same pattern as mine, but will be a dark blue background with a large star over a small stable or town. To coordinate, I am using the blue from his to do the cuff of mine and will use the white from mine to do his cuff. Hopefully I can get these done by Christmas!!

Looking forward to hearing from the rest of you!

lookin' for a pattern ??

2006-08-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

there is a Free Felted Stocking pattern on Crystal Palace site
http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/bags/xmas-sock-felt.html
thinkin' of using other yarns
i have plenty to choose from
could use Brown Sheep OR Bartletts as the stocking yarn
i am sure i can find a Frou-Frou yarn for the cuff
Cathy
http://tryintaknit.blogspot.com/

Open for Business

2006-08-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

Due to this, I think it's time to reopen StockingAlong for 2006. So, if you're not already a member, send me an email, and I'll send you a Blogger invite. And if you have recommendations for patterns to add to the sidebar, please send them to me as well.

Remember, this blog is for those making any kind of Winter Holiday decorations, so knitted wreaths, dreidels, menorahs, garlands, etc. all count.

Happy Knitting!

See ya next year

2006-01-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to thank all of you for participating in this year's stockingalong. Unfortunately life got in the way of my own stockings, but I loved seeing all the variations on stockings y'all completed.

I will keep this blog up and plan another StockingAlong starting in Fall 2006. I hope you will join in again, and I hope you'll help spread the word to others to join us as well.

-Becky

Finished in the (Saint) Nick of Time

2005-12-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

My 3rd and final stocking is complete. Stuffed and ready for opening on Christmas morning.

All three were knit using Cascade 220 double stranded. The stockings on either end had novelty yarn as well. The middle stocking was strictly pattern stitches with the Cascade 220.

Little Felted Stockings

2005-12-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I just joined the knitalong, but I've been reading your posts for a while. I designed a little felted stocking this month and have photos of the finished stockings. I really enjoyed doing these. They are really quick to make and can be adjusted to many different sizes. I needle felted initials on some of them to give as gifts. I am now working on a stocking for our puppy. I hope to get it done in time for Christmas eve! Check out the details on my blog.

Stockings are in the mail

2005-12-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

I sent my Christmas presents out via priority mail this morning and they should arrive on Friday.

Striped Christmas Stocking

2005-12-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

Yippee! I finished the stocking. Come check out the details at my Blog.

Angel Stocking Completed

2005-12-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

Here's the second finished stocking for my mom.

finished DH's stocking!

2005-12-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

details on my blog
Stephanie

Angel Stocking Progress

2005-12-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

No photos for now but I wanted to post that the angel stocking for my mother is coming along well. I turned the heel last night and I'm working on the gusset now.

What I learned from the sailboat stocking is that I need to make the foot longer. I'll probably open up the middle of the plain stockinette rows in the sailboat one to add in a couple more inches -- you know, if you are going to knit it you might as well knit it right.

I hope to have photos to share with you tomorrow.

FO: Ragg Christmas Stockings

2005-12-16T05:22:00.000-08:00

The names have been duplicate stitched on. Both stockings were given a quick bath (amazing how much nicer the yarn is after a dunk!) and reblocked. Then linings were sewn and added. It took 3 months and 1 week, but they're done, done, done!

Pattern: Ragg Christmas Stockings by Annie's Woolens
Yarn: Kit yarn. Probably Bartlett Yarns Acadian Tweed in gray/natural (6 oz. used) and Rangeley in Mountain Berry and Mountain Green (4 oz. each for both stockings)
Needles: Clover 16" circulars, sizes 6 and 8
Began: 9/5/05
Finished: (after much procrastination) 12/12/05
Recipient(s): My college best friend and her husband (wedding gift)

Techniques Learned: stranding/Fair Isle, hems, short row heel & toe, duplicate stitch, steam blocking, wet blocking, washing wool, lining knitted items, and a lot of sewing basics

More details and photos available at my blog.

