Back to the Stocking

I am back to working on Liam's stocking, doing the embellishment with #4 braid.  Normally, I stitch beads last but it didn't take me very long to realize that doing the braid first and the beads last in the knot work border just wasn't going to work.  You see, the holes for the anchoring stitches for the beads are smack dab in the middle of the arms of the diamond shapes stitched in the gold braid.  Sure, I could have fiddled around until I got my needle in the right place ... which is precisely what I did do with the area already stitched in gold braid ... but it was much easier to stitch around the beads for the remainder of the border.  Also, this avoided the danger of splitting the gold braid while I attempt to work under it.  So, here's a photo of what I have managed today.  I really enjoy beading.  The slow rhythm of attaching beads is something I find very soothing.   After the beading, stitching the braid was a snap.

 I feel rather sorry for the current plugged-in, over-stimulated generation: so few of them will ever experience the serenity and stillness of hand crafts.

The second photo is of the stocking as a whole.  My next task will be to stitch the embellishments on the angel's robes and then it will just be a matter of sewing on a backing and a lining and perhaps some corded trim around the opening.

I have really enjoyed this piece and am looking forward to sending it to my grandson this Christmas.  But when I do I shall have to send a photo of the chart I will be using for Piper's stocking so she doesn't feel overlooked.