December 27, 2017

Welcome to the Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas Celebration! Today we are giving away 3 Party Dresses to 1 lucky winner! The 3 dresses included in this giveaway are designed to fit 18-inch dolls such as American Girl®. They are ready-made and will be shipped to you after the giveaway has ended. If you are interested in the sewing patterns for these dresses, please click the links below to learn more.

Giveaway Update: Congratulations to Linda S! You've won the set of party dresses and have been contacted through email.

These beautifully handcrafted dresses featured are:

A black velvet Spring Fling Dress by Edith Sheluga of Di's Dolly Designs with adorable Crocheted Christmas Stocking from Melinda's Closet Finds
A blue 5th Avenue Promenade Dress, shoes and hair accessory by Jennifer Serr of Bonjour Teaspoon
A sparkly white Aspen Party Dress from Cinnamon Miles of Liberty Jane

More pictures of these darling dresses...

Many of you have been sewing for years and many are just learning to sew - but all of us face challenges! The best part is we can all learn from each other!

To enter simply respond to this post and complete this sentence:

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is (insert your amazing tip here) … “

Comments must be left (on this blog post) by midnight (pacific), 12/27/2017.

One entry per person.

No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Must be 18 or older to enter. While we wish we could run this contest everywhere, for legal reasons it is only open to eligible residents of the U.S. and Canada, not including Rhode Island. This contest is exclusively endorsed by Liberty Jane Clothing and Pixie Faire.

The winners will be chosen randomly from the comments received and contacted through the email provided in the comment.

We will choose the winners and modify this post tomorrow to let everyone know who won.

Okay, good luck, and if we’ve forgotten anything we will modify and/or update this post as needed.

Merry Christmas,

Cinnamon & The Liberty Jane / Pixie Faire Team

100 Comments

AJ

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is, when making small items like doll clothes I use my quilting iron to press the small pieces.

Gayle

December 27, 2017

I use a recipe card to mark the measurement I need such as a 1/4", 1/2", and 1". Then on the skirt hems, you can just slip the card under the hem and fold it up to the drawn line and press as you go. It makes a crisp line and you feel good because you have the correct measurement not just a guess.

AJ

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is, when making small items like doll clothes I use my quilting iron to press the small pieces.

Marty

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to print out digital pattern pieces on freezer paper. I do this by pressing just a quarter of an inch of the top of it to an 8 1/2 × 11 piece of paper. The paper/freezer paper will then feed through my printer. I then cut out the pieces and when I’m ready to cut a pattern, just press freezer paper pattern piece onto the fabric and cut it out The freezer paper can be easily removed and used over and over. Saves so much time over pinning the pattern and helps make a cleaner cut.

Angie Peele

December 27, 2017

My granddaughter has several American girl dolls that she loves to dress. I have made some outfits from Pixie Faire and am sure she would love to have these to dress her dolls in

Sara

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is sometimes you need to do the finishes on a piece before you do the construction of the garment.

Dorrie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is – invest in a walking foot ! It makes sewing knits and slippery fabrics so much easier. If you get frustrated easily, it’s worth its small weight in platinum !

LaWanna

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is PRESS, PRESS, PRESS (The finished product is much betterP

Laurie Cullen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to let all my friends and acquaintances know that I like to make doll clothes. I have received some of the most amazing fabric scraps and trims and buttons from those who sew but are eager to clean out their stashes of small things they know they will never use.

Vanessa

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to use the correct needle for the fabric you’re using. It’s so much easier to sew heavy or thick things when you’re using a heavy-duty needle.

suzie

December 27, 2017

I like to glue small pieces and then iron it to hold in place until I can sew it.

Karen

December 27, 2017

I make doll clothes for my twin granddaughters so it is usually two of everything. I pin and sew as much as I can (especially if I need to change the colours of thread) instead of doing a pattern step by step. For instance, if I am making a coat, I sew as much of the main pattern pieces, the collar, the sleeves and then after they are sewn, I do the next step for each of these. Of course I have a lot of years experience sewing so I can do that. It might not work as well for a beginner.

Pat Gaston

December 27, 2017

Such lovely dresses for the dolls! Look very tailored and great winter colors chosen! I would give these to a grand daughter who loves her doll . I am in the process of making the Mermaid outfit and a winter coat for her doll . Thank you for all of the creative people who you feature at Pixie Fairie! My favorite sewing tip is to use and recycle other clothes for unique styles !

Alison

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip or trick is…. when in doubt call mom!

Maurine

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using new coffee filters between the fabric and the feed dogs when sewing a straight stitch to prevent the fabric from being pushed down through the needle plate hole and getting tangled up. The coffee filters tear off easily after finishing the seam.

