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

Inger

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is a “spider” using scrap fabric to sew in between pieces you can start the next piece using less thread.

Vicki

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to make a copy of the pattern to use. It lasts longer.

Judy Holland

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is making tiny piping for the doll clothes. I use a large crochet thread and my smallest pintuck foot and the finished piping is just the perfect size to use for the dolls.

Catherine

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to reduce bulk wherever pissible

Patty

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is I line up all the pattern pieces on my cutting table before I start sewing & check the directions to make sure I have all the pieces. Also keep a pair of tweezers handy for grabbing threads or whatever!

BrendaK

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is using pinking shears to trim curved seams such as necklines instead of clipping. Eliminates more bulk. And Iron, iron iorn!!!

Michelle Slider

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is… I organize all of my patterns in to clear sleeves and then place them in a 4" binder. I’ve even gone as far as separating them by tops, skirts, dresses, etc. Makes it so easy to find what I’m looking for!

Wronda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep the sleeves packages your hand sewing needles come in and to always put them back in that pack when you get done sewing. I don’t know how many needles I wound up getting rid of and having to replace because I did not put them back and wound up not having the right needle for the right project or material. Now I have my dollar store plastic cosmetic tray lined with the packs of needles standing upright and can grab the right pack for the right project.

Marie

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to sew and press each seam. I have found that by pressing each seam as you sew it, the finished product turns out much neater.

Marilyn

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is: before you sew, take a moment to take a good look at your pattern to make sure you have it pinned properly and the material is facing the right way. I turn it right side out to make sure it looks ok. I once sewed something together, opened it up and found out I had sewn the wrong sides together, had to undo a lot of stitches.

Maria Crosman

December 27, 2017

Find a good container to keep pieces organized and always remember that the doll is not too picky

Karen

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is from my mother. I can still hear her say when I would ask a question, “What does your pattern say?”

Ruthie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use good quality thread and needles.

Diane L.

December 27, 2017

Steam your knits as you go – it makes such a big difference.

Lynn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to press every seam as you go. It makes the difference between home made, and custom design.

Joanne

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to cut out and label, if needed, all pattern pieces when I get a new pattern. I put pieces for each pattern view in separate bags and then all small bags for each pattern in a labeled larger bag with the directions and pattern cover. If I want to make pattern view A, all the pieces are in one bag.

Dee

December 27, 2017

While reading through the instructions (which you should do first) stack the pattern pieces in the order in which you’ll use them, then flip over. Especially helpful when an item with many pieces.

Dorothy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is YouTube, If I’m having a problem, I can be sure that someone else has had a similar problem, found a solution, and posted a tutorial. Thank you, generous sewers!

Susan Russell

December 27, 2017

As a beginner sewer, my best advice (to myself) is to take the advice, and hints, and tips of all your wonderful experienced sewers here, and use all of them to make my projects successful from the start… I so appreciate the shortcuts and suggestions they have shared! :D

Etta L. Hart

December 27, 2017

My favorite part of sewing is matching the perfect fabric to the perfect pattern, and watching it all come together the way I visualized it!

Melody

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is patience! I think we all look forward to the end result so badly that we can sometimes rush the process and it ends up taking us longer in the end to complete due to mistakes.

Margaret(Peggy)

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is learning about application of lace and other elements, now always on the hunt at vintage store, goodwill, salvation army, veterns, hospice,rummage, garage,senior citizens stores. Wee what treasures!

Deanna

December 27, 2017

As a beginner, clip and iron

Carol

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to keep organized. I have similar containers and label them so that, at a glance, can find notions, thread and supplies needed.

Lene

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is: You must wash and iron linen and cotton before cutting.

Kathy Fox

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to make the dress from a sheet to practice then use the expensive material.

Patty Stanton

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is….when making outfits for the dolls, I will see all the white things or black things first. That way I don’t have to change thread so many times.

Kathleen

December 27, 2017

My best sewing tip is press as you go. And love what you sew.

