I love that my friend Susan (The Other Susan) had a crafty side to her years ago. It has since waned, but she did make needlepoint stockings for her kids when they were small. Both are now in their thirties and this particular stocking had seen better days. She asked me if I could do some repairs. The original kit came with a felt back which had become a mere shard with age and abuse.
I bought some waleless corduroy in a matching red, and a Christmasy print for a lining. However, the needlepoint was way too stiff to seam in a normal way, so I thought I would try bias tape.
I made my own tape using the method I described earlier this year. I thought it would be harder with the corduroy but it worked pretty well because the fabric was so thin. It was a bit difficult to sew around the stocking, but it looks okay from the right side – the back is a little funky!
Could not resist adding a pom pom 😉 !!
I tapped into the most self indulgent gift that Santa ever dropped at my door: my new tower of threads!! Santa thought that it went perfectly with my new sewing machine, and I guess I have to agree. It seems like complete and absolute overkill, but I will ALWAYS have the thread of my dreams without a trip to the store.
I am reminded of the part in The Trouble with Angels (a true classic from my youth!!), where the Mother Superior tells Rachel she can “keep the box of lovely threads” after winning the sewing contest (with lots of help). I wish I could have found the right clip! This ends just before the scene I am referring to – you see the $10 bill tucked into the winning dress.
Great repair job! Thanks for sharing. It makes me happy when people seek to repair a treasured handmade item, rather than replace it with something new and modern. Love to read your posts and see your work–knitted, crocheted or sewn. Happy New Year and happy knitting to you and Sally.
Comment by Nancy M — January 2, 2015 @ 2:07 pm
I love The Trouble With Angels! My mother went to school with the the author of the book. Do you know where the tower of thread was purchased? I can’t find it on the web. I don’t really sew enough to justify getting it, but I just want to see . . .
Comment by Anne E — January 2, 2015 @ 2:45 pm
That tower of threads almost makes me want to use my sewing machine. Love what you did with the repair. Perhaps I should resurrect a few of those that don’t get put out anymore because they are so grotty.
Comment by Louise T — January 2, 2015 @ 4:56 pm
It is a “scathingly brilliant idea” and a wonderful finish to a treasured family holiday heirloom. Could not resist the The Trouble with Angels movie quote. It was one of my favorite films when I was a child.
Comment by Elizabeth — January 2, 2015 @ 8:26 pm
In our family the “scathingly brilliant idea” is a standard. When one of us says it, usually a wallet is thrown to the floor as the “idea” usually involves money. My niece and nephew now are using the scathingly brilliant idea in their family as well!
Comment by Sharon — January 2, 2015 @ 11:23 pm
I am so jealous…I wanted Santa to bring me the Tower of Thread for Christmas, too. But, since I am Santa I didn’t want to spend the money on me…maybe next year. Happy New Year!
Comment by diana wessel — January 3, 2015 @ 5:19 am
I am so envious of your tower of threads! Been sewing project bags this afternoon and didn’t have ANY of the colours I wanted – there are some slightly odd contrasts in the topstitching!
Comment by Carolyn — January 6, 2015 @ 2:06 pm