Completed Stocking

2005-12-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

It is really hard to see the texture pattern in the photo, but in person it looks really cool. I made if for my godson and finished just in the nick of time :)

Jen

Stocking Progress

2005-12-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

I'm making progress on my son's stocking. Here are some pictures of it so far -

The pattern is from the Grace Ennis vintage stocking pattern set and I'm knitting it using (mostly) Cascade 220. There's a little bit of Kidsilk Haze Night in silver stranded with the green lettering. Santa's beard and the reindeer are made out of a 60% lambswool/40% angora mix for soft fuzziness. The pattern is fun and very clearly charted!

Sailboat Stocking

2005-12-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

Knit in Cascade 220 on #8 needles (straight/circs and dps)

Cast on 58 stitches using green, start the top of the stocking as a flat knit, back and forth
K2P2 rib for 9 rows
Stockinette (SK) for 3 rows
SK red for 2 rows
SK green for 2 rows and then fairisle in the name of the person in black (11 row height to letters) - or - SK 15 rows in green and then go back later and duplicate stitch in name later in black
SK red for 2 rows
SK one row in light blue
[Pattern as per chart]

switch over to knitting in the round at this point

SK 8-10 rows in medium blue for water
SK red for 2 rows
SK green for 4 rows
SK red for 2 rows
continue knitting until desired length (mine is around another 16 rows of green)

Divide for instep and heel; connect red and knit the heel and instep as per standard socks.
Knit to two inches short of desired length in green
Switch to red and finish the toe
(need more info than that?)

Sailboat chart

Each side of the stocking is 29 stitches, so for the back side I would just knit across the 29 stitches and then count out the stitches on the chart until I needed to do the color changes (or vice versa). The color changes I did using the intarsia technique primarily where you wrap the yarns around each other (always pick up the new color strand from underneath the color in use is the rule) and have multiple balls of color, on for each color block.

One down, one to go

2005-12-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

I'm not posting on my blog since my mother might see there, I'm making stockings for her and my dad as gifts this year. This is the first one I finished, I designed it myself.

My dad loves sailing so that's where the motif came from. I hope they like them. My mother is getting an angel on a burgundy background.

Making small Progress

2005-12-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

I have made a small bit of progress on my stocking. A little bit is better than nothing. I have so very many projects going on!

Fa La La La La

2005-12-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hi
I started up the lovely stocking from the book Holiday Knits.

I am knitting it with a #3 – 12” circular. It is coming out real nice and much easier since I need to switch out the colors for the striping. I am running all three colors along inside and just pull forward the color I need.

I discovered a good use for this beverage carrier from Starbucks. It works great for holding the three balls of yarn, especially when riding in the car and trying to knit a few rows on the go. Have you tried Starbucks Holiday Peppermint Mocha? It is Yummy!

For More Details check out the whole post at Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Day!
Happy Holidays
Tami

Lining a Stocking

2005-12-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Tell me: Am I a complete fool to want to add a lining to my Fair Isle stockings? I've Googled and Googled, and I've yet to find mention of anyone lining a knitted stocking. As a further complication, this is my first time sewing anything, and it's by hand as well. Thankfully my aunt helped pick out the material (strong and substantial and slightly stretchy), but I'm on my own from there. Using HelloKnitty's instructions for lining a felted purse [pdf] as a rough guide, I'm almost ready to attach the first, but I'm worried that I made it too big. The top fits nice and snuggly, but I left about a half-inch extra fabric in the leg section so it could stretch to hold the goodies. At the time it seemed a good idea since the lining material isn't as stretchy as the knit exterior, but now that I've pinned it in to check the fit, it makes the stocking look a little sloppy. Then again, maybe I got overly attached to the neat, flat post-blocking look. Lastly, should I anchor down the lining at the toe or heel or just let it hang from top?

Thanks in advance for any help. These stockings have to be mailed to Georgia, so I'd like them done ASAP.

--Manda

finished, hurrah!

2005-12-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

Here is my son Henry's finished Christmas stocking! I'm pretty pleased with it.
yarn: Cascade 220
needles: US 7 dpns
pattern: 64 sts, basic sock with picot hem at the top. Fair isle patterns taken from various books/patterns.

Stephanie

Mini Christmas Stockings

2005-11-30T19:32:00.000-08:00

This is from the Oddball Knitting book (I love this new book!). These are addicting to knit up and I must say I am on the3rd and would like a wreath of stockings just like the pic in the book! I have totally conquered any leftover fear I've had on knitting socks/stockings too. I will even go bigger next time!

