Review on Bucilla 86165 Christmas Stocking Applique by Linda Diaz

This is my third stocking I've made for my nieces and nieces. I changed the upper part of the stocking so that it was just the name. I really liked the toys hanging above Santa, but I wanted my stockings to match the look of my other two stockings. Bucilla sets are fun and beautiful. It's important to understand that wearing Bucilla stockings is VERY time consuming, so start early to reduce stress :) The stockings are easy to make and have a simple pattern. Once you've put on a pair of stockings, you usually don't even need to read the instructions anymore. The only issues I have with these kits are the issues that I generate. I always have to redo the stitching, which I do too quickly and get messed up. If you take the time to prepare and study these kits, you will succeed! To shorten the learning curve, I highly recommend checking out some websites for tips on completing the kits if you're doing this for the first time. This is not required, but allows you to learn from the mistakes of others. I'm glad I did this because I think my finished product will hold up better for years. For example I use two threads instead of one to embroider sequins/beads and I double the stitch to make sure the beads are secure. By double stitch I mean that I sew the sequin/bead onto the stocking and then wear the same sequin/bead again to attach it twice. Hopefully the sequins/beads will last for decades on the stocking and hold up as usual. wear. When I embroidered the name on top of the stocking I used all 6 threads because otherwise the name would look flimsy. Since I used more strands than recommended in the instructions, I used up the strands faster. I read on several websites that this would happen, so I bought an additional thread from Amazon. I could have bought from Bucilla but I was able to find threads on Amazon that matched the color perfectly. When I bought my first Bucilla kit I also bought a cheap colored felt kit from Amazon. I still have the felt and use it for small spares. I use white felt to line the stocking at the very end so all the seams are hidden. This is a personal preference and absolutely not required! If you are making a stocking, make sure you have enough time to complete it. These kits look deceptively easy and are actually time consuming. I don't work continuously on the stocking, but it took me about a month and a half. It takes time, lightly ironing the pieces (they have a few creases in the packaging), reading the instructions, cutting out the pieces, pinning them and in my opinion the longest process, sequins/beads. Although I underestimated the time to do this, I really enjoyed making this stocking. I plan to make a stocking for each of my nieces and nieces. Although I underestimated the time to do this, I really enjoyed making this stocking. I plan to make a stocking for each of my nieces and nieces. Although I underestimated the time to do this, I really enjoyed making this stocking. I plan to make a stocking for each of my nieces and nieces.