Hi Everyone! We’re super excited to announce the 13th annual Pixie Faire 12 Days of Christmas celebration! This year we're doing things a little differently. The event will run on the traditional days – December 25th through January 5th, with daily updates and one amazing grand prize! All of it will happen here in this single blog post.
For 2024, the emphasis is 12 Days of Sewing With Cinnamon & Friends! We're going to share what's new & exclusive for SWC members, what's to come in 2024, and 12 days of a "taste and see" for everyone!
Are you ready?
What's New in 2024? Pixie Cuts: I'm super excited to announce that we will be rolling out Pixie Cuts as new exclusive benefit for Sewing With Cinnamon members. The Pixie Cuts collection of items is starting to roll out and includes (or will include):
Fabric "by the yard"
Fabric "precuts"
Fabric closeouts (not to be re-stocked)
Fabric remnants (end of bolt extras)
Elastic "by the yard"
Trims "by the yard"
and more...
These are stand alone, a-la-cart items (different than curated Pixie Packs). The items in this collection will be viewable by everyone but available exclusively for SWC members to purchase! We'll be adding to this collection over the 12 days, so be sure to check back frequently!
Not a member yet? Learn more about all the amazing benefits of the Sewing With Cinnamon membership community here: Sewing With Cinnamon
Oh Yeah, Just a reminder that Sewing With Cinnamon members can get free shipping* on qualifying orders! Be sure to read the details on the SWC sign-up page to learn more.
12 Days of Christmas Grand Prize Giveaway!
We love fabric and we know you love fabric too! We've collected a huge assortment of fabrics featured in Pixie Packs, trims, notions, and more to create the ultimate sewing bundle prize valued at over $300!
To enter the giveaway, scroll down to the bottom of this post and follow the instructions in the contest widget. On each day from December 25th through January 5th we are going to add additional ways to enter the grand prize giveaway. So, be sure to set your alarm, bookmark our blog, and remember to check back each day. The giveaway will begin today and end at midnight pacific time on January 5th. Don’t miss out!
What's in Store for 2024: Did you know that Sewing With Cinnamon launched in April 2017 and since that date we've published 78 courses, including over 300 individual videos Wow! You might think we've covered everything there is to cover, but you're wrong! We've polled members and come up with a set of new ideas for the coming year.
We're super excited about what we have planned for 2024! Here's the calendar of upcoming course themes:
January - Sewing A Themed Wardrobe: Gymnastics (Kicking off on Tuesday, January 9th)
Something for Lila® In this course we have a few new patterns and a few fun & crafty projects. Sew-along with Cinnamon as she shows you how to make the Malibu Libby Hollywood Tracksuit! Join Shari for a sew-along for her new tumbling mat pattern and a few other projects (making a set of uneven bars and a balance beam!)
February - Sewing A Tudor Gown (With Shari Fuller)
In this course, Shari will be reflecting on the Tudor time period and showcasing one of her patterns with a sew-along as well as detailed technique tutorials.
March - Sewing With Hardware
You asked, we're getting it ready! This course will focus on adding hardware to your fashion in miniature projects! Tiny buckles, rivets, eyelets, and more. Join us!
April - Sew Along With A Grimm Fairy Tale
Shari has something special planned for this topic - stay tuned for more details!
May - Sewing On The Go
In May Cinnamon will be traveling to Africa with Sew Powerful. We thought it would be fun to showcase some projects that you can "sew-on-the-go" as well as creative ways to travel with your sewing supplies.
June - Coordinating Fabric Prints
We've got a large Tilda® Fabrics collection on pre-order with a ship date of May 2024. The prints are absolutely perfect for tiny clothes and there are 32 different ones that coordinate! This course will highlight ways to work with prints and how to coordinate them in different ways.
July - Historical 1770s Williamsburg
Shari will be presenting another historical fashion series, this time focusing on 1770s Williamsburg.
