Friday, July 24, 2009

Annabeth's Christmas Stocking

I've been searching online for the perfect Christmas stocking for Annabeth. I know that sounds insane because it's July, but if I'm going to get a good one it has to be way before the holidays start.

Growing up, everyone in my family had a Bucilla felt, sequined stocking. They're still beautiful after almost 30 years. When I realized they still made them, I was excited to get some for my own family. I bought the kits and quickly realized that pigs would fly before I would ever be able to make them myself. I wasn't that crazy for thinking I could teach myself because my mom made all of ours and she's not exactly a seamstress. Oh well. Maybe she was great at sewing back in the day and just totally burned out after making our stockings. (She used to glue gun my brownie patches.) An awesome blog reader named Cinde ended up sewing them for us. I will thank God for her for the rest of my life until I'm either too blind to see them or too senile to remember them.

These are the ones we already have:

This is Curt's.



This is mine.



This is Jackson's. His is exceptionally fabulous. Melissa was always bitter that mine was cuter than hers, so I have to pick one for Annabeth that is also fabulous. I'm not sure any of the ones I've seen this year equal his. I could wait and see what they have next year, but you know it will drive me crazy not to have one for her first Christmas.



These are the ones I like for Annabeth.

This is the Sugarplum Fairy stocking. I think the pink struggles, but she might really like the fairy and all the Christmas candies and desserts. If I put it to the side of mine, which has a tiny amount of pink, it might not be awful. I would be willing to overlook the clashing colors for the happiness of my daughter.



This is Snowman Santa stocking. The benefit of this one is that her name would fit easily across the top.



If she grows up loving horses, this could be a big winner.



There are a ton of finished ones on Etsy and Ebay, but these three are my current favorites. Which one do you think I should pick?


I came across this masterpiece during my search and I was almost inspired to do another giveaway. I decided against it just because I don't want to cause all the losers to stumble in their covetousness. You're welcome.

105 comments:

Unknown said...

Those are the stockings that my husband had growing up (my mother in law made them), and now she makes them for all her grandchildren. My son's is adorable! One of my neices has the sugarplum fairy one- it's georgous! I vote for that stocking for Annabeth!

Holly said...

I think I like Santa and the carousel horse best.

I love Christmas...and thinking about it in July is a good thing, Amanda.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

The 'Ssippi Scoop said...

I'm 32 and that is the exact same kind of stocking that I have at my Mom's house, too. She made mine, but out of 2 brothers and another sister, I am the only one that has one like that. The brother's are needle point and she did those too. But she's crafty like that, me? Not so much!

Anyway, I've been a lurker and am now commenting becuase I have a 7 month old daugther, who will turn 1 on Dec. 22nd and I'm already having nightmares of trying to come up with great 1st Bday plans that do NOT go with Christmas.

I just had to say that I LOVE the one with pink, because it is very girly and it just jumped out at me when I saw it.

Kari said...

If you want her to have the stocking for YEARS I would not do the princess one - my 11 year old has been against such things now for a few years!

Marc and Charity said...

I'm sorry you are in a funk.

I like the horse stocking, really cute!

AKat said...

I like #3, but if you're worried about her name fitting, then #2. They are all adorable, though!

We had felt stockings at my Granny's house. My sister, Elizabeth, only had Beth on hers because her name wouldn't fit. (Why I lean towards #2 for Annabeth...)

I can't believe Christmas will be here in only 5 months! Yikes!

Heather said...

I would have loved to win that toliet seat cover!! ha ha ha ha!! I would go with stocking 2 or 3 for Annabeth, there's something about the pink that's not screaming Christmas to me. I dunno though, I am pretty traditional on color at Christmas time. My mom made our stockings too when we were kids, then made them for Matt and Andrew. Well they moved before Emma was born and the stockings didn't make it to their new house. We have no idea what happened to them, other than somehow they ended up in the trash. I can't tell you how devestated she was, I was too!! I loved out stockings!

Beth said...

The first one! The first one! The first selection for Princess AB! It's only fitting! I may get me a matching one.

Brittany said...

Sugarplum fairy most definitely!

The other's are so close to Jackson's that they could be compared. But you can't really compare a fairy to Santa.


And the fairy is so cute!

Toknowhim said...

The sugarplum fairy is so adorable for a little princess :) You could make the pink work...

Rene said...

I like the carousel and Santa one to go with Jackson's.

The Schmidt Family said...

Jackson will never be jealous of the fairy!

Erica @ All About Aleigha said...

