12 Days of Christmas - Day 3 December 27th 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:

 

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

Annette
Annette

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing top is basting. Most think it’s a waste of time but my mother taught me to do it and it lets you make sure you have things in the right place before you sew it. It’s a lot easier to pull out basting threads than after you’ve sewn it.

Debra
Debra

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep the clutter at a minimum. I don’t feel like being creative in a messy sewing room.

Sue
Sue

December 27, 2017

I like to use my 1/4 inch quilting foot when sewing doll clothes. Helps me keep an even seam allowance.

Misty C
Misty C

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to use a small clean hair straightening iron to press the seams on small doll clothing.

Lillian
Lillian

December 27, 2017

i serge the hem so i don’t have to turn it twice.

Liesel
Liesel

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use pattern weights and a rotary cutter to cut my fabric.

Lisa M Knestrict
Lisa M Knestrict

December 27, 2017

Make sure my work area is free of clutter and the music is on.

Wendy
Wendy

December 27, 2017

My tip is to read all of the comments for each pattern. There is always a good idea or a helpful clarification. Love these cute dresses.

Linda
Linda

December 27, 2017

Patience

Tish
Tish

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to line the doll clothes I make. It makes such a difference because it gives the clothing a finished, professional quality!

Denise
Denise

December 27, 2017

My tip is to use tissue paper to stop flimsy/fragile fabrics from getting snatched into the machine.

Deb Stanish
Deb Stanish

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is take measurements of the doll you’re sewing for and make any adjustments before you cut out the pattern. We have 10 AG dolls and some are a little chubbier than others.

Stephanie
Stephanie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is using kids stick glue to secure zippers before sewing them.

Barbara
Barbara

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is when I am making several of the same thing I like to do them all step by step…so I cut out everything and then I see the same seams on each one and so on.

Selina
Selina

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using a thumb tack when sewing a circle.

Laura
Laura

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip for making doll clothes is to shop the remnants bin at the fabric store. Most projects need small amounts so remnants are perfect.

Shari
Shari

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to double sew the seams on doll clothes, especially the arms to make sure it is strong as little ones sometimes need to tug on clothes when dressing their dolls.

Pam H
Pam H

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use very sharp pinking shears to trim curves such as arm holes and necklines. this takes the place of clipping the curves and removes bulk. Make sure that your pinking shears are VERY SHARP so that they will cut accurately and not slip. Happy new year to everyone and thanks again for a wonderful opportunity!

Vickie
Vickie

December 27, 2017

Rather than turn up hems twice I like to serge the raw edge and then create the hem.

Jo
Jo

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to take breaks if you are feeling frustrated so you make fewer mistakes.

Juli
Juli

December 27, 2017

Use pinking shears to help with fraying and keep a nice edge.

Jill Ward
Jill Ward

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip and or trick is to look at other posted tips and make a list of those that are new to me and will help me have a better sewing experience. Believe me, there are so many that are so helpful!

Penny
Penny

December 27, 2017

I seing string and zig zag over it to gather things makes a beautiful gathering

Beth
Beth

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick/tip, is to use a small piece of transfer paper to start sewing when using fabric that tends to jam under the needle when starting.

Susan
Susan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is stitching down the edges of my seam edges before I make a casing so that the elastic doesn’t get caught when I run it through the casing.

Joyce
Joyce

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use cloth and buttons of old clothes or sheets to make doll clothes.

Patricia Bridges
Patricia Bridges

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to take the time to hand baste before sewing. This allows you to try the garment on the doll and make adjustments . Check that fabric print or pattern , how does it look, it may have looked great on your child but may be too big for a doll.

Kim
Kim

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to ask my mom as I am just a beginner and she has been sewing for years!

Judy
Judy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tips: pick up fat quarters at Walmart for 98 cents to make an outfit and to spray starch thin fabrics and ravel prone fabric to make it easier to handle

Vicky
Vicky

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is that I was packing paper to cut all my pattern pieces it’s large enough and you can write on each piece and then store your printed patterns with the directions.

Rosella
Rosella

December 27, 2017

I favorite sewing tip is look at thrift stores foe nice bathing suits to make doll bathing suits from. It is much cheaper than regular bathing suit fabric and you can get the cutest prints.

Sallie
Sallie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is keeping thread and bobbins together in small plastic zip bags. Can be stored anywhere!!

Kay Fuller
Kay Fuller

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to embellish doll’s garments with small embroidered designs or hand embroidery for a custom/extra special look.

Carolyn
Carolyn

December 27, 2017

Read the instructions completely and gather all materials before starting

Nancy
Nancy

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to up cycle on sale or used clothing for making doll clothes.