Pat

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to cut out a number of patterns at once and sit & sew them until finished and then admire my handiwork.

Jillian

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to put tissue paper under knits so the machine doesn’t eat them. Works great.

Jo

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick, is to use coffee filters to start sewing seams, to keep knits from stretching, and under small fabric pieces. It’s so much easier to move the coffee filter around, than trying to fight tiny pieces under the pressure foot.

Darlene A

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is: Always use quality sewing thread. It is worth the extra dollars, for a quality finish. I also try and stock up on sewing notions when they are on sale. Thank you Cinnamon, and all the pattern makers, that continue to inspire us!

Donna

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to sew more than 1 at a time going from one piece to the next without wasting lots of thread in between pieces and it saves time cutting all those threads off. Just 1 clip between the pieces and ready to join the next piece. I also save time threading top thread by tieing the new to a length of the old thread and then pulling both down to the needle to re-thread. My mom did this all the time so she wouldn’t have to remember how to thread the machine.

Kathi

December 27, 2017

Some of my dolls have been with me a long time and some are new so their measurements vary. When I’m trying a new pattern I usually cut the bodice pieces from a paper towel and sew them together. Its a cheap and fast way to see if the garment will fit the girl it’s intended for.

Cristy

December 27, 2017

My tip is to read up on the pattern and watch the tutorial 3 or 4 times before rushing in and making unwanted mistakes! Thank goodness for step by step instructions and tutorials.

TMarie

December 27, 2017

For PDF patterns, I save them on my computer and don’t print them until I want to use them.
But I print out the cover sheet of the pattern and slip that in plastic and file in a binder. That wayI know whatI have when I am looking for a particular size or style.

Pamela

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep it simple. The child getting your handmade item is not going to criticize your sewing, as long as the item doesn’t fall apart.

Breanna

December 27, 2017

my favorite sewing tip is to use a cutting wheel and a rolled hem presser foot- wow are those 2 items a time saver

Sue Harkins

December 27, 2017

My best sewing tip is to cut your patterns out carefully and use your iron.

Eileen W

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is keeping a empty margrine tub full of clothes pins handy by the machine. As my hands cannot hold straight pins any longer.

Chzrla

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is because I already use most of these comments myself and they work well and do help complete a task better, one thing I dislike is having to change the bobbin and thread several times while making on outfit so I cut out all the outfits I am making and stack them by pattern then I sew everything that is white, then black, then red, then green, and so on. I also have all the thread, lace, bias tape, etc. for each pattern laid beside it so I do not have to search each time I change what I am sewing.

Kristy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to stay organized. Making sure you have everything you need for the project you are working on.

Angela G

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick is to wash and iron cotton fabric before cutting to prevent clothes becoming too small after making them.

Stacy

December 27, 2017

ASK MOM!!!!

Stephanie C.

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to read all the instructions of the pattern before sewing and to relax and take my time completing my sewing projects. Haste makes waste, and taking breaks and enjoying the process gives me a better end result.

LINDA

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip came from long ago when my mother was teaching me to sew – doll clothes, of course. She recommended that before anything else, I read my pattern, again & again. It has turned out to be such solid advice.

Deb

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to cut out several outfits at once, then sew them up as I have time.

Roben

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is don’t be in a rush take your time and have fun

Michele Bailey

December 27, 2017

Using A clover mini iron for doll clothes

Joanne

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have everything I need out and prepared so there are no “where is that?” moments.

Sheila

December 27, 2017

I wish I could say I have a sewing tip but I don’t. I’m still learning and making mistakes myself.

Beaj

December 27, 2017

Have fun and cut carefully, sew carefully & press and then gift to a child who will love whatever they receive..:)

Laralee Ganske

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is……………..check to make sure you are sewing it correct and don’t sew your finger

Francine

December 27, 2017

I am brand new so my best advice is to read blogs, watch tutorials and read comments. Reading today’s comments taught me that I am supposed to pull out basting stitches from gathering.I just gave away two Christmas aprons and two doll outfits and didn’t even know to do that. My mom sewed for me and everyone growing up. I have two of her sewing machines and none of her knowledge. Thanks to everyone for good tips.

Morgan McFarland

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is iron, iron, iron! Iron the fabric and iron each seam as I go.

Gudrun Dockstader

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to just go ahead and try it. The worst that can happen is you’ll have to make use of your seam ripper.

Jill Shoemaker

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to make simple basics for the dolls that can go with fancier store bought pieces— just like we mix/match clothing in our own closets between basics and bling!

