The weeks leading up to Christmas seem to get faster and faster but this year instead of adding our usual advent calendars to the end of our online grocery shop, I wanted to make something a little more special for our daughters, something they could keep for years to come.
1/2 m hessian fabric
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Sewing machine
Pole (I used part of a clothes hanger)
Dressmaking pins
Pattern paper (I used baking paper)
Ribbons
Felt fabric advent numbers
Felt fabric (christmas colours)
Ribbons
Bias binding (5m)
String
Fabric glue
I started off by doing a quick sketch of design I wanted
Once happy with the design, I drew it out onto pattern paper (I used baking paper)
Cut out all the pieces – one large back piece and 6 strips for the pockets
Sew bias binding on the two longest sides of the pocket strips
Add decorative ribbon to the top sides
It is possible to buy felt advent calendar numbers but I made my own, – Use a paper template and cut numbers out of white felt fabric
Glue down the numbers and once dry machine stitch.
Make small marks for the vertical stitched lines that divide the pockets
Pin in place and stitch on the reverse along the bottom of the pocket pieces.
Test that the pockets are the right way around before sewing.
It should look like this when finished and ready to turn up and reveal the numbers. Pin in place.
Pin and stitch binding around edge
Tie bows and stitch in place. Alternatively, festive felt shapes can be used.
Stitch vertical lines for the pocket dividers
Fold over and stitch top section leaving enough room for pole to be inserted.
Tie string and advent calendar is ready to hang and fill with goodies