How to Make a House Quilt Block Advent Calendar

Hello, fellow sewing enthusiasts! It’s Julie here, thrilled to welcome you to an enchanting project that combines the joy of quilting with the anticipation of the holiday season.

As we gather around our sewing tables, the gentle hum of the sewing machine becomes a melody of festive excitement. Today, I am excited to introduce you to the House Quilt Block Advent Calendar, a creation that captures the essence of Christmas magic in every stitch.

A Stitched Village: Personalizing the Countdown

In the midst of my quilting journey, I found myself yearning to create something truly special for the holiday season. The idea of an advent calendar with a twist sparked my imagination, leading to the birth of the Christmas Village Advent Quilt. Each house quilt block serves as a delightful window into the countdown to Christmas, allowing us to relive the joy of anticipation and celebration.

Crafting Christmas Magic: Materials You’ll Need

Before we delve into the detailed step-by-step process, let’s ensure we have all the materials required to bring our House Quilt Block Advent Calendar to life:

• Christmas Village Advent Pattern
• Background fabric
• Scraps of different colors/prints for houses
• Green and Red Felt (such as those from this pack)
• Clear 1/2″ buttons
• Cricut Maker (optional but recommended)
• Glue gun
• Baker’s Twine for hanging (or push pins)

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Creating the House Quilt Block Advent Calendar

Step 1: Unveiling the Pattern

The heart of our Christmas Village Advent Quilt lies in the pattern itself. This exclusive pattern is available to Platinum subscribers and boasts a collection of charming house quilt blocks, ready to be transformed into a magical countdown.

Step 2: Assembling the Houses

Select a variety of colored scraps for the houses, and follow the pattern instructions to stitch each house quilt block. The Painted Ladies of San Francisco served as my inspiration, infusing each house with vibrant shades that pop.

Step 3: Adding a Touch of Tradition

Attach a clear button at the top of each house quilt block. These buttons play a key role in our countdown to Christmas. Starting December 1st, adorn each button with a felt wreath—a tangible representation of the days leading to the festive season.

Step 4: Crafting Felt Wreaths

The felt wreaths bring a touch of tradition and nostalgia to our quilt. Using the provided PDF or SVG files, cut out the wreaths from green and red felt. If you’re using a Cricut Maker, adjust the settings to ensure a precise cut that captures every intricate detail.

Step 5: Quilting and Assembly

Follow the assembly instructions provided in the Christmas Village Advent Pattern. This pattern offers a single size, perfect for a wall hanging, finishing at around 30″ by 30″. You have the option to quilt the project yourself or seek the expertise of a professional longarm quilter.

Capturing the Spirit of the Season: A Handcrafted Countdown

As you immerse yourself in the creation of the House Quilt Block Advent Calendar, you’re not just crafting fabric and felt; you’re weaving together memories that will be cherished for years to come. With each house, each button, and each felt wreath, you’re capturing the spirit of the season—a spirit of togetherness, joy, and the magic that quilting brings into our lives.

Additional Tips and Techniques: Elevate Your Quilting Journey

As you embark on the delightful journey of creating your House Quilt Block Advent Calendar, here are some additional tips and techniques to enhance your quilting experience and ensure that each stitch is filled with joy and precision:

1. Fabric Selection: While the Christmas Village Advent Pattern provides a color palette for the houses, don’t hesitate to infuse your own creativity by experimenting with different prints and textures. Mix traditional holiday fabrics with unexpected choices to add a unique touch to each house.
2. Embrace Texture: Consider using textured fabrics for the houses to add depth and dimension to your quilt. Fabrics with metallic accents, subtle sheens, or intricate patterns can create captivating visual effects.
3. Precision Cutting with Cricut Maker: If you’re using a Cricut Maker to cut your felt wreaths, remember to select the appropriate settings, such as “Acrylic Felt Fabric” and adjusting pressure as needed. The precision of the Cricut Maker ensures that your wreaths will be perfectly cut and ready to adorn your quilt.
4. Buttons and Embellishments: Explore different types of clear buttons to add a touch of whimsy to your house quilt blocks. You can find buttons with unique shapes or finishes that complement the overall aesthetic of your calendar.
5. Personalized House Numbers: Enhance the visual appeal of your advent calendar by adding house numbers to each block. Use a Cricut machine or a permanent fabric marker to create numerical accents that enhance the countdown experience.
6. Stitching with Transparent Thread: When attaching the clear buttons, consider using transparent thread for a clean and seamless look. While working with transparent thread can be a bit finicky, the final result is well worth the effort.
7. Create a Felt Wreath Assembly Line: To streamline the process of creating felt wreaths, consider cutting all the pieces in one go using your Cricut Maker. This efficient approach allows you to create a batch of wreaths in one crafting session.
8. Customizing the Color Palette: While the quilt pattern suggests a non-traditional color palette for the houses, feel free to adapt the colors to match your personal style or the existing décor of your home. Traditional reds and greens can create a classic Christmas look, while bold and unexpected hues can add a modern twist.
9. Personalized Embellishments: Consider adding small embellishments to your felt wreaths, such as tiny bows, miniature ornaments, or even hand-stitched accents. These thoughtful details can elevate the overall appearance of your quilt.
10. Sharing the Joy: As you craft your House Quilt Block Advent Calendar, involve family members, especially children, in adding the felt wreaths each day. This collaborative experience not only adds to the festive atmosphere but also creates lasting memories.

With these tips and techniques in mind, you’re well-equipped to embark on a quilting adventure that marries creativity with tradition. Let your House Quilt Block Advent Calendar be a testament to the joy of quilting, the anticipation of the holiday season, and the heartwarming connections forged through shared moments of crafting. Happy quilting, and may your calendar bring happiness and warmth to your home!

Full Pattern: Click Here

Stitching Joy into Every Day

As the House Quilt Block Advent Calendar adorns your home, may it serve as a reminder of the joyous moments that await us during the holiday season. With every button adorned and every felt wreath added, you’re not merely marking the days—you’re stitching joy into each one, creating a tapestry of anticipation and love. Happy sewing, dear readers, and may your holiday countdown be as vibrant and heartwarming as the quilt you’ve crafted with your own hands.