December 25, 2025

🎄 The 15th annual 12 Days of Christmas at Pixie Faire!

[Edited 1/6/26] Congratulations to Sharon H. She won the Pixie Faire gift card and has been notified by email!

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year — a season of creativity, generosity, and reflection. This year I wanted to continue to celebrate in a way that’s meaningful, fun, and deeply connected to what we love most: design, sewing, and growing together as makers.

So today, I’m excited to announce the 15th annual 12 Days of Christmas Celebration, inspired by the 15th anniversary of the Design Academy-12 Principles of Design.

Here’s how it works:

For the next 12 days, we’ll be sharing:

✂️ One Design Academy Principle per day
💡 A practical Design Tip you can use immediately
💬 A daily blog comment prompt for you to earn entries in our giveaway
🎁 A $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card giveaway — announced on January 6th

Each day we'll jump back to this blog post to highlight one of the twelve design principles and invite you to join the conversation by leaving a comment. Every comment is an entry to win the $100 gift card. The more you participate, the more entries you earn!

And there’s more....

These 12 principles are also the foundation of something very special coming in 2026…

✨ Sewing With Cinnamon & Friends 2026 Theme

Design Academy Reimagined: A Year-Long Sewing Masterclass

Twelve principles. Twelve months. One unforgettable year of growth.

In 2026, Cinnamon Miles is opening the vault and teaching the Design Academy like never before—fifteen years after she first published the landmark series that inspired thousands of sewists worldwide. This is a complete, modernized re-imagining, blending Liberty Jane’s iconic design principles with Sewing With Cinnamon’s techniques, challenges, and creative opportunities.

We're bringing the Design Academy into Sewing With Cinnamon in 2026 using the core principles to guide our 2026 topics and this year, there’s even more:
Historical fashion deep dives with guest instructor Shari Fuller. Designer spotlight showcases. Sew Powerful Purse crossover projects. And a brand-new challenge every month.

If you loved the original Design Academy, you haven’t seen anything yet!

Read all the detail of the 2026 overview HERE. Existing SWC members are already in! If you're not a member yet, we invite you to join us, it all starts on January 6, 2026.

The 12 Days of Christmas is your preview of what’s coming — and a great way to jump back into thinking like a designer and getting the most out of your Pixie Faire pattern collection.

Let’s celebrate creativity, learning, and sewing together this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas,
Cinnamon & Team Pixie Faire

🎁 12 Day's of Christmas Giveaway

👉 Winner announced 1/6/26!

🎁 Day 1

Today (12/25) we kick things off with Principle #1: Proportion, and your first entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip - Proportion: Scale is invisible when it's right and noticeable when it's wrong!

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt:
What’s your best tip for determining scale in relation to the doll you're sewing for?

🎁 Day 2

Today (12/26) we kick things off with Principle #2: Focal Point, and your second entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip - Focal Point: Choose ONE star of the show. Whether it’s a bold fabric, a special embellishment, a unique neckline, or a pop of contrast — one clear focal point will always outperform several competing ones.

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: What’s your favorite way to create a focal point — color, embellishment, trim, or fabric choice?

🎁 Day 3

Today (12/27) we kick things off with Principle #3: Rhythm & Repetition, and your third entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip - Rhythm & Repetition: Repeat a shape or color at least three times.
Two feels accidental. Three feels deliberate. Four or more creates strong visual rhythm.

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: “What do you enjoy repeating most in your sewing — shapes, colors, stitching, or patterns?”

🎁 Day 4

Today (12/28) we kick things off with Principle #4: Harmony & Unity, and your fourth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip:

Choose one unifying idea and let it guide every decision.
That unifying idea might be:

A color story
A mood (playful, classic, modern)
A fabric type
Or a design theme

If every choice supports the same idea, harmony follows naturally.

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: “When you start a project, what helps you keep everything feeling cohesive?” (color, mood, fabric types, themes, etc)

🎁 Day 5

Today (12/29) we kick things off with Principle #5: Color, and your fifth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip:

Successful Color Blocking: Highlight the pattern design lines with fabric by color blocking! Keep in mind the design principles mentioned earlier - rule of thirds, repetition, and harmony - Let one color dominate about 70%, repeat colors with added elements like buttons and trims, and pick a color palette that pleases the eye!

Bonus BOGO Promotion happening today too! https://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/trend-watch-color-block

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: “What color combination do you find yourself reaching for again and again—and why?"

