Thursday, December 10, 2009

~THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG...Just a Peek at Our Treasures~


When I was a little girl I had the most wonderful Christmas Stocking. Everyone in my family had Stockings that were similar, all made of white felt and fashioned using sequins, glitter, baubles and beads. Just recently I asked my Momma if I could have mine... After a long pause she said "I'll have to find it for you!"

Honestly I don't think she's ready to give those family treasures away to her children yet. And so, they remain in her safe keeping.

Because I love creams and whites I couldn't resist making our Christmas Stockings using those basic, neutral colors. With the addition of several vintage fabrics in soft shades of pale taupe the Stockings just seemed to come to life for me. More and more I'm loving muted tones that go with everything... Those colors are soothing to me, warm and inviting. They invite peace into my day and I've grown to love them so very much.

The Stocking above was made using the remnants of an old handmade sack I bought earlier this summer at an estate sale. The bag had once been part of an Edwardian Skirt and I just loved it. The fabric was very old, but it had substantial damage along the top edge making it perfect for a makeover. I had plans all along to make it into a romantic Stocking for my Mantle. It's been accented with vintage Venise Lace, Old Rayon Ribbon, Old Buttons and Faille Ribbon...

The next Stocking (above) was made using the corner of an old tablecloth. The center of the cloth had a huge hole in it but the four corners still looked perfect. I couldn't resist using it the hand-embroidered heart for yet another cream and white Stocking. This one also has vintage shell buttons, vintage ruffle with old lace, faille ribbon and a gorgeous vintage creamy white millinery rose. Hanging for the tippy toe is a vintage brass locket...


Here's a close-up of the lovely handwork. Simply beautiful. Hand embroidery like this is becoming a lost art. My Momma does the BEST embroidery work I've ever seen... Every single one of her stitches are PERFECT.


This next Stocking was made using strips of different fabrics and a mix of vintage and older laces. My favorite part of this one is the lace panel used on the front. Once a pillow, the pretty figural piece was damaged at the top. I didn't mind at all cutting their heads off and using what I could... :) This one has also been complemented with a vintage millinery rose.

My very favorite part of the Stocking is the vintage SHELL STAR BUTTON on the front! This one also has a vintage brass jingle bell at the toe. Did you know that the new bells you buy on the market sound tinney compaired to those of days gone by? They do. Old bells REALLY JINGLE!

Here's a close-up of the Shell Star...


And one of the vintage millinery roses salvaged from an old hat!

After living in our home for about twelve years my Mr. AGPMan built this Mantle (Fireplace Surround). I'd wanted a vintage one, but the one I found that even remotely fit into the space was sooooo expensive that my guy just smiled while shaking his head "NO"! He promised me he'd build me one instead. Custom made is always best. The surround fits like a glove and I love it. He finished it right before the photo shoot by Romantic Homes Magazine several years ago.

Now..just so you don't mistakenly THINK the men in my life go for lace, ruffles, baubles and bells, take a look at these...

The larger cross stitched stocking I made for my guy and trust me when I say it's all about HIM! It is filled with tools and saws and anything and everything found in a workshop. The smaller one I made for my son. It showcases all things that BOYS love... He didn't even want a ruffle on his...:). I'm hoping to finish one up for our son-in-love before too long...

And there you have it...a tiny glimpse into more of the pretties found inside my La Chaumière de Briarwood...

Blessings to you as you contiue to enjoy the Season of Christmas Love...Rebecca

45 comments:

Tristan Robin said...

I am so so glad that you visited my blog, so that I could follow the breadcrumbs here! I just love your blog! I'm putting in on my blog list as soon as I leave here.

These stockings are just exquisite - so romantic and nostalgic and elegant. I'm wondering if, perhaps, we don't need new vintage stockings now!

Connie said...

Darling, chickee! I think I'll have a giveaway for a stocking soon. I need to get rid of some of them around here. Well, I'll keep one for the new great grandchild I suppose. Squeeeeeeall!! I can hardly wait until May. Drop by for a visit soon, sugar.
xoxo,
Connie

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

Oh those dreamy stockings take my breath away ... over the top pretty!

Have a merry Christmas !!

xo
Jill

Blu said...

Wow! Rebecca, those stockings are just gorgeous! Utterly gorgeous. They looks so elegant and fragile. (But I guess they aren't if they go up on the mantle).
The guys' ones are nice, but whatever they look like most stockings.
BUT!
Those white ones are exquisite. I'm in complete awe!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Rebecca... those are so very beautiful! I love that you even made special ones for the "guys"! Precious memories too of your stockings as a little girl... love to you... Bisous... Julie Marie

Victorian1885 said...

Oh Rebecca..just lovely as I expected! You really inspire me to get out my vintage linen/lace collection and design stocking for everyone I know..thank you for the inspiration. Have a lovely rest of the week! Blessing to you and your Family..

Wanda

Anonymous said...

