Finished Dimensions: 24.5" x 51.5"
Supplies Needed:
Green Scraps for tree - about a fat quarters worth
Small multi-colored scraps for the garland
Assorted fabrics for pockets - 9" x 4"
1.5 Yards of white background fabric (there will be overage)
1/2 yard binding fabric
1 Yard Interfacing (I used a very sturdy Pellon 808 Craft Fuse)
Batting and backing fabric - about 30" x 57 " each
OK, let's get started. First, we're going to make the tree:
Start by grabbing your scraps.
Start to build your tree by adding segments together.
Keep building and building...
and building...
until you have a general tree shape. At several points during this process, you will think to yourself, "Surely, I am done now - I've been building this tree forever!" But my friends, I am here to tell you, you will not be done. Trees take time. It'll be worth it, though, trust me. Just keep going. But it will eventually look like this and you will be done!
Now, I almost left it like this - I loved it so! But the call of some colorful garland was strong so I forged ahead.
To make the garland, simply piece together varying width strips of scraps, again with some slightly wonky angles for added visual interest. This is a great place to use those tiny, special scraps we hang on to - a small piece goes a long way in this project! Cut the garland strips 1.5" wide.
Now. Let's take a breather. I am going to ask you to cut your tree. This may be easy for you. Or you may sweat a little and have heart palpitations. Forge ahead - It will all come back together like it's supposed to, I promise.
Once your garlands are all in and you have trimmed the edges, it's time to add the tree trunk. The trunk here is 2 1/4 " x 2 1/2 " , and I added the white background fabric strips 2 1/2" x 8" to the sides. Center the middle of the trunk with the middle of the tree.
Trim the top to 23" high by 24.5" wide. Now you can add the bottom white panel which will serve as the background for your pockets. Cut the bottom white panel 24.5" wide by 27.75" long and attach it to your tree piece. I forgot to take pictures of this part, but next you sandwich your top with your batting and background fabric. You are now ready to quilt it!
I chose to quilt straight (ok, straight-ish), closely spaced lines on all the white fabric. I figured the tree had such crazy piecing that it would stand out a bit if everything around it was densely quilted. Also, you want the bottom half which will hold your pockets to have a sturdy background as it will get lots of wear, so the tighter quilting should help there.
OK - are you still with me?? We are almost done, I promise. It's time for the pockets! Cut 25 pocket pieces 4" x 9". These will finish at 3.5" x 4 1/4", as you will be folding them in half. Cut 25 pieces of the interfacing 4" x 4 1/4" and iron them on one side 1/4 " from the edge like this:
Doing this will help your seam be less bulky when you are stitching the pockets down.
Next, fold the pocket piece in half right sides together and sew along the two sides, leaving the bottom open.
Now turn the pocket right side out. I use a Hera marker to get my corners nice and sharp - does anyone else use their Hera marker as a turning tool???
Repeat with the remaining pockets. I spaced mine an inch apart from each other in all directions.
Finally, simply add the binding (I added some quick hanging trinagles a la Amy's method)
And YOU'RE DONE! YAY!!
I am so thrilled to have finished this in time to fill these pockets with little goodies to help my little ones countdown to Christmas. In these pockets they will find treats, clues for treasure hunts, and cards for family fun nights like seeing Christmas lights in our jammies and decorating cookies together. What a festive time! I hope some of you make your own advent calendar - I'd love to see it if you do!
This tutorial was originally published here. I am also linking up with Pink Chalk Fabrics Handmade with Love 2012 - go check it out - tons of fun tutorials posted over there!
