12 Days of Christmas - Day 3 December 27th 2017

Linda Brown

December 27, 2017

Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is joining in a community of sewers either locally or online to learn different methods of sewing construction.

Cyndi Dickens

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to write notes about your pattern (difficulties and what you did to make things easier) and leave them inside the pattern for the next time you make it.

Trish C.

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to learn to enjoy the entire process of creating a garment…including ripping out seams.

Barbara Folkner

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is have fun, enjoy the creativity and relax. For me that makes each piece special and uniquely yours! I change patterns, mix them up to create a different style all my own

Debbie Daniels

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to have all of my materials out and ready before I start. There’s nothing worse than having to stop in the middle of a project and go hunting for something that is neded!

Dixie

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip especially sewing doll clothes is to use tear away when you start sewing. Makes a nice start and tears away clean!

Marty

December 27, 2017

I add extra light to my sewing room with portable lamps during the winter months.

Denise

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is Binder, top load pages and computer file of patterns.I have a list of all of my downloaded patterns that are saved on my computer along with the description next to order number. When I print off a pattern I only print the written instructions a piece to save on ink and paper. If I need help than I go back to the file and read what i need help with. Last all printed patterns go into top load clear pages and into a binder nothing gets lost this way

Deb Yoder

December 27, 2017

I like to cut out several of my favorite patterns in different fabrics. I then put all the cut pieces along with the trims, buttons any elastic cut to size, pattern pieces and instructions all in a plastic shoebox. When I am ready to see it is like an assembly line and everything I need is one place; no sewing time wasted looking for things!

Brandi

December 27, 2017

My tip is to look up tips online for the type of project or fabric you are working with beforehand.

Colette

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to remember to clean your machine (bobbin area) and change your needles

Diane

December 27, 2017

My tip is to print out my Pixie Faire patterns on card stock. Most of the time I can trace around them onto my fabric without pinning and distorting the fabric. The pattern pieces go into document protectors in a binder. I haven’t gotten organized enough to set up categories for dresses, tops, pants, etc., but someday…….

Kim C

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to be patient… don’t get in a hurry. Read the instructions all the way through before starting. Make sure you have fun when sewing.

Vicki

December 27, 2017

my tip – use tweezers to stop the fabric from bunching and sliding while sewing the seam.

Liza

December 27, 2017

I keep my current project pieces in a plastic box with a lid. Keeps everything neat and organized. Easy to take to doctor appointments, etc. for hand work too. Keep scissors, etc in box with other notions. God bless all of you as we start a new year.

Karen R

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is tracing patterns onto freezer paper and ironing to the fabric so no pins are needed and the pattern won’t shift while cutting. The freezer paper can be used over and over and you have the original pattern in one piece if you need to use other sizes later.

Rita McWhinney

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is when sewing or machine embroidering with metallic thread is to place the spool a fair distance from the machine and let the thread relax before it gets to the needle.“

Judy

December 27, 2017

Just right for the triplets

Lucy

December 27, 2017

Take your time; read all instructions before you start; have all notions ready, iron as you go and… have fun!

donna

December 27, 2017

Before you sew, do your prep work for success. Read the pattern, look at the layout of pieces, gather the fabric needed, gather any extra things like elastic or buttons, thread to match the fabric etc. After you cut out the pattern, store all the pieces in a big zip lock bag as well as the instructions. Place the unused pieces in another zip lock bag and add the pattern pieces you are using as you are finished with them. This way you will always have a complete pattern to use next time. If you make any changes to the pattern, be sure to note them on there.

Sonja

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to take your small dolls to the fabric store with you to check for pattern size of fabric for the size doll you are seeing for. Also makes for interesting conversation at the fabric store with possibility of making a new friend or two.

Penny

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is..to hold a piece of white paper behind machine’s needle to better see the eye for easier threading.

Donna

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to organize threads by color groups on a thread holder, mount it to the wall and insert Bobiinis into the top of the spool to hold the matching bobbins. This tip saves a ton of time when matching thread to fabric.

Rose

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make a copy of the pattern on tear away embroidery stabilizer. It can be pinned and repinned and still holds up. You can lay it on top of your pattern and trace your original pattern. You always have all your pieces because your original is still intact.

Jessica Leigh

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to shop at thrift stores and recycle old clothing to make doll clothes. I can’t tell you how much time and money it’s saved me!

Kim

December 27, 2017

My sewing tim is to do what you love, enjoy the process, stop when you are confused because the next time to look at it, it will become clear.

Marsha

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to take your time, and have fun. Sewing is not just the destination (the finished product) but the zen of the stitching, too.

Cassandra D

December 27, 2017

Make sure that everything is clearly out of the way when you sew, so that you do not sew everything together, along with the current project that you are working on.