🎁 Day 6

Today (12/30) we kick things off with Principle #6: Fabric Matters, and your sixth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip:

Fabric Choice: Match the fabric personality to the design's intent. Choosing the right fabric often matters more than choosing the perfect color or embellishment. Maybe it's time to venture out of your comfort zone and try out a new type of fabric?

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: “What’s one fabric you love sewing with—and one you tend to avoid?”

🎁 Day 7

Today (12/31) we kick things off with Principle #7: Fabric Matters, and your seventh entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip:

Surprise is what turns a nice design into a memorable one. It’s the small, unexpected detail that makes someone stop and look twice. Add one unexpected detail that only appears once. It could be: A contrasting lining, A hidden pocket, An unexpected trim or button, A pop of color on the inside rather than the outside. One surprise is charming. Too many dilute the effect.

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: “ What’s the most fun or surprising detail you’ve ever added to a sewing project?”

🎁 Day 8

Today (1/01) we kick things off with Principle #8: Waistlines, and your eighth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip:

Where the waistline sits can completely change a silhouette. A small shift up or down can make a design feel youthful, classic, elegant, or modern.

The higher (Empire) waistline was prominent in the early 1800s Regency era, the natural waistline popular in the 1930s-1950s, and the lower dropped waistline emerged in the 1920s and reappeared in the 1960s/70s.

Waistlines aren’t just structural—they’re visual cues.

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: “ Do you tend to prefer high, natural, or dropped waistlines in your designs?”

🎁 Day 9

Today (1/02) we kick things off with Principle #9: Homage, and your eighth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip:

Homage is about honoring inspiration without copying it. Great designers study what they love, identify why it works, and then reinterpret it in their own voice.

Homage connects design to history, culture, and personal story—and it’s one of the most meaningful ways to create!

Isolate one defining element of your inspiration and build from there.

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: “Is there a designer, era, or style that inspires your sewing the most?”

🎁 Day 10

Today (1/03) we kick things off with Principle #10: Minimalism, and your tenth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip:

Minimalism isn’t about making designs boring—it’s about making intentional choices.
When fewer elements compete for attention, the most important ones shine.

Minimalist designs often look confident, modern, and timeless.

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: “Do you lean more toward simple designs or detailed ones—and why?”

🎁 Day 11

Today (1/04) we kick things off with Principle #11: Distressing & Embellishment, and your eleventh entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip:

Today’s design principle is all about adding depth, texture, and personality. Distressing and embellishment bring a design to life—but only when they’re intentional.
The goal isn’t to add more, but to add meaning.

Well-placed texture can elevate even the simplest design.

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: “Do you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims?”

🎁 Day 12

Today (1/05) we kick things off with Principle #12: Sewing Technique, and your final entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.

💡Design Tip:

Most projects look “handmade” not because of design choices, but because of rushed finishing. Taking extra time on the last 10% of a project makes the biggest visual difference.

Focus on:

Accurate seam allowances
Pressing after every seam
Clean edges and consistent topstitching
Secure closures and neatly finished hems

👉 To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt:

“What sewing technique do you most want to improve or master in the coming year—and why?”

Thank you for being part of this community and for sharing your creativity with me.

Warmly,
Cinnamon

P.S. Don’t forget — today is the final day to comment for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card drawing!

100 Comments

Lisa G

December 31, 2025

Most surprising detail added to a sewing project: I made 1 sister a Star Wars purse that glowed in the dark. L.O.L. The other sister got a black cat themed purse lined with a bright red “paw print” fabric.

Christine

December 31, 2025

For me, the addition would be lace where it wasn’t originally included in the pattern. Also, a button or bow. I sew doll clothes, so these small additions can make all the difference.

Barbara

December 31, 2025

I don’t think I’ve made any surprise elements in my sewing yet. I did make a skirt for my granddaughter’s Josefina doll that had a pattern of heart and triangle lines. I reversed the material because the pattern on the back side of the material was fitting to the style of fabric they would have had in her stories.

Janice

December 31, 2025

I like to cut some part of a dress on the bias if using plaid or striped fabric. It gives a different vibe.

Sherry

December 31, 2025

I think the best detail I have added would be beading. Even just a few beads added to a bodice makes a great wow statement.

