Advent calendar

I have shared a bit about my advent calendar already but it deserves more than one pic. So if you ready to explore welcome aboard.

I finished it on Saturday and it wasn't looking too good. The binding was a bit wavy all around. Big disappointment but all my fault. I knew I better hand stitch the binding but I just wanted to try if I can get away with machine binding. I tried to rip off one side and hand stitch but it didn't help. The binding just seems a bit bigger. I should have pulled it tiny bit while stitching on. I didn't feel like binding redo so I just left it. On Sunday my girls were so eager to have their calendar so I just decided we'll have wavy binding and pretend it's all fine. Once we put the wrapped presents/sweets on it stretched and it looks fine. I'm not sure what it look like once all the sweets are eaten but we'll see.

I realized later on that the holes are not really needed. It can be just tied around.

I made the sleeve too big so I had to adjust it.

It's my first wall hanging so I should be a bit wiser next time I make any. I started this kind of advent calendar two years ago for my elder girl but this year I had to make it for both of them. I do not worry about fancy wrapping since the girls just don't care. The best part for them is to cut the string each day and rip off the paper. That's why I don't make any fabric bags. The only thing that bugs me is that we didn't manage to repaint the wall. We took the shelf off and it's not coming back but the painting is visible at the bottom and we really need to repaint it.

I used 3 jelly roll strips from each color. I placed each color in each position right, middle, left so they were evenly distributed. While creating the diamonds I concentrated on the red and it became the main motive. I used this well known tut. I'm making mug rugs from the leftover strips where you can see the color placement (the bottom one should be upside down).

For those mug rugs I'm combining two tuts I seen. I wanted to try some fusible fleese appliqué I seen over at Amy Made That! (you should check out her lovely snowflake pillow) and hexagon mini quilt tut by Modern Handcraft. I love those hexies!

My tiny trial before I attempt larger project.

I'll be adding pockets and binding.

Making Christmas list:
- Christmas theme wall hanging DONE
- Christmas ornaments for local swap
- winter/Christmas theme house pouch
- vinyl pouches as gifts 1 FINISHED
- pillow covers
- 241 tote pattern by Noodlehead FABRICS PICKED
- felted jewelry IN PROGRESS
- knitted socks 1 PAIR FINISHED
- mug rugs with pocket on the back 1 FINISHED and 3 IN PROGRESS
- Christmas Robin wreath by Kristy 1 FINISHED