December 26, 2018

Welcome to Day 2 of our 12 Days Of Christmas celebration! Today we are giving away 2 dresses to one lucky winner! The 2 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 Teresa Bergan! You've won the beautiful dresses featured in today's giveaway, and have been contacted by email.

Bonus Fun For For Everyone! Today we are highlighting our 18-inch Doll Modern Dresses Pattern Collection at Pixie Faire. Simply add two patterns from this collection to your shopping cart, and enter discount code: DAY2BOGO in the discount box at checkout to get one of the patterns for FREE! This coupon code will be good for one day only and one use per customer, so don't miss out!

The beautifully handcrafted dresses featured are:

A sweet floral Peyton's Pretty Dress by Laura Griffith of Love From Lola
A chic yellow and grey Knot What I Expected Dress by Amy Walker of Seams To Streams

To enter the giveaway for the two handcrafted dresses, simply respond to this post and complete this sentence:

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is..."

Comments must be left (on this blog post) by midnight (Pacific), 12/26/2018.

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 winner will be chosen randomly from the comments received and contacted through the email provided in the comment.

We will choose a winner and update 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.

Happy New Year!

Cinnamon & The Liberty Jane / Pixie Faire Team

100 Comments

Holly A

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to put your sewing scissors up high and where your husband and kids can’t find them!

Ellen

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is don’t skimp on preparation. Make sure the area is neat, clean and all supplies are gathered….and, make sure the machine is cleaned, including the bobbin race and a new needle.

Brenda Barry

December 26, 2018

IMy favorite sewing tricks are to use 1/4" fusible tape on the hem of knits. It helps prevent the stretching of the hemline also to start each new project by cleaning bobbin area and inserting a new needle.

Candy

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to press seams as you go.I purchased a mini iron and it makes pressing so much easier on the tiny seams.
Basting the tiny seams helps keep the fabric from shifting too.
Happy holidays

Beth

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing trick is to READ DIRECTIONS!!! : )

Linda

December 26, 2018

Keep a long blunt needle in a pin cushion next to sewing machine. I use it to hold the fabric in place when it gets to the end of the seam. Also, slides under raised presser foot to smooth out seams before you sew.

Iris

December 26, 2018

Best tip is to press as you go, gives you a nice finish.

Aime Vaitkus

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to use coffee filter pieces as the starting point under the small pattern pieces.

Connie Hales

December 26, 2018

When you start making mistakes, let the project wait until you are rested!!

Angela Bavuso

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is read all the instructions first, especially when making clothing, before you even cut out anything.

Laurie Closter

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is take a break when it ceases to be enjoyable. If you are grinding your teeth in frustration just put your project down and step away. Sewing should be fun! Go eat chocolate and come back to your sewing happy again

Deb. OB

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to stick sewing needles in a bar of soap. It makes them easier to glide through fabric when I hand sew.

Kathleen

December 26, 2018

I like to use a light weight. fusable interfacing in dress bodices and press as I go.

Char

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to iron as you go instead of waiting until your project is finished

Penny

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to read all the direction and highlight things I think are important so I don’t forget or skip over.

Heidi

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to trace a copy of the pattern in my desired size first so I don’t mess up when cutting the real one and so I understand how the pattern works better.

Dee M

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have all items necessary close to my sewing machine so I will not need to go find needful things. I also like to have a small iron and pressing mat by my machine, as pressing at each step is important.

Candice Lacy

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick, especially for doll clothes, is not to be afraid of trying something new-different fabrics, embellishments, and patterns.

Linda

December 26, 2018

My favorite tip is to always take advice. My mother in law worked in a sewing factory for over 50 years and I learned so much from her. Her tips and tricks have been great for saving time as well as producing a better made product.

sue van elswyk

December 26, 2018

my sewing tip is always be in the right frame of mood before starting and then you rarely have to do things twice or find yourself so stressed out. Happy sewing everyone sue

Lisa

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use no-fray fabric glue and a small brush to secure hidden thread ends for buttons, or to seal easily-frayed edges like on satin or taffeta.

