Stitching Christmas Memories One Storybook Chapter at a Time

There’s something especially magical about Christmas sewing.

It isn’t just the quilts we create. It’s the traditions we build, the memories we make, and the stories that come to life with every stitch.

That was the inspiration behind my Stocking Stuffers Storybook Block of the Month, a six-month quilting adventure created using my Nutcracker Tradition fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs. Beginning in July 2026, this Block of the Month invites quilters to enjoy Christmas a little earlier, creating a beautiful holiday heirloom one chapter at a time.

A Story Told Through Twelve Christmas Stockings

One of my favorite parts of this quilt is that every stocking has its own personality.

Throughout the six chapters, you’ll create twelve unique stocking blocks, each featuring different piecing styles including striped stockings, star stockings, diagonal stockings, plain stockings, and an accent star stocking. Every stocking is paired with a delightful “stuffer” block, including flowers, candy canes, and tulips, adding another layer of storytelling to the quilt.

Each monthly chapter even begins with a short story poem that continues throughout the entire journey, making every shipment feel like turning the page in a Christmas storybook.

Two Beautiful Colorways

One of the things that makes Stocking Stuffers especially fun is that quilters can choose between two stunning colorways.

The Midnight version features a rich navy background that beautifully showcases the festive reds, greens, creams, and pinks of the Nutcracker Tradition collection. The Snow version offers a lighter look while keeping all the same whimsical stocking designs.

No matter which version you choose, each quilt captures the warmth and joy of Christmas in its own special way.

Designed to Be Enjoyed Month by Month

Rather than rushing to finish a holiday quilt, Stocking Stuffers was designed to help you enjoy the journey.

Each month introduces just a few new blocks, allowing you to slow down, enjoy the piecing, and celebrate your progress along the way. As the stockings begin to fill the quilt, the Christmas story unfolds one chapter at a time before coming together into a beautifully finished quilt measuring approximately 52″ × 70¼”.

The final chapter adds delicate appliqué snowflakes before binding and finishing the quilt, bringing the entire story together in a festive display.

Three Tips for a Joyful Block of the Month

1. Stay Organized

Each chapter includes labeled cutting instructions and thoughtfully organized pieces. Taking a few extra minutes to label your fabrics and cuts before sewing makes every month even more enjoyable.

2. Enjoy the Story

Don’t skip the opening page! Each chapter begins with a sweet poem that continues the Christmas story and makes the project feel like much more than simply sewing blocks together.

3. Celebrate Each Finished Block

One of the greatest joys of a Block of the Month is watching your quilt grow. Take time to admire each completed stocking before moving on to the next chapter. Every finished block is another step toward a quilt that will become part of your family’s Christmas traditions.

More Than a Christmas Quilt

For me, this quilt represents everything I love about quilting.

It celebrates slowing down, creating with intention, and making something that will be pulled out year after year as Christmas traditions continue to grow. Whether displayed on a wall, draped over a sofa, or wrapped around loved ones during the holidays, Stocking Stuffers is designed to become part of the memories made each Christmas season.

I hope this quilt brings as much joy to your home as it brought me while designing it.

Yours in storytelling creativity,

Jennifer Long
Sew A Story