Oh the power of conveniently placing fabric at the point of sale in my favourite craft store. I had only ducked in to pick up something small and the beautiful Christmas fabrics were all strategically placed where the queue was for the cash registers. I’d been wanting to make a permanent, fabric Advent Calendar for as long as the kids have been born and spotted this pre-printed panel. I thought it was kind of cute and at only $12 thought it was pretty good value.
I procrastinated for so long about it thinking it would be quite time consuming to sewing all the little pockets on and when it came down to the 28th November, I knew I was up against it to have it done by Sunday, 1 December. Once I started it didn’t take long at all. The pattern suggested stiffening the calendar by applying interfacing and a backing but I wanted it to be a bit more substantial and quilted it. My first ever attempt at quilting. I didn’t really know what I was doing so just winged it. It came out alright. Just hope no serious quilters ever take a good look at it!
I stitched the fold at the top and just folded the edges over each pocket,
pinned in place and then sewed. I reinforced the opening on each side. The way my kids attack an advent calendar it wouldn’t hold up for very long!
I chose a green gingham check for the backing and lay the wadding between. I sewed around the outline of the tree and the lines across the tree. I guess that’s quilting, right? I also had some red spotted fabric which I used as the binding (is that the word?) I think I really need some lessons in quilting to get used to all the terminology. In the meantime, its holding together and that’s all that matters I guess.
I picked up a stick from the school yard and sewed the ribbon on to hang it up. I’ve only filled it up until the time before we go on vacation and when we return, I’ll fill it with the rest of things. I’ve included a few bits of stationery, real money, chocolate, mints and things to do like watching a Christmas movie, visiting Santa, trip to the pool and donating a toy to a Christmas appeal. I’m glad I’ve got it done now and its something that can make an appearance every year now and possibly be handed down to the next generation.
So lovely!
Hugs!!!
Now that is adorable Anne! You are really quite crafty, and how nice to have such a beautiful keepsake!
That is awesome! We have a fabric advent calendar that we've had for years. We love, love, love it.
Nice one Anne.
Anne it's gorgeous was it from spotlight? You did a fab job
It's really nice Anne. I consider myself a sewer and quilter and it looks fine to me. I love sewing and quilting and I did want to make an advent calendar but lack the energy this year.
It looks great Anne….it's all perfect and the terminology is fine too!
You've done a great job, Anne!!! Looks fantastic!!!