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

Lissette Mattern

December 27, 2017

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

Lisa G

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip for doll size patterns is to keep them in zipper lock bags on child size pant hangers. Patterns are easy to flip thru with label on each one and you can keep material, supplies and such in the bag if you are working on something(s). Can’t finish, just put everything in the pattern bag and hang back up.

Christina

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is when gathering large amounts of fabric, I use dental floss or yarn and a zig zag stitch.

Mary C

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is for favorite patterns that I use a lot I back them to iron on interfacing and they last forever.

Frances Webb

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is Martha Pullen’s “scotch tape” stitch for heirloom sewing.

Lois

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use a pinking scissors to finish the edges of seams….I don’t have a serger and this makes the outfit look more professional!

Sandra Wheeler

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is when I thread my sewing machine or serger is to tie the new thread onto the old one & pull it through – works really well .

Linda

December 27, 2017

Ironing is the key to a professional looking finished project!

Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favourite tip or trick is to use the 1/4” sewing foot to sew the seams together.

Carol

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to go to thrift stores, clothes closets, yard sales etc to look for old garmemts that are in good shape amd have beautiful buttoms or embellishments that i can repurpose. They little to no cost
Laundered and taken apart can give alot os usuable fabric, often times the hem line can be used and omit having to hem your new creation.

Kathy Susanka

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip: if the pattern says baste, then baste. It will save you time in the long run and the project will be neater and better put together.

PATRICIA GLORIA

December 27, 2017

MI CONSEJO O TRUCO FAVORITO DE COSTURA ES COMO HACER LOS RUEDOS O TERMINACIONES DE LOS VESTIDOS

Lyn

December 27, 2017

My tip is to work in stages, all the prep work one day, read the instructions, assemble materials needed, cut out pattern,clean up sewing area, next day sew.

Dawn Lindley

December 27, 2017

My hint is to read everyone’s comments. You always gain a little knowledge by reading what others have to say.

J Lynn

December 27, 2017

Loved all the tips. Learned some new ones. I would like to add that I frequently underline my garments. It makes all the difference in the world. Also, I strive to make my inside as nice as the outside. I love that sweet little surprise when you look inside. I might embroider a little flower or add a charm. Just a little something to make it special. If I’m lining my doll clothes and I will hunt until I find the perfect lining. On coats, I’ll add lace between the facing and lining edge, lovely when you open the coat. I finish all seams, my favorite is the Hong Kong. The doll dresses are lovely. Thank you.

Denise

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to cut out a few outfits at one time. Then I am able to just sit and sew.

Linda Vallaro

December 27, 2017

I always trace the doll clothes patterns onto Pattern-ease. No more ripped patterns.

Pat

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using a commercial tailor’’s chalk to mark patterns!

Corinna Pratt-Wintersgill

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to cut out several outfits during one session and have a day of just sewing!

Sharon

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to clean my machine after finishing my project. You would be surprised how much lint can get in there.

Ilona

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have all the supplies out and ready to use before starting on the project.

Leah

December 27, 2017

My favorite type is in the beginning- always lay pattern pieces and check fabric size before cutting so I know I have enough fabric- thank you

Pam

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using the wonder clips instead of pins

Elizabeth

December 27, 2017

my favorite sewing tip is to use a scrap of fabric to catch & hold the thread “tails” when starting or finishing a seam. 4-5 stitches into the scrap holds the “tails” enough to snip the finished fabric and start the next. It saves thread and prevents it from being dragged into the bobbin case.

Melissa Nitterright

December 27, 2017

My daughter’s dolls would love these for their mid-winter dance!

Sutton

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is always take the time to pin and when gathering use two rows of stitching for a nice even gather.

Julie Harebottle

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to clip corners on sleeves and neck and top stitch next to the ditch on the facing side to make the facing lay down nicely.

Marlene

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is similar to one I read earlier in this blog, although I like to transfer the patterns onto paper. When I worked at a doctor’s office I would bring home the end of the table paper roll and use that. This is especially good if the pattern is used more than once.

Janine Hendley

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to just enjoy the process. Everytime you use a new pattern – whether it is a doll pattern, quilt pattern, whatever, you can learn something new. Be a lifetime learner no matter what your age. Celebrate your finish project.

Jo

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to keep your machine clean and free of lint. Just something so simple can make or break a project.

Linda Smith

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to buy fabric from the remnant bin at the fabric store. It’s a lot cheaper.

DawnJ

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing to tip is to iron as you go along. This makes for a much more professional finish when done.

Muriel

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is on commercial doll clothes patterns. I fuse the tissue sheets to iron-on lightweight interfacing. Then cut the tissue patterns out. This saves the tissue pieces from tearing after many uses!

Charity K.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a bodkin for making the job of pulling elastic through a casing so simple!

Louise

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to make sure everything is ready to go—measurements accurate, supplies set, tools up to snuff—before I get going.

Debi

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep all my spools of thread on a wooden spool rack (okay- many spool racks?) with the matching bobbin on the same spindle. That way I always have the right bobbin with the correct color spool of thread. I also use Bobbin Buddies (the pink ones) to keep the ends of the bobbin thread all nice and neat.
Love all the tips!!! I think we can always learn something new! I know I can!

