Christmas Came Early

I finished my first bit of Christmas sewing for the year.  Actually, I would have done it in late November like everyone else if it hadn't been for Shea.  She asked me to test one of her latest patterns - the Advent Activity Calendar.  I've been meaning to make an advent calendar for my boys, and I love that this one doesn't involve candy first thing in the morning.

I'm really excited to try all the fun activity cards that come with the pattern.  Each preprinted card slips into a stocking.  My kids are going to love doing a special Christmas activity each day.

I wanted to make something a little different and took the opportunity to use some fun, new fabrics.  They are not my usual colors, which is a nice change, and the calendar will look great with my Christmas decorations.  Isn't the photography pretty, too?  All Shea's patterns are shot by Sarah Sorell.

If you have already tried an Empty Bobbin pattern you know the instructions are super clear and easy to follow with clever construction details.  I loved how the stockings are cut from pre-pieced strip sets and you can add embellishments to your taste.  I used invisible thread to applique my stockings in place, which worked really well.  The good news for you is that Shea is giving me an extra pattern to give away, so check back for a shot at an early Christmas gift in a couple of weeks.