A Christmas Advent Calendar - from one simple panel

I loved making up this Advent Calendar using the nifty panel we ordered in from Dashwood Studios, but I did think the instructions needed a helping hand so here is what I did step by step!

cut the pocket panel into the strips marked (removing the blue borders)

Fold and iron the white/ecru border, then fold again tucking the rough edge under the fold. Pin and then sew

 all the pocket strips sewn

Box pleat between the pockets, I used the iron and then pins to keep these in place

Pin the box pleated pockets to the backing panel, the pockets should line up over the boxes printed on this panel

All pinned and ready to sew

I sewed down across and up the other side of each pocket, carrying straight onto the next pocket in the strip until I got across the whole strip.

Next I layered with a backing fabric and wadding in between and quilted between the pocket strips and around the outside of the calendar. I removed the excess fabric and wadding cutting the calendar down to the red border, then I added a binding to finish it off!

All we need now is the treats to fill it and roll on December!

 

Panels are £8.50 or £14.95 if you would like the wadding and backing to finish the whole project, you can buy them in the shop or via our webshop.

Stuart Hillard book signing!

We have been chosen to host an event with BBC2's Great British Sewing Bee finalist Stuart Hillard.

Sherborne's leading haberdashery and making shop, Butterfly Bright, has been chosen from hundreds of applicants to host a visit from Stuart Hillard - one of the most popular semi-finalists from BBC2's Great British Sewing Bee 2013. Stuart's appearance coincides with the launch of his new book 'Sew Fabulous', signed copies of which will be available for those lucky enough to come along to Butterfly Bright in Digby Road between 3.30pm - 5.00pm on Friday 3rd October.

"We are delighted that Stuart is coming to Butterfly Bright as part of his national book tour" says Founder Alison Nurton, "Many of our customers have thoroughly enjoyed the Great British Sewing Bee programmes and we have seen a huge resurgence in the popularity of sewing and other creative crafts. In the 3 and a half years since opening we have taught in excess of 500 people new skills with our extensive range of workshops including patchwork, crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery and needle felting."

Before he appeared on BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee, Stuart Hillard had sewn and quilted professionally for over 15 years.  He writes, teaches and hosts quilting retreats and workshops and designs and creates patterns for quilts, wall hangings, bags and home décor projects.  On 3rd October he will present a short sewing demonstration as well as talk about his book which explains how to decorate and embellish every room in the house - even the garden!  'Sew Fabulous' features over 40 fun and fabulous patterns for everything from covered headboards, bolster cushions, tablecloths, napkins, aprons, pretty coat hangers and bunting.

Everyone who loves sewing, or who would like to find out more about learning to sew, is invited to come along to Stuart's demonstration and book signing - alongside which Butterfly Bright is staging a workshop exhibition, discounts on Coats' fabrics (for which Stuart is an ambassador) and offers on workshops booked on the day.

Due to the anticipated popularity of this event, numbers will be limited and guests are invited to book their FREE ticket in advance.

You can also PRE ORDER your copy of Stuart's book on our website - every pre-ordered copy will be signed by Stuart and will include a £5 voucher valid until 24 Dec 2014 on any purchase of £50 or more at Butterfly Bright.