I love the fairy one. Too stinking cute! Don't you just love etsy!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Amanda, you have to see the one I found for Jenna...

http://www.plaidcraftexpress.com/products/product.aspx?sku=506140

Love it!!

Traci said...

You've got to go with the fairy. I'm telling you- she'll be over the moon about it- and don't worry the amount of pink on the stocking will be nothing compared to all her other things.

My baby is turning 9 this month and she's just now starting to choose colors other than pink.

Anonymous said...

I would pick the carousel stocking simply because it has the little tag for the name like Jackson's. I'm for continuity.

My 4 yr old girl would totally pick the sugar plum fairy because of the pink alone. And also, Sugar Plum is her nick name. If we didn't already have our own stockings, I'd get that one for her.

Cute stockings, all around, though. Let us know what you decide.

Lauren said...

Haha! I'm going with your mom Amanda, I love the first one!

Lauren said...

Oh dear. That toilet cover is FUNNY.

Also, I'm not crazy about the pink fairy on the stocking, but I like the others. :)

Michelle said...

I bought the sugarplum fairy when I was pregnant with my daughter. It is ALMOST done now. I need some inspiration to finish it before Christmas! It looks great next to our other 3. I love it!!!

Erica said...

Those stockings are awesome! My grandmother has made each of us one, and they are definitely a labor of LOVE!
The sugar plum fairy is precious and even though she might outgrow it, it would work for quite some time. The snowman is also really cute!
I can't believe the season is fast approaching!

Julie Marler (Mammy) said...

Without a doubt - The Sugarplum Fairy!!! Annabeth will thank you when she gets older!!
Mammy

jamie b said...

i LOVE the sugarplum fairy! I think Annabeth would too. :)

tanya said...

I love the Sugar Plum fairy one too but I've known little girls to turn their noses up at the color pink WAY too soon.

So, I vote for the carousel stocking because it is a timeless design and similar to Jackson's stocking.

Kim ~ Kay Kay said...

I like parts of the sugarplum fairy stocking ~ just not all of it. Doesn't her hair look like it has rollers from a glance and not roses?? I'm sorry, I know that's not what you want to hear.
I would choose 1 or 2 or keep looking. You have some time still.

Kim ~ Kay Kay said...

I have another idea... your friend who made them, could she do the fairy a little different and sew one together and place that one on it instead. It could still have some pink if you like...but fix the hair!! Everything else about the stocking is adorable, like it alot.

You could also shop for a fairy or princess piece thats already made and just sew on. Thats what I would do! Anyway, goodluck.
I've been needle pointing my daughter a new one for 2 years now!! LOL

Mary said...

A wise woman once said, "If pink is one of the choices, it is clearly God's will!" hhhmmmm...any guesses on who the "wise woman" is? :D

KK said...

Love the fairy, not a fan of the toilet cover :)

annalee said...

1) it's never too early to start thinking about such things.
2) the sugarplum fairy. it is fabulous. it isn't technically a princess, so she won't outgrow it. it screams i love christmas and i'm a girl all at once.
3) i think her name can fit. i volunteer to help you find a way.

Shelby said...

I like the Sugarplum Fairy stocking. Yes, the pink is not a traditional Christmas color but it is perfect for a little girl!

Bonnie said...

Carousel. Definitely the carousel. They're timeless. They're classic. They're - perfect no matter your age. It's over the top adorable and there is no pressure (what if she isn't a great ballerina?). Ok - that's my apparently not so humble or quiet opinion. I need to work on that even in writing, apparently... :) Blessings!

Ashli said...

Fairy, hands down.
And I am a little insulted you thing there is something wrong with glue gunning the patches. Those things are so hard to sew. My daughters aren't safety pinned on, really, they are not.

bethany said...

I think that the sugar plum fairy one is cute! Get that one for her!
Now that I think of it...we need to add 2 more stockings to our little family. Kensley and Isaac will be turning 1 in September and they will need their stockings at Memaw and NoNo's(yes...can you believe that my dad is called NoNo by the kids??!!) house. Since Kensley is the only girl in the Silva Family, hers will have to be over the top!

beckyjomama said...

I am all over that sugar plum fairy one! ALL OVER IT! And I wouldn't worry about the pink clashing, it is too beautiful to pass up!

Timmarie said...

Sugarplum fairy all the way.

Beverly Wooley said...

Sugar Plum Fairy, hands down! It's very girly and "over the top." What girly girl wouldn't love it! Plus, it's unique and would keep the other three unique. With one of the other two choices you'd end up with two stockings with a snowman or two stockings with a santa.

Heather's House said...

I L-O-V-E the first one! I am all about pink!! I think it is perfect for your little princess.