It's done!

2005-11-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

I finished! My first stocking -- and probably the only one -- this year. I used the pattern from Holiday Knits, but substituted Cascade 220. I still have a few rough stitches after blocking where the join is, but overall I'm very pleased! Now let's hope I can get the photo to appear...

And there it is! Wahoo!

This is a gift for my best friend. Each year we exchange stockings filled with goodies (just in case Santa forgets us...).

Happy Holidays!

xoxoxox

LainE (knit and purl grrl)

My stocking completed

2005-11-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

This is a pattern handed down in my family and over 40 years old. There is no name on the original paper pattern, so I have no idea where it came from. I remember my mom's knitting buddies making these. My Mom completed 13 of them over the years, and this is my 4th one to knit. I have made mine with Plymouth Galway and Angora. It is knit flat and has a seam down the left side. Once the knitting is completed down to the toe, the heel is put in by picking up stitches off a waste yarn that is knitted in along the way down. The toe is one piece and only needs to be seamed up. I seam all the white parts, then go back and seam up the red. There are more photo's on my Knitting blog Floats Knits and Purls in the archives where I explain how I worked with the different colors.

This has always been a fun knit, and one everyone seems to love. The stocking is good sized and holds lots of goodies! Now I need to get to work on Santa ornaments.

Almost done!

2005-11-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

Here's my son's stocking--it's almost done. I wet-blocked it and I'm letting it dry. I still need to sew down the hem on the top and duplicate stitch his name across the white band. The moose portion is a bit wonky, but I'm hoping I fix fix that with some duplicate stitch and maybe a steam blocking. I'm really happy with it, though! Oh, I guess I also need to make the hanger and weave in all my ends!
Stephanie

Getting there....

2005-11-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I was so excited to see a knitalong for stockings. I'm working on my first one ever for a good friend. Every year we exchange stockings filled with goodies, so of course I thought I'd knit hers this year! Since I've done socks before, this pattern is posing little problems. It's from "Holiday Knits." Here's a photo as I work on the gusset.

More to report soon!

LainE
Knit and Purl Grrl
http://knitandpurlgrrl.blogs.com/

Stocking Started

2005-11-24T17:33:00.000-08:00

I finally started my stockings. The yarn has been staring at me for so long. I am working a toe-up pattern. I am going to do the toe, heel and cuff in the red. Then...the body will be green. I am going to embroider names on them after. This will be the first time I have attempted changing colors while knitting. I hope that I can do it.

Maverick's Stocking...

2005-11-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

Here is Maverick's Christmas stocking! It is made from Red Heart TLC Amore Red and White. It is all one piece sewn up on the sides. Below is a picture of the before sewing piece. I think it is cute but I would have liked the toe to come out better. Maverick likes it (at least the way it smells).

Hope everyone is having a happy turkey day!
Amanda

Started!

2005-11-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

I finally started my son's Christmas stocking and I'm having a blast! It will need lots of blocking, but you get the general idea . I'm using Cascade 220 and I'm making the pattern up as I go.

Stephanie

Done!

2005-11-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of the finished stocking hanging on the antique armoire. I am really loving how simple and uncomplicated it looks. I think I might try to make a couple more of these before Yule for friends. I've definitely got enough yarn in my stash to get rid of this way. :)

Rustic Lodge times 2

2005-11-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

Laying on my linen counter with care...

2005-11-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

I finished both Rustic Lodge Stockings for my kidlets this weekend. I love them! They represent my first socks as well. I feel much more confident about knitting socks for real feet now, so much so I joined the solid socks KAL. Heehee!

Project Stats:
Pattern: Rustic Lodge Stockings from the Knit Christmas Stockings book

Yarn: 1.5 skeins of Reynolds Lopi in Fire Tweed, and 1.5 skeins of Lopi in Spruce Tweed for both. I have lots leftover for some small stockings, or a Christmas felted bag perhaps?

Needles: Clover Bamboo DPNs size 9 (Love bamboo!)

Time: 3 weeks for both. I was a little slower with the first one.

