12 Days of Christmas - Day 3 December 27th 2017

MargaretP

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use is to print out several copies of the pattern I’m making. That way I can cut out several different fabrics of the same pattern and sew them up assembly-style.”

Kris

December 27, 2017

Remember they are for dolls. When the dolls complain is when you know you messed up.

Joan Kuntz

December 27, 2017

My favourite tip is to attach adhesive hooks to each of my machines to hold embroidery scissors for trimming thread. That way I have quick access to a pair with out having to search and end up using my pinking shears

Donna

December 27, 2017

My best tip is to read and use the tips others post. They are so much better than how I’ve done things. Thank you for sharing!

Kris

December 27, 2017

Remember they are for dolls. When the dolls complain is when you know you messed up.

Elizabeth

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to make sure you measure each doll’s body. Many times I have failed to do so because, I am in a hurry to make an outfit for my doll and boy does it cost me time and I have to go buy more material to remake the outfit again. It doesn’t matter if your doll is from the same artist for example just because you buy an American doll you think that the same outfit will fit, it doesn’t LOL. Or the same Pixie doll it doesn’t. Boy! To same time I measure my doll and safe her measurements in a folder and name the doll and insert her picture in the folder with her measurements. Remember it will safe time, money, and headaches. Your doll will be as happy as you are when she wears her new outfit:)

Marianne

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to iron fabric, before, during, and after sewing. It makes things so much neater and easier to work with.

Linda

December 27, 2017

My tip is to immediately put your sewing notions, hoops, fabrics etc. back in their keeper. Then you won’t spend so much time looking for them when you need them.

Bonnie Lee

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to invest in a fasturn tool. You will never regret it. The time saved plus the ease in turning any fabric to the right side is amazing and so easy.

Lori Morton

December 27, 2017

Favorite tip..not sure is a Tip… but I always get all necessary things for the Project at hand…& be all set. (I do the same with cooking..get all ingredients out & ready to proceed)

Jess Musumarra

December 27, 2017

A rotary cutter, mat and pattern weights have been a game changer for me. It has greatly reduced my fabric cutting time! (My least favorite Sewing task)

Lockie

December 27, 2017

My mother always said to do your best, get everything together before you start, then take your time paying attention to the details!

Mary

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip or trick is to go slowly…don’t rush. If you are unsure, read the directions over 2 or 3 times. It saves a lot of grief down the road

Linda M.

December 27, 2017

I always keep my leftover scraps of fabric and spare buttons, elastic, embellishments in a can and when my granddaughters (10 and 7) come over they can use anything there for crafts. They both love sewing and by keeping the scraps for them they can experiment without wasting anything. They have created some really nice things for their Barbies and American girl dolls.

Debbie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is make sure you have all the supplies you need are with you from the start.

Marcia

December 27, 2017

Always start with a new needle in the machine and wind a bobbin with matching thread.

Kari J

December 27, 2017

I don’t have a tip to share but an enjoying reading other’s tips!

Dana A.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is putting a piece of masking tape (about 2-3 inches) on the bed of my sewing machine, marking the seam allowance. It really helps keeping my seams straight. And it can be changed to whatever you need, from 5/8” to 1/4” for example.

JoAnn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use parchment paper when cutting out your pattern.

Roxanna

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a tomato pin cushion and mark each section with the size and type of needle and store your short project needles to save for another project. This way you can easily remember what type of needle is available for reuse.

Lindi Turnipseed

December 27, 2017

my favorite trick is when putting in a zipper I first baste the seam closed. That makes for a hidden zipper every time!

Carol

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick is when sewing on tulle or other netting I save dryer sheets or use wash a way interfacing and put that behind the netting so it doesn’t get hung up on the feed dog and still feeds evenly.

S Johnson

December 27, 2017

I like adding some hand sewing to give each outfit personalization. It might be a hand sewn hem or a lace embellishment sewn on by hand, or a hand embroidery.

Cindy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use primarily pattern weights and only a very few pins (just enough to hold the pattern to the fabric after cutting). I find I get much more accurate cuts this way – and lose far fewer pins!

Lois Olsen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is never sew when you are overly tired. You will make mistakes and end up having to take out seams that you never would otherwise.

Crystal

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to keep a scrap catcher under my sewing machine and one under my serger. That way, bits of fabric and thread drop into the catcher and not all over the floor!

Karen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read through all of the directions before beginning your project, pin and cut accurately, baste and always, always press as you go.

Denise

December 27, 2017

I like to collect patterns and materials and then match up different prints before starting a collection of clothes.

Elizabeth Yznaga

December 27, 2017

MY sewing tip is to cut up socks missing partners and make them into leg warmers and knee high socks.

Denise

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to “sew with your thumb underneath and your fingers on top.” This tip helps the fabric layers to feed evenly and prevents puckers.

Peggy

December 27, 2017

My tip is: make sure you have the right color thread before starting a project.

Barbara Peart

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is when setting in the sleeve in armholes, always clip one-quarter in the seam on both the armhole and the sleeve. This makes it easier to set the sleeve on 18-inch and 14.5 inch doll clothes. The seam clip should be a scant quarter inch so not to go beyond the seam allowance.