Sisters said...

my family has these stockings. My great grandmother made all of my moms and my generation and now my mother is making my childrens. It is really cool.

My sister would have loved the bathroom set. She decorates so much at Christmas I always say it looks like Santa threw up at her house!

Kodi said...

I love the sugarplum fairy, and I think most little girls would choose it too. If you look into modern crafts, pink and red don't clash anymore! :)

Anonymous said...

The Bucila stockings I have for my family are gorgeous. At least that's what I tell myself when I see them still in pieces in the original packaging.

Deirdre said...

oh the horse one wins hands down. besides it has the same type of name tag that Jackson's does.

Anonymous said...

I like the Snowman and the carousel one!! You are so ahead of the game! You go girl!

Desiree said...

I have to say, I like the Sugarplum Fairy the best...perfect for a little girl.

Good luck in your choosing and way to go on getting the task done early.

The B's said...

The sugarplum fairy...there will be no jealousy there. BEAUTIFUL!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

These are the ones we have also...

I love the Santa on the carousel the best.....

Laura Smith said...

Oh please pick the Sugar Plum Fairy!! Pink is perfect for any season!

creative gal said...

I love the girly one. . .but, I agree. . . she may "outgrow" the princess stuff even for a while. . .What a shame b/c we are all princesses of a mighty King!! :o) Anyway, I would vote for #2. . .

Tara G. said...

The ballerina- it'll mean even more to her in years to come if you make it a tradition to see the ballet each year. Nothing like sweet little girls dressed up to see the Nutcracker!

Spirt Mom said...

I staple the patches on my kids' cubbie vests for AWANA. There are just to many of them...

Bobbie said...

I had the Bucilla 'style'stocking that my Mom made me early on and she made the four of us new ones when we started our family. I love them--I definitely vote for the horse and carousel for Annabeth. It's one that she won't outgrow!

What fun this Christmas is going to be for y'all with a new little one that will get into all that wrapping paper!

Have a great weekend!

Sister Lynn said...

I like #3 - Santa on the carousel. Its sparkly and fun - even if she doesn't love horses.

kittyhox said...

I bought the sugar plum fairy stocking last year for our daughter. My son has the bears making s'mores over a campfire, which I LOVE. I can't decide which to get for my husband and I.

Anyhoo, I love the sugar plum fairy stocking, but my husband and mother both think it is a tad gaudy. I say, who cares. It only comes out at Christmas, and I think most little girls would think it was very special and fancy and sparkly. Elisabeth was only about six weeks old last Christmas, so I couldn't tell if she liked it or not. ;)

Unknown said...

Love em'

The Oakes said...

The first one!! The other two don't even compare to that one.

Michele Helms said...

Go for the fairy....It IS equally fabulous!!

Kiki said...

Sugarplum Fairy, hands down.

I've been putting off getting our family stockings with our names until we're done having kids so I can get all matching ones. I never thought that I could add them! And now I'm off to search Etsy.

Moose Mama said...

I do like the Santa and carousel one...but I think I'd have to go with the Sugarplum Fairy. It is sooooo girly. To me, it just screams..."Precious Little Girl"!

Melana

MITZI said...

I voted for Santa on the carosel horse. The fairy one is toooo busy, can't tell it's a stocking and the middle one is close to looking like Jackson's. They are all cute though.

Daniels Five said...

Number Two is what i would pick for her, its not to busy and she will still like it as she get older
Michelle

Jessie said...

totally the sugar plum - could there be another choice?? seriously, buy it, she will love it.

Angela said...

santa with the horse, because you will always think about the pink. BUT my next choice would be the sugar plum fairy.

Becca said...

I love the sugarplum fairy stocking! But, I am very much of a girlie girl. (You know that.) The carousel horse is very adorable too!

Zoe said...

I vote for the first one - so girly-girly!

Profbaugh said...

I vote for the sugarplum fairy all the way. I like it so much I might even have to get it for my soon-to-be 18 year old daughter!!!

(((Hugs)))
~Cheryl

Taylor said...

I love those! All 4 of us grandkids on my mom's side had matching ones like that!

And..I love the snowman one for Annabeth!!

Shelley said...

I like the sugarplum fairy, I mean, what girl wouldn't?! BUT, I really like the carousel one! I like that it has a tag for the name, just like jackson's, so you'd have two with tags, and two with the names across the top, and everything would be even! I like even. :) And I think it looks just as cute, but not cuter than jacksons!

Marla Taviano said...

I vote fairy. I've missed reading your blog!!

Tara D. said...

