Christmas Stocking Stories: Cat-Knit

For more than two millennia, people around the globe have been celebrating Christmas—observing longtime religious and secular traditions, as well as adding their own unique practices. The Christmas stocking tradition, which took root in the early centuries A.D, is perhaps one of the most beloved traditions—and one that is certainly near and dear to our hearts here at Merry Stockings.

In the spirit of honoring and making our own traditions, our “Christmas Stocking Stories” series aims to highlight Christmas stocking traditions that are touching, unique, and perhaps even a little bizarre. Enjoy.

The Story of Martina Ruhl’s Cat-mmitment to Knit

Dublin, Ireland resident Martina Ruhl has had a passion for knitting for as long as she can remember. She loved the “click-clack” of the needles as she admiringly watched her grandmother working at the craft. But her longtime passion has become something so much more: it’s become a purpose.

According to The Epoch Times, a couple years back Martina had taken to feeding a feral cat, and one day, the cat arrived with two kittens. Martina contacted an animal protection organization to help rescue the mother and children. Not long after, she adopted the little family.

Fast forward to today and Martina’s litter has grown to five cats—and she’s reportedly leveraging her passion and talent for knitting to raise funds for local animal rescues. But she’s not just knitting an occasional stocking here or there.

In 2018, she reportedly resolved to knit a stocking a day for an entire year. She fell short of her goal as the new year rang in, tallying a “mere” 354 stockings. But 2019 was a new year. To-date, The Epoch Times reported Martina’s total was 211 as of Aug. 1, which is on-track to completing her goal by year’s end. Here’s a little taste of her work, which she regularly shares on her Instagram page:

(Photo Credit: Martina Ruhl via @santas_sock_central on Instagram)

As far as the fundraising goes, Martina does not sell the stockings for this project outright. Instead, The Epoch Times said that she asks that her patrons donate to a local animal sanctuary in Ireland and to several local rescues in exchange.

“It’s a win-win situation: I get to knit, someone gets a Christmas stocking, and the cat rescue gets money,” Martina told the publication.

Thank you to The Epoch Times for bringing this touching story to light. And best of luck to your Martina! You can read the full article here.

Find Your Own Passion for Hand-Making Christmas Stockings

You don’t have to be a skilled crafter or sewer to create special Christmas stockings for yourself, or your family or friends. If you’re willing to invest the time, a Bucilla stocking craft project is the ticket to channeling craftiness.