I'm in love with the third stocking. Aww.. Mr. AGPman... now come, you must let her put some ruffle to that stocking. Just a tiny bit around the loop maybe? Well darn, they look really nice without it but would blend much nicer with a touch of pretty. Maybe if you tell him you'll compromise and leave the roses off he'll give in. :) Gorgeous! Hugs. Tammy

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

The stockings are gorgeous. Never turn away from vintage fabric that looks, well...vintage. I have seen some sad pieces but on a second look there is almost always usuable sections. I love the white. Oh and the star. What a beauty.
xxxoo, Sue

Anonymous said...

Just simply so adorable.The mens stockings as well.Very sweet.Merry Christmas Rebecca!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Rebecca, your stockings are just heavenly! I love that you used vintage fabrics. I do have my stocking from when I was young and still at home. My mom and I made them....but they are red felt and really nice to have the memory, but the stocking is not pretty....so, believe it or not, I don't have stockings. My hubby never really understood the filling of a stocking since they didn't do it at his home growing up. After the kids left home I gave up the stocking filling. I don't have a fireplace, so I guess I will live heh? But I do think yours are some of the lovliest I have ever seen.
Oh, and shopping with hubby. Let's just say mine has evolved into my chauffeur. He drives me and waits in the car. Trust me, it is better than hearing all the deep sighs and humphs!!

Rebecca Nelson said...

To Tammy: Oh, Mr. AGPMan's has the ruffle. It's my MAN-Child's that does NOT! :) NO Way, No How.

xoRebecca

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

OH my Rebecca you never cease to amaze on how gifted you are. These have to be the most beautiful stockings I have ever seen. They would have to hang year round at my home. lol
Lovely post
Take care
Maggie

Rita said...

Rebecca, your Christmas stockings are exquisite! Even the guy's stockings. I would never have thought about putting the pleats at the top as you did. That makes them tie in with the gal's without being feminine! Love it!

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Rebecca, your stockings are amazing! Love the frills and all of the repurposed vintage pieces. Your creativity sure is inspirational. You take something sweet and simple and take it a step further with beautiful personal touches.

Blessings,
Becky

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Rebecca,
Your stockings are exquisite! How I wish for a sewing machine! Thank you for sharing your lovely creations.

Christmas blessings,
Sandi

Bunny said...

Rebecca, your stockings are breathtaking Oh my you have done an amazing job making these. I do love anything vintage. I might just have to make some for next year.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Most Beautiful Rebecca! I love your gorgeous gorgeous stockings! You are just amazing at your creativeness! These are outstanding and the guys needlepoint ones are truly awesome! Your fireplace surround is lovely. Your hubby is a talented one in his own right!
I love seeing your home and your crafts! Thanks, Rebecca for coming to my home tour and your kind words.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Ginger said...

Love the stockings, you are such a wonderful seamstress. They are just beautiful. The antique store I posted on my blog announced they will be closing for good the end of this month. Some dealers are selling their stock, some are moving. Makes me sad.

Ginger

Miss Rhea said...

They are all so lovely :) Love the new ivory/taupe ones :) You make the Prettiest stockings I have ever seen :) Hope you are enjoying the Season of Our Lords birth as much as I am :) Hugs Friend :) :)

Lady Farmer said...

So very elegant! I wish I could think to look at old linens when I go to sales! What is the main part of the stocking made from? They don't look like felt! And I really like the shape of them, too! Thank you for sharing them ~ I will be on the look out for old linens and laces now!
Blessings!

June said...

Sweet Rebecca, I am SPEECHLESS and anyone who knows me KNOWS that I am NEVER speechless! I am so blown away by the beautiful work you do with your hands. NOW I'm inspired!!!
hugs~

Tanza said...

Hi sweet friend ~
These are soo gorgeous !! you know I'ld be dying if I didn't already have stockings from your sweet hands .. I STILL LoVe them all, and they are too, ALL a bit different from each other .. They hang in waiting .. pssst .. my guys all get girly stockings now, and NEVER know the difference .. They get soo much for their stockings, it kinda spills onto the floor, and they forget it was in the "girly stockings".. my guys do give into me alot, don't they !! I should NEVER complain .. Your home looks soo beautiful, and cozy ~~
hugs for you ~
tea

Ruthie said...

Those stockings are beautiful!The fireplace surround is much,much better than any vintage piece you could find.So special that your sweetie made it for you.I could never,ever sell my house after that,unless it came with me.You always make me happy Reb.xoxox Ruthie

The Feathered Nest said...

Rebecca, everything you create is so beautiful!!! There's always such attention to detail ~ I hope you are doing wonderful sweet friend, xxoo, Dawn

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: I just love all your stockings. Thanks for visiting. I was in the hospital these last two days with chest pains. They said it is stress. I do not know from what!LOL! So I have to practice being peaceful. I am trying so hard. I thought I was doing a good job, then this happened to me. Guess I still need you to keep praying. Sure do love you. Martha

The French Bear said...