Opal

December 27, 2017

Love these dresses. My tip is to always read the pattern all the way through first. Make sure you follow the directions on laying it out, cutting and most important you use the seam allowance exactly as called for. I like to use my embroidery machine to personalize and make the pattern more my own design.

Sherrie Royster

December 27, 2017

Iron, iron, iron

JUDY

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to look at all items in my (mostly from quilting) scraps as well as items ready to toss or donate and consider the possibilities. I also check out soft, small scale baby clothes and colorful gently used lg t-shirts at yard sales. If I have trouble with the fabric I have not wasted a lot of money. 2nd time around, I may use the newer material since granddaughter has a whole doll collection and I have worked out the directions by then.

Nanci

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip when sewing doll clothes is to sew hems and shoulder seams while garment is flat then assemble.

Corinne

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to walk away when you are tired. I have saved many a project from an untimely death by just going to bed instead of plowing on.

cindy

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is always read the directions first!!

Stephanie G

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is…I don’t have one. I’m not very good at sewing. :(

Cheryl Anderson

December 27, 2017

Use temporary basting glue like Roxanne’s “Glue-Baste-It” when trying to deal with tiny curves or on appliqués!.

Rebecca

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is when there is a need to clip seams for easement, I use pinking shears and just recut the seam line, usually it gives just enough easement that there is no need to cut into the seam near the sewn edge and take the chance of cutting the sewing line. It works wonderfully especially on small clothes like those for dolls or small children.

Christine

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to always read all the instructions before you start cutting.

Suzanne

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick is to cut out more than one pattern and sew assembly style. One pattern for me and one for my friend.

Karen G

December 27, 2017

Between my husband and I we created a small version ironing board for me to use for doll clothes. 2 small blocks of wood with a board nailed on top. I then made a small ironing board cover for it. Its great especially for ironing out the seams on doll dress sleeves.

Deb

December 27, 2017

My fav sewing tip is to check reuse centres and thrift stores for used clothes for small print fabrics.

Judy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to press the material BEFORE pinning the pattern to it to be sure it is lays perfectly flat and all folds are out. Then, Pin, Cut and Sew and of course, press as needed throughout sewing the garment.

Sheila

December 27, 2017

My favourite tip is to buy the largest size men`s tee shirt from department stores.It will make many dolls shirts and tights and costs so very little.

margaret

December 27, 2017

Will make my dolls look like stars.

Helen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always press as you sew and to buy children’s size clothing after seasons. You then have great new seasonal fabric, fancy buttons and/or great trimmings at a very reasonable cost.

Cathleen M.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is when buying material, always buy a coordinating print or solid to match as well.

Suzy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to stop sewing for the day when I start to feel tired, because that’s when mistakes are more likely to happen.

Monique

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is never be in a rush when you sew, better go a bit slower than to go fast and have to unsew.

Gwen Martins

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is using a zigzag stitch and sewing over strin when I need to gathe something I never have to worry that the string might break.

Christine Babcock

December 27, 2017

My top is to press, press, press! It makes everything fit so much easier and smoothly.

Sheilah

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is…..use fray check on your buttons and buttonholes (before cutting them open)! It secures the button and keeps the buttonholes clean and neat!

Barbara Snedegar

December 27, 2017

I sew even if only for a half hour. I can usually get one step completed, or get the project staged for the next step. I seldom get large blocks of time to sew, so I can accomplish a lot even in just short windows of opportunity.

Stacey Sudol

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to go slow. I’m not a strong sewer so I need to take my time or else I’ll get frustrated and give up.

Sharon Kirby

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is having a pressing pad with my iron right next to my machine. When sewing small items such as doll clothes for my granddaughters or quilting it is perfect for pressing as I go.

Norma Middendorf

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is always press seams as you sew.

pat

December 27, 2017

if it doesn’t fit put it away, it will fit a doll another day. laugh, deep breath and start again.

Marcella Hewitt

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is using wonder tape or glue when I’m sewing a zipper. Additionally just found out you can use the selvage of a cotton fabric if u need straight tape instead of bias tape.

Patsy

December 27, 2017

The dresses are very sweet. My favorite sewing tip is to keep your iron warm and placed conveniently near your sewing area.

Kathleen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to stop when you are tired.

Trudi

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to print two copies of each pattern piece. I cutout one set of pattern pieces and keep the other copy in a top loading sleeve. This saves time if I misplace a pattern piece.

Tara

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is the “Purple Thing” to help me get sharp corners and edges once fabric pieces have been turned to the right sides, like in collars and straps.

Tara

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is the “Purple Thing” to help me get sharp corners and edges once fabric pieces have been turned to the right sides, like in collars and straps.

