Review on 🎅 Christmas Cheer with Bucilla Felt Applique Advent Calendar Kit - Must Be Santa, 13 by 25-inch (Model 86312) by Michelle Langley

I really liked this set. Looks great, grandchildren love it. You'll need to cut everything, so make sure you have a pair of sharp little scissors to help you awkwardly cut out the shapes. I made a few changes to the design. This called for black eyes, but I did Santa's blue eyes. I didn't glue the items in the toy bag. I completed the teddy bear with leftovers from the kit so the toys in the toy bag are removable, making it a little more interactive. I did not hang the embroidery brushes from below because they are not durable. Instead I attached three bells. To keep the edges of the coat hanging straight and not puckering, I added a strip of plastic canvas to the back before gluing the facing fabric. The last change I made was the hanging stockings. I didn't make the ones in the kit. Instead I made three smaller ones and embroidered my grandchildren's names on them. Tips: 1) Get some sewing needles so you don't have to keep switching threads 2) To make sure the pieces fit together I glued them first, went back and embroidered the edges. This is especially useful for making sure your numbers are straight and even. 3) Use a weekly pill box to put sequins and beads inside. You only need to open the drawer of the color you are working with and this will help prevent spills. It also makes it easy to place the beads on the needle by simply inserting the needle into the beads. I find this set beginner friendly. Just take your time if you are unsure of your skills. It looks so complicated, but everything is done step by step. The instructions are easy to follow with diagrams of the stitches required. When you're done it looks like a very well done handmade project, but that's the goal, isn't it?