Even though it's very "busy", I L-O-V-E the sugarplum fairy stocking. It's just so girly and frilly...so adorable.

R said...

the fairy stocking is too, too precious! my preschool girls already have stockings, but i might just switch them to these!!

and it's never too early...i started Christmas shopping last week!

lavonda said...

yikes! hard one...
at first I was leaning toward the aDORable first one.

then, after looking at them compared with the other 3 that you already have, the horse one seems to go better with them:
a) it's just as precious as Jackson's
b) it's not busier than the other 3 -- the first one outshines them all with it's elaborate decorations and colors (even tho it is so precious)
c) the name across the top of yours and Curtis' matches, and the nametag off the side on the horsie one matches the nametag off the side on Jackson's -- they would balance each other nicely hanging on the mantle
d) how are you EVER going to make Annabeth's name fit nicely on that teeny cupcake spot on the first stocking?!? No Way.
e) Bibby could help you fulfill all options, by having the first [pink] one at her house for Annabeth (and the other one you like for Jackson of course, because it's gender neutral and could be boy or girl!), and then you could have the horsie one at your house with your family stockings... WIN WIN WIN, I tell you! you get them ALL three that you like!

(ahem) my spiritual gift is rationalization and justification where shopping is concerned. According to my husband, I use this very well, and can apply it to any circumstance/heart's desire.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance! :)

Traci said...

Isn't it tough to have to pick something now that you hope they will love later?!

I vote for the sugarplum fairy. She's completely unique and so girly, yet still Christmassy.

Angie said...

Sugar plum fairy, definitely. I grew up with a Holly Hobbie stocking while everyone else had snowmen, Rudolph, etc.--I still loved mine the most!

Although, I have to admit I am all about tacky Christmas decor--those toilet covers look right up my alley!! :-)

Beth said...

My vote is for the sugarplum fairy. Who cares that it is mostly pink? It's all girl!!

Kelli said...

I love the carousel stocking!!! It is so cute and looks really good with the ones you already have.

Dern. I was really wanting a new Christmas toilet bowl cover. OH WELL. I guess I'll just have to do with out -ha! :)

Gayle @ thewestiecrew said...

Most definitely the Sugarplum Fairy!! It is such a girl thing... she will love it when she gets to be about 3, I promise!

barbara head said...

I like the fairy one but it is a little busy so my vote goes with the carousel horse. Little girls almost always love horses.

Beth Herring said...

Oh, Amanda, we all have those stockings too, My mom made ours when we were little and I made them for my 3 girls.

Then 2 of my girls got married so I made both of my son-in-laws one. Then the grandkids started coming. and coming. and coming..... I have made 5 for my sweet grandbabies. I have one to make this year for my newest little grandson and have to start on it soon!!

I love them all.

Sarah said...

Hi Amanda,
I read your sweet message on our blog. I've been keeping up on your blog... your family is absolutely precious! It is so great to hear from you!

My vote is for the sugarplum fairy!

Love,
Sarah

mustard seeds said...

I vote for sugarplum fairy. I think I may need to make some of these for my family too.They are so cute!

O Mom said...

Love the carousel stocking, it's similar to J's but a little more girly!

Mamarazzi said...

OH, you just gotta get the sugar plum fairy...as I"m sure you will take her to see the Nutcracker Ballet once she's old enough...it's perfectly fitting!

CAROL LIVIN FOR GOD said...

Hi Amanda I am with your mom on this one #1. I kinda like the second one to but I will vote #1
have a great weekend have been in prayer for your mom today about her taping in Dallas.
Thanks Amanda hope you chose the #1
Love you all your seista Carol Albuq. NM

Paige said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the one with the ballerina....it rocks! And would give Jackson's a run for his money!

Heather said...

because I forgot to say, that you should go with what you love!! i think you could pull it off and Annabeth would love it! I think it would look precious besides yours!

Gran Jan said...

Amanda - I like the sugarplum fairy one, but I saw another Bucilla one recently that you may like. I think it was called Ballerina Bears. It was really cute.

I love Christmas stockings and added two to our family mantle last year. One for my grandson's first Christmas and one for my new daughter-in-law! It was fun having their names embroidered on the top.

It's so hot here in Georgia - I'm thinking December sounds great!

You are a sweetheart,
Georgia Jan

psm260 said...

Sugarplum fairy!

Kara Akins said...

This mom of five girls says fairy one for sure.

Heather said...

I wish that first one wasn't such a color clashing because I really do like it. Maybe you just go for it because, like you said, it's for your daughter!!!
I need to be thinking about Avery Kate's stocking...