Kathy Keilman

December 27, 2017

I favorite sewing tip is press as I go. Finished product is much better.

Joan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to use a wide zigzag over a piece of yarn to create gathers. Just pull the yarn and it forms the gather!

Pamela Fasimpaur

December 27, 2017

Make sure you have copied your pattern in proper scale.

Paula Hammond

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is “stitch in the ditch”.

Midge Patterson

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to fill several bobbins first when starting a project so I don’t have to stop to fill while sewing.

Lisa

December 27, 2017

These are adorable!

Renee

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick or tips is use tissue paper when sewing on vinyl it will let the machine glide along with ease. Then tear away when finished. Pixie Faire and designers thanks for all the fun patterns we get through out the year. The only problem I seem to have is that as soon as I purchase a pattern it becomes the Friday freebie a short time latter. But thanks any way.

Donna

December 27, 2017

Get all your supplies organised so you don’t need to go looking for them once you have started.

kari

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is copying pattern pieces on wax paper and ironing them to the fabric before cutting them out

Elizabeth G

December 27, 2017

I use a doll sized ironing board to make it easy to get into those tight spots. It works like a charm!

Donna

December 27, 2017

I learned to overlock or zig zag fabric that frays. The dolls get dressed and undressed over and over again. The fabric and seams need to hold up to all that tugging of little hands to get clothes off and on. I keep copies of patterns in a binder so I can find them to remake some of the doll clothes.

Jean

December 27, 2017

Good lighting!

Carlean Lange

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to cut out your pattern, gather any"extras" that you will need (such as trim, belt, interfacing, etc) and put it all in a gallon size ziploc (along with the pattern). I don’t always sew right away but when I’m ready to, it’s all together and I can just start and store right in the bag.

Thresea wright

December 27, 2017

I keep a copy of my diploma patterns in a plastic sheath. I cut up a duplicate copy to use to cut out the pattern. When finished, I put the pieces in the plastic sheath. Each sheath is put in a three ring binder in an organized way (that makes sense to me.

Gail

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to clean machine often, especially bobbin area and change out needle regularly.

Thresea

December 27, 2017

I keep a copy of my diploma patterns in a plastic sheath. I cut up a duplicate copy to use to cut out the pattern. When finished, I put the pieces in the plastic sheath. Each sheath is put in a three ring binder in an organized way (that makes sense to me.

Thresea

December 27, 2017

I keep a copy of my diploma patterns in a plastic sheath. I cut up a duplicate copy to use to cut out the pattern. When finished, I put the pieces in the plastic sheath. Each sheath is put in a three ring binder in an organized way (that makes sense to me.

Donna Deters

December 27, 2017

I like all the pattens you have on Friday.

Kelly

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick when sewing very small pieces like collars or gloves is not cut out the pattern pieces first. I trace the pattern onto oversized square pieces of fabric, sew following line using desired seam allowance, and then cut out the item.

Lori

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is using chopsticks for turning points in collars and trimming the seams with a pinking shears.

Robin Elkthunder

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use glue sticks! It really helps keep stretchy fabric in place!

Michelle

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to start each sewing project with a clean sewing area and a clean machine.

Sherry Bohrmueller

December 27, 2017

Always pin everything first.

Morgan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is FRAY CHECK! If I didn’t use fray check on those tiny inner seams on doll clothes, my clothes would ravel like crazy. Fray Check is the single best tool in my sewing kit.

Kimberly C

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is listening to my favorite music and using tiny clips instead of pins.

Joanne G

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick when making doll clothes is to use my serger as much as possible. I have a 5-thread serger that allows me to seam & finish in one step.

Nicole

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip… I’m new to sewing and am just learning. My tip would be to just try it and keep learning.

Mary H

December 27, 2017

My tip is to glue baste whenever possible.

Cheryl

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to listen to books while sewing. Think how many books you can complete!

Beverley

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip or trick is using tissue paper (or computer paper) to keep the sewing machine from eating tiny doll clothes (I sew for Bratz-sized dolls mostly)

Tori

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to always use the zigzag over material that frays to keep it from unraveling.

Nancy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use my pinking shears on curved seams, like armholes and necklines, instead of clipping them. It’s much quicker and does exactly what I want it to do.

Kyle Thompson

December 27, 2017

My best tip: Start off each project with a clean, tuned -up sewing machine, a new (or new-enough) needle appropriate for the fabric, and high-quality thread. These ‘basics’ will help make your precious sewing time a pleasure.

Linda

December 27, 2017

Since I have two granddaughters and make multiples of each pattern, I like to cut everything out, and sew them both at once, it saves so much time.

Kim V.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to not be afraid to step away. Sometimes taking the time to stop and give the project a little room, you can find different options and better solutions to challenging projects.

Deanna

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to upcycle items for one of a kind creations and to enjoy the creative process.

Jennifer Harris

December 27, 2017

I have learned to keep my different interfacing weights labeled and in separate bags. When I need to use it for a project, I can find exactly what I need without having to guess or go and buy more.