August - Back To School Through The Eras
This course will highlight 4 different eras and showcase a back to school collection with sew-alongs and technique tutorials.
September - Sewing on the Bias, Madeleine Vionnet
Highlighting the use of bias cut fabric in clothing designs, with a look at the icon Madeleine Vionnet!
October - Sewing In The Style of Iconic Barbie outfits (For AG)
With all the hype over Barbie, we thought it would be fun to showcase 4 different iconic Barbie fashions and replicate the looks for 18" dolls. Stay tuned for new patterns and sew-alongs!
November - Creative Upcycling - A Doll House
The ultimate upcycling project, turning a piece of furniture into a darling doll house with storage too! Shari has some ideas to share - this will be fun!
December - The Nativity Story
Focusing on the classic Nativity Story, join us as we create the Nativity Scene and highlight the story along the way!
Interested in joining the community? Learn more about all the amazing benefits of the Sewing With Cinnamon membership community here: Sewing With Cinnamon
SWC members get access to downloadable videos as well as streaming them. The 2024 courses will be exclusive content for members only!
A Sewing With Cinnamon Preview For Everyone!
I mentioned that we began posting SWC courses in April 2017, that's almost 7 years ago - I'm shocked at how time flies! We've begun to roll out the earliest courses on the Sewing With Cinnamon Youtube Channel and we're excited to have you check them out!
Over the next 12 days we'll be posting 12 full courses for everyone to enjoy!
Contest Details: You enter through the entry form that is embedded on this page and appears just below this paragraph, if you don't see it, be sure to visit the page from your desktop or an alternate browser such as Google Chrome. It may not appear on all mobile devices. The complete rules and entry details appear on the entry form. This is not a comment contest - in other words, leaving a comment on the bottom of this page is not an official entry method. The only required entry method is to leave a comment under this post and then confirm that you did it in the contest widget. One person will receive the Pixie Faire Ultimate Sewing Supplies Bundle. You can enter once, or gain multiple entries by completing the other entry methods and increase your chances of winning. Please review all Terms and Conditions on the giveaway page before entering. 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 Pixie Faire.
Okay, good luck, and if we’ve forgotten anything we will modify and/or update this post as needed.
We hope you enjoy our 12 Days Of Christmas Celebration. We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support and wish you a happy holiday season, and a terrific new year!
Merry Christmas!
Cinnamon & Team Pixie Faire
PS. We're working hard to make Sewing With Cinnamon & Friends your go-to resource for doll clothes sewing tutorials and instruction! Leave a comment below and let us know what types of courses or video tutorials you'd like to see us incorporate into our upcoming classes!
or fill in the blank "My biggest sewing challenge is______"
100 Comments
Roz
December 29, 2023
re: Fabric manipulation
I’ve used sandpaper on fabric. It thins the fabric and gives it a “worn” appearance. It was an easy way to age my fabric.
Kathy
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is being in the mood to sew. Some days I could sew all day and others, I don’t feel like getting at it.
Gail Beam
December 29, 2023
Having the time to sew and finding the right pattern, fabric, and accessories
Gretchen
December 29, 2023
Zippers are my biggest challenge
Deb
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is that I seem to lose the items I’m working with the second I set them down on my work space.
Anita
December 29, 2023
Love tutorials on more complex patterns.
Deborah Fischer
December 29, 2023
“My biggest sewing challenge is time.” I have so many projects started and cannot find time to finish the piles and piles of them :{ My granddaughters have all outgrown their AG dolls but I’m hoping for some great-granddaughters that i can still make your lovely patterns for.
Susan
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is becoming comfortable and competent with my sewing machine, especially when working on smaller items or with unusual materials.
Elaine R
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is trying to figure out what material to use.
Pat Stoughton
December 29, 2023
I love the video tutorials of the patterns, especially the more complex ones.
Carolyn
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is deciding what pattern to make next.
Linna Rogers-Salter
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is sewing with knits and slippery fabrics.
Patricia Egerton
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is doing zippers.
