Have you noticed when you have something you want to photograph the lighting in your home is really bad that day? I should have waited for more light, but I'm excited to show you this calendar I finished today. Last year Lina made an Advent calendar that I loved and I wanted fairies to show up and make me one in the middle of the night, but when I heard that her calendar was being published in Better Homes and Gardens I thought, oohhh, directions! After compulsively checking book stores I found the issue - it's the Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection "Holiday Crafts" 2008. Of course, I waited until the last minute so I could spend hours staying up late and ignoring the computer to finish this in a week.
I've mentioned this before, but I don't know how to sew. I had a home economics class 3,000 years ago in Jr. High, and just last year I had to ask someone how you keep a stitch from unraveling when you stitch with a machine - ah, backstitch at the beginning. After my Mom died, I gave her sewing machine to my Aunt and when she passed away, I asked my cousin for the machine back. So, using her machine gives me a connection to her in a zen sort of way, until the needle jams and I start swearing because all the directions in the owners manual consist of two sentence instructions. I was never interested in sewing when she was around and we could have spent time with a common interest, but that is how things work. So, I think of her when I open the case that still has her old spools of thread and winded bobbins and I know she would be happy to see the machine she loved still being used. At this point she would also say, "enough of this maudlin stuff..."
The calendar is a combination of embroidery and applique. I wanted to embroidery more of the pockets, but time was not on my side. Most of the fabric I used was from my Japanese stash and it felt good to cut and use it. This is one of my favorite pockets because it's simple:
I also like day 1; it was a cross stitch pattern advertisement that I tried to copy from a Japanese embroidery book.
I'm really happy with how this turned out and I want to thank Lina for inspiring me to make something I thought was impossible. It wasn't easy, but sometimes the struggle makes it more special. Now I have to fill it with treats, just in time for our first snow (expected 3-6 inches). I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. I'm planning a giveaway sometime this week if I can get my act together - should it be a surprise?
I like the thought of you having your mom's sewing machine and being connected through it. You've done your mom, and the machine, proud with this beautiful advent calendar! You kids are going to love it too!
This is the week I send out 3 packages that I owe in blogville and you are one of them!
:) Tracey
Posted by: Paper Dolls for Boys | December 01, 2008 at 12:14 AM
It looks wonderful. "Seams" you do lovely work with a sewing machine. I know, cheesy, but I love puns. What are you going to put in the pockets? Candy, small toys, figures? Just curious. I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for all the creative inspiration. Best,
Janna
Posted by: Janna Widdifield | December 01, 2008 at 12:39 AM
I think it's cute!
Posted by: Hege | December 01, 2008 at 02:40 AM
I love the calendar and, as someone who truly can not sew, I am mightily impressed!
Posted by: Kris | December 01, 2008 at 06:17 AM
I'm new to your blog, but that calendar is AMAZING! You did a great job!!
Posted by: Corrie | December 01, 2008 at 06:51 AM
FABULOUS! AMAZING! AWESOME! I this Anne, truly gorgeous. Love the fabric, the ribbon and the embroidery. Especially no 1 - what a cutie! I'm flattered you felt inspired, but you really made it your own. Just perfect.
Posted by: lina | December 01, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Mmme, that should say I love this Anne. (in case there was any doubt!)
Posted by: lina | December 01, 2008 at 08:02 AM
That turned out gorgeous. You will treasure it forever. I love how you felt connected to your mom while you made it. Lovely.
Oh, and yes, I have noticed that lighting never works in my favor!
Posted by: Tracy | December 01, 2008 at 09:27 AM
It turned out beautiful. Your embroidery looks amazing and your sewing skills are dang good too.
I feel the same way about knitting and my Gramma as you do sewing and your Mom. I kick myself for not learning from her because now, all I want to do is learn how to knit. Oh well. Such is life. What will out kids take from us that we won't know about?
Posted by: Crystal | December 01, 2008 at 10:05 AM
it's beautiful! i adore all the little details!
Posted by: melissa s. | December 01, 2008 at 10:19 AM
That is absolutely lovely! I get the whole new-to-sewing thing... I am teaching myself and loving it, although the results are sketchy sometimes. Some days, I'm just proud to know how to replace the bobbin without having to consult the manual.
Posted by: Lisa | December 01, 2008 at 04:29 PM
You did such a wonderful job on it. I wish I had the motivation to make one...but it wouldn't be ready til next year. How did you do it so fast!!
Posted by: Carrie | December 01, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Well, okay. send it to us.
Posted by: Laura | December 01, 2008 at 09:36 PM
That is darn cute! Great job on it! I am really enjoying your blog and the attractive new banner!
Posted by: Mary Smith | December 01, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Wow! I'd just decided to not do an Advent calendar this year, but you'll be able to make a second way for the giveaway riiiight?
More motivation for me to learn to sew...
Posted by: Deirdre | December 01, 2008 at 10:34 PM
totally awesome...Per usual. I love the embroidery.
Posted by: brit | December 02, 2008 at 01:36 AM
Nice work! It turned out really well!
Posted by: dianeinjapan | December 02, 2008 at 01:37 AM
Wow, that couldn't be better. So simple and plain and detailed all at the same time. I love the colors!
Posted by: Visty | December 02, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Ack! This is so gorgeous I can hardly stand it. Have a store bought xmas tree one that I remade all the little ornaments for, but it's not nearly so nice. Although I can never think of what to put in each little pouch of your kind...
Posted by: Jessica Levitt | December 02, 2008 at 02:48 PM
This is just the thing I tell myself I want to make every year, but don't. Well done. It's a beauty!!!
And I'm getting all sniffly over the connection to your mom's machine. That's pretty sweet.
Posted by: misschris | December 02, 2008 at 03:32 PM
I'm in love with your advent calendar! It's perfect!
Posted by: Christy | December 03, 2008 at 07:42 AM
i've been staring at this calendar since monday morning - i suppose it's time for a comment.
WOW.
that is so perfect. those little soldiers are so so great.
i love your stories of you mom. they help me understand you more, both in the way you recollect and the tone/feel of those recollections. i'm glad you share but hope that it isn't (too) painful. i'm glad you got that sewing machine back in your hands. that's good. real good.
Posted by: sarah | December 03, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Holy Moly. Your stitching is unbelievable! I found you through the giveaway, but I'll be checking back often. So inspiring!
Posted by: Jenny | December 04, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Oh, I love this, Anne. And I love that you stayed up late to work on it. And I love the kitty #14. So cute!
Posted by: Patty | December 04, 2008 at 04:11 AM
I really like your advent calendar!
Posted by: Louisa | December 04, 2008 at 07:05 PM