Sharon

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to be friends with your seam ripper. If the first sewing of a seam isn’t right, take the time to redo it. Your finished project will look much better.

Vicki

December 27, 2017

I use baby and children’s clothes to make doll clothes. The scale is good for the small items.

Inky

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is I like to hand stitch small sections back together—for example, the seam after I’ve stuffed a stuffed animal—-rather tHan trying to machine sew it.

Tracey Moore

December 27, 2017

My Grandma gave me homemade doll clothes for my special events. Christmas birthdays etc. She introduced me to the sewing machine and fabric at a young age. I am now doing the same for my three granddaughters

Loretta

December 27, 2017

My favourite tip would be to wash and iron all material before I cut and sew.

Loraine

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to recycle my cloth in to doll cloth. PJ’s in to Pj’s, pants in to pants and so on.

Stephanie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use fabric from clothes that my children recognize. That adds special meaning to the outfit.

Jackie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewi g tip for doll dressss is to recycle trims and fabric from clothes that I’m finished with. I can often i corporate plackets, pockets, and other details directly into the doll outfit.

Stephanie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is take your time, read the instructions and try new things

Mary Sperry

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to set aside time to sew. I let my family know that I will be sewing and try to get other needs taken care of ahead of time. What a joy to sit down and sew (mostly) uninterrupted!

Lori

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip/ trick… not sure this qualifies. I keep my patterns in plastic sleeves and in binders… much more easy to find which pattern I need… I use lots of scrap fabric from other projects

Mary Wezner

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is “measure twice, cut once”, and press every seam!

Paula Moss

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to read the instructions two or three times before I cut my material.

linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is dont make it unless you are enjoying the making.

Nancy

December 27, 2017

Granddaughters are just at the right age for doll clothes,so I use left over fabric. Did doll clothes for my daughter 35 years ago

Mari bear

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure to press the seams as I am sewing. It makes the finished product look so much prettier.
Also make sure I follow the patterns instructions and steps, I’m still learning and there’s no way I would have figured out a way to make a nice dress without a pattern

Virginia

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to read ALL the pattern’s instructions first, THEN figure out any shortcuts BEFORE cutting and/or sewing. It saves me time and frustration!

Myrna

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is use recycled fabric or the fat quarters work really good for most of the patterns as they come in sets when purchased. I also put the pattern in a plastic page cover with the fabric once it is cut out and put all accessories in the cover too.

Marge Schultz

December 27, 2017

Thanks for the opportunity to win these beautiful dresses

Clarissa

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use a straight pin through the center of a sew on snap to hold it in place while I sew through the first two of the four holes, remove pin and sew the last two holes. I use 3-4 buttonhole stitches per hole.

Bonnie

December 27, 2017

My favorite is to shrink 100% wool sweaters from Good Will to make felted hats, scarves, boots and accessories for my granddaughters dolls with matching pieces for the girls

Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to press after EVERY seam!

Linda K

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is make copies of all my patterns and continue to learn all you can so you can be better

Malak Naaj

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick: I am new to the sewing and I love it so much, especially for my daughter American girl doll, I am still watching vedio on you tube for any tips for me in any project, and I learn that the iron is the best of the best for sewing

Vela

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to sew with fabrics you love.

Dorothy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use stretchy book covers as the fabric for leotards, swimsuits, etc. for doll clothes. At back to school time, you can find many different patterns, as well as bright solid colors, on the book covers for sale. They cost $1 or less. They are usually a stretchy spandex mix. They’re the perfect amount of fabric too.

Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is when printing a pdf pattern always make sure to measure your 1 inch

Lillian Young

December 27, 2017

My tip is when making button holes especially on lightweight fabric place a piece of paper towel under the fabric. Helps make perfect button holes.

Mary R.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is always wash and iron your fabric before cutting out your pattern.

Jan

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to get everything you need organized ahead of time. There is nothing more frustrating than to be making great progress on a project then having to stop because you are missing a crucial item.

Nancy C

December 27, 2017

Keep your machine tuned up and enjoy the time you have for sewing. That’s why sewing for dolls is so fun. You can sew so much in a short time. Instant gratification..

Joy

December 27, 2017

After reading just some of the tips above, my favorite tip is read all of the tips. They are wonderful.

Diana Flener

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is … when I am sewing and have a need for gathers, instead of running a gathering thread I use a ruffler. It does the work very quickly! I didn’t discover this tool until I had been sewing for many years! I have so much fun when using my ruffler tool!!!! If you haven’t tried it, you should!

Peggy

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to have little thread catchers close by to catch all the loose threads and keep the sewing area neat.