Dolores
Dolores

December 27, 2017

Not all my AG dolls are the same size. So when I have a new pattern I’ll do a really quick muslin mock-up before I cut into an expensive fabric. I buy sheets at thrift stores for this purpose. Flat sheets usually have no stains and very little wear. If I find a pretty sheet, I might even use it for doll clothes—very inexpensive.

Juanita
Juanita

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to have my sewing area all set up and ready to sew.

Mary
Mary

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to make sure thread tensions are adjusted perfectly before sewing.

Elaine
Elaine

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is chain piecing.

Juanita L.
Juanita L.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is when sewing small pieces, sew with the fabric on top of tissue paper to keep the feed dogs from chewing it up.

Tracy Jackson
Tracy Jackson

December 27, 2017

I like to finish the edges of all my pieces and then sew. I serge the edges of each piece with a very tiny stitch and then I am ready to sew the doll garment together. I like most of my seam allowances open, so this works for me.

Linda Abnet
Linda Abnet

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to finish the seams before sewing, iron, and sew, sew, sew!

Linda
Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is when threading your machine,wet the needle on your machine instead of wetting the thread. The moisture will suck the dry thread right through the eye.

Judy McP
Judy McP

December 27, 2017

The best tip ever is to press frequently. It makes such a difference in the look of the final garment.

Pat
Pat

December 27, 2017

My tip is organized your time and supplies . Have everything ready so you just need to enjoy the process of creating.

Pat James-Hasser
Pat James-Hasser

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is look and buy your fabric from remnants and put you pattern with the remmant in gallon zip lock bag after cutting it out so if little fingers or emergency comes up do not lose anything.

Liana
Liana

December 27, 2017

Read the instructions completely and gather all materials before starting.

Candice Lacy
Candice Lacy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use clothing from thrift stores for fabric. There are so many unique options in human sized clothes that you just can’t find at the fabric stores. Also I make little embellishments from scraps-headbands, purses, bows, flowers-all add to the appeal of an outfit!

Kathy F
Kathy F

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip to use scraps of fabric to make matching outfits for children and their dolls.

Cheryl Burcham
Cheryl Burcham

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing top or truck is to use old jeans for the dolls denim looks whether it be jackets or jeans. You’ll already have a worn loved in look once you’re done. I also like to line all my dresses for a nice finished look. (Someone already mentioned this)

Bunnie
Bunnie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to find a time in the day when 3 kids are occupied and my sewing takes me to my happy place…

Janet Oberfoell
Janet Oberfoell

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to buy a magnetic tray so you never lose track of your needles.

Jerri
Jerri

December 27, 2017

My favorite seeingtop or trick is when using the dreaded seam ripper, one can easily remove an entire seam by slipping the short end of the ripper under the seam and sliding it along the threads. This is easier to understand with visual aids. Check out YouTube.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to use water soluble basting tape to line up zippers and pockets and hold together tiny seams or areas that will shift. Makes sewing difficult areas a breeze.

Mary Flanagan
Mary Flanagan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is iron-on underlining which gives body to the garment and also prevent fraying of seams.

Shirley
Shirley

December 27, 2017

I have a small travel iron that I use for ironing. It fits better in the small spaces of doll clothes.The iron is definitely your friend.

Marian
Marian

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make my patterns in vellum so they last and can be reused. I do this with Pixie Faire, commercial and my own pattern creations. I also finish ALL seams and press as I go. These things make my work easier, and much more professional look.

Jeanette
Jeanette

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip – I print my LJC pattern pieces on card stock (I purchase mine at Michaels) so they last a long time. Instead of pinning, I use heavy flat washers to hold the pattern piece down. This works fantastically with lightweight fabrics which tend to shift around, and my rotary cutter loves whipping around the heavier cardstock!

Connie
Connie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to gather all your supplies for your project before you begin sewing. Your project will take less time and you’ll be likely to complete it.

Eileen
Eileen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to purchase fat quarter fabric bundles when they are on sale. I love the colour coordination for solids and prints. Beads, tiny charms, theme buttons and appliques from the craftt store can be used to make jewelry and other embellishments as well as fashion accessories.

Amy G
Amy G

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to add a lining to doll clothes (bodice and skirt) it gives it more volume and a cleaner easier hem line.

Ellen Bloomfield
Ellen Bloomfield

December 27, 2017

Check out thrift stores for clothes that can be upcycled into fabric for doll clothes especially for retro patterns! Brocade from an old hupil or gauze Mexican dress can looke really nice.

Denise
Denise

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is using i/4 inch iron on tape for hemming knits.

Jennifer Cates
Jennifer Cates

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to pre wash the fabric you can, then iron. Makes a world of difference if your doll outfit gets dirty. Then you don’t have to worry about shrinking.

