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

Marian

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to use a tab or “leader” to start off your seam.

Sharon

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to use tailoring chalk to mark the wrong side of the fabric on pattern pieces so you do not get confused with some knits or fleeces that are difficult to determine once cut out.

Carole

December 27, 2017

One of my favorite hints, especially when sewing little things like doll cloths, is to place a little piece of tissue paper under the beginning of each seam. This helps prevent the needle catching the fabric and pulling it into the feed dogs. The tissue pulls away easily when the seam is finished

Carol

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to make 3-5 copies of your pattern, put it in plastic sleeves in a binder, but make one main copy to use as a way to recopy your pattern.That way if u want to make several outfits with different material colors, prints,solids, you can lay it all out, cut several pieces at once, put in ziplock bags (l use gallon sz from dollar store, no need to buy expensive ones, stack together in a plastic bin, shoebox, whatever size you need)with all notions, buttons, thread, etc. to sew at your leisure, not pin/cut 1 at a time. Then you have 1 clean copy to recopy should little hands accidentally tear, cut, or ruin the pattern piece you’re using at the time, especially since children/beginners will be unsure of how fragile tissue patterns are, not knowing that they tear easily. When I get my pattern, I open it up and cut off all the excess blank paper, then using a rotor blade/cutter, I cut about 1/8- 1/4" close to cutting line of pattern, so I can use little sliver of tape, just at the corner edges to tape down several pieces at one time to copy. I recommend using the 11×14 sz copy machine at a commercial store, to make your copies all at once, not everyone has a LG size machine in their home. After you make your copies, you can put original pattern back together in the packet with a copy for future needs, then cut, sort, & organise your books with your patterns for easy-to-use/find accessibility. Takes a little bit of time at first to set it all up, but if you’re snowed in for a day or longer this is a great time user to get organized for fun sewing ahead , recycling old clothes & accessories are fun ways to teach young people how to make do in this “throw away world” we live in!! We shop everywhere we can get a bargain, from Wal-Mart to thrift store, even using worn out sheets from bedding to make something new, after all, the sides you’re tucking in are in greater shape than u think to make little sheet sets for your dolls bedding, don’t take much. Look at things “out of the box” and find new ways to spruce up your dolls life, and your own!! My family lives a champagne life on a shoestring budget, we’re always told we have the most unique home and style, very electic, considering we do most everything very cheaply! Lots of fun to think of ways to inhance YOUR lifestyle.

Karen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is reading what other people have written and learn from them., also
watch some of your vedios.

Cheryl N

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to check out comments from other sewers who have put the pattern together before. They frequently have great ideas to offer in completing the pattern or make you aware of little hitches they came across and how you might resolve them.

Linda N

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip was learned on the Sewing with Cinnamon class. There were several that this old sewer learned, but my favorite was using freezer paper to make a template for sewing on buttons. Thanks for all your wonderful quick tips!

Margaret

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is threading a needle. Match the ends of your thread to form a loop at the other end. Put both cut ends through the eye of your needle. Push the needle through your fabric to form your first stitch, but put the needle through the loop. This is your “knot” without a bulky bit of thread and it won’t come out.

Janine S

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is always scour the bargain bin first or your fabric bill could be expensive

Jean C

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is clean the machine and start with a fresh new needle.

Marcia

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip when applying Velcro/ hook & loop tape, is to use a glue stick in order to easily and accurately position the Velcro pieces. Apply a thin layer, position on fabric and let dry… it doesn’t take too long. I especially like to use the purple Elmer’s School Glue Stick. It goes on purple… but dries clear. This makes it very handy to see if you got glue where you wanted it, especially with teensy, tiny pieces like on Barbie doll and Kelly doll clothes.

Marci

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is: Sew perfectly straight topstitching on fabric without marking it by putting masking tape along the fabric to establish a topstitching guide to follow.

Amy B

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a walking foot. I purchased a walking foot attachment after watching the working with knits videos, and it changed my life!I have been sewing for over 25 years, and I am able to hem knits at last! Do not be afraid to try something new!

Mary Stewart

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to wash my hands before I start a sewing project to ensure the finished does not need to be washed after completion.

Cindy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to know your machine! Learn all the ins and outs, and yes, quirks, of your particular sewing machine. I swear each machine has its own personality!

Elizabeth

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to have quality products

Janice

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is: backing tissue paper patterns with Freezer paper to make them last longer.