Darlene

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is one I learned from a Pixie Faire video. When sewing with knits, iron 1/4" strip of heat and bond product around necklines and hems When ready to hem, remove paper backing press 1/4" seam, then turn under 1/4" again and sew. . Makes it so easy to hem without having it stretch out of shape.

Katy Eldred

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read about sewing before you begin so you don’t end up using embroidery thread instead of quilting thread.

Denise

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing trick is to use 1/4" fusible tape on the hem of knits. It helps prevent the stretching of the hemline

Sue

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing trip is to use a clear foot marked with 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 5/8”. It has made a huge difference in allowing me to sew straight seams.

Mary Welman

December 26, 2018

I have two. My favorite sewing tips are to get all of your things organized before you begin and to have very good lighting – less strain on the eyes , therefore making the experience more enjoyable!

Roben

December 26, 2018

I sew doll clothes because I love sewing doll clothes. I sew them and give them away to children I see that look like they need something extra for there dolls

Missy Johnson

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is be sure to read all the directions before starting a new project. Could save a lot of heartache later!

Mary Welman

December 26, 2018

Amy

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to clean your machine before you start a project! Use compressed air to dust…check your needle, oil your machine and make sure everything is in tip top condition before you start! It saves a lot of headaches!

Liza

December 26, 2018

My favorite tip for kids and dolls clothing is to mix and match basic top patterns with different sleeve patterns. Its easy and give your doll and child a lot of simple and unique clothing options.

Nancy

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is when sewing a knit seam I pit a strip of thin tissue paper under the seam as I sew, between the fabric and the feed. I find this keeps the seam from stretching and it is easy to remove the paper after. Any bits that are left are inside and don’t show. For me this takes away the fear I always had about sewing knits and my seams and hems look so much better.

Sheila

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to pre wash my stash of material so I can use any of it for doll dresses, as needed. Pre ironing before needing it is a time saver.

Josie Beaulieu

December 26, 2018

My favourite tip is to press every seam.

Heidi

December 26, 2018

My favorite tip is to use small snaps for closures. No velcro to tear up delicate fabrics.

Juanita Staples

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to watch the whole video or read all instructions before beginning.

Allison

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip would be to take time and enjoy the process.

Nancy

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is always use a magnetic bowl for pins and/needles so they do not fall on the floor—one of my husband’s ideas. I have 2–both free from Harbor Freight with coupons.

Julie

December 26, 2018

I keep a stylus (purple thang) handy to guide the fabric and hold seam allowances flat when sewing over them.

Vicki

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to be organized before beginning a project. Have the fabric washed and pressed. Read through the instructions first. Have all tools ready and cup of coffee close by.

sheila

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is have my serger always ready to sew my tiny 3 thread narrow rolled hems perfect for finishing seams of doll clothing.BUT Knits I do not finish the seams in making doll t shirts I do a tiny 1/8 top stitch on the right side then trim seam close mush nicer finished product

Rita

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a shorter stitch length when sewing curves and corners.

Lizibeth

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have your scissors attached by a retractable cord at your sewing table so you never misplace them!

Daniele

December 26, 2018

I actually have 2 favorite go-tos for sewing tips. The first is to tape 2 pencils together for seam allowance. The second, I found out myself, is to use strong magnets on top of and below my table top to hold my patterns for cutting. No more pin marks in tiny doll clothing.

Diane

December 26, 2018

Sew flat panels as often ae possible

Ruth E.

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is…. to enlarge my other patterns on my copier printer. Sometimes they are just a bit tight for little fingers to handle. Also I keep an original pattern and then cut up my second pattern I use parchment paper.

Nancy

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is pressing makes all the difference in the outcome of your project

Elizabeth

December 26, 2018

Have all your tools and equipment, and items in front of you before you start your project, and a good large table to work on with your fabric. This makes your project go quickly and smoothly when you iron and everything is at your hand when you need it.

Bonnie

December 26, 2018

my favorite sewing tip. I sew my elastic to top of waist, turn down & sew again. that way elastic can’t turn. learned this when i worked in sewing factory.

