Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Finished the advent calendar

Five and a half years after I got the stuff to make it, it's done. The advent calendar. It needs some quilting to stabilize the layers a bit, but in general I'm happy with how it turned out. It's not clear from the photo, but each little square is a pocket to put your gift into.

Unfortunately it is now firmly linked to feelings of guilt in my head so I can't possible keep it. Think I'll try to sell it at the craft fair in October. How do you craft sale veterans decide how to price your pieces?

I was supposed to be stockpiling crafty goodness to sell, but I've realized that with 2 kids home all over the summer and no help with childcare, I am highly unlikely to get anything much done. Also, I found out today that Johnny has not got a preschool place in September, so my 2 mornings off a week will also not be happening. Feeling a bit bogged down by it to be truthful. I like my kids so much more when I have a little bit of breathing space away from them and that's just not happening at the moment.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kuddos. I've wanted to make an advent calendar quilt for a while now. At least you're done! Hope something works out for a preschool/mother's day out for you.

Kate said...

Fantastic advent calendar. Congratulations on finishing. I know what you mean about time away from the children. I sometimes count the days until they can go to Kindergarten.

Anonymous said...

I love the calendar. Great idea!! I empathize regarding kids meaning not much crafting. I hope something works out for you!

Anonymous said...

Wow - it's really beautiful! I can't believe you're going to sell it! Have you done craft fairs before? I have had minimal success with craft fairs. Here's a formula I read in a book, but you really have to know the market so it may not work for you: 1.5 x cost of materials + overhead (electricity, etc) + (# of hours labor x your hourly fee). Does that make sense?

I hear you about the breathing room. A little crafting does wonders for me AND how I feel about my kids - weird how that works out, huh?

Anonymous said...

Great job on the calendar. It looks really good. Kids + crafting around here means a disastrous mess of a house.

laura capello said...

Ouch about the childcare, I can relate. I can't take proper care of others if I don't take proper care of myself.

Love the advent calendar! But why the guilt?

feather nester said...

Congratulations on finishing it! Guilt, yes, I understand. But also a nice feeling of accomplishment, no?

Anonymous said...

The calendar is beautiful. Did you paint the pockets?

I am laughing about the kiddos and childcare...it keeps me sane. Mine is in a prechool and I know she loves the interaction with her friends. It would be a struggle to keep a social calendar that could even compete with the interactions she gets at preschool.

Anonymous said...

It is just wonderful. I would keep it myself, unless you will be making another one for yourself! I am totally with you as far as the childcare goes, its tough when you can't get a break, especially when sick! Emily starts playgroup in September and I can't wait! :)

Megan said...

Well done for finishing. I think it looks fabbo. I, too, like my children a lot better when I have 'me time' so I understand how that would bring you down. Easy forme to say something will come up, but it probably will, even if it is only the kids getting older and going off to school. It does happen you know.

Anonymous said...

love the advent calendar - way to go finishing up something that you started a while ago.

i hear you about the free time - i forgo showering and even eating sometimes to get my "me time" when the kids nap. thank goodness they sleep at the same time! it really makes a difference in the whole day.
i wish we crafty moms lived near each other and we could have a childcare while the mommy crafts co-op.

Anonymous said...

That is just beautiful!! Instead of selling it, you should give it to yourself as a gift!