Better late than never

Here it is. The finished advent calendar - only a day late! (the bell on the ribbon is to mark what day we're at).

I've been thinking about making one for the past few years and have found so many inspiring and orginal handmade versions recently that I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to make.

In the end, it was this calendar that inspired me most and although mine looks very different, it was the simplicity that I liked. I have embellished more than I originally intended and I may even do a little more in time (blanket stitch around some of the applique etc), or I may just leave it alone. The bottom line is that I'm thrilled with how it came out - not something I often say about my sewing. Tomorrow I will share with you some of its buried treasures (although there's absolutely nothing in there until first thing each morning as my children are far too sneaky not to be peeking all day!)

The children have been cheated out of missed out on their December 1st advent gift but I don't think they even noticed. We were planning a trip to the Santa parade in a nearby village but considering the temperature was -20C (yes, you did read that right!) with the wind chill, we decided to abandon the idea. We're expecting 2ft of snow in the next 24 hours. Gulp!