Kathy

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to remember it’s not how fast you get it done, but, the enjoyment of creating something.

Patrice Morant

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing trick is when its too hard use my hand instead .

Katherine Haviland

December 26, 2018

Cleanup as you go along! So much more pleasant when you can find your tools and pattern pieces.

Susan

December 26, 2018

My favourite sewing tip is to press seams as you sew. The results are a professional looking product.

Cathy

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing trick is to leave small scraps of material in my top sewing drawer to use as starter fabric when sewing small pieces so they don’t get stuck in the feed dogs.

Carol Raymond

December 26, 2018

Iron, iron, iron. Saves so much time and prevents many mistakes!

brenda

December 26, 2018

My favorite tip is to wash and iron all cottons

MaryAnn S.

December 26, 2018

My favorite tip is to always find a pattern and fabric you really love. It makes you more eager to finish the project.

Cherri

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing trick is to make sure that I like/love my fabric choice for the pattern I am going to make, I have learned that if I do otherwise I seldom finish the garment.

Judith

December 26, 2018

My favorite trick is to re-size the same pattern for different size dolls. That way I can have matching outfits for Big Sister and Little Sister.

Melissa

December 26, 2018

Have a magnetic pin holder. As you are pulling out pins it helps to keep them controlled and you just have to throw in the correct direction, and you can carry to the iron with out fear of dropping any.

Beverly

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use metric to create doll patterns, no fractions!

Linda

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to read all the directions and to be prepared with extra sewing machine needles.

Judy Bean

December 26, 2018

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to take the extra time to copy paper patterns onto interfacing tracing cloth. By doing this, your pattern pieces are less likely to be torn and will last forever!

Glenda LeValley

December 26, 2018

My favorite tip and trick is to never wait til the day before you need the sewn piece like waiting until Christmas Eve to finish something that is a gift for Christmas! Lol

Shelley Brown

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a good iron near by and using a hot press ruler for seam allowance.

Kathi

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is iron as you go. I learned in high school that if you iron the seam allowances, etc as one sees, the clothes look much more professional.

Sherry Holzner

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to sew when you are the freshest whether it is morning, noon or night. I am a morning person so I never sew at night. Just don’t do as well. I can cut and prepare at night just no sewing. Pick what is the right time for you.

Linda Lee

December 26, 2018

My best sewing tip is always to wash fabric first.

Linda

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to read the directions completely first and to press your seams.
Happy sewing!

Bev Hiler

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to store all my sewing patterns in 2" notebooks with each pattern in a page protector. I label the back of the notebooks with the type of pattern, for example, “Dresses from 1810-1930, etc.” I have a little library of patterns.

Faith Comeaux

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to read directions b4 u start, it will make sewing ur project less stressful

Judy

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure the needle on your sewing machine is sharp and to change it often.

Mary Ellen

December 26, 2018

Read and follow the directions. Even if you think you know better😁 No need to ask how I know. 50 years sewing veteran.

Tabitha

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is… to prewash and iron all fabric as it enters the house.

Cathie

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to have everything I am going to need to complete a project out and accounted for and ready to go. Getting in the middle of a project and finding out something is missing is disappointing.

Pat

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is accurate seams and press as you go. Then everything fits together

Linda Hinson

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to use pattern tracing paper to copy patterns that have multiple sizes or options. I get more use out of my patterns that way.

Trish C

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to sew a basting line 1/4 inch from the unfinished hem edge. It is much quicker and easier to iron the double fold 1/4 inch hem this way.

Mary Ellen

December 26, 2018

Read and follow the directions. Even if you think you know better😁 No need to ask how I know. 50 years sewing veteran.

Fran Bott

December 26, 2018

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is…" to test sew your fabric before starting. All fabrics are different – especially stretch knits. They give me the most trouble.

Claudette

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have my iron handy and ready at all time while sewing. It males a huge difference in the lay of the fabric and ease of sewing.

