On the first day of Christmas Sew magazine gave to me, an advent calendar pattern to stitch and place next to the tree! This classic design by Carolyn Letten showcases little owls guarding the pockets, button embellishments and a star-topper which doubles as a hanger – no matter what sweet treats or mini pressies you hide inside, everyone will love this decoration.
1 Download and print the templates. Take a printed fabric and place the pattern horizontally. Measure 50.5cm across the bottom edge and mark, then fold it in half vertically and mark the top centre. Draw two lines from the top to the ends of the straight line to make a triangle, then cut out. Apply interfacing to a piece of the owl print fabric, containing 11 single owls and one pair.
2 Cut four rectangles, 7cm x 10cm; one landscape rectangle, 7.5cm x 9.5cm; one large rectangle, 10cm x 11.5cm, from red fabric. Cut four rectangles, 7cm x 10cm; two landscape rectangles, 7.5cm x 9.5cm, from turquoise fabric. Crease 5mm up both sides and across the bottom, fold the top over twice, then iron and sew across the top seam. Repeat on all the pocket pieces.
3 Cut 12 white circles from a different fabric and apply interfacing. Lay out all of the pocket pieces, pin, then attach 2cm wide strips of the grey fabric using i