Ginger Harris

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep the area organized. Especially when sewing a lot of items at one sitting. I use trays I got from Michaels and put thread, sewing notions, all pattern pieces for one item on each tray. Keeps me from looking around all the time.

Deb Hooper

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is for procrastinators. I have a hard time getting around to doing anything these days with a full time job and other responsibilities. I start off by getting things together little by little, until all items are in place and I have a block of time that I can work on the project. Then if I don’t have enough time to do the entire project, I find stopping points to get to. If I try to do it all at once, it’s too overwhelming to me and I will just give up. It takes a little longer but I will finish the project whereas if I try to gather everything and finish the project all at once, it will never happen. I get frustrated and it lays there unfinished forever.

Helen

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is: if you are making more than one outfit at a time to “chain sew” the pieces.

Kay

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is when sewing a 2 flap zipper in a project tape it down instead of pinning it. Works wonders on a nicely placed zipper for doll or anything that you are making using a zipper.

BettyAnn

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to have all the right sewing tools beside you. I really like a loop turner for pulling elastic thru casings.

Madelon

December 27, 2017

I love to look for preemie or newborn clothes, especially with small prints or ruffles to repurpose.

Betty

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to insert piping in an accent color whenever possible for custom look.

Debbie

December 27, 2017

Enjoyed reading eveyone’s tips. My favorite sewing tip is to use accurate seam allowances. This can make a big difference in the finished size of a doll’s outfit.

Cheri

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to wait for 1/2 price sales at thrift stores to buy fabric and bedding/curtains for doll clothes…they are usually less costly than even buying used clothes and there is lots more fabric.

Jackie Groesbeck

December 27, 2017

MY favorite sewing tip is use your iron. I find by pressing seams and fabric as I sew really gives the project a crisp tailored look.

Dodi

December 27, 2017

What lovely dresses.

Susan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep the door to the sewing room closed so there are no interruptions! :o)

JRT

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to transfer the patterns to pattern fabric to save the original. especially for children’s clothes.

Cathy Peterson

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to spend the afternoon cutting out several patterns, then spending the next several days just sewing.

Lisa

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always read the pattern once, and then read it again to make sure you understand it. How many times have I misunderstood a pattern because I didn’t read an instruction carefully! lol…

Amelia H

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to run my thread on some wax to prevent the thread from knotting up when hand sewing.

Beverly

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to visit thrift shops and yard sales for garments that can be recycled into doll clothes. Little girl clothes especially have lots of ruffles, lace, and matching fabrics all in one garment. I can find lots of fabrics and notions that are not available in the local fabric shops.

Helene

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read the instruction (pattern) before sewing and have the iron on.

Belinda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to cut out several outfits during one session and have a sewing spree w/o having to stop and cut again.

Kristi Dunphy

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is using wonder clips instead of pins! No more pricked finger tips!!

Marilyn

December 27, 2017

I find it difficult to thread my sewing machine, serger and embroidery machine needles since my eyes stopped working for close up work in my thirties. I discovered that, by placing a white paper/plastic behind the needle, I can actually see the needle hole and it is much easier to thread.
Happy 2018 to all.

Cheryl Hicks

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or truck is to pin, pin, pin. I have been sewing a long time and went through a time i thought I was “ good enough” that I didn’t need to pin. I have learned the hard way. Just pin it!

priscilla acker

December 27, 2017

my favorite sewing tip is use pinking shears on the seam.

Katie Casiglia

December 27, 2017

Favorite tip is to take your time and be patient, don’t skip hand basting when it’s needed, and don’t sew when tired. Also, write down your own detailed notes in the pattern margins (especially for top stitching) – it really helps out when something works well, so that I can produce the same look over and over.

Teri Carlisle Lukeman

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is join FB beginner sewing groups & learn from each other’s successes & mistakes.

jack kenneth

December 27, 2017

I go to the fabric store when it’s busy. My wife (the sewing person in our household) runs around the store choosing her purchases. I hold her place in the checkout line sew we can check out quickly once she has chosen her purchases and had the fabric cut. Happy 2018 to all.

wendy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to pay someone else to do it for me. :D

Peg

December 27, 2017

Patience is my sewing tip. These patterns are great, and no problems as long as you take your time. Just great and Adorable.

Lynn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using silk pins to hold the fabric together while sewing. Always remove pin before sewing over its area.

Wanda Banks

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is save the material scraps for quilt making.

Marilyn

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to place a piece of white paper/plastic etc behind the sewing machine needle when threading the needle. Since passing the grand ole age of 29, my arms have become much shorter.

Kathy Schweer

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to have all your supplies and materials ready to go. Also if you must change thread colors try to sew as many of the pieces as you can (even if it means not following the pattern order) before going to the next color.

Mary

December 27, 2017

To preserve tissue pattern for later reuse, iron pieces to lightweight fusible interfacing.

Janet Huggins

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is …no matter what you are creating , if it does not come out perfect ; the imperfection is usually only noticed by yourself.