Anna

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to put all the pieces of the pattern and any unfinished parts of the project into a plastic bag so all pieces stay together. You can also mark the bag when you started the project.

Lori

December 27, 2017

Hands down my favorite tip is using coffee filters to stop knits from stretching as you hem them.

Bonnie R

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to hem sleeves and pant legs before sewing side seams.

Alice

December 27, 2017

Hide your sewing shears!

Mary

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to up-cycle pretty clothing and trims from the thrift store. Beautiful fabrics can be found in party and prom dresses.

Linda Rae

December 27, 2017

My tip to offer to the mix is this: I use a paper lunch bag, top cut off about 3 inches and then tape the bag to the side of the table right by your machine. Makes for a tiny garbage bag for all the little threads and such to be placed in instead of the floor or your work area!

Deb (and Garry)

December 27, 2017

While reading all of these awesome tips, my husband looked at me and said, “Tell them to try the clothes on the doll (especially during the process of using a new pattern for the first time).” So that’s our tip! Happy sewing!

Michele

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have a small container or bag next to my sewing machine for all the snipped threads to make cleanup easier.

Diana Moriel

December 27, 2017

… Taking time to read all the pattern instructions carefully.

Mary

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use lightweight tear away stabilizer under the fabric when sewing buttonholes on small items like doll clothes.

Michelle E

December 27, 2017

Amazing sewing tips? We don’t always get everything right the first time and it can be a pain to take out stitches and redo it. But the finished product always looks the best when it’s done right…even if you backtrack to make it happen. Plus I’ve noticed that I feel more confident about my pieces when I take this special care and iron my work when it’s done.

Mary Beth Russell

December 27, 2017

Now that I am retired and a grandmother of 3 girls with American Dolls, I have enjoyed sewing again. I am so grateful for the sewing tips you provide. I am refreshing my skills, but also learning some tips that I did not know. It is wonderful finding patterns that fit the dolls so well and offer such a variety. Thank you!

Michelle Nelson

December 27, 2017

My tip is to keep your sewing room/area clean and tidy. If everything is clean and neat, it is easier to concentrate on your sewing and you won’t be worrying about things being a mess.

Barb

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is always clip and iron!

Lenore

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is learning that done is better than perfect .

S

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to read everything carefully in the pattern directions.

kathleen

December 27, 2017

I have only just gotten back into sewing so I do not have any suggestions, but really enjoy the ones that have already been made, thank you.

Johanne

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is take your time and enjoy The moment.

Susan

December 27, 2017

I love You-Tube. If you need help, you can almost always find a video to help you out.

Anna Mae

December 27, 2017

My favorite part of sewing is “the thrill of the hunt” — which is gathering materials from thrift stores, garage sales and are own closets. It feels good to recycle and the options are endless. Have FUN!!!!!

Sharon Thomas

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick or hack is to use a toothpick when smoothing out a gather. It slips under the fabric without breaking the thread if done slowly and carefully.

Peggie

December 27, 2017

Have a little container to hold all the small parts of the pattern so they don’t get lost.

Judy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to follow the directions completely. The pattern creator has outlined things so the project will come together perfectly.

Randy

December 27, 2017

The best tip is to do as much as possible while the garment is still flat.

Cindy R

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is yet to be learned but I love what I’m learning.

Della

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use freezer paper to cut out pieces of the pattern. I’m sure others have said this but I use it for patterns for all kinds of things. I also have my iron set up by my sewing machine and use a towel to press with when doing seams right there on the table with me. Much faster than getting out the big ironing board.

Renee

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is no matter how hard you think the project is never give up .

Janet

December 27, 2017

I have two favorite tips – iron, iron, iron & understitching at neck and armholes to keep the inside fabrics inside.

Stefanie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to start easy and work your way up. It’s easy to become discouraged by something way above my skill level, but if I work my way up it’s suddenly surprisingly easy to sew the harder stuff. Just learned this with the shoes. I could not put the liberty Jane’s together, but then went and made some flip flops, a pair of new sew sandals and suddenly the Jane’s were totally doable – and adorable.