Nancy R
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge are attaching sleeves and keeping the seam allowances.
Lorrie
December 29, 2023
Love the tutorials and how easy you make it for us to create beautiful doll clothes
Diane
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is sewing with knits.
Pam Humphrey
December 29, 2023
I need time and space to get it all done.
Anita
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is adapting my sewing with physical disabilities.
Bobbie
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is sewing on faux leather.
Joan
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is knitting.
Bobbie
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is sewing on faux leather.
Debra
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is not having enough time to make all of my ideas come true.
Elizabeth Irwin
December 29, 2023
I love sewing with cinnamon! She explains/shows all of the steps so well!
Holly
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is what I call crafter’s ADD. You know, five or six projects that were almost done before the next one caught your eye?
Susan
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is deciding what to start first.
Anne-Marie
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is sewing on stretchy or silky fabrics. The stitches always look wonky.
Jessica
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is actually completing a project.
Heather Cramer
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is the 1|4" seams.
Liza
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is my eyesight. Getting old isn’t always fun. Those prove you are not a robot pictures are to small for me!
Liza
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge is my eyesight. Getting old isn’t always fun. Those prove you are not a robot pictures are to small for me!
Patricia
December 29, 2023
My biggest challenge in sewing is finding the motivation to FINISH things! I have lots to things started that I have not finished – I get stuck on something I don’t understand or it isn’t turning out the way I had hoped, and I am done. There are lots of things I DO finish, but too many things I don’t.
Reva Deutsch
December 29, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is resizing clothes to make them smaller. Especially when they don’t fit under the arms.
Karen
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is sewing silk fabric.
Martha R.
December 28, 2023
I would still love to see a video series on how to use ready-made clothing to make doll clothes, featuring when to de-construct and how to find grain lines, best way to lay out pattern pieces, using shirts, swimsuits, leggings, etc. So many nice doll size prints can be found in adult or children’s clothing.
Megan
December 28, 2023
My biggest Sewing challenge is following the pattern instructions and getting the desired outcome.
Teresa
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is sewing silky fabrics.
Rose
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is having a dedicated space for my machine and supplies!
Thank you for all the freebies and contests!
Cora
December 28, 2023
finding time to sew
Kate El
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is finding enough time to do all the sewing I have planned for the dolls to wear!!
Lorrie
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is sewing neat buttonholes.
Racquel Hamm
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is finding trim that will be fit the scale of the doll clothes!!
Sheila Chelednik
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is trying to see with my carpal tunnel. I always see by hand and it is getting harder and harder to use my hands.
BrendaK
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is finding the time to make all the doll clothes I would like to make!
Pamela
December 28, 2023
Keeping the tension even is challenging for me. Tissue paper or coffee filters help a lot, but tearing those out create another challenge.
Karole
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is sewing with fabrics that have a thick nap like Velvet and velveteen.
Gaile Doskocil
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is relaxing while i sew, and sewing tiny stitches without having to take them out, also sewing on those tiny buttons on doll dresses, but i love it and really enjoy doing it
Jane
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is finding enough time to sew / knit all my patterns at least once.
Margaret
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge would be time however button holes on doll clothing is something I have not tried.
Leslie Jo Gatti
December 28, 2023
I enjoy sewing for my 3 vintage dolls & my daughter’s 7 dolls from the 70’s & 80’s. But none of these are the popular sizes for American Girl or Barbies. I need simple patterns that can be sized up for my sewing needs.
Violette
December 28, 2023
Love making anything that needs to be sewn. Do a lot of machine embroidery and recently did a little jacket with an embroidered kitty on the back for my grand daughter for Christmas and she just LOVES it. Doing lots of quilts – did a little quilt for a small bed for my grand daughter for her dolls and she is thrilled with it. It’s so rewarding to see her face and how pleased she is. My biggest challenge was sewing beaded fabric into a bag. Had to turn the machine wheel mostly by hand and even then I went through 7 needles but it turned out great.
