I looked at a few patterns and read several tutorials and ultimately followed the method of this tutorial by Fanny Lu Designs. I really wanted to use the 5" squares I have collected through various I Spy swaps over the years, so my measurements don't match hers, but I did use her method of making the pockets. I have number templates that I've used for several other projects that I traced onto fusible web for the dates.
The background is Kona Snow. The backing is a really fabulous Alexander Henry Christmas fabric with Aloha Santa (I have no idea what it is called). I had 2 half-yard cuts that were prizes from a promotion at a local quilt shop a few summers ago. It was a "finish your projects" initiative, and for every 2 projects you finished off your list, you got a prize bundle of 2 half yards of fabric. I think I finished 8 projects that summer (great incentive!) and this fabric was in two of my prize bundles. The solid on the back is Kona Willow. The numbers are scraps of Kona Red, Clover, & Pepper. The red & white stripe in the binding was also from one of those prizes, and as soon as I saw it I know I would use it for the binding of the advent calendar whenever I got to it. I love how it looks.
Munchkin still has Halloween candy so I didn't want to do chocolates or candy in the pockets. Several days have stickers. I bought some small dinosaurs at the dollar store, I bought a Mickey Mouse stamps set from the dollar section of Target that I split up, and I bought a package of Paw Patrol socks--luckily his feet are still small so the socks fit in the pockets! Nothing big, but I think he will like getting a small surprise every day.
Here it is after Husband and I filled the pockets.
Finishing the Advent Calendar was my November One Monthly Goal for the linky party hosted by Patty at Elm Street Quilts.
This looks wonderful, and good for you for getting it done on time. I am sure Munchkin will really love getting his prize every day. I have wanted to make my own advent calendar for a long time, but I don't have a young one at home, so the incentive isn't there.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a fun finish! I think the kiddos like the little toys better than the candy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun project. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for achieving your monthly goal, and what a lovely project to make for Munchkin. With all those surprises in store he will love it, and then have next year to look forward to too.
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