Karen Hanna

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep plenty of water and a few snacks nearby. That way when things are going well, you don’t have to stop to look for something. And stay hydrated, things are harder to deal with when your brain is all dried out! :-)

Chris

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to try and remember “This is my hobby—I should be having fun and not be getting frustrated when things don’t work out!” Try to enjoy the process—whether it is sewing and finding everything is going flawlessly or sewing when everything seems to be going wrong and therefore I face ‘challenges’ to solve.

Selene Schulz

December 27, 2017

Unfortunately, my sewing room is in the basement. It is so handy to have my iPad with me, so I can look up terms, etc. and patterns right at the sewing machine. Thank you for a chance to enter.

Cecelia

December 27, 2017

I keep different sized doll clothes in separate small drawers or tubs as I cut them, makes them easy to find. I found a small metal cabinet at ikea that is the perfect size.

Patsy

December 27, 2017

Love your patterns

Lynda

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to cut a bunch of patterns out at once so you have a ready project when you only have a little time.

cathy Malissen

December 27, 2017

“Mon astuce ou astuce de couture préférée est d’acheter des vêtements de bébés ou petits enfants à l’armée du salut, plus économique et plus de motifs ) …”

Ramona

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is if your tired or frustrated while swing , after 3 mistakes just stop for the day . It’ll be better later.

Beverly

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to buy cute baby or children’s outfits at thrift stores and recreate into doll clothes with patterns or buy preemie clothes for a quick outfit…they take very little adjustment.

Heather

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to always clean your sewing space after each project so that when you go to sew again you do not have to clean before

Barbara

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick is, I like to cut out one pattern on three or four different fabrics at a time. That way I can actually spend more time sewing.

Donna Landreth

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip in sewing is using fray check on my cut threads even after back tacking do that the seams will not come undone.

Martha

December 27, 2017

my favorite tip: there are no mistakes, just challenges. After 74 yr. of sewing, I am still accepting challenges. Made my first doll dress (hand stitching) while in the first grade.

Loretta

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have a person close by who will keep your machine in top running order.

Frankie Green

December 27, 2017

Sonia

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to be in the mood of sewing, that way you will finish the project, because you want to see it finished.

Kathleen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use cotton knit tee-shirts from the local craft or fabric store. They provide a lot of yardage in a variety of bright colors at a very reasonable cost. And by lining up the doll patterns to the sleeve and bottom hems of the tee-shirt, I can utilize those hems and save myself a step during construction.

Melody

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use sheets for fabric. I have found the cutest, softest sheets at thrift stores and can easily make two sundresses plus two AG doll dresses for my two granddaughters.

Josie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to insert zippers on a serger – it is easy, looks great and makes inserting zippers stress-free.

Shaya

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip/trick is to keep a neat and clean work area—every time I finish working on a project, I clean up my work space, keeping all of my pattern pieces/materials together and ready for next time. I make sure my iron is unplugged, sharp objects put away—(it keeps everything safe from the Littles and the fur-babies!) This ensures I can get right to working on what I love best—sewing doll clothes! It only takes a few extra minutes, but always pays off!

Beautiful dresses—thank you Pixie Faire!

Sherry

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use Christmas tissue paper to copy my patterns to so I don’t have to cut up my original pattern. I use loose leaf notebooks with paper sleeve protectors and put the original pattern, the tissue pattern, and the instructions in a sleeve so I can look at them easily and quickly.

Beth

December 27, 2017

My tip is two print 2 copies of the pattern pages when you need duplicate pieces for linings, etc. It saves time from repinning one set to your different fabrics. I can’t tell you how silly I felt when THAT lightbulb finally went off. LOL

George

December 27, 2017

Like to win for my granddaughters.

Patricia

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is something I learned from my mom. Always read all the directions first and avoid mistakes. It used to drive her crazy if I cut out the pieces and would start to put them together without doing this. Plus she also taught me “If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right”. She took out many of my stitches if they didn’t look right to her. And now, I find myself doing that if I don’t like the way a piece looks. Thanks for making me do it right the first time, mom…

Therese

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is have a comfortable chair at your sewing machine.

Sheila Johnson

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick for keeping my doll fabric budget down is to shop for material at yard sales and thrift stores. I recently found a beautiful little girl’s long formal and made two doll dresses identical to the child’s gown. I also use scarves, sweaters and coats, shirts and dresses, usually costing a dollar each. I’m currently working on two dresses I’ve made from a pillowcase. I love saving money and sewing for my great-granddaughters’ dolls!

Motorcycle Oma

December 27, 2017

My favourite trick is to iron before sewing. It can save so much time.

Bonnie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have background noise. Tv or music keeps me going. I also like to take whole packages of elastic and cut to waist band size all at once. I also buy one to leave whole for other things, but it’s sure handy to be able to just grab them as I sew. :)

Sophie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have fun! I am relatively inexperienced, and I rely on the help of my sister for almost everything I sew, but that doesn’t make it not fun! Having fun is the reason we all sew, so if it isn’t fun, why do it?

Sharon

December 27, 2017

Press as you go to look like a pro!

Theresa Cobb

December 27, 2017

My granddaughter would love these for her doll. Thanks for the contest.