The Candy Cane stocking pattern is whimsical yet traditional & appeals to all ages.  I designed this for the Fun at heart!  It is generously sized to hold an abundance of gifts!  The stocking is trimmed on both sides so that it can be hung facing in either direction.

I have had the pleasure to make this stocking numerous times over the years.  It was wonderful to see the delight & excitement in people's faces - young & old - when they get their stocking.  Enjoy!

It's great to have some feedback about my BJD patterns - many Thanks!  I have added a section in the Customer Showcase gallery for these.

Further to the post title ... the next pattern  (Candy Cane stocking) is indeed "Almost there!"   The short trip away, & wonderful it was, set back my schedule just a tiny bit.   I am just processing all the construction photos & filtering them through Photoshop.  It is surprising to see the difference in image colour for photos taken on the same day.   Light varies so much on any given day from the morning to the evening & the brief glimpses of sun followed by clouds & shadow.   The images then need to sorted, labelled & resized for inclusion in the pattern document to keep the overall pattern size under 10K.  Just need to write up all the steps & add some diagrams for clarity then it will be ready this coming week!

The next pattern to be released is the first using new software - Adobe Creative Suite.  I have been learning all the different components, so consequently it has taken a bit longer.  Now that I have the basics under my belt & some layouts setup, future patterns should go faster.  

With the patterns created using the new software, there is a change to the registration marks used to assemble the pattern pieces.  It is all still very easy to do but the symbols are different.  I am working on putting up a page  as reference on how to assemble the pattern sections.  As well will be putting together a page about PDF's in general.

The stiletto stocking is finished.  The silver beading shines beautifully.  I decided to change the lace up at the front to a slightly wider ribbon to really highlight the corset style & show more satin.  Also laced from the bottom to the top so that the beading at the arch is more visible. 

Here's a quick peek at His & Hers...

Taking a break from the office work & getting back to working on the beading on my Stiletto Stocking.  It is coming along.  I am using iridescent white sequin, crystal bi-cone beads but the majority of the beads are silver bugle & seed beads.  In taking these photos, it is apparent that the picture colour is just off & not showing the silver well.  I will have to investigate some new software that will allow me to get a true likeness of the actual.  In the mean time, the photos do show that progress is being made...    

The lace on this stocking is quite sentimental...I used it to make the skirt accent on my daughter's Grad dress.  It is really a beautiful fabric.

Tomorrow it is back to working on a couple of more commissions...I know, I had thought they were complete but I find it very difficult to say no, especially to long time clients.

"What is the best way to turn a stocking loop?" or "What  is the best tool for turning a tube" are questions that have been posed to me on numerous occasions.   There are many different sewing devices available & I think that that I have purchased just about every one of them.  Each has it's benefits...  

I use a very simple technique with the most basic of tools & thought I would share it with you.  It has worked well for me, is easy to do, inexpensive & you likely have everything at home already to give it a try.  In my studio, there are several these "string/safety pin" combinations hanging & readily accessing when I need them - from a very small pin for narrow projects ranging all the way up to a Kilt pin for wider items.  
 
Select Turning a Stocking Loop or click on the photo below to go directly to Tips/Techniques section of the Tutorials page.

I am pleased to introduce Lord Vertholomew - a Victorian Stocking pattern just for HIM.  It is designed to compliment the women's Victorian stocking pattern "Lady Widaelia".   The use of similar contrast balance makes it a perfect mate.  

Stepping back in time, one can imagine what might have been discussed at high tea:

You can access the pattern page by clicking on the photo below...

The Rococo Christmas stocking is complete...Mademoiselle Marie now has her own page in the "Handmade & Available" section

The beading on the court slipper is done with a mix of iridescent blue beads.... 

I am hoping to be able to take some final pictures of this stocking in the morning - weather permitting.  It rains quite a lot here & unfortunately there is very little light as a result.  For the most part the winter months are grey, dark & gloomy, so natural light is hard to come by.   

On another note, I managed to work out a temporary fix for my sewing machine...will be tackling my next pattern tomorrow as well.

The ribbon garden is complete!  The spray of ivory works quite well with the different pinks & sage green.

The eye is drawn to the floral motif & it captures the soft curves of the main design...overall effect is rather pleasing.

Next a bit of bling on the slipper as befits a court slipper...