Jenny

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is for making tube-turning easier. You sew a ribbon into the seam at the far end, and then you keep the ribbon inside the tube as you sew it RST on the long edge. Then to turn, simply pull the ribbon through the tube.

doni

December 27, 2017

Honestly, these dolls go to more parties that I do!!! And I love that about them!! Thanks for the Opp for wardrobe choices!! doni @ Oregon coast

Kim Davis

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is backstitching the ends of every seam.

Lois

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a magnetic bowl, I got mine at an auto part store, to store my pins. Then if I drop a pin I just run the bowl over the area and it is picked up easily. I recently dropped a box of pins into the carpet. The magnetic bowl helped make the pickup easy.

Sharon

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using Wonder Tape for keeping trim and even seams in place to sew without pins. Just sewed an 18" ballet leotard using swimsuit lining material and that terribly slippery fabric stayed in place perfectly while sewing those tiny seams! (I like the tip about the Elmer’s Glue, though – gonna have to try that one!)

BT

December 27, 2017

Read instructions over before starting your project. Sometimes more than once.

Kat

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read thru the instructions completely before starting.

Sue

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip for elastic is to mark the length needed with pencil then insert wherever it needs to go and trim it after. When there is a length to hang onto it is easier to manoeuver

sheila

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is no need for the iron if you have a handing hand seam roller this notion is a godsend for dolly clothes I never had it before last year would always have to get the iron out etc,but now with this I just push and roll the seam flat.

Inma

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is using freezer paper to trace patterns. Then iron it on to your fabric shiny side down. You won’t need pins!

Patricia

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to press seams. Don’t be afraid to baste. Fray check makes sewing easier on fabrics that ravel.

Barb

December 27, 2017

So many wonderful sewing tips! I keep a small pad of paper by my machine, so when inspiration comes I can draw or jot down my ideas. It also is helpful to make notes if a pattern needs to be adjusted. It is also handy to start a list for the next run to the fabric store.

Surinder Gurm

December 27, 2017

As a beginner my tip is to ask for help otbtips when trying something new fior the first time

Julie Konzelman

December 27, 2017

Beautiful!

Carolyn Kellar

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to never give up on your projects; you will get better with each one. Everyone will enjoy homemade gifts because you gave your time to make it.

Andrea

December 27, 2017

Follow direction, follow directions, follow directions, just like in a recipe, exactly!!!

Val

December 27, 2017

My favourite tip is to use Dritz Wash Away Wonder Tape when hemming or applying trim to hold in place instead of pins before sewing.

Andrea

December 27, 2017

Follow direction, follow directions, follow directions, just like in a recipe, exactly!!!

Sanders Sandy

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick is to make several copies of your patterns and put them in a file so there are always a fresh pattern to use.

CdnCrafter

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to read through the instructions completely before starting a pattern.

Carri

December 27, 2017

my favorite sewing tip or trip is using lace trim for hems—great finishing touch.

RUTH LYONS

December 27, 2017

MY FAVORITE SEWING TIP IS TO HAVE AN EXTRA COPY OF ALL MY PATTERNS, IN CASE A PIECE GETS DAMAGED.

terry

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is using the double sided tape whenever possible. Sew much easier to apply the tape to seams, plus, keeps fabric from unraveling.

Deborah

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use a narrow strip of paper of stabilizer under minky or similar type fabric when sewing against grain. This helps with stretching and rippling. Also great for creating flat zippers.

Barb E.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using Steam a Seam on knits prior to sewing them down.

Patricia

December 27, 2017

My fav is to gather on the serger. A great time and frustration saver!

Joann Sheeler

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to sew hems and set sleeves before side seams. When sewing for dolls or small projects, it saves time and frustration.