Norma Bowers said...

I love the Sugarplum Fairy one. After all the pictures I have seen of Annabeth in her cutesy-tootsie clothes, I think it is most definitely the ONLY fitting one for her! A little pink wouldn't hurt Christmas at all..it has enough of the other "Christmas" colors to make it fit in perfectly.

Ashley said...

oh absolutely the fairy

Kristen said...

That's so funny about you and Melissa. Paige and I did the same thing - over the stocking holders. We would always secretly switch our stocking holder to the angel and give eachother the boring reindeer or something.
The horse is classic, the pink is super fun!

Katie said...

I was ready to talk about the cuteness of the stockings but those thoughts were completely lost after the toilet accessories image! Hahaha! I wonder if there is a coordinating tissue box cozy... ;o)

Michele said...

They are all so precious. Love, love, love the sugarplum fairy. It's just what every little princess should have.

The Hays Family said...

Number 2 --

It will always fit...and not something she will outgrow ;o)

I have needlepointed stockings, and when my 3 year old saw me working on his in May, after about 30 minutes, he came back by and asked me if I was finished. Needless to say, I needlepointed a stocking that would have taken a year in 3 months - and had the eye twitch to show for it! But it was up that Christmas -long before by goal of having it done by the time he finished Kindergarten.

Becky said...

Totally love the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Lindsey said...

Def the fairy one! So cute for a little girl!

Lisa said...

I love the fairy! If your concerned about the color I'm sure you could alter the color scheme a with just a little extra felt... She may outgrow this during the early teenage years. I have a 16 year old who would DIE if I put that up for her stocking....But my 22 year old would love it!

katiegfromtennessee said...

Hi Little Momma,

I like the sugar plum fairy and the snowman. Those two are my favorites:)

Blessings to you Little Momma:)

katiegfromtennessee

Mary R Snyder said...

Oh my! The Sugar Plum fairy is a MUST! It's so very pink! And from one girl mom to another (my babies are 22 & 16), this is the BEST girl stocking ever!
I realized it's not a PERFECT match, but put the little one's stockings in the center and mom and dad on either side (untraditional, but what the hey). Or just throw all convention to the wind and hang the stockings in places OTHER than the mantle.

this is so cute!

Mary R Snyder said...

And see, your Mom agrees with me! Sugar Plum Fairy!
and I may just order some for my girls! The oldest would love it, the baby would laugh.

valerie said...

I think my favorite is the Sugarplum Fairy stocking.

That's so funny that your mom used hot glue to put your patches on. Sounds like me. My mom always sewed and made our clothes and just about anything else she set her mind to do. I cannot sew! My mom used to say "You need to learn...what are you going to do when something rips and you need it sewn up?" Hummmm....."go to Mom."

I'll be anxious to see which stocking you pick for Annabeth.

Nichole Kennard said...

I don't think you are crazy for thinking about it now. I cross stitch a stocking for each of us and I am due with my third in January and this week picked out the stocking that I have 18 months to finish. I have purchased the floss and already started. It is never too early to plan!
And my choice: I have to say I really like the one that was posted in the comments by "The Silva's". It is girly yet has the Christmasey colors too. I know that wasn't one of the choices but I liked that one. :)

Cinde said...

Hi Amanda -
I'm a little late in commenting - we have been out of town. But I really like the carousel horse myself! If I had to make another one that is the one I'd want to look at! :-)Cinde

Leslie said...

OMGoodness! This is my life! None of my friends had a clue what I was talking about. Last year was my daughter's first Christmas and by this Christmas, we'll have #2. I was on a all out search for Bucilla last year, too! It's what we had growing up and I've always loved my stocking. My sister tried to make them for her kids and quickly realized the labor of love they truly are. Unfortunately, I didn't start my search until the end of October last year....so you know what that means. No Bucilla for Caroline's first Christmas! :( All year I have fantasized of a way to make those stockings for my kids while my precious time continues to slip away. I will definitely check Etsy! Thanks for the post to remind me!

mayte said...

Hello My Name is Mayte and I AM IN NORTHERN MEXICO, I LIKE MUCH OF THE FAIRY OF THE BOOT IS PINK, YOU COULD SHARE WITH ME THE MOLD? BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT FIND NOTHING IN MY CITY Bucilla OJALA QUE GRACIAS THANKS AND IF YOU HAVE Greetings from MEXICO

Amanda said...

Mayte, the stocking is the Sugar Plum Fairy by Bucilla. Here's a link to the kit.

http://www.plaidonline.com/productDetail.asp?itemID=85431

Ojala que usted lo encuentre!