Stockings and Pipes

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Written by lenneamw

One of the great things about being a quilter is having the super power of making personalized or specialized items. My husband and I are tobacco pipe hobbyists and last year I combined my two hobbies by making some Christmas stockings featuring pipes. They were very popular.

This year, I am once again making these large (21″ tall) quilted stockings featuring pipes and lots of metallic thread and deco stitching. So much fun!

I also cleared out most of my remaining Christmas fabric stash odds and ends! Double fun! And all my batting leftovers! Triple fun!

I started with a stocking pattern shape, and cut out a dozen using batting scraps. For some I fussy cut a scenic view and then added strips at an angle in a quilt as you go fashion, sewing the strips directly onto the batting.

Once the stocking shape was covered with strips, I did lots of fun stitching with deco stitches and metallic threads (and a few shiny solids).

Next, I added the pipe appliqués. Appliques were made using printed out photos of pipes, fabric scraps, deco stitches for “smoke” and pipe “tobacco”, and lots of lovely thread.

Backings and linings were cut using my original stocking shape as a template. Once sewn together, I used knitting markers for the rings to hang the stockings.

On the right, I used a layer cake to place the applique upon. On the right, I love these cardinals! They look so serious and cute at the same time!
Someone always wants a purple stocking! These two feature appliqués of real life Missouri Meerschaum corn cob pipes.
Close ups! I just adore the cardinal on the right and the contrast of the white stem on the bright holiday fabrics. This one has already been claimed.
Two free hands and two cobs! The red one with the cob is a gift for one of the Missouri Meerschaum owners (it is a family owned business).
A very classic looking pipe and a free hand, vintage style.
A gift for a Cyprian pipe maker. The pipe is one of his artistic creations.
A classic Peterson style pipe recreated in fabric.
I try to use a nice variety of colors when making stockings.
My favorite of this year’s stockings went to a pipe club friend.

Whatever your interests of hobbies, it is not difficult to make a Christmas stocking to match those interests. I made up a dozen of these, including the two special gifts and it was a fun break from my usual quilting projects.

Happy stitching,

Lennea

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