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!
This is fabulous - I love the redwork style and the embellishing!
Posted by: Allison Rosen | December 22, 2007 at 11:10 PM
What a clever idea. I have been toying with the idea of making a new advent calendar and just never saw one worth the bother. This one is cute and fun.
Posted by: Ellen | January 01, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Wahoo !!!
It is so beautiful !
Posted by: Lutine | December 10, 2008 at 05:12 AM
I stumbled upon your beautiful advent calendar recently and it's just gorgeous. We're big on Christmas in my house! I hope you don't mind me asking, but did you use any interfacing in the main part of the wall-hanging? Thanks so much!
Posted by: Emma | July 13, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Thank you so much for sharing! I've sat down today to make one, to avoid the holiday rush, and I'm about 2/3 done with it.
I did a blanket stitch around the appliques, and did change it up a bit, adding a bit more embroidery and filling all the squares with something. I already love it, and I know my boys will as well!
I'm thinking of making some for some young couples as a christmas gift, they will love it as much as the kids, I think!
Posted by: Amber Petty | September 22, 2009 at 07:09 PM
Wow, That is amazing, Im just finished making my advent calender, I used felt and its nice but not as nice as this one. What material did you use for the main part of it??
Posted by: sineadconnolly@vodafone.ie | October 15, 2010 at 01:53 PM
Is it possible for you to let me know the dimensions of this calendar? I'm a beginning sewer and love the look of this!
Posted by: Christine | August 28, 2011 at 06:01 PM
thanks for stopping by today, lina!!
i found your lovely advent calendar through crafty crow and wanted to be sure i directed people right to the source. have a happy day!! heather
Posted by: heather | November 09, 2011 at 08:26 PM