...an advent calendar that's finally done. I've had the idea since I saw Soulemama's advent stockings last year, but a holiday craft is just not fun in the calm of April, right? Nope. Had to leave them until like November 29th.
I could share my "process" like a very talented sewer (and scroll up)... but, well, you can probably figure it out. The main sticking point was trying every which way to avoid a button hole. See, I wanted to be able to hang these on a string but also be able to remove one each day without trouble. The hanging ribbon is sewn into the topstitching on the back and then is just twisted around the button. (Did you noticed I hung them from coveted stripy string? mmmm.)
I like the countdown aspect of taking down a stocking each day (so does Bea, I assure you, though it isn't doing much for my free time in the morning as she is rising earlier and earlier!) and I really the graphic representation of how many days there are left. The stockings, as do the days, just go away. I also sewed tiny number beads on each one for another math lesson for future years. They are pretty small so it was a bit challenging shopping for trinkets to stuff them with besides candy. Bea would have been happy with just candy I think.
Do you see that pink cupcake stocking that is next to last. Yep, Bea's birthday is the 23rd. Another reason I felt I needed a "custom" advent calendar. Gotta make a big deal out of it however we can, poor girl.
As I was making these, deep into the tedium (they are easy but 24 of anything isn't really that easy) I was sure that I would only use these this year. I didn't really like them and I was sure I'd come up with a better idea, better executed, for future years. Maybe. But now that they are done, I kind of like them. (Done is good.) And Bea sure does. Maybe next year I'll just add some embellishments -- a few appliques, some pom pom fringe, a few old buttons...
I think they are ADORABLE!! My mom made little stockings like that when I was small - though not for an advent calendar. Little ones with my name and my brother's name on them are still in the ornament box. I would love to do that - but with four incredibly active/impulse driven little boys it's not gonna work! At least, not yet!
Posted by: blest | December 04, 2006 at 08:32 AM
Lovely job. I'm sure this will be the quintessential Christmas item at your house for years to come.
Posted by: jennifer w. | December 04, 2006 at 09:10 AM
done IS good! they are way cute - the cupcake one was a great idea.
i was thinking of making one of these (thinking was how far i've gotten...) and i was just going to leave them all up - kind of like a pocket advent quilt. taking them down is an interesting idea, too.
Posted by: kirsten | December 04, 2006 at 09:19 AM
they are wonderful!!! am in total awe! k is really into counting the days as they do it several different ways at school. an advent calendar is on our list for next year. great job on yours.
Posted by: allison | December 04, 2006 at 10:02 AM
Love the stockings AND you can use them again next year!
Posted by: Stephanie | December 04, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Oh, Amy, these are wonderful. I love that they are different sizes and fabrics. Hmmm...we've have two different Advent things going (three if you count the paper chain Emma made at school, and four if you count the Advent candles on the Sunday dinner table) but I think you've just inspired one more for next year!
Posted by: Joanne (The Simple Wife) | December 04, 2006 at 11:41 AM
Oh, Amy, these are wonderful. I love that they are different sizes and fabrics. Hmmm...we've have two different Advent things going (three if you count the paper chain Emma made at school, and four if you count the Advent candles on the Sunday dinner table) but I think you've just inspired one more for next year!
Posted by: Joanne (The Simple Wife) | December 04, 2006 at 11:43 AM
They are so sweet. Afraid I wimped out of the filled Advent calender this year - we're on pictures, plain and simple (and easy!)
Posted by: Ali | December 04, 2006 at 11:58 AM
The stockings are so cute. I wish I had a mantel so that I could do this too.
Posted by: Abby | December 04, 2006 at 01:12 PM
i think i'm gonna have to start making some of these for next year. aaron's been complaining the the lego advent calendar isn't a good visual for seeing how close christmas is, and he totally has a point.
where'd you get the fabric for number one? *love it*.
Posted by: capello | December 04, 2006 at 01:20 PM
what a great way to use all those pesky scraps!!!
Posted by: moki | December 04, 2006 at 02:34 PM
this is fabulous! love the cupcake stocking :) and your blog banner!
Posted by: Jessica | December 04, 2006 at 03:07 PM
Very very cute, so thoughtful to add a birthday stocking! We had a similiar advent calendar two years ago (before LEGO) made out of baby socks and I used mini clothespins, which I got at the craft store, to hang them.
Posted by: Jennifer | December 04, 2006 at 03:11 PM
Well done Amy! No time to sew you said, ppft. ;)
I like that they are different sizes and the cupcake one is a wonderful idea for Bea! Gotta put something extra special in that one I guess!
Posted by: Angela | December 04, 2006 at 03:30 PM
Yet another fantastic idea from Miss Happythings!! And what a sweet little birthday stocking :)
Posted by: kirsty | December 04, 2006 at 04:18 PM
That is such a great visual for the days until Christmas. Are you going to homeschool Bea??? :o)
Posted by: lindiepindie | December 04, 2006 at 04:28 PM
Oh my! You've really done a wonderful job creating such a fun advent calendar for Bea! I can just imagine her anticipation each morning. Hope to be there in time for the adorable birthday stocking!
Posted by: Mom | December 04, 2006 at 07:26 PM
what a wonderful idea - one I might just have to borrow. I think I even have an idea of how to hang them even though we don't a mantel.
Posted by: Kim | December 04, 2006 at 09:29 PM
Adorable....love the whole idea. And the cupcakes for Bea was a wonderful touch. They look so beautiful all line up at the fireplace (sniff sniff...wish I had a fireplace!). Lovely!
Posted by: Dana | December 05, 2006 at 06:27 AM
oh they look great! 'specially like the bday one!!
Posted by: tracy | December 05, 2006 at 11:54 AM
They are great - they just look so warm and homely hung from the mantel - well done you.
Posted by: karen | December 05, 2006 at 02:30 PM
What a fantastic project! I just finished my own version (check out my blog for picts) but I knit up little mini socks instead of sewing them -- although I'm tempted by the world of fabrics, I haven't dove into sewing quite yet. In any case, I love advent calendars, and yours is beautiful.
Posted by: Tiffany | December 05, 2006 at 02:42 PM
Fun idea, I'm sure Bea has a wonderful time looking forward to opening and seeing what's inside each one.
The birthday one is cute too. Extra Special!!
I like how you are keeping your blog banner fresh.
Posted by: Jenn | December 05, 2006 at 02:55 PM
This is absolutely darling! I'll have to remember this for next year. And poor little Bea with her birthday on the 23rd! My uncle's birthday is the 22nd, and my brother's is the 17th, and they always get shafted! lol!
"Remember Brian, this is a combo birthday/Christmas gift."
Thanks goodness I'm in August! lol!
Posted by: Lauri | December 05, 2006 at 10:14 PM
What a wonderful bunch of stockings... something to remember for next year!!
Posted by: Mirre | December 06, 2006 at 09:13 AM