Here’s Why I Didn’t Blog Much in November

Due to popular demand, here is a picture of the advent calendar my mother and I made together:

VOILA!  It’s modeled after a calendar my mother made when I was little.  Her calendar uses stuffed ornaments that attach with Velcro; I liked the 2-D look better for my tree.  The background was sewn two years ago and sat in a paper sack in my basement until my mom twisted my arm to get it finished.  I designed and cut out the ornaments, and she sewed them together, using Pellon to stiffen them up.

Here are close-up views, in case you’re curious.  (My sister insisted I do this; if you’d like to see her equally cute calendar, go here.  My sister in law also made one .  It’s been interesting to see what variations each of us came up with.)

Here’s a gingerbread house, a reindeer, and a Scottie dog.  Remember, my mom did all the embroidery, not me.  That’s why it looks so amazing.

Candy cane, Santa, ice skate.  We used a paper clip for the blade; it’s based on a Christmas ornament a friend made for my parents long ago.

Mitten, cardinal, penguin.  There’s a tiny row of beads on that mitten.  The penguin was made at William’s request.

These characters from the “Nutcracker” were my design, and I’m really proud of them (look how my mom used sequins for the Nutcraker’s eyes!  So clever).  From left to right: Nutcracker, Clara, Sugar Plum Fairy, Mouse King (which is modeled on my mom’s ’70s calendar, that’s why he’s hot pink).  The flower-shaped piece of lace on the fairy is a snippet left over from my wedding dress.

Stockings for all four children.  I’ve put them in the order my mom sewed them, and as you can tell, she got more elaborate as she went on.  I’m so impressed with her skill.

Wreath, bell, angel.  The angel design is once again based on my mom’s calendar, only her angel is pink.

Snowman, pear, holly leaf.  And yes, that’s the bling-iest pear you’re ever going to see in your life.  PEAR FROM SPAAAAACE!

Finally, the star and a heart.  When I was a kid, my sibs and I agreed that the star should be put on last, and it should go on top.  And then we argued over it.  Guess what?  My kids are doing the same.  It’s funny to see history repeat itself.