Deb
Deb

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to save the plastic zippered ‘bags’ that some sheets and curtains come in. I use the feet of my machine to hold it in place so it hangs in front of all my machines (sewing, serger, and embroidery) to catch thread snippets and other debris. Keeps my floor cleaner which makes clean up so much faster :}

Sherril McGann
Sherril McGann

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip for sewing doll clothes is to sew the hems before constructing the garments.

Joan
Joan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to take pieces from many different patterns to create the fashion look I want. I also reconfigure some pieces for smaller collars or different neck lines.

Susanna
Susanna

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to read the directions carefully and utilize YouTube and other sites to clarify techniques not totally understood.

Sue
Sue

December 27, 2017

What your seams, keep even, always press and try to stay organized while sewing your doll clothes.

Linda
Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is try to sew something with your grandchildren. The rewards are endless.

Virginia P
Virginia P

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick is to use a bodkin to thread small elastic or ribbon through a casing.

Kathy
Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to reuse my daughters tee shirts to make clothing.mitnis soft and easily sewn not to mention memory filled.

Phyllis B
Phyllis B

December 27, 2017

I love all the tips. Learned some new ones.My tip is that I line my garments. It makes all the difference in the world. I strive to make the inside as nice as the outside,Along with .Iron Iron Iron as you create..

Tsu Dho Nimh
Tsu Dho Nimh

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to avoid slinky slippery fabrics. They aren’t worth the trouble it takes to sew them, and there are many lovely better-behaved fabrics. “

Lisa Manion
Lisa Manion

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always press seams.

Stacy
Stacy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is ironing, it makes all the difference.

Bethany
Bethany

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to design my own patterns. Sometimes you just can’t find what you want online.

Karen
Karen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to read the directions carefully, because even though I’ve been sewing since I was seven, I’m not the one who has created this project.

Kathy
Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use tissue paper under small items being machine sewn.

Mary
Mary

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip when sewing don’t just sew and limit your ideas when making an outfit, dress etc. Thinking outside the box by changing up your pattern with extra flair might just surprise you!! Add those extra buttons, trim, accessories for a whole new look. When I sit to sew my mine is always thinking ahead of how my doll dress would look if I made just a few modifications, amazing! Try it you’ll never know what it means to a child living in a doll world !!

Kathleen
Kathleen

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is “ when lacing through ribbons or ties ,place safety pin on end of ribbon and pull through with a long afghan hook ,hook to the pin. it makes it easier to slide past the fabric edges.

Barb
Barb

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to prepare your fabric by washing and ironing and then finish all the seams. Then put it all together. Saves sew much time and effort!

michelle jadaa
michelle jadaa

December 27, 2017

my favourite sewing tip is to use tricot interfacing on most thins for a smooth finish and if I want a really crisp finish I use muslin.

Debbie
Debbie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always wash and iron your material before use and also to iron seams.

Tanya
Tanya

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always press for a professional look.

Laurie
Laurie

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to pre press all the edges that need to be hemmed or top stitched before sewing the seams.

Danah
Danah

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use chalk symbols on the pieces before cutting them out so they match up with no confusion.

Sharon
Sharon

December 27, 2017

I clothes that are still in good condition and up cycle them into doll clothes

Colleen Halverson
Colleen Halverson

December 27, 2017

My tip is to hold the thread tails for the first few stitches to prevent a “bird’s nest” on the underside of the fabric.

Sharon Noel
Sharon Noel

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is that I search everywhere for fabrics and trinkets to use for repurposing doll cloths and accessories. I us items I find in consignment shoes, thrift stores and antiques shops as well as recycling things from my home. EX: torn or stained items and broken jewelry .

Mary Ann
Mary Ann

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is use a hemastat for turning items right side out. My life has been so much easier since I learned about them!

April
April

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to let my daughter pick clothes she has outgrown to use for the fabric of her dolls clothes. It’s a nice way to hold on to her favorites.

Leslie Brown
Leslie Brown

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is “press, press, press”. Ironing makes all the difference!

gail brodrick
gail brodrick

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is using fuse’n gaither tape. This gaithering so much easier.

RaeAnn
RaeAnn

December 27, 2017

I make copies of my favourite pattern so when it wears out I have a spare

Leslie
Leslie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is machine binding everything.

Debra
Debra

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to read over pattern carefully, gather materials and then sew.

Gena
Gena

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to trace all patterns on to freezer paper then cut them out and iron on to material to be cut, No more pinning and the pieces can be used over and over again.

Phyllis carlton
Phyllis carlton

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip to read the pattern 2 or 3 times before cutting any fabric.

Nancy
Nancy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to TAKE YOUR TIME!! Pay attention to detail and if you have a serger, finish the seams with a serged seam. It makes all the differance in how the garment turns out!

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