Tamara

December 31, 2025

I love to put a bright lining in a jacket

Sue N

December 31, 2025

Day #7 My most fun detail to add is to sew the garment’s seams together by encasing them in a 1-1/4" wide strip of tulle. So many brilliant colors of tulle. Seam it in glitter tulle? The inside of the garment really pops! Makes even a simple piece feels special. As a bonus, it adds stability to seams on knit fabric without adding bulk.

How to seam with tulle: Pin the garment pieces together with the the tulle flush at the top. Sew a zig-zag stitch at 3.0 wide & 3.0 in length. Flip the tulle over the top. Fold the raw edge of the tulle under. Pull it snug and pin to the other side, Sew a straight stitch at 2.5 length.

Heidi

December 31, 2025

A silk flower at the waist with a pearl in the middle.

Althea

December 31, 2025

My favorite “surprise element “ that I have added to dresses I made is shirring along the back of a dress.

Ruth Ann

December 31, 2025

Not very surprising, but I sewed many different colors of baby rickrack on a tiered gathered folk-themed skirt.
Enjoyed reading the things other people have posted and hope I remember some of them when I get back into sewing doll clothes. My American Girl dolls are probably feeling a little put out because they haven’t had anything new in quite a while!

Penelope

December 31, 2025

After making a hole in a wool jumper, I made a decorative pin ( jewelry) decorative fabric to cover it.

T

December 31, 2025

The most fun and surprising detail I’ve added was to make a matching dance costume for my granddaughter and her doll. All the details to make them match was fun.

Sharon M

December 31, 2025

What’s the most fun or surprising detail you’ve ever added to a sewing project?
Rhinestones. I like bling!

Sandra

December 31, 2025

adding buttons and embroidery

Janet F

December 31, 2025

I do most of my sewing with cotton. I tend to avoid any of the specialty fabrics, especially if they fray easily

Bettie

December 31, 2025

Day 7:

I took a simple pair of shorts with pockets and added a dark trim around the out side of each pocket and used a button of the same color for each pocket. It really took the shorts to a higher level and made the shorts pop.

Charlotte

December 31, 2025

- I hand-painted some fabric once. I think that was surprising.

Janet

December 31, 2025

Hand sewing flower petals and beads to a dress.

Lyn K

December 31, 2025

A belt in faux leather with a cute tiny buckle. Also a pair a shoes with a buckle. And an embroidery design is always special

Patti

December 31, 2025

What’s the most fun or surprising detail you’ve ever added to a sewing project?

The most fun sewing project I made was the Fairie Faye Dress by Little Miss Muffet. I have made the dress in a Christmas Theme and a Halloween Theme. It was fun to choose the colors and surprising to see the outcome. I have also added embellishments of laces, ribbons and buttons to other patterns to give them a little pizzazz. I also find any pattern I have not yet made is both fun and surprising to put together and see the outcome.

Linda

December 31, 2025

stitching on a button in a way that the threads look like a flower with a stem and leaves.

Nancy Alvord

December 31, 2025

beautiful patterns

Elizabeth

December 31, 2025

Sheer sleeves are interesting. Also some reverse cut outs are a surprising detail.

Sharron Wofsy

December 31, 2025

This is the fun part of creating doll outfits for me, adding the little details along the way. I have used buttons of frogs or flowers etc. on jackets, used applique, machine embroidery designs, and trims on outfits to give it a little pizzaz.

Patty Bussmann

December 31, 2025

I’ve add tiny embroidery designs on the bodice of Christmas dresses. They make a festive difference to a garment

Stephanie A

December 31, 2025

Most surprising thing I have added would be some type of trim, special ribbon, or buttons

Lois

December 31, 2025

As far as surprises go, I guess the time I hand embroidered my baby brother’s footprints on a purse I made my mom would be the most special (she lost him at 20 weeks).

Lezlie

December 31, 2025

The surprise element/feature that I have added is matching fabric, ribbon that I adhere to doll size purchased plastic headbands. I sand them down first and wipe with alcohol so the fabric adheres better with glue gun. The girls love them !

Nancy hartley

December 31, 2025

I love using interesting colors and patterns for linings in coats or jackets

Clarissa

December 31, 2025

Both surprise and fun involved scarves that I knitted to add to swap outfits (made both for my swap partner and myself. Surprise was knitting a scarf long enough to fold over both ends to make pockets so the doll could tuck her hands in for warmth. I then split a two-ply tissue into single ply and cut doll sized tissues to tuck into one of the pockets. The second scarf was fun to knit. I figured out how many tiny pearls would make a nice overall design on the scarf, strung the right number of pearls onto the yarn and knit them in making the design appear as I knit. My dolls still have, and are wearing, their scarves. The one doll still has her tissues.