Bobbi
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge right now is finding the space to set up my machine and sewing accessories after moving.
J. Phariss
December 28, 2023
I have loved almost everything Pixie Faire has done this past year. Slippery fabrics are a challenge I’d really like to get a grip on. And stretchy fabrics. All in all, I think you’re doing an awesome job!
Bev
December 28, 2023
I enjoyed the making shoes videos. I have watched it before as I am a long time SWC student, and huge fan. My Girls and friends know all about SWC. I enjoyed watching the darling video as I realized this time, the limitless choices on making shoes with trims. So enjoyable!
Anonymous
December 28, 2023
For those having trouble finding hangers without paying a fortune, I use popsicle sticks and cup hooks – it’s easy-peasy!
Deborah P.
December 28, 2023
I have trouble getting all the button holes an even size on the small projects.
Anonymous
December 28, 2023
I loved learning about the different needles and stitches for sewing on stretch fabric! I’ve been sewing for 60+ years and didn’t realize that’s all it took – now to make some swimsuits for the dolls!
Debra W.
December 28, 2023
Another Challenge with sewing is trying to find doll clothes size hangers for hainging my creations.
Barbara
December 28, 2023
I watched the “sewing with specialty fabrics” video and really liked the part about the ways to finish the seams.
Noel
December 28, 2023
Truly, sewing for our doll family takes all the sewing bits we have stored away - elastic, lining fabric, hook and loop tape-and zippers if we dare—, interfacing, buttons, patterns, ribbons and trim, appliques, thread, bobbins, needles, hair bow clips, and of course, the eternal fabric stash. The biggest challenge is organizing all of this in a way that doesn’t create a huge mess.
The second biggest challenge is how to organize the stash of fabrics…tulle, quilting cottons, knits, princess dress fabric, specialty fabrics, seasonal fabrics — it’s all here, and it all comes out when I go to make an item. Help!!
billie
December 28, 2023
one of my biggest challenges is .. i’ve always got one or four pieces left out !!
Patricia
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing problem is not having enough time. I have so many thoughts going on in my head, that I can’t get them cut and sewn fast enough.
Pam Dicke
December 28, 2023
Biggest problem is finding small scale prints for doll clothes
and also findind 4" sepwearting zippers at a reasonable price
Susan Petersen
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is deciding on how to coordinate a pattern, fabric and trim. I want to get into historical outfits big time, but want accuracy in colors, motifs, fabrics, and designs. Need to do a lot of research. Love the information Shari includes in her patterns!
Leslie Loren
December 28, 2023
I love to sew in minature, especially clothes from the 60’s and 70’s…the styles of my youth. My first challenge is finishing a project. There are so many appealing patterns and fabrics . And I have many outfits cut out and ready to sew but get distracted by each new pattern and season. I have a Valentines dress almost finished, a Xmas dress cut out and ready to sew,, a partially assembled Easter outfit. And second, I am still challenged by knits in small sizes.
Amy
December 28, 2023
My greatest sewing challenge is finding the time to sew. I keep my toddler grandchild during the week and by the time I get into the sewing room I’m either to tired to sew or don’t know where to begin.
Cathy
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is staying organized in the sewing area.
Joyce McC
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenges are the lack of a local source for fabric and sewing notions since Joanne’s closed and finding the time to sew. My New Year’s resolution is to sew more by reading less or using audio bools.
Nancy Curitti
December 28, 2023
One of my problems is using Velcro. It catches on everything.
Sigrid
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is getting the pattern and the instructions right.
JUDY
December 28, 2023
Finding quality fabrics at reasonable prices.
Roz
December 28, 2023
One of my biggest challenges is sewing with tulle, especially when the garment requires long lengths of it!
Marilyn
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is getting the fit right on the itty bitty little patterns.
Nancy Saller
December 28, 2023
There are so many wonderful patterns to choose from on this website. Thank you!