Feelings: Joy and happiness. The knitted fabric is very firm but with enough stretch to fit lots of stuff. I love the tweed look with the rolled cuff. The added benefit of reversing the colors for each child is nice as well. No fighting...

Baby's first Christmas stocking

2005-11-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I'm Stephanie from StephKnits. I'm glad I found this knitalong because this year I'm planning to make a Christmas stocking for our new baby, Henry. He is almost 6 months old. I'm going to sort of make the pattern up and I'm using some Cascade 220 in white, green and red. There will be fair isle--a moose and probably snowflakes. I hope to get started as soon as I get a few gifts out of the way.

Hi everyone!

2005-11-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

Hello. :) My name is Claire and this is my first KnitAlong. I'm so excited! Last year I fell in love with some retro-looking stockings in the Restoration Hardware catalog. One was white with a red snowflake pattern and one was just red and white stripes. This year I plan on recreating the striped stocking using one of Lion's patterns. I also want to try making one of the cute Santa hats they have at Lion's.

I've made socks before, but I've never worked with two colors, so I'm a little nervous. But I can't wait to get started! Everyone's looks fabulous so far!

Finally Started!

2005-11-16T23:43:00.000-08:00

No pictures yet, but I have cast on for my first stocking! I am using Lion Brand Jiffy in Grass Green as my MC and Pearl Gray for the CC. So far, I have about half the leg part done.

I am combining bits and pieces of patterns I like as I go, so who knows how they will turn out. You would think that my problems with my last project (Mossy Socks) would have taught me better than to do that, but I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment. Somehow I just can't follow a pattern and make something, I have to modify it all and that's what gets me into trouble (i.e. frogging and redesigning).

Oh well, back to work!

I finally got started

2005-11-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

I actually started my stockings, its a Christmas miracle! I'm using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Grass and US7 needles. I just bought these new Brittany double points and love them. I've never used them before but plan to buy more in the future now. I love how light they are, and that the size is printed right into them.

Wedding Gift Ragg Stockings

2005-11-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

I'm doing the rather unusual thing of knitting Christmas stockings for a wedding present. I began them shortly before the recipients' wedding back in August but have been seriously procrastinating since it was discovered that the kit yarn is the raw homespun type that offends the allergies of everyone in the household. Etiquette may say you have a year after the ceremony to cough up a gift, but I'd really like them to have it for this Christmas. I've set myself a goal of getting the knitting part completed by Thanksgiving. Then it's a matter of adding the names and lining the stockings. I'm using the Ragg Wool Stocking pattern from Annie's Woolens.

Here's a progress shot from today:

I have a question: Should I duplicate-stitch the names before or after blocking? This is my first Fair Isle project, and I'm really quite proud of it, but it'll need a significant amount of blocking to disguise the fact that the Fair Isle section is narrower than the rest.

I finished up one Rustic Lodge Stocking

2005-11-10T09:33:00.001-08:00

What do you think of it? This one will be my son's. I'm doing the same pattern for my daughter but reversing the colors. The pattern is very easy which is good since before this stocking, I'd never knit a sock before. I enjoyed knitting it so much, I'm looking forward to casting on for my daughter's. No second sock syndrome for me!

Here's my son's stocking! Now I've got to get started on my daughter's.

2005-11-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

2005-11-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hi my name is Amanda (aka ttbookjunkie) and I blog at Amanda Knits and Crochets. I made stockings for my husband and I a couple of years ago and this year I wanted to make a stocking from some red and white homespun for my fur baby Maverick. I have not used a pattern in the past pretty much just knitted and increased and decreases to shape.

Happy Knitting everyone!

Amanda

A Stocking For Me, Finally!

2005-11-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hi All!
I'm hoping this KAL will get me going. I've made stockings for the whole family, both close and extended, but still do not have one for myself. I'm currently in the process of pattern and yarn choices. Love what folks are doing so far!

