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

First I finished 4 of these for my 4 kids and 8 grandkids. By the time I finished fourth I had saved a lot of time by doing a few things differently. Collect several embroidery needles - using the same color of thread on one needle saves a lot of time. I had a strip of thick paper on which I glued various needles/colored threads. Difficult to thread an embroidery needle with a very small eye required for attaching beads, not constantly changing thread2 saves time. Sew glitter of the same color onto all items, such as white sequins, all gold sequins, etc., before beginning the project. Don't cut out the pieces, just attach the sequins and beads to the uncut pieces, but I cut out all the Santa pieces, all the train pieces, all the stockings, etc. and keep them together.3. Embroider as much as you can beforehand - again all rust stitch, all gray stitch etc if you can4. As noted on the other posters, be sure to take a piece of red felt to attach the bags. I machine attached each row horizontally (you can also do this by hand) and then hand sewn using a vertical stitch of three strands of white embroidery. The first calendar I made I didn't do that and had a heck of a lot of time figuring out how to keep items from falling through the bottom since the bottom of the pocket wasn't attached. Three of my kids wanted a navy blue piece (like a starry sky) and one wanted an original look. Adding the blue part gives it a more finished look and it hangs a lot better. The stiff white piece in the kit covers almost the entire back if you add the blue piece on top. I had to cut a small piece and sew it on at the bottom to cover the entire back6. I didn't like that the kit included double bags. What is this pleasure? So I made 12 more Christmas themed bag figures. I have attached photos of the ones I took. I made angels for my 3 granddaughters and sewed their names on the bottom. Two grandchildren received a round elf figure (green and red) with a figure of the corresponding color on the back and their name embroidered. My three oldest grandchildren each chose their own personal item - a penguin, an elf and a snow globe. There can't be a Christmas advent calendar without Santa Claus, Snowman, Rudolph, Stocking, Wreath and Snowman etc. on Pinterest. Let your imagination run wild and personalize multiple items. I also signed and dated the back of the calendar.7. Other posters have indicated that it is time consuming and it is! I hope my grandchildren will enjoy this for many years to come and it will become part of their Christmas traditions. Much luck!