BJ
December 28, 2023
I have several outfits cut out—I’m a starter not a finisher. I think it has to do with confidence!
BJ
December 28, 2023
My biggest problem is being a perfectionist! They are just doll clothes—right? But the clothes in the videos are so perfect & look so easy to do.
Maryellen Dotti
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is managing my sewing time. I find it hard to prioritize my projects, and then to stick to my list! There are always extra things that pop up that need immediate attention so I am always pushing things back! I do love every minute spent at my machine.
Maryellen Dotti
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is managing my sewing time. I find it hard to prioritize my projects, and then to stick to my list! There are always extra things that pop up that need immediate attention so I am always pushing things back! I do love every minute spent at my machine.
June Scott
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge right now is figuring out how to make a perfect top button or remembering to change the sewing order to avoid the bulk.
BJ
December 28, 2023
I love the 12 days of Christmas Legend & Song! I like all of the patterns you offer!!
Jacquie Corrigan
December 28, 2023
My biggest (or one of) sewing challenge is sewing tiny buttonholes!
Diana G
December 28, 2023
Thanks for all the videos-many of which I sent to my granddaughter as she is sewing for her neice (and my great grand baby), she also sews regular garments as well (She is 16). These may help her in the future with doll or adult clothes as well.
Debbie
December 28, 2023
aside from having difficulty getting downstairs t9 my seeing room since I’m recovering from back surgery, my typical challenge is keeping my sewing room neat snd 9rganized
Sandy
December 28, 2023
Buttonholes. My old sewing machine made great buttonholes. I was spoiled. My new sewing machine (now 15 years old) is just the opposite. Many steps, with many pages of not very easy to read instructions. In addition, there is no YouTube demonstration available. To make a buttonhole requires much time and practice to get the perfect buttonhole.
Judy
December 28, 2023
I like all of the videos
Lizbet
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is finding time to make all the wonderful things i want!
Diane
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is finding nice fabric locally.
Charla
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is finding really small zippers without having to buy a bunch of them when I only need 1 or 2 and the same with the other small items not sold in the fa pic stores.
Sabrina
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is starting. I have to pull out and set up my machine. Once I start, though, sewing is so much fun I wonder why I don’t do it more often. Then I put away my machine…
Candyce L Johnson
December 28, 2023
I can not live without the 1/8th and 1/4th inch double sided tape.
Claudia Flinn
December 28, 2023
I need to make time or rather find time to see and make the doll clothes I want to make
Lorraine
December 28, 2023
I need to set aside time every week to do sewing and also my Art. I paint with oils, acrylics and watercolors but hard to find time to do it. It’s so important to have time to do things we enjoy!
Janice Dufseth
December 28, 2023
After the Holidays I need to make more time for my sewing. I tend to take too much time on my ipad admiring others sewing.
Jean
December 28, 2023
Making tiny button holes!!
Krynne
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is trying to make my stitches look as neat as if it was done on a machine… I sew everything by hand (I don’t own or have access to a sewing machine)
Lorraine Kozakevich
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is finding more time to sew
Nancy McAllister
December 28, 2023
I would love to see some more patterns and accessories for the dolls using the cricket cutting machines. I really liked that class a would love more of them!
Cheryl R.
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge is physically being able to sit at the machine to sew anymore. I do so every chance my body will allow me to though!
Gail
December 28, 2023
I need to get back into sewing doll clothe (instead of just buying patterns!) I have a 6 year old granddaughter who would LOVE clothes.
Melissa
December 28, 2023
My biggest challenge is getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things
Patricia
December 28, 2023
My biggest sewing challenge(s) are: TIME! and trying to decide what I want to do next! I have so many beautiful Pixie Faire patterns AND fabrics to choose from. 😁
Roz
December 29, 2023
re: Fabric manipulation
I’ve used sandpaper on fabric. It thins the fabric and gives it a “worn” appearance. It was an easy way to age my fabric.