Linda L

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to buy the best sewing machine you can afford. You may think you will never use all the features on the machine but it saves you money when you don’t have to upgrade.

Rose

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is, I iron my pattern pieces before putting them on the material for cutting out, they lay flat, and there are fewer fitting errors.

Moi

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is press as you go. It makes all the difference in the world. “

Linda

December 27, 2017

When sewing sheer, light weight or knit fabrics to sew using tissue paper between the bottom piece of fabric and the feed dogs so your fabric doesn’t wind up getting eaten by the feed dogs, they can be quite vicious! Also if sewing heavier fabrics use plain printer paper instead of tissue, it easily breaks away…

Karen G

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to not be tired when starting to sew and to read all the directions before I start…it avoids mistakes later.

Marcia

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use some fun fabric and add bling.

Emma

December 27, 2017

My tip is when inserting elastic, I put a straw through the opening and gather the fabric. Then I insert the elastic in the straw and pull the straw out and then ta da! The elastic is in the seam and all you have to do is sew the ends down.

Kesirin

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using the zigzag scissor to cut concave/convex corners.

Melissa Thibault

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure you are not tired when you start, have the space needed and the music going.

Susan Hebert

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use forceps to turn tiny corners.“

Karen

December 27, 2017

My very favorite sewing tip is not to hurry. If I am having difficulty with project coming together, I walk away for awhile and think about it.

ARLA HOLDER

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to remain organized, remember that details count, the pattern is just a starting point for my project and to take my time.

Tricia Boccabello

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using a chop stick to help when turning straps right side out after stitching. This really works well with narrow pieces like belts and shoulders traps for dolls.

Connie Lancaster

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is learning from all of you. I sew but sewing for dolls is a lot different.

Bev

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to make a little purse for each outfit . In it I put funny money and little books that I print form my computer to printer. Little golden books has a sheet of 12 books. I add some paper and sew a center seam and cut.

Janet

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to cut paper bags in printer paper size. I press them flat with an iron and print my patterns on them.

Elizabeth G

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip and or trick is to use either velcro dots or clear snaps on the outfits that I make.

Laurie

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is temporary adhesive spray to stabilize fabric where I can’t pin.

Connie

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to keep a sharp seam ripper handy.

Sharon

December 27, 2017

Is to starch and iron it adds extra body to what your sewing

Serena

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to measure and double check the pattern layout before doing any cutting. Taking the time there prevents having to do it over again!

Kathy

December 27, 2017

So many great tips! I always read instructions before doing anything else and visualize how it’s supposed to go together.

Shirley Mutchler

December 27, 2017

There are so many tips and tricks to sewing. I have been at it for 50+. I try to always be in the right state of mind before I start, try not to be tired or dreading what you have to do. Be sure to have bobbins filled, your bobbin case clean from lint, a good needle for the right job. It is nice to have a comfortable chair also, and a well lit area. Have the piece pressed and ready to go. An area where you can spread out, cause when sewing nothing stays neat and tidy. Have some sharp scissors and pins. Read the pattern before you start. Have fun!

Maary

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to not be to tired as that is when mistakes happes

Crystal Mae

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick is to use ultra lightweight fusible interfacing on my pattern pieces. I was frustrated a few years ago when my patterns would rip, I couldn’t afford to buy new ones, so one day I tried mending the rip. Worked like a charm! Now I do this to all my pieces before I use them on fabrics. The pattern pieces are stronger for repeated use, plus they don’t slide around and you get better placement. Happy sewing!

Amanda C.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is for saving/storing commercial patterns. I press fusible interfacing to the back of my patterns so I can use them over and over again without tearing them.

Elaine

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is reading others tips in this contest and learning so much from them.

Geraldine

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tricks / tips are: Don’t eat or drink while sewing (can have disastrous results). Wash your hands b4 you begin especially when working with light colored fabrics. And when sewing multiple garments using the same pattern, at the same time, assemble 1 a few steps ahead so you don’t end up making the same mistake on all the garments. :-\

Deb G

December 27, 2017

my sewing tip make sure right sides to right sides together before sewing sleeves in

Jordan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to add ribbons,bows and decorative stitches to stuff.

Jordan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to add ribbons,bows and decorative stitches to stuff.

Chloe Noller

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to use the right needle! When I first started sewing, I really didn’t think about the different machine needles and it caused me a lot of problems! It really does matter what needle you use for different fabrics!

