A Christmas stocking for France

When we were discussing ideas for celebrating Christmas in July, someone thought it would be fun to create stockings that represent a country. I immediately volunteered for France. I really thought this was going to be a cinch. I began to research. I discovered that the French celebrate Christmas totally different than the United States. Very little decorating is done in the home. City squares and boulevards are beautifully decorated with lights and religious symbols. Then I made the discovery that the French do not use Christmas stockings. The children of France put out their shoes known as Christmas sabats for Pere Noel to fill with candy and small treasures. Where does this leave me now? I must design a stocking which is inspired by my reflections of France.

Many years ago I was lucky enough to visit Paris. I was charmed by the orderliness of the architecture intermingled with the green spaces filled with flowers. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday Paris, you can step into a lovely pocket garden and sit on a garden bench to enjoy the flowers and a moment of quiet.  My evenings were spent in sidewalk bistros sipping wine and people watching. This inspired me to select Michael Miller's French Holiday-French Holiday Patchwork. For the lining, I used Moda Fa La La La La French Words Rouge  I left my stocking open in the front and added eyelets to simulate a sabat. As a finishing touch, I laced it up with a red ribbon. My Christmas sabat is now ready to be placed at the foot of my bed for Pere Noel to fill.

Joyeux Noel!

Victoria