Judy

December 27, 2017

When turning things inside out and I need a sharp corner – I use a chopstick to poke
out the corner. It’s dull enough that it doesn’t cut through but pointy enough to make
a sharp point.

Kris

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to read all of these tips and learn lots of things!

Kim H

December 27, 2017

My tips are that I have all my patterns in plastic sleeves in binders. My daughter browses through them and then pickes through all the upcycle clothing we have accumulated when we purge our closets.

Rita

December 27, 2017

Using recycled garments for my fabric! I also do this for my granddaughter. An old prom dress became a dress-up costume. So many neat fabrics and the price is perfect!

Janice

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is planning. Always read the pattern first to fully understand the process. (Sometimes I modify that process — as many people have already noted it is helpful to sew on the flat as much as possible — sleeves — zippers). Always pre-wash. Gather all necessary supplies and take your time.

Judy

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip would be to take a break when you feel tired or frustrated.

Pam

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is if you plan on pre-washing fabric, serge the cut edges. That cuts down on raveling, which cuts down on wrinkling.

Candy

December 27, 2017

My tip is to use really beautiful fabrics at a low cost is to hit the resale shops. I’ve bought gorgeous old dresses or jackets for a few dollars and used the fabric for doll clothes. My three Grandkids also love it when I use their outgrown clothes to make their dolls “new” clothes

Judy

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip would be to take a break when you feel tired or frustrated.

ET

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to have patience. Things always work out better when you stay patient.

Debra

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is that when the grandchildren want to sew something, no matter how impossible it may seem, go for it. Sewing memories are made and new skills are taught.

Terry

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use tear away stabilizer at the start of a seam to prevent seam falling into bobbin area especially when sewing very small items where there is no fabric for the feed dogs to catch.

Light4theLord

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip? Don’t let a two-year-old near a sewing machine. :)
~ Light4theLord
https://dollsnall.blogspot.com

Rose

December 27, 2017

I like to read all the directions carefully and the organize my patterns by size and type of garment. This way it is easy to find what I plan to make next.

Betty

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is this: When gathering fabric, don’t baste on the sewing line, as gathering stitches will be too difficult to pull out later. Baste more or less 1/8" on either side of the sewing line. Then your basting stiches will come out easily and your gathering will look much neater.

DeAnn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip us never stop learning about sewing! I have been sewing nearly 50 years and still watch sewing programs, read magazines and books and find lots on the Internet.

Bonny

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is: your iron is your best friend, use it often to make sewing easier!

Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to try to include grandkids in the process, so the love of sewing can be passed on!!!

Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to try to include grandkids in the process, so the love of sewing can be passed on!!!

Kitty Farnsworth

December 27, 2017

I’m out of the loop right now, surgery on left hand, but finished three Syndee dolls just before the surgery. They need clothes.

Meg

December 27, 2017

I’m a novice at sewing, so my only tip is to just keep at it. You can’t get better if you don’t do it! :)

Diane

December 27, 2017

Love reading all these tips and tricks. When I make doll clothes, I usually make at least 6 at a time. So, on straight stitching, I will sew all 6 at a time, then clip them apart and go to next step. Speeds up the process and all the grand-daughters have matching outfits for their dolls!

« Previous 1 … 8 9 10 11 12 … 17 Next »

Join Our List & Stay Connected!

Pixie Faire and the designers featured are not affiliated with Mattel® or American Girl®. No endorsement is implied.

December 27, 2017

Recent Articles

12 Days of Christmas - Day 3 December 27th 2017

100 Comments

AJ

Gayle

AJ

Marty

Angie Peele

Sara

Dorrie

LaWanna

Laurie Cullen

Vanessa

suzie

Karen

Pat Gaston

Alison

Maurine

Pat

Jillian

Jo

Darlene A

Donna

Kathi

Cristy

TMarie

Pamela

Breanna

Sue Harkins

Eileen W

Chzrla

Kristy

Angela G

Stacy

Stephanie C.

LINDA

Deb

Roben

Michele Bailey

Joanne

Sheila

Beaj

Laralee Ganske

Francine

Morgan McFarland

Gudrun Dockstader

Jill Shoemaker

Sharon

Vicki

Inky

Tracey Moore

Loretta

Loraine

Stephanie

Jackie

Stephanie

Mary Sperry

Lori

Mary Wezner

Paula Moss

linda

Nancy

Mari bear

Virginia

Myrna

Marge Schultz

Clarissa

Bonnie

Linda

Linda K

Malak Naaj

Vela

Dorothy

Linda

Lillian Young

Mary R.

Jan

Nancy C

Joy