Debbie

December 27, 2017

My first and favorite tip is to read the directions several times until i fully understand the process. I also have learned alot of great tips by reading everyone else’s comments. Thanks so much!

kristy w.

December 27, 2017

…is to place different brightly colored thread in cut material for marking rather than chalk or pencils. sometimes fabric is delicate and will stretch or tear if drawn upon.

Stephanie

December 27, 2017

My two favorite sewing tip or tricks are, first to iron your patterns and to prewash and iron fabrics and patterns, and second go to Pixie Faire for patterns. :)

Eileen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use different colors of bobbin and top thread (to match the fabric) when sewing two different color fabrics together, or when attaching velcro to a doll outfit. It makes such a huge difference in the appearance of quality workmanship. (One of my pet peeves is seeing garments sewn with thread that doesn’t match)

Susan

December 27, 2017

Well most of my tips are already listed above. I try to pick out the main print fabric for an outfit then pick one contrasting color and two matching solids to use for details and trim on the garment. I keep fabrics, notions, and scraps organized in a color drawer cart I found at Michaels. Thanks to all the entries for giving me loads of new ideas.

CHRISTIE

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is… when something gets frustrating try again. Sometimes I have to walk away for awhile, and his last resort I have to ask my mom the quilter for help.

Malvary

December 27, 2017

My favourite tip is to put pins with the head away from the sewing edge so that it doesn’t get caught in the foot, and to get a pile of sewing ready for the visit of my friend who LOVES to use the sewing machine.

Danielle

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is going online and researching what has worked for others when working on a difficult piece

Ann A

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is don’t ever use your fabric scissors on paper. Keep a pair of paper scissors handy for when the need arises.

Susan Slade Grossl

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to wash and iron any fabric prior to cutting. My 8th grade home ec teacher taught me that over 40 years ago and still do it. No worries about the clothes changing shape after the first wash. Thank you Mrs. Little.“

Angela

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is never give up when faced with a challenging design. Keep trying and you will eventually get it.

Marcia Hidges

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to rough cut around the pattern pieces first. Copy them on your copier/printed and print. If your pattern piece wears out you have a back up.

Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to store my patterns, cut & uncut, in sleeve protector pages. Then put them into 3-ring binders with index tabs. Index the patterns alphabetically. Each different doll/size has its own binder. Super easy to store, easy to keep all pieces together, easy to find what you need.

Sylvia

December 27, 2017

If you are having problems with your machine stitching properly try changing your needle first before trying to adjust anything. Often this will solve your problem. Also, buying fabric and sewing fabric are two separate hobbies!

Ellen B

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip/trick is to use the 1/4" double sided tape to hol;d tiny trims, zippers, even buttons in place to sew them in. Tried it with the SWC Zipper class and it held the zipper right where it should be till I sewed it.

Lilshirley Welch

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is using a chop stick to push little pieces threw the sewing instead of using my fingers. It also works for making points when turning things right side out.

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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

Inger

Vicki

Judy Holland

Catherine

Patty

BrendaK

Michelle Slider

Wronda

Marie

Marilyn

Maria Crosman

Karen

Ruthie

Diane L.

Lynn

Joanne

Dee

Dorothy

Susan Russell

Etta L. Hart

Melody

Margaret(Peggy)

Deanna

Carol

Lene

Kathy Fox

Patty Stanton

Kathleen

Anna

Lori

Bonnie R

Alice

Mary

Linda Rae

Deb (and Garry)

Michele

Diana Moriel

Mary

Michelle E

Mary Beth Russell

Michelle Nelson

Barb

Lenore

S

kathleen

Johanne

Susan

Anna Mae

Sharon Thomas

Peggie

Judy

Randy

Cindy R

Della

Renee

Janet

Stefanie

Jenny

doni

Kim Davis

Lois

Sharon

BT

Kat

Sue

sheila

Inma

Patricia

Barb

Surinder Gurm

Julie Konzelman

Carolyn Kellar

Andrea

Val

Andrea

Sanders Sandy