Becky's stockings

2005-11-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

I am going to be making 2 stockings for me and my husband for our First Christmas as a married couple. My stocking is going to be this one from Elegant Heirlooms:

I saw one done up at a yarn store in Minneapolis on a recent trip up there and fell in love. The beads and ribbon make it so beautiful. My husband is designing his stocking, but it will be based on this basic pattern, just with a different design so that they will coordinate. His will be a deep blue background with a large star that will have beads and then a small town (Bethlehem) under the star. He wants his to have a white toe to match mine, and mine to have a blue toe to match his. The cuffs will also be those colors with our names in the opposite color. I think they will be beautiful, but I am very worried about getting them done by Christmas!

I'm interested to hear everyone's opinions on whether to knit these in the round or to knit flat and seam up. In general I would think I would prefer in the round b/c I don't like sewing, but I am wondering if a seam helps to strengthen the stocking when it's hanging full of goodies? Thoughts?

I apologize I haven't updated the sidebar with more pattern links yet. I will do so in the next few days. Also, if anyone has more experience with blogger, please let me know. I'm trying to have a right and a left sidebar, but can't figure out how to get it to work.

Keep the updates coming!!

Ordered my needles today

2005-11-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

At least I have made some progress. I needed double points in a size I don't have, so I placed that order today. I still am not quite sure which pattern I'll do, but I'm leaning towards the Gansey style stocking in the Christmas Stockings book. I'll probably be useing Wool of the Andes from Knit Picks.

Little Sock

2005-11-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

Using the Little Blue Sock
pattern as a guideline I
made this little one from
scrap yarn and was
surprised at the
challenge! I am fairly
new at knitting and have
been knitting socks since last fall. Hopefully
time will allow me to make several more for
gift or tree decorations.

Yarn for the SockingAlong

2005-11-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

I got my yarn today for my stockings. It looks like Christmas. I am still hunting for a pattern that I can read and DO. I am new at reading knitting patterns, and completing stitches. I can knit, pearl, and can do short row stitching (but need help with everything else-haha). I will be sure to post pictures of my yarn and the beginning of my work!

2005-11-01T06:55:00.000-08:00

Rustic Lodge Stockings

2005-11-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! I'm making the Rustic Lodge Stockings from the Knit Christmas Stockings book for my children. I just cast on for my son's yesterday. I'm using the suggested yarn and colors, Lopi in Fire Tweed and Spruce Tweed. My son's will be green with red trim, and my daughter's will be red with green trim. I have planned to embroider their names on the stockings, but with the insanely long "to-knit" list I've got for this holiday season, I may wait until after Christmas to put their names on.

I'm looking forward to hearing about everyone's pattern choices and progress!

Christmas Stockings book arrived

2005-11-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

I received my Christmas Stockings 18 Holiday Treasures to Knit book today! Now just to choose which to make first. I love this book, they are wonderful and there is even a section on designing your own stockings. FYI, there is some errata though, so be sure to check for that first.

Ideas for everyone!

2005-10-31T02:23:00.000-08:00

Started searching through my books and patterns and thought I'd share some inspiration souces. Cat Bordhi has a free stocking bookmark pattern on her site, and her book A Treasury of Magical Knitting has some great felted christmas boots and a lovely seven socklings necklace too. Knit It! (fall'05) has a stocking pattern. Knit One, Felt Too has a Furry Top Christmas Stocking. Great Knitted Gifts has 2 stocking patterns. And of course you could go super mini to feel super fast and knit up a free online pattern: Little Blue Sock from Joyknits.

I have to keep looking...I know I have more patterns to look through...maybe I'll even splurge on another one or too. I can't wait to see everyone's stockings & festivities!
http://360.yahoo.com/amonkeyquilts

Welcome

2005-10-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 2005 StockingAlong. The primary goal of this knitalong is to help everyone to work towards a Christmas deadline on knit (or crochet stockings). However, if you have a different holiday project in mind (tree skirt, garland, any sort of decorative type item), please feel free to join in. And, of course, those knitting for other winter holidays (Hannukah, Kwanzaa, etc.) you are more than welcome. The more the merrier.

To join, please leave a comment to this post or email Becky. Please be sure to send me your email address as well as a link to your blog and take a button to add to yours. If you are feeling creative, please feel free to make a button for us. Also, please send me pattern links to add to the sidebar.

I look forward to hearing from you all!

P.S. This is my first time hosting a knitalong, so if you have any suggestions, please feel free to email me.