Saturday 21 November 2020: Online Workshop (Rudolph Advent Calendar)

Gary Mills - Saturday 21 November 2020 - 5.00pm to 9.00pm (GMT)

Online Interactive Workshop: Rudolph Advent Calendar

Top craft talent Gary Mills has proven to be a huge hit since joining the CraftyMonkies team and his latest offering is wonderfully festive Rudolph Advent Calendar, something that's bound to brighten up your pre-Christmas celebrations and be the talk of all who come into contact with it and the copious goodies that will doubtless lurk in each of the 25 pockets!

Introduction by Gary:

This Rudolph reindeer-inspired Advent Calendar has been specially designed by me for a CraftyMonkies Christmas themed workshop. I have thoroughly enjoyed gathering some of the best ideas out there in the crafting world and incorporating them into this festive outcome. I wanted to create a project that started in our Zoom workshop session, with me demonstrating and guiding you through the elements to build this calendar, to become something you would finish off in the following days leading up to December.

The main motif had to be Rudolph, of course, as it follows on with my previous Scandinavian style Christmas inspiration. A simple yet effective applique reindeer design using bonded fabric appliqué, with a simple zigzag stitch to achieve the centre piece of this calendar. I also have incorporated the idea of different style pockets and bags to hide little sweets and gifts, as you count your way through from the 1st of December right up to Christmas Day where you get to open your own little red Santa sack with a special treat! Little touches such as the red buttons to hold the bags from antlers and ears, a bell for his neck and some hand stitching details give this calendar a sophisticated and skilled finish anyone would be pleased to have hanging amongst their festive decorations this Christmas. You will love making it, putting all the elements together as you get into the spirit of the season.

We will take a mini rest break halfway through the session for 10 minutes to ‘pop the kettle on’ or even pour a festive glass of mulled wine. And as always, the session will be fun and relaxed with plenty of chatting from Rachel and myself. I really look forward to having you along for the session!...

What You Will Learn in this Online Interactive Workshop:-

The calendar to complete will take longer than the time of the workshop as the session is designed and planned to teach you how to make the outcome. The session will be divided up into the specific elements to inform and practice those which are incorporated in the design of the calendar. You will be sent the template for the design and some home work to prepare for the workshop; such as downloading the pattern and cutting out the applique motif, gathering your materials and cutting your background to size, cutting your pocket bags squares to size and gathering all the necessary materials and equipment ready to get started for this workshop.

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The elements to achieve in the workshop are firstly position and bond the main applique motif and to start some of the zig zag edge stitching. Next is planning and making an example of each type of pocket; firstly, the numbers, will you hand stitch or will you cheat with pre purchased numbers? it is up to you, but we only need a few of the numbers to get started for the examples we will be making. Then you will work on a row of simple patch square pockets, then the bunting pockets and then the mini Santa sacks. I will get you to practice with me some hand stitches for your finishing.

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Finally, I will talk you through the final finishing touches such as the binding and how to create the hanging rod channels on the reverse.

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Advent calendar outcome measures 17” x 28”

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Skill Level for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

This workshop is for an intermediate or practiced beginner (all the skill elements are broken down into stages and Gary is a very experienced teacher who will give clear guidance or further links to help support your learning requirements). There will be Guidance Notes to support the session and aid in the finishing of the actual advent calendar after the session has ended.

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Fabric requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

Base background fabrics:

• Either medium weight calico or similar weight cotton or linen in cream, ivory or white 17” x 28”
• Batting / interlining 17” x 28”
• Backing cloth cotton colour neutral 17” x 28”

For the Reindeer Appliqué:

• Bonda-web or similar iron on fusible fabric adhesive 14” x 19”

For the Reindeer itself, you will need squares of coloured cottons measuring 12” x 12”

• Head: Brown 12” x 12”
• Head & Antlers: Mid brown 12” x 12”
• Head: Christmas themed print 12” x 12”
• Nose: Red small scrap
• Eyes: Light fawn / cream scrap
• Eyes and mouth: Black small scrap
• Optional: small bell for around his neck
• 4x red 1/8th” buttons

For the Bags, Bunting and Sacks:

Select your fabric to create the ‘Scandinavian style’, I have chosen a selection of red and white prints, block colours and ditzy dots to work together. Have a look what you have in your stash to use.

• You will need a selection of 7 minimum size 12” x 12” minimum or you can use fat quarters

For the numbers: 1-25

In my example I have hand sewn mine with Perle thread or similar embroidery thread on to some white cotton backing which I have then cut up and stitched, alternatively you may wish to print them or even purchase small felt numbers to glue on. This needs to be decided prior to the session as you will be fixing the numbers while you make up the bags, bunting and sacks.

Haberdashery:

• 1/8th” red ribbon x 60”
• Machine thread: ivory / cream / brown/ black & red
• Red coloured embroidery thread (I have used red cotton Perle thread or you can use DCM thread or similar)

For the binding and hanging channels:

Keep to a plain red if possible, so not to detract from the main design

• Binding cut and joined on the straight grain measuring in total Length 134” x 2 ½ “wide

For hanging:

• 2x split bamboo canes 1/8th “thick 17” long
• Ribbon for handing 24” long

Equipment requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

• A sewing machine (straight stitch & zig zag used)
• Fabric, paper, and embroidery scissors
• Pins
• Useful: Roller blade and cutting mat
• Hand sewing needles
• Tape measure & quilters square or ruler
• Fabric marker pen (I have used a Frixion pen) or similar
• Iron and board (grease proof paper to protect work when bonding with iron)

Pattern Information relevant to this Online Interactive Workshop:-

The free PATTERN will be sent to you via email to download, this is to be printed in advance of the course.

Tickets for this Online Interactive Workshop (via the Zoom platform) will be limited & allocated on a first-come/first-served basis! Any free pattern, or other information, relevant to this course will be forwarded to you after booking and approximately 5 days before the course date. The Ticket price of £30.00 is based on ONE person attending this crafting class.

IMPORTANT:

Ordering MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT Online For Any Class/Workshop!

In light of current uncertainties regarding potential lockdowns in some/all parts of the UK due to Covid-19, please ensure you book your place & order any materials/equipment online in plenty of time ahead of any course dates.