Rebecca, the stocking are stunning!!! My Santa would definitely fit in here!!!
I love the white, and the cross stitch ones too (I know how much work they are)!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Barbara Jean said...

Your Victorian stockings are beautiful beyond words.

Barbara jean

Anne Lorys said...

Those stockings are just amazing! So delicate and timeless. Exquisite!
All the best,
Anne

Anonymous said...

Good Morning!!! rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com is one of the most outstanding informational websites of its kind. I enjoy reading it every day. All the best.

cottagepinkperfection said...

Rebecca,I always look forward to seeing the things you have made, so lovingly displayed through out your home. God has blessed you with many talents. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say we never tire of what you have to share with us.

Blessings to you!
Marie

GwendolynKay said...

Rebecca,
You have a wonderful gift of sewing and creating. Your stockings are simply gorgeous! Blessings!
Gwen

Mollye said...

Oh gosh Rebecca, I don't think I've ever seen anything more beautiful. And I want to say Thank You for praying for my grandson Andy. I am humbled. Peace, Mollye

Mary said...

Rebecca, I just can't believe how creative you are, and how stunning these stockings are...everything you make is stunning! I have been sewing since I was 15, but I've never even dreamed of doing anything like this...when I see old tableclothes or linens, I haven't a clue what to do with them...you are gifted, my friend, truly, you are! I love the femininity of the stockings and all the beautiful items that you make. And I love your blog, and your heartwarming stories of family and friends...you are such a special person, good to the depths. God bless!

Mary

Dolores said...

Oh my goodness.....Your work and creativity is marvelous!! The stockings are so delicate and beautiful......
Mr AGPMan is certainly not a slouch with his work. My goodness (again) you couldn't buy a mantle any prettier than yours.... and how wonderful that he made it for you.
Hugs~
Dolores

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

Rebecca!!! Your fireplace, created by your dear husband, is as beautiful as any I've ever seen and your stockings are perfect in their angelic white for the mantel! Thanks so much for sharing this beauty! Blessings and hugs, Coralie

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Yummy and delish! ....and perfectly perfect. I love the ivories and whites too....how will I ever mesh that with my love of color?

Ok now, here's what I really want....you know how you've packaged your adorable little cookie cutters? Ok.......package me some of your energy....I'll NEVER figure out how you get it all done. I've had fabrics, lace and ideas for stockings for about three years.......nope......not gonna make it this year either!


xoxoxoxo
Spence

Barb said...

Just gorgeous Rebecca....truly works of art and love.

XOXO
Barb

Vicki said...

Hello, Rebecca,
Those stockings are so dreamy!! Your workmanship is superb!! I love every thing about them. I am sure the men in the family enjoy their more "manly" stockings too! Vicki

Tara said...

How gorgeous they are Rebecca! I have post all ready to go about a Christmas stocking my Mom made for me when I was little. She had no qualms about parting with it many years ago during one of her cleaning phases, so we all have ours. I saw a pretty pink chenille bedspread with silver threads running through it today at an antique shop I thought would make beautiful stockings, but I can't sew! I may have to go back for it and bribe my Mom or Nana into making some. It was a bargain at $12.

Have a loveleigh weekend full of Christmas cheer!

Cathy said...

They are absolutely gorgeous and such wonderful heirlooms!

Cathy ♥

fannipauline said...

What very beautiful stocking and you can tell they were stiched with a great deal of love.
Blessings.....Pauline

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Rebecca, these are just stunning! You did an amazing job on all...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Hazel said...

Beautiful stockings. Truely original. Love them. x

Anonymous said...

Rebecca these stockings are so beautiful!! What a creative person you are and such lovely handwork! I should I have one of your stockings!! I am so enjoying it!!

blessings
mary

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR REBECCA,
I AM JUST SPEECHLESS...NOT THAT YOU DID IT...BECAUSE I KNOW YOUR WORK....BUT AT THE BEAUTY OF THE STOCKINGS...WILL YOU ADOPT ME..LOL
I AM PRAYING FOR A SEWING MACHINE AND IF I AM BLESSED WITH ONE, WILL YOU GIVE ME SEWING LESSONS????????
I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THE TABLECLOTH WITH THE HOLE IN THE MIDDLE........BRILLIANT...MY SISTER IS THAT WAY....SHE CAN SEE SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND KNOWS RIGHT AWAY WHAT TO DO WITH IT.
THE FIREPLACE MANTLE.....WHAT CAN I SAY.....WOULD THAT HAVE MADE UP FOR SPILLING A RED DRINK IF HE HAD DONE IT INSTEAD OF YOU...LOL...LOL I AM SO VERY SORRY YOU DROPPED YOUR RED DRINK. I CAN SEE YOUR FACE NOW...DESPERATION.
I LOVE YA
ANGEL HUGS
DEBBIE

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