Stephanie

December 27, 2017

The dresses are beautiful. My favorite sewing tip is to make more than one. The outfits get easier to make and more polished. Also fat quarters work well for outfits and let you mix and match.

Jackie Friest

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to use Wondertape to hold Velcro in the right position when sewing on knits. It helps keep the fabric from stretching so everything lines up perfectly.

Elaine

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use snaps to close the back bodice and sew buttons, lace flowers, or small bows on the right side to cover each snap. A darling detail for the back.

Nancy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to make friends with your iron, it is not your enemy.

michelle thomas

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to shop on Ebay for vintage materials"

Lori

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is sew what you love and for those you love, the rest will come naturally.

Rae

December 27, 2017

Using paper to stabalize when sewing small pieces for doll clothes

Deborah

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use Fasturn Fabric Tube Turners to turn tiny straps and similar pieces…. they are a bit more expensive, but the time savings and no torn fabric is worth the extra cost.

Carol Roberson

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a warm iron close by for pressing seams open. If it is in reach and ready to go, I am more likely not to skip this.

KAREN

December 27, 2017

Love the dresses. Like others have said must must must press as you sew. Most helpful for me I use a small rectangle of white paper and put it behind the sewing needle when threading my machine. It hugely helps me to thread the needle especially on days when it seems an impossible task. Santa I really really need a self threading machine lol

Patricia

December 27, 2017

My top is to have patience when sewing. Think of it as an adventure and not as a chore. In the end you have created some happy girl or boy a beautiful addition for their treasured doll.

Patricia

December 27, 2017

My top is to have patience when sewing. Think of it as an adventure and not as a chore. In the end you have created some happy girl or boy a beautiful addition for their treasured doll.

Timmie

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to press as you sew.

Barb Danner

December 27, 2017

I love the party dresses. My favorite sewing tip is always take a sample piece of fabric with you when shopping for matching fabric to go with you project. Also a photo if you can. I always forget what i was going to do in my head when i get to the store.

Timmie

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to press as you see.

Robin

December 27, 2017

A quick tip for those times you are resizing patters or designing them is to turn the garment inside out and fit it onto the doll. Then you are free to chalk, mark or use this method to baste difficult pieces in place.

Stephanie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick/tip is to use FREEZER PAPER for all those teeny weenie pattern pieces! It sure does help keep them from sliding around when cutting. I LOVE FREEZER PAPER!!!!!

Julie Rodgers

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to keep your sewing area neat, tidy and organized and always put things back where they belong when done sewing for the day!

Cindy Perry

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use 1/2 inch clear plastic tubing from the hardware store cut to the depth of your bobbins and then sliced open. It’s like a “c” to clamp around your bobbins so the thread won’t unravel in the bobbin case

Ginger

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to use trims and embellishments to cover any small mistakes.

Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is putting a piece of thread in between material at corners. When you turn your corner out.. just pull the thread and instant point!

Margier R

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to save buttons from old shirts that are too tattered to give away

Taryn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick has always been press as you go.

Diane

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a rubber finger, great light and my cookie tin of supplies.

mariann

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is a recently discovered one for me… in middle school and HS, when I didn’t follow the pattern directions I was failed. I continued to love sewing but with a cloud over my head. So, my tip to share is this…. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t be afraid to be creative and try things “outside the box.” Sewing is an art, and it needs your own special touch. Have fun!

Sue Foster

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip: Use a smocking pleater for gathering skirts or anything full, makes nice even gathers quickly.

Jane Murriner

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to look for brand new fabric in yard sales. It’s there in great shape and for pennies.

Chrys

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a small Tupperware bowl to store my bobbins together. Another is that my kids’ too small/stained/ripped clothing can live again in doll clothes, even if it’s just the elastic and/or zipper.

Andrea

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to use a mechanic’s magnetic bowl used to hold screws to hold my pins

Debbie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is simple. First of all be excited to start your project and don’t quit if you run into a problem. Take a break and come back with a relaxed attitude to fix the issues… Works every time! Also, equally important is to iron as you go for professional results!

Cathy Walden

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use my embroidery machine to do decorative trim.

Sharon

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip/trick is to double check all supplies before starting a project.

Valerie Brown

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to press as you go. My grandma taught me that you never stitch over a seam that has not been pressed. It makes a world of difference in how the finished product looks.

Debi Pennington

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick is to look in the remenants at the store. It doesn’t take much to make doll clothes and sometimes there are great treasures.

Kimberly

December 27, 2017

my favorite sewing tip is to relax, have fun and keep extra bobbins filled.

Melody

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use fusible hem tape for doll hems instead of sewing them.

Maureen tehan

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use old sweater sleeves to make adorable dresses for the American girl doll. The bottom ribbing works well for you he neckline!