There are some random leftover holiday stockings from previous batches that I have for sale already this year. Pricing is $150 each, with free shipping in the US.
Only catch is that you will need to email me – with the name(s) of what you would like, and I’ll check to see if I have them, and then we can settle up with a manual invoice that you can pay by credit card. I will have the available inventory on the leftover holiday stockings by May or June, and I don’t know where the pricing is going on them. Could be more, could be less. Kind of a fluid situation (read more about that here.)
(Check out the pics and a breakdown of a fur coat by clicking here – https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17911406663209383/
I get asked the same questions again and again so let me answer them for you here –
1. Yes, the fur is real. It’s all antique and recycled – you wouldn’t believe how many people have coats and shrugs and other pieces that are leftover from a bygone era. I would rather use reclaimed fur than fake fur since that’s made of synthetic materials that have been recently produced. From a sustainability perspective the real fur is WAY better.
2. Yes, if you have fur that’s clean and in decent shape, you can donate it in exchange for something next season. We can talk about what you have and what you want – please understand that I’m not remaking your fur coat for free, I’m thanking you for donating your unused coat to me as a project. If you have never picked apart a fur coat, then you really have no idea how messy and time consuming the process is – consider it a labor of love instead of a production process and you’ll understand more about how it works.
3. I let the fur decide how it wants to be re-cut. If you haven’t broken down a coat and looked inside at all the strips of fur that are butt-end sewn together to make bigger pieces that end up becoming the garment, then it’s hard to imagine how structured and how each piece was cut to fit that exact spot by the furrier. I tend to use the strips as originally cut so occasionally that means that it’s a bit of an awkward fit on a new piece, but it’s all hand made and crafted to maximize the re-use of the antique fur.
4. If you don’t want fur, that’s cool. I make a few holiday stockings each year without fur, so try to grab one of those before it’s gone.
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Greens and blues with dark mink cuffs.
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Crafted from reclaimed quilts and vintage furs.
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Woven chenille animal print deadstock with vintage fur trim.
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Handmade, once collection each year.
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JB Martin deadstock velvet, vintage fur.
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Handmade, once collection each year.
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JB Martin woven velvet deadstock, pale blonde vintage reclaimed fur - candy cane stripe inner lining.
Why a holiday stocking? Why not a holiday bread bag? Or a holiday woven basket?
The tradition of hanging holiday stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve is a charming and enduring part of the holiday season, but its origins are more folklore and legend than documented history. The most popular story, and the one most often cited, revolves around the benevolent Saint Nicholas, the historical figure who inspired the modern Santa Claus.
According to this heartwarming tale, Saint Nicholas heard about a poor nobleman who had fallen on hard times. The nobleman had three daughters, and without dowries, they were unlikely to marry, facing a bleak future. Saint Nicholas, known for his secret acts of charity, wanted to help but knew the nobleman would be too proud to accept direct assistance.
One night, Saint Nicholas secretly tossed bags of gold down the chimney of the nobleman’s house. By chance, the gold landed in the girls’ stockings, which had been hung by the fireplace to dry overnight. In some versions of the story, the gold bags landed in shoes that had been left by the hearth. When the daughters awoke the next morning and discovered the unexpected bounty, their fortunes were reversed, and they were able to marry.
This act of anonymous generosity became associated with the spirit of giving that Saint Nicholas embodied.
Over time, the story evolved, and the practice of children hanging holiday stockings or shoes by the fireplace or bedside on Christmas Eve emerged, in the hopeful anticipation that Saint Nicholas would once again leave behind gifts.
While this is the most widely accepted and romanticized origin story, it’s important to acknowledge that the tradition likely developed gradually and incorporated other cultural influences. The winter solstice celebrations of various cultures often involved gift-giving and symbolic gestures of goodwill, which could have contributed to the evolving Christmas traditions.
Furthermore, the fireplace held a central role in homes for warmth and as a focal point for family gatherings, making it a natural place to hang items. The idea of a magical figure entering through the chimney also became a common element in folklore surrounding gift-bringers during the winter months.
As the legend of Saint Nicholas transformed into the jolly figure of Santa Claus, traveling by sleigh and delivering toys, the holiday stocking tradition solidified its place in Christmas celebrations. The stocking became a symbolic vessel for the small treasures and treats that Santa would leave for well-behaved children.
Over the centuries, stockings themselves have evolved from simple everyday socks to elaborately decorated fabric containers, often personalized with the names of family members. The anticipation of discovering what Santa has filled them with on Christmas morning remains a cherished part of the holiday experience for children worldwide.
In essence, the tradition of Christmas stockings is a blend of a heartwarming tale of generosity attributed to Saint Nicholas, practical household customs, and the evolving folklore surrounding a magical gift-giver. It serves as a tangible symbol of the spirit of Christmas – kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving and receiving – continuing to bring delight and wonder to generations. While the exact historical pathway may be lost to time, the enduring charm of waking up to holiday stockings filled with surprises ensures its continued significance in our Christmas celebrations.