I just started receiving the Martha Stewart Living Magazine.  I think someone purchased it for me as a gift, but I don’t know who, yet.  (Or should that be whom?) The picture below is from the December 2012 Issue {blue cover with a big tree pictured}

In the winter issue, there’s tons of stuff to make -of course- but when I saw the picture of the recycled wool sweaters turned stockings….  I had to give those a go.  Now, I didn’t really follow her directions.  Or use her template.  Or really read the whole article- I saw the picture, went to Goodwill and then it was on.

I asked my 6yo if he’d like to sew with me and his eyes lit up.  He then showed me the palms of both hands, fingers spread and says “Mom, I’m going to need 10 thimbles.”  (Awe.)  I don’t think he sees thimbles as a tool, but more of a safety measure.  Like a hardhat for each fingertip.

We made a few stockings, the way the magazine shows- large and cut from the torso of the shrunk-up-wool sweater.   But then we had the sleeves and in some cases, the hoodies still remaining.  My 6yo and I decided we should use every bit.

We had all sorts of crazy sizes.  Some the thought would make great REAL socks, so he put those on and others were going to be big enough to hold our holiday gifts to our friends.  You know, cookies and things like … cookies…  After about 8 stocking items he decides to sort them and assign each one a name for the recipient.  Very efficient and organized is that little man.  Then he decided we needed more.  What can I say, dude likes to sew.  =)

The hoodies became drawstring bags.  And if you were wondering- yes the turning tool to make that spaghetti strap drawstring baffles the 6yo mind.

I was even able to use some of the original closure elements in the stocking ‘hanging’ portion of the design.  I really like how they turned out, but gees-Louise I don’t need this many felted wool stocking/bags.  Good thing he didn’t see the black felted Bloomingdales cashmere I picked up.  That will be for some other mystery project.  (That is not a hint, I really just don’t know what I’m going to make with it yet. It is a mystery to us all.)

Whenever I buy felted wool sweaters to recycle, I always feel a bit bad for the guy that shrank up their nice sweater… but then I think.  Those guys rock!  Thank you for my *new* fabric.

btw- the big stripe sweater stocking is my favorite and totally has my name on a piece of paper tucked inside.

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