RACHEL BURKE

DESIGNER + STYLIST

I wanted to create a Christmas stocking inspired by the glittery nostalgia of the festive season. I loved the idea of adding a bit of razzle-dazzle to my design – any opportunity for shininess and flowers I will gladly take! I used some vintage fabric to create the stocking base, then sewed the majority up with layers of tinsel. Then, I lined the upper edge with faux flowers using a nifty hot glue gun, and topped it all off with a smattering of sequins and a pearl loop to hang the stocking up with. Sewing the two pieces of tinsel-covered fabric together was a little tricky, especially in the spots where the tinsel got thick! My sewing machine definitely growled at me a couple of times. This isn’t my first experience making festive decorations: my very first job was as a Christmas bauble painter! I’d spend hours and hours glittering names onto ornaments, so decorations have a very special place in my heart. My favourite kinds are always personal – the ones that have memories attributed to them. I don’t think decorations have to follow a theme, though – the clashier the better! This year, I’d love to find some dog biscuits in my stocking to feed my furry friends, plus some coffee beans for me, a hazelnut choccie bar for my husband Thomas, and some tiny novelty socks for my baby, Hugo. Something for everyone!