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!
just beautiful. I love the colors, just the right amount of details on the numbers (with room to add more of course, if you wish). Definitely a treasure your kids will love!
Posted by: blair | December 02, 2007 at 10:04 AM
it's beautiful!
wow, thats cold, and a lot of snow, we had weather like that when we lived in Boston, I don't miss it!
Posted by: driftwood | December 02, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Your calendar is stunning and inspiring! I love love love it!
2ft of snow??? Oh my! If flurries are in the forcast where I live, we buy all of the milk and bread we can. A few inches and we hole like it is a blizzard.
Posted by: Leigh | December 02, 2007 at 05:29 PM
yeah, i've always wanted to make a pocket advent, too. hasn't happened yet! :)
enjoy the snow - dig in!
Posted by: kirsten | December 02, 2007 at 05:45 PM
Hi, Lina! Thank you for sharing this photo with the Handmade Holidays photo pool. I was wondering if we could post a photo of your wonderful calendar with a link back to your blog on the Sew Mama Sew blog? Please email me.
Thanks,
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin | December 03, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Just absolutely gorgeous! You clever thing!
Hope you're OK in the snow ...
Posted by: dottycookie | December 03, 2007 at 12:35 PM
That is fabulous - how lovely. Hope you can enjoy the snow. We never get more than an inch or so but everything stops - schools close and people panic-buy. I love the thought of being snowed in for a few days (with plenty of coal for the fire).
Cathy XX
Posted by: pinkgreen | December 03, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Your calendar is beautiful: the colors, the choice of fabrics and all the little details (including the cutest little bird - december 17th) are just perfect! I can't wait to see what you will put in the little pockets :)
Claudia in Montreal under 2 ft of snow!
Posted by: Claudia | December 03, 2007 at 02:17 PM
eek - that is a lot of snow - I can enjoy it when it happens to somebody else!
Your calendar is delightful and I hope that the Christmassy surprises in every pocket create lots of fun and excitement.
Posted by: Alice C | December 03, 2007 at 02:56 PM
beautiful.
today i think i am doing a new "calendar", so my kids will have to miss out on a few days..
oh the reality
Posted by: kristin | December 03, 2007 at 09:41 PM
The calendar is adorable! Great work!
Posted by: randi | December 03, 2007 at 11:35 PM
Having looked at them all I think yours is magnificent (and dare I say it, the best). I saw that pic on MollyChickens too and wondered whether to make one but my children are quite attached to the slightly tacky one we've had for twelve years or so. Never mind - I'm sure I can think of something else to spend my time on.
Posted by: Simmy | December 04, 2007 at 09:23 AM
oh i luv, luv, luv this. great job!! i may be officially inspired. :) think how early i'll be for next year. Sigh....
Posted by: Norma | December 04, 2007 at 11:10 AM
Wow--just gorgeous! A true family heirloom for sure. Good work. I love the little details on each pocket.
Posted by: Mary Beth | December 04, 2007 at 11:34 PM
That is so great - good job!!
Posted by: beki | December 04, 2007 at 11:42 PM
Absolutely fabulous! Love the birdies! Gx
Posted by: gina | December 05, 2007 at 05:51 AM
Your Advent calendar is lovely. I just ordered that magazine because of the Advent calendar in it, but I love the colors you used in yours. Maybe next year I will have one completed.
Posted by: Anne | December 05, 2007 at 10:35 AM
I am absolutely love this Advent. Great job and I love the bell. I was not ambitious enough this season to pull one off, but I have been wanting to for years. I will be producing something like this for next year. I think the key is to start before Nov. 30th!!
Posted by: Marie | December 06, 2007 at 03:40 PM
I love advent calendars and this one is adorable!
Posted by: | December 09, 2007 at 02:29 PM
That turned out lovely! I love it
Posted by: Melissa | December 09, 2007 at 02:50 PM
It's a wonderful keepsake - love the colors...a family heirloom!
Posted by: Teddi | December 09, 2007 at 02:55 PM
fabulous!
Posted by: Heather Wilson | December 09, 2007 at 05:54 PM
I love this, i made something similar this year, downsizing from my huge quilt size version. I love my new one, much more modern and downsized. Thanks
Posted by: Cindy | December 09, 2007 at 10:17 PM
I love this! I'm wondering what type of fabric you used?
Blessings,
Karla
Posted by: Karla ~ Looking Towards Heaven | December 11, 2007 at 12:44 AM
This is so beautiful! I am really inspired now to make one for next year. Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Candace | December 11, 2007 at 10:06 AM