All of the pockets are attached! I need to sew the buttons onto the tree and finish off the ornaments.

A pile of pockets ready to be sewn on and ornaments in a production line …

The ornaments are a machine embroidery design from here. They’ve used velvet as the base whereas I have used felt, so I’m not sure how to cut the edges away (they used a candle and melted the edges, but I’m not sure if that would work with felt). I’ve made 8 so only 16 to go … (I am feeling positive that I will get it done in time).

I’m quilting the base and I’ve made one ornament …

The Star consists of a front and a back and I didn’t manage to sew them together very well.

I’ve decided to make an Advent Calendar - just to put myself under a bit more pressure. I got the idea from here, but it’s developed a mind of it’s own.

Each pocket will have a number embroidered on it. I haven’t quite decided on the position of the pockets yet - the one above is just placed on the quilt.

I’m going to sew buttons onto the tree from which we can hang ornaments (they’ll be stored in the pockets).

The ornaments are going to like this …

The number is on the back of the ornament. There will also be a star, tree and stocking (so six of each type).

I still have all of the pockets and the ornaments to sew as well as quilting the base. So lots to do and not much time.

Another T-Shirt - design from here - on my machine it takes 49 minutes of sewing time (more real time because of all of the colour changes).

and

I’ve made more Appliqued/Embroidered T-Shirts …

Here is a closer image …

And I put a little embroidery on the back …

And an embroidered bug …

and

Obviously I need to do a bit of ironing. The Sunbonnet Sue comes from here and the Bug from here.

I use two pieces of calico or homespun in the hoop (I don’t use any ‘proper’ stabilisers anymore - I do starch the fabric before I start). I use Robinson Anton Rayon thread (I found a great supplier here) and then I stitch away. They take about an hour to do - taking into account changing thread colours and laying and trimming the applique fabric.

I made the embroidery above as a present for one of A’s friends. I used a design from here (by the way I find her designs always stitch out well). 

I should have starched the base fabric as that usually seems to help with the stabilising (it’s a bit puckered in places).

I’ve forgotten how much I like doing these - I’m currently working on some more …

I’ve been learning free motion embroidery from this book.

Above is my attempt at a leaf. I’m quite happy with the results. The key for me was to go really slowly - my machine is set at the lowest speed. Also, a spring tension hoop seems to work much better than any other kind plus it is much easier to rehoop when you need to move the hoop.

Another foundation pieced card …

I’ve been working on another applique - a dinosaur. I starched the fabric again and this time used a tear away stabiliser on the back.

The dinosaur is from here and the frame from here.