12.07.2012

Advent Calendar



Gosh, time is flying by!

How are you? Are you freaking out yet?
Hmmm, maybe it’s just me.

advent calendar bags 2_edited-1

I still haven’t shown you my pictures from Thanksgiving and now I’m rushing to show you this advent calendar I made the other day. I was late getting it out in the mail to a little special someone, so he’ll have to play catch up on a few days.

I saw a bunch of little advent bags on Pinterest. I had planned to order some plain bags but of course time got away from me and so I decided to just make the bags.

Here’s what I did.

cutting drawstring bag_edited-1

I wanted bags about 4x6 so I cut my fabric 5x16. That gave me extra length to make the casing.

folding bag_edited-1

Fold the fabric lengthwise and mark the top 2 inches.

stitching bag_edited-1

Sew each side up to that 2” mark. I ended up just putting some tape on my machine to show me where to stop stitching. It made the process go faster not having to pin them all.

To make the casing you fold in the side seam on the upper 2 inches that were not stitched together.

casing_edited-1

Then fold down the top 1/4 inch,

casing2_edited-1

Then fold again down to where you stopped stitching the side seam.

folded_edited-1

It will look like this. The bottom pin is just to show where the side seam stops. Stitch across one end and then the other. I top stitched in a green thread for some contrast.

stitched_edited-1

When you stitch one end it will look like this.

casing_edited-1

Then turn them right side out.

supplies_edited-1

Now you’re ready to put the numbers on! Print out your numbers on some iron on printer paper and set it to flipped or reverse on your printer. So when you iron them on they will look right. I found these numbers on Pinterest. You can google, printable advent numbers, and a bunch will come up.

The bags go much faster than it seems. You find your own rhythm and what’s easier for you.

bag_edited-1

You’ll need to cut two lengths of twine and thread in one direction and then in the other direction. Then knot the two ends together on each side. You’ll then be able to pull each knot out and the bag will close. 
I hope that made sense.

clothespins_edited-1

Last but not least, I used some Washi tape to cover these little clothespins.

advent calendar bags_edited-1

I think they came out pretty darn cute!
And they’re reusable. Just fill them up each year. I put in little toys and candies. 
But you can put in whatever your think your little special someone might like.

advent calendar bags 3_edited-1


OH!

One more thing. Remember this little guy? I made him two years ago out of pumpkins.

100_9276 copy

Well, he’s making an appearance over at Huffpost Home getting his 15 minutes of fame! There are some other great holiday decorating ideas there too. So hop on over and check it out.

Let me know what you think of my little advent bags. They are super easy to make. And if you don’t want to made an advent calendar they would make cute gift bags in any size and you can decorate them any way you like.

Have a great weekend!

Linking up with:
My Repurposed Life
French Country Cottage
Primitive & Proper


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18 comments:

  1. so cute! love the red and white string!

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  2. you make even me feel like i can sew! bravo.

    hope you will have a chance to stop by, and today i am hosting a giveaway. hope you win! http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/12/personalized-lovely-giveaway.html

    peace to you.

    michele

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  3. OH that is fabulous advent. Great work.

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  4. Wow, nice job!! Love that you used clothespins too. And congrats on the snow man feature. He is suuuuper cute!

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  5. These are really cute, Anita and thanks for the sweet comment at Rhoda's. Have a great weekend.

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  6. I love how you decorated the clothespins with
    duct tape... and the entire project is really
    a cute idea..
    Was nice to see you Anita on my blog today
    and I wish you and your family a wonderful
    Holiday Season...
    Sandy

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  7. cute little bags! thanks for showing us how to make them.
    x

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  8. what a cute advent set! can't believe you made all the bags. they turned out perfect!

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  9. I love your advent calendar Anita! I like the simplicity of it and the fun red and white striped clothes pins. Clever with the washi tape. I need to get some of that. I am very behind on decorating. I finally got 2 wreaths up today and hopefully the tree this weekend.

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  10. Good heavens, those bags turned out cute! I had good intentions of cranking some out too, but I haven't gotten around to it. I might do it now that I read your tutorial since you did all the thinking for me ;)

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  11. I love your advent bags, Anita! I'm totally impressed that you made them all from scratch! The clothespins are so cute too. I can't believe Christmas is just a little over 2 weeks away, I've not even done any Christmas shopping yet!

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  12. Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous Anita!! Love those striped clothes pins. Thank you so much for linking up to our party!

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  13. I love everything about the advent bags! "... time ran away from me so I just whipped up my own!" You're just amazing!
    Congrats on the HP feature. Next thing I know you'll be making an appearance on the Today Show!

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  14. Those are darling. Cute, but not cutesy, and perfect to be used again and again. The tape on the clothes pins was a nice touch also. Altogether cute, cute project.

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