Tea Advant Quilt

I'm sure a lot of you out there have special traditions you like to do this time of the year. Christmas is my favorite holiday, I have all kinds of things I love that I do over and over. One tradition very close to my heart it the making, gifting, receiving, and partaking of a Tea Advant Calendar.

It was my sisters idea, anyone who wants to participate makes an Advant Calendar to gift, and receives one in return. While I think this is my 6th year participating I've never posted about it here because this is a sewing blog, and I've never actually sewn my calendar. At least not until this year.

This is a panel I purchased from Willow Cottage Quilt Co. https://willowcottagequiltco.com/

Aa many of you know I am not a quilter. So this presents a unique challenge for me. What I like about this project is everything is included minus the fleece, thread, and dowels.

I started by cutting everything out on the dotted line, it was kinda daunting to have all these little pieces. I counted three times to make sure everything was there before cutting the fusible fleece backing. Using my house as a pattern.

I ironed my fleece onto both front and back pieces.

For the back I sewed the casings for the dowels.

For the the front I finished all the tops of my windows in a rolled 2cm hem, then pressed all the edges turning them into pockets. I attached all my pockets to my house.

It was at this point I realized I lost a piece, the door. Which is also supposed to be a pocket.

I can't just leave off the door, then I'll be short one pocket and my calendar will have 23 days instead of 24! A real conundrum. After brainstorming with both my mom and husband we all decided I would just have to make a new door, but how?

I mused over this issue for a couple of days before recalling my Michael's days. They used to sell fabric transfer paper, you print an image on paper than iron it onto fabric. So to the craft store we went!

After many trials and errors (including the printer running out of ink) I was able to get a copy of the door.

I cut it out, leaving enough seam allowance to make my pocket.

I transferred it to this pale grey cotton I'd picked up specifically for this project.

It worked!! Some small imperfections, but overall happy with the outcome!

I then treated it like all the other pockets (minus the pressing) and had my final pocket.

I followed the instructions to finish it up, sewed on some loops to hang it from. Attached the back so the whole thing eas finished. Made some little drawstring bags to hand on the bottom.

Once it was all together it was time to stuff it full of tea!!! Some of the tear is purchased, some my own blends, all of it loose leaf, so I bag it, label it, put it into plastic bags, seal it, and finally stuff it into my calendar.

A big thank you to my husband for holding it up for this picture!

I couldn't make it to the exchange party, so here's my person holding up the calendar!

And here's the calendar I received in exchange!!! Merry Christmas everyone I hope you are able to enjoy this season, and partake in your favorite traditions!!!