Sandie

December 27, 2017

Thank you for this opportunity

Joan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep all my trims labeled and organized in plastic see-thru boxes so I don’t waste time looking for them when I am trying to complete a project. Lace goes into one, ribbon in another, etc. I cut cardboard to fit the container and wrap the trim so it stays neat and untangled in a single row, plus I can see exactly how much I have before using it. The boxes are all on shelves with labels I can see without opening each container to look for something. Works great for me.

Susan S

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to purchase turning tubes for turning things like straps right-side out.

Donna Bridgeman

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is that you know more than you think and patience is a virtue.

Rita C.

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is: To avoid the plate of your sewing machine eating the knit fabric, hold the two tail threads (needle and bobbin threads) behind the pressure foot and pull them to the back when you start sewing on knit fabrics.

Susan Piefer

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep my doll patterns in sleeve protectors in a three ring binder.. I also include a small fabric sample each time I use the pattern.

Garrett F.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to lay some tissue paper under your sewing when sewing very small dolly seams. The paper will make sewing extremely small areas much easier, and can then be easily torn away afterwards.

Sarah P

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use the zipper foot to add piping to clothes or home decore.

Lori

December 27, 2017

My tip is, if you are holding a spool or bobbin of thread and it drops let it go. If you hold onto the thread end you will unwind a lot more thread than just letting it drop.

Ruth

December 27, 2017

Make sure you have all your supplies before you start. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting part of the way through and realizing you need some small item that was overlooked.

Lisa Carver

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to try things on as you are making them to make sure that the fit is right. And press seams as you go too!

Shirley Clark

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use the long tweezers for threading the needle on your machine. Even though I have an automatic needle threader, they help me to wrap the thread around the little grooves that keep it in place.
I use them for all kinds of things. My husband even used them for dipping Ritz Bitz in chocolate. LOL

Juanita Welch Owenby

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to press each seam as you go. You can be using the most beautiful fabric, and a fantastic designed pattern, but if you don’t ‘press each seam’ as you work, you ruin the beauty of the fabric and the design of a fantastic pattern. Press as you go and your finished outfit looks like it jumped right off the cover of a fashion magazine.

Ram Bou

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure you is matching the needle with the fabric. Always use ball-point needles with knits.

Sue

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to be well rested before you sew. If you are tired, you will make more mistakes and be more frustrated when you do.

Delores Comstock

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use the 1/4 quilting foot for sewing doll clothes.

Carolyn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to press seams in opposite directions so they nest together when sewing…therefore making a perfect alignment of seams..

Ann M

December 27, 2017

I like to press up the hem allowances on the flat pieces to create memory creases before sewing — then when it comes time to actually sew the hems, they fall easily into place.

JUDY

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to shop at thrift stores for clothing with nice fabric. My favorite shop lets you stuff a plastic grocery bag full of clothing for only $3.50 a bag. I have so much fabric that I must force myself not to go shoppimng.

Mary

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip, I cut out all doll pattern first and stack them.. then. I sit at sewing desk. and sew each piece together. I find it very pieceful just sit there and sew with either music or romantic comedy on TV for background noise.

Joyce Calvert

December 27, 2017

Save your scraps from special sewing projects like Halloween costumes. They make great accents for doll clothes.

Patti

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to put the cut pieces of each doll clothes project in a large reclosable plastic bag after cuttting. Nothing worse than losing or misplacing one Pattern piece before the entire project is finished.

Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is make doll clothes to match the girl’s dresses.

Christiane Schultz

December 27, 2017

When I was a little kid sewing, I could never do a zipper right. It is hard for a kid under 8. My aunt who was a seamstress had me baste the seam closed, hand sew the zipper in, center scotch tape on the seam then sew around it. It made the perfect zipper the first time I tried it. I still do it 35 years later if it is challenging fabric.

Beverly

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip: when adding a cute applique to a doll outfits, go around the edges first with Fray Check before ironing onto fabric. This add life to the applique, especially when machine washing said item(s).

Carol

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to top stitch near seam of all your lining around sleever, collar and neckline. This allows all these areas to lie flat

Roberta

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to use a crochet hook to pull string or small elastic through a casing.

Marsha Hundley

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read the pattern and gather all the supplies and notions before you start sewing. Nothing is more frustrating than to be almost finished with the project, just to realize you don’t have the right ribbon, buttons or other notions to finish it without going to the store.

Barbara

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to lick my fingers, or use a finger wetter for handling paper, when turning a join.

