My Christmas Countdown Calendars are heirloom pieces. There are hours of work involved in each one, and they're priced accordingly. They won't be for everyone, and thats fine as I can only make a very limited number each year.
Measurements
Each Calendar measures approximately 50 x 60cm, and has fabric corner tabs on the back which you slot a dowel into. This enables you to hang it, and also serves to keep its shape once the pockets have been filled. The dowel is not included, But I can provide one for you for an extra charge. Each pocket measures 2.5 x 2.5 inches - small but perfectly formed to fill with treats. The size of the calendar sold in this listing is not negotiable.
Pockets
Your calendar will come with 24 pockets. You can choose to have large, central numbers, or smaller, offset numbers. I randomise the numbers so you can have fun finding each pocket, but if you'd like them put in order please just let me know. The Pockets will be made from interfaced fabric - usually some plain and some patterned options give a beautifully balanced look, but this can be altered. These fabrics can be chosen from a selection I'll offer when we discuss your calendar. If you're someone who likes to have 25 pockets I'm happy to do this for you, it will mean sacrificing one applique to make room. I don't offer the option of embroidered pocket numbers, but if you're really averse to glitter I can show you alternatives!
Fabric Choices
Your Calendar comes with the option of a Natural Linen, white or grey canvas background. You can choose your border fabric from a gorgeous selection - I've included some beautiful photos of fabrics I have ready and waiting for you - none of them are guaranteed, but I do have stock of these and will be happy to look for other designs for you. You are also welcome to send me fabric if you have something specific you'd like used. Once we have your border set in stone, I'll put together a selection of pocket fabrics for your approval. Please be aware of my style before you order, I won't use anything that doesn't suit my work, nor copyright fabrics. If you love everything I've made before we'll be fine - if you have a primary coloured, marvel themed creation in mind, I'm not your gal!
Your calendar will be backed, wadded and quilted. I use a high quality batting between the layers, and stitch all the pockets and appliques onto the layers so that you get a lovely, puffy, quilted effect.
Trims and Appliques
You'll be able to pick your six appliques from a list of set designs, including a Christmas Tree, Mistletoe Kisses, a Figgy Pud, a Christmas Car, Mr & / or Mrs Claus, a Snowman, a Robin, or a Stocking. These can be made in colours to tone with your calendar, or traditional Christmas colours. If you'd like anything that's not on this list I may be able to do it, but I will likely charge a design fee for new designs, or an additional work fee for designs that I currently make but will take me more time. I can add a fairy to your calendar, but it will take up two of the applique slots, leaving you with only five in total. Your Calendar comes with 12 of the 24 pockets trimmed with lovely ribbon, rikrak or frills. You can upgrade to have all 24 pockets trimmed for an additional £15 - we'll work this detail out when we're in the planning stages.
Personalisation
Your Christmas Countdown Calendar can be personalised with a phrase across the top. There is a choice of fonts for this, and you can pick the wording (so long as I can make it fit!). Popular choices are 'Sophie's Christmas Countdown' or 'Christmas with the Smith Family'. This can be done in lettering to match your pocket numbers at no extra charge, or embroidered for an additional £30 (which just covers the time it takes to do this).
What can I fill the pockets with?
Half the fun of owning one of my calendars is finding all the gorgeous things to go in the pockets each year, or being creative and writing notes on brown paper tags to go in each day (think 'we're going to the panto!', 'it's Christmas Movie day!' or a recipe to make gingerbread cookies for Father Christmas. A clue to go and find a new book or Christmas PJ's hidden somewher in the house, or tiny lip balms, chocolate coins. A special decoration to go on the tree, or maybe even a couple of pieces of lego a day so you can make the full set by Christmas Eve! The options are endless, you just need to be creative - and it doesn't have to cost a penny to fill if you're clever!)
Aftercare
It goes without saying that you shouldn't wash your calendar. If you get a sticky fingerprint on the fabric you can spot clean it with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
Please be aware of what you're putting in the pockets and don't hang it near a heat source (or a sunny window) if you're putting chocolate or sweets in the pockets.
Your calendar will arrive in a box which I'd advise you keep to store it from year to year. If you need to steam out any creases after storage please do so very carefully with a pressing cloth and gently tap a cool iron rather than sliding it around. Try to avoid ironing the lettering and numbers if at all possible, but of they do get warm, please allow them to cool fully before moving your calendar.
Try to remove any dust that has collected on your calendar with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush before storing it away after Christmas.
If you have any disasters with your calendar please do get in touch. At a push, pockets can be replaced and details can be altered - and it wouldn't be the first time I've been asked to remove an ex-husbands name from a calendar!
Please be aware that if you begin to pay by instalments and then decide not to continue with your Christmas Countdown order, you will not be eligible for a refund of any money paid, but will instead be given website credit for the value already paid, valid for one year.