Denise

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to press (set the iron down, without moving it) when prepping for your sewing.

Joan Deaver

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is use a color guard sheet when washing a quilt that you have made.

Chris

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to have a dedicated space in which to work—it’s so hard to pick up and put everything away if the space is needed for something else when I’m in the middle of a project.

Teresa

December 26, 2018

Tweezers. Never get your finger close enough to the needle to get stabbed. Always use tweezers.

Kim C

December 26, 2018

My favorite tip is to read all instructions before beginning the pattern. Measure everything and press your seams every step.

ALLISON

December 26, 2018

My favorite (most needed reminders??) are to read all instructions before beginning and to double check instruments if you start a new skill or don’t remember exactly how to do a step.

Linda

December 26, 2018

Measure your pattern pieces and your doll measurements, then make adjustments to your pattern before cutting pattern and fabrics.

Elizabeth

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is have your iron handy. I got a cutting mat with an ironing mat on the reverse. I keep it near my sewing machine so I can press pieces as I sew them. Pressing fabric before it’s cut will result in more accurate pieces.

stitchwitch

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to allow yourself enough (uninterrupted) time to carefully follow the directions step-by-step – the outcome will be worth it. P.S. My granddaughter named her AG doll Peyton, too!

Vita

December 26, 2018

My favorite advice is to use a water soluble pen to apply a pattern to the fabric.

Ana

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is allowing yourself to step away from a project without treating yourself like a failure. Some days you’re not in the right headspace, and redoing and ripping and redoing the same seam 80 times is not at all productive. Step back and do something else for a while. The project isn’t going anywhere! :D

Diane Sabatini

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is always wear your thimble.

Kimberly

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to have an organize work space and have everything ready before I start. Also when using a pattern from Pixiefaire, I have the printed pattern and I bring up the downloaded pattern on my computer so I have the colored version. This really helps when I get stuck. I’m a beginner when it comes to sewing.

Rhonda b

December 26, 2018

Serge alll pieces before starting construction of garment

Laura

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to read the full directions and gather everything together prior to cutting and sewing – store everything into a 2 gallon ziplock bag

Mary C

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is press the pieces as you go along, makes a much neater finished project..

Bev

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to press fabric before cutting, then cut pattern pieces precisely, sew accurately, and press all seams before sewing sections together – makes for a more professional well-fitting piece of clothing!

Elizabeth Hare

December 26, 2018

My favourite sewing tip when making shoes is to use gathering stitches around the toe of each shoe to distribute the fullness and make gluing easier.

Anne R

December 26, 2018

My favorite sewing tip is to attach one of those small removable hooks to the side of my sewing machine from which I hang a small pair of scissors. I use these to clip threads. When I’m done, they hang right back up. No lost scissors!

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December 26, 2018

Recent Articles

12 Days Of Christmas - Day 2 December 26th 2018

To enter the giveaway for the two handcrafted dresses, simply respond to this post and complete this sentence:

100 Comments

Holly A

Ellen

Brenda Barry

Candy

Beth

Linda

Iris

Aime Vaitkus

Connie Hales

Angela Bavuso

Laurie Closter

Deb. OB

Kathleen

Char

Penny

Heidi

Dee M

Candice Lacy

Linda

sue van elswyk

Lisa

Darlene

Katy Eldred

Denise

Sue

Mary Welman

Roben

Missy Johnson

Mary Welman

Amy

Liza

Nancy

Sheila

Josie Beaulieu

Heidi

Juanita Staples

Allison

Nancy

Julie

Vicki

sheila

Rita

Lizibeth

Daniele

Diane

Ruth E.

Nancy

Elizabeth

Bonnie

Kathy

Patrice Morant

Katherine Haviland

Susan

Cathy

Carol Raymond

brenda

MaryAnn S.

Cherri

Judith

Melissa

Beverly

Linda

Judy Bean

Glenda LeValley

Shelley Brown

Kathi

Sherry Holzner

Linda Lee

Linda

Bev Hiler

Faith Comeaux

Judy

Mary Ellen

Tabitha

Cathie