Betty George

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip to keeps my pins in place is a magnetic tray that you can purchase at any store that sells automotive parts. They hold the pin in place and they come in two sizes – a small and a large one. I keep a large one by my machine and use a small one when I am pinning patterns.

Sharon

December 27, 2017

My tip is to not be afraid to try new and difficult patterns, some projects go in the garbage, but I always learn a lot.

Linda T

December 27, 2017

My best sewing tip is to read through the pattern first! You’ll know what you need, you can research what you don’t know how to do and you will “see” ( in your mind’s eye) how it is to go together!

Elna

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick or tip is to either use a dab of fabric glue to tack those snaps in place to sew, or to use a pin through the center hole in the snap to hold it from moving around while sewing in place.

Carol P.

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to enjoy sewing. Every time you start a project look as it as a fun thing you get to do and not a chore you have to do. I have been sewing for over 40 years now and I love it more every time. Just think you get to see something go from a flat piece of fabric to a wearable or usable item usually in a short amount of time. Love what you do,others will love what you made.

janice

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use iron on interfacing to make small, frequently used tissue patterns pieces more stable. They last so much longer!

Lori K

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to use the assembly method you do best when sewing a doll outfit so you get your best results (even if your patternmaker uses another method)

Suzanne

December 27, 2017

My granddaughter and I love to dress up our dolls and play!

Reina

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use diferent colors.

Elaine

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is enjoy the process, it makes even the worse mistakes less stressful.
And you always learn from mistakes.

Nancy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to set up an asermbly line with multiple projects. Doing one step on multiple projects goes much quicker for me then doing multiple steps on a single projects. It seems like I waste less time this way.

Barbara Secrest

December 27, 2017

I use my favorite tip of using coffee filter to trace off simple designs or outlines (i.e. jeans fly!) onto the filter. Then use the filter as a guide when placing the stitching on the garment.

Pamela

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to up cycle i use my grandmothers old evening dresses to make doll dress, to be one of a kind and the dress contines on through time the family so my grand daughters can play with them

Glenda Penner

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to upcycle where possible and incorporate pockets and hems and collars or decorative features into a new teeny tiny item of doll clothing.

Jil

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use plastic shoe boxes for all my small fabric scraps and quarters that I can keep sorted and stacked by color. Sure makes for fast location of certain color when “shopping” in my supply.

Christina

December 27, 2017

My tip is to keep those scraps and always take free scraps from friends. They come in handy when making adorable one of a kind dolly clothes!

Loretta

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to read the entire instructions so you know all the materials & instruments you’ll need & understand how it is going to be constructed.

Krystyl

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use parchment/freezer paper and a not too hot iron to help keep the pattern from sliding around when cutting it out:)

Sherry

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to enjoy the ability to create something that will bring a smile to someone’s face?

Carolina

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to check that your needle has a good point! It makes all the difference. Sometimes when you sew with pins the needle goes over them and gradually it goes loosing its point! then you may “bite” the fabric and make a mess!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ann Sereday

December 27, 2017

I frequently use wax paper to make a “sew through” pattern which tears away easily . This comes in handy when tracing a pattern or design and is a less expensive alternative to speciality seeing products.

Karen

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is finding material pieces at the thrift stores. I’m always surprised at what people DON’T use that’s just the right size for me.

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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

Marian

Sharon

Carole

Carol

Karen

Cheryl N

Linda N

Margaret

Janine S

Jean C

Marcia

Marci

Amy B

Mary Stewart

Cindy

Elizabeth

Janice

Linda L

Rose

Moi

Linda

Karen G

Marcia

Emma

Kesirin

Melissa Thibault

Susan Hebert

Karen

ARLA HOLDER

Tricia Boccabello

Connie Lancaster

Bev

Janet

Elizabeth G

Laurie

Connie

Sharon

Serena

Kathy

Shirley Mutchler

Maary

Crystal Mae

Amanda C.

Elaine

Geraldine

Deb G

Jordan

Jordan

Chloe Noller

Sandie

Joan

Susan S

Donna Bridgeman

Rita C.

Susan Piefer

Garrett F.

Sarah P

Lori

Ruth

Lisa Carver

Shirley Clark

Juanita Welch Owenby

Ram Bou

Sue

Delores Comstock

Carolyn

Ann M

JUDY

Mary

Joyce Calvert

Patti

Kathy

Christiane Schultz

Beverly

Carol

Roberta