I started making these when I had 2 wigglies. I filled them with $1 items. It was great fun when there was two to fill. As the years increased the calendars I made and filled multiplied. This year I had 7 to fill. Next year my oldest will not have one, he's getting too old.
I would suggest cutting out all the pieces and then pinning them in place before sewing. The base for the calendar is one piece of felt 17" X 29 1/4"
Cut 5 strips 3" X 5"
Cut 3 strips 1 1/2" X 7 1/2" for the straps to hold the calendars. Slip a dowel through the loops and hang on a wreath holder on their bedroom doors.
I would measure this all out, and pin each strip in place. Start by pinning the bottom strip 1
inch from the left side - that should leave you one inch on the right side.
Leave 1 inch on the bottom. Pin this strip in place.
Measure 2 1/2 " from the top of the first strip you've pinned. This is where the second strip should be pinned. Once again 1" from the sides.
Repeat this 4 times until all strips are pinned in place.
Then measure 3 inches starting from the left side of the strip - pin it. Measure 3 inches again - repeat and pin until you have the 5 three inch slots. Do this to all the rows.
Now, if I can explain this - sew right on the edge of each strip the outside edges and the bottom of the strip. Now go back to the top and start sewing the first 3 inch pocket (sew a straight line from the top of the strip to the bottom of the first strip). When you reach the bottom of the first row - pick up the pressure foot, slide the material ahead until you are at the top of the next row. Drop your pressure foot, sew the three inches and repeat. Don't clip your thread in between. Just keep going until all strips are sewn. Clip your thread at the bottom of the bottom strip. Go back to the top and do the next 3 inch pocket to the right of the first. Continue sewing as you did the first row. Continue process until all five pockets have been sewn. Now go back and clip the long threads in between the strips of pockets you have created.
Take the three pieces for the loops. Sew the two outside loops to the top. Over lap the strip about one inch onto the base and one inch on the back side. Pin in place and then sew. Find the middle of your piece and sew the third one as the others.
Using fabric paint (I used the brand Scribbles - shiny), carefully write numbers above each pocket, starting at the top with number 25. Be careful not to smudge the paint. Let dry overnight.
And there you have it - happy crafting!
