Happy 4th of July and Merry Christmas?

This sounds crazy, but hear me out. Now is the time to consider what you'd like for Christmas. It's madness, I know, but many advent boxes are being released for preorder now and will be sold out by the time you put up the tree and catch a whiff of gingerbread and peppermint.

There are plenty of advent boxes on offer, but here are a few for those who like surprises that are not of the "out of stock" variety, here goes.

Sally Tomato has a box for touristy bag-enthusiasts. Remember to add the code EARLYADVENT and to order it separately from other items. 

The calendar I have purchased for the last two years and most enjoyed is Stitch Supply Company's Advent Calendar. The 2026 Calendar will go on sale Tuesday, July 14 after the 7pm CST live.

Missouri Star has a substantial box of individually wrapped gifts with some high quality items. I purchased Jenny's Countdown to Christmas the last couple years. The 2026 box is priced at $209.95.

New to the lineup is the Lizzy House x Pink Door Fabrics 2026 Advent Calendar, with Babie dream closet vibes. It's a splurge at $275, but is giving me serious FOMO.

Keepsake Quilting has a 2026 Sew The Season Advent Box with 3 complete projects for $209.99.

A habit I'm not willing to kick is the monthly Fat Quarter Sew Sampler box (affiliate link). While it isn't an advent box, it keeps the fun and surprises going year-round. It's a subscription that costs $.99 to join and $34.95 per month. You always get more than the retail value, and there's a variety of notions, fabric, and patterns each time.

Have you ever purchased a quilting related advent box? Which do you recommend?

Quilt Market: By Annie and Quilting Elissa with Giveaway

Annie Unrein of ByAnnie and Elissa Ziccardi of Quilting Elissa joined creative forces at Quilt Market Schoolhouse sessions, which occur before the trade show's official opening.

Annie shared new notions including Tool-Free Snaps and Extra Sharp Awl, as well as patterns that employ these upcoming products such as Focal Point, Foldilocks, and Snappy Sleeves. 

To win the later, leave a comment on this post, or follow me on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube) and leave a comment here to let me know. Each is a separate entry.

I tested out the Tool-Free Snaps on the Sally Tomato Lucky Penny Wallet that was conveniently cut using the Accuquilt die. 

Once I sorted which part was which, it was smooth sailing. Since I don't have her Extra Sharp Awl, I put my Crop-a-dile to work to prep a hole.

Elissa shared her Bella Quilt Coat, Accent Sleeves, and Arcs & Beauties, which really take the handmade garment to the next level.

Tula Pink's Graywork and Floral Reff lines highlight the piecing.

Leader of the Pack, Out and About, and Courtside are also bring things up a notch with Backpack Straps and Pockets.

Have you made a ByAnnie pattern? What do you think of the new tools and expansion packs? 

Quilt! Knit! Stitch! Announced

Quilts Inc., (host of Quilt Market and Quilt Festival in Houston) announced a consumer show will replace the Spring Quilt Market wholesale trade show, which has been discontinued with no plans of further reintroduction. Quilt! Knit! Stitch! is scheduled for April 10-12, 2026 at America's Center in St. Louis.