Susan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to spend twice as much time with the iron as you spend sewing

Helen

December 27, 2017

my favorite thing to do is to use the pattern over and over, changing the embellishments and outfits for different seasons and holidays. I upcycle when I can by choosing clothing that has not been worn or worn once and discarded.

Jeanne

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is always double check that your fabric is facing the correct way before sewing.

Kathy Davis

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to remain organized. Always keep your tools, scissors, seam ripper, extra bobbins etc. in the same place. It saves time and frustration from having to hunt for something. I also keep my fabric organized by color.

Faith c

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to read pattern b4 I start & have my iron ready.

Meg

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick is to use Crayola washable markers for any marking that needs to be done. The marks wash out even after many days and even after being ironed. The markers cost much less than markers sold in fabric stores. As with any new technique, test it out on scrap fabric first.

Caroline B

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is when making small items like doll clothes use a smaller iron, like a travel iron, they get into the small curves and corners easier

Dee M

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have everything ready before I start so I can enjoy my time sewing.

Valerie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to keep a hot iron handy for ironing seams as I go.

Cherri

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is using a small fork (one that came with an individual slice of cake from Wal-mart) to make perfect pleat folds in doll skirts and dresses. Don’t have to pin in place just fold the fabric with the fork as I am sewing!

Glenda Morrow

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a hand needle & thread, almost anything can be remedied by hand sewing. I also use a dull tipped crewel needle to back thread serger tails into seams.

Jennifer H.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to fully read your pattern before you begain. It will save you lots of time and not making mistakes sewing. Most of all it will make you understand each step so you can have fun making something and be proud of your final item.

Pat

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to starch and press seams as you go. That ensures crisp clean seams and lines. It also gives it a professional look!

Fish

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to change your needle after every eight hours of sewing.

Lizbeth

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing top is to use a very light weight stabilizer on flimsy
Fabrics before cutting them out.

Kathy Chopp

December 27, 2017

my favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron the tissue paper pattern pieces. The static created helps them to stick to the fabric easier

kathleen

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to sew a piece of ribbon into the seam when you have to turn it insiide out, then just pull the ribbon to reverse it. cut the ribbon once it’s turned, it frays off easily

Pamela

December 27, 2017

I like my doll clothes to be finished the same as clothes for people. I find that I must add extra fabric to doll patterns to be able to do this. For example the back seam of a dress I don’t like raw edges to show to I add more fabric so I can double fold before adding the closure device.

Donna

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip would be take your time, read all instructions and enjoy the process

Peggy Sayers

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to keep the iron handy and press seams as you sew. The finished garment will look more professional.

JENNIE

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use adult tee shirts for doll clothes. Use the neck band for the collar and the bottom hems of the tee for the bottoms of the shirt and sleeves. Looks much more finished.

charlotte poteet

December 27, 2017

My advice is to invest in good quality equipment! Whether fabric or sewing machine .

Joan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always use tissue paper under knit and delicate fabrics when pinning and sewing.

Julia

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is have extra scissors and pins on ironing board. This is essential for me sewing on boat where my board is around the corner.

Josie Beaulieu

December 27, 2017

My tip is to press seams as you sew.

Nina Fournier

December 27, 2017

On the doll patterns I am going to use repeatedly, I put clear contact paper over them to preserve, protect and make the pattern more sturdier when cutting. Works like a charm and is not expensive.

Vi

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to be patient and pay attention to what I am doing. These three dresses would be perfect for 3 girls that adopted me as their Grandma.

Linda H

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to read the through completely first. Assemble everything you need with your pattern and store it in a clear zip bag, and then when you have the time to sit down and sew you will have everything you need to sew the perfect outfit for the doll

Pauline

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use tearaway when sewing velvet

MJ

December 27, 2017

Make multiples…I trace my popular outfit pattern pieces onto cardboard…stack my material and cut around cardboard pattern pieces with my roller cutter…cut once for sewing more than one!!

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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

Lissette Mattern

Lisa G

Christina

Mary C

Frances Webb

Lois

Sandra Wheeler

Linda

Kathy

Carol

Kathy Susanka

PATRICIA GLORIA

Lyn

Dawn Lindley

J Lynn

Denise

Linda Vallaro

Pat

Corinna Pratt-Wintersgill

Sharon

Ilona

Leah

Pam

Elizabeth

Melissa Nitterright

Sutton

Julie Harebottle

Marlene

Janine Hendley

Jo

Linda Smith

DawnJ

Muriel

Charity K.

Louise

Debi

Ginger Harris

Deb Hooper

Helen

Kay

BettyAnn

Madelon

Betty

Debbie

Cheri

Jackie Groesbeck

Dodi

Susan

JRT

Cathy Peterson

Lisa

Amelia H

Beverly

Helene

Belinda

Kristi Dunphy

Marilyn

Cheryl Hicks

priscilla acker

Katie Casiglia

Teri Carlisle Lukeman

jack kenneth

wendy

Peg

Lynn

Wanda Banks

Marilyn

Kathy Schweer

Mary

Janet Huggins

Susan

Helen

Jeanne

Kathy Davis

Faith c

Meg