Barbara Weaver

December 31, 2025

I used a fun fabric as the pocket lining on a nice pair of pants.

Karla Stiverson

December 31, 2025

Decorative stitching to a trim to add to an outfit.

Mary

December 31, 2025

My favorite “surprise element “ that I have added to dresses I made for my little girls is a tiny bell on a ribbon fashioned on the lace of a petticoat under a dress. It is so sweet to hear when they move.

Terry

December 31, 2025

What’s the most fun or surprising detail you’ve ever added to a sewing project?

On jeans and shorts I enjoy adding a special lining and adding stitching on the rear pocket to make them look more like real jeans

LouAnn

December 31, 2025

Besides a little embroidery design & maybe not a surprise, I like to use snaps instead of hook & loop tape. The tape seems to fill up with gunk & won’t stay closed.

Hannah

December 31, 2025

I added one crisp pleat with an interesting button at the top

Jennifer

December 31, 2025

The surprise element I like to use is contrasting binding on the inside seams, like for an unlined jacket. I think that pop of color is fun and unexpected.

Ann

December 31, 2025

Using contrasting ribbon to attach to seams in pants, like joggers, adds just the right amount of flair to make them come alive!

Michele A

December 31, 2025

Not long ago I finished a very cute plaid jacket, only to find the fit a bit too snug to add buttons. Instead I added one larger ornamental clasp to close the jacket. That accent piece looked stunning!

Bridgette Shippy

December 31, 2025

I don’t really add a surprising element to my doll clothes.

Susan

December 31, 2025

I like to add contrast-yet-coordinating fabric…somewhere. I once added a 2 inch border of solid blue so the skirt would be long enough.

Sue

December 31, 2025

I used to sew the costumes for my daughter’s dance studio which utilized every type of fabric (it seemed) except wovens. I don’t enjoy sewing fabrics that shred even looking at them let alone sewing them. My sewing machine does not like micro fleece, it just stops working! I have to turn it off and restart just about every inch sewn.

Krynne

December 31, 2025

Day 7 Prompt: “ What’s the most fun or surprising detail you’ve ever added to a sewing project?"

Not really sure if this qualifies as a “surprise” element, but much of my handmade outfits tend to be made from human sized garments that are no longer usable, but still have enough material and trims to craft something nice for a doll. Strangely enough, this usually means whenever I make any outfit for either my or a family/friend’s doll it’s pretty much “one of a kind”.

Emily

December 31, 2025

I love adding functional pockets to my designs. It’s just a nice extra detail that makes the clothes look more realistic.

Darlene R

December 31, 2025

I have used fun buttons already.

Elin

December 31, 2025

I love to take a white t-shirt and tie dye the fabric with Sharpie pens and rubbing alcohol.
cut the pattern out , tie dye then assemble shirt. Goes well with denim skirts, shorts & pants.

Cheryl

December 31, 2025

Using the machine’s decorative stitches for a hem instead of a straight stitch or zigzag

Madeleine

December 31, 2025

For surprise detail, I addded a print lining to a doll coat and accessorized with a matching
scraf made with the same lining fabric.

Sheila

December 31, 2025

I use unusual and antique buttons all the time.

John Sweeney

December 31, 2025

family crest

Cheryl

December 31, 2025

Using the scalloped edge of a curtain as the edge of a dress.

Nadine

December 31, 2025

A little hand made embroidery is always a special touch!

Brenda

December 31, 2025

I’ve done decorative linings. Those are a fun surprise. I also made a quilt with a backing that has glow in the dark stars. It still surprises me some nights when I turn off the light and the top edge of the quilt has been turned back!

Helen

December 31, 2025

I don’t know if I have ever intentionally added a surprise to a garment. But sometimes something just pops and works. For instance, I did a machine embroidery design for a bodice that just didn’t work. I let the design go off the bodice and like magic, it worked!!!

Trish Glavin

December 31, 2025

“ What’s the most fun or surprising detail you’ve ever added to a sewing project?mailchimp” – I added a pieced bodice to an 18" doll dress.

Danielle Boon

December 31, 2025

I added individually hand sewn beads to the collar of a sweater once

Elaine

December 31, 2025

I’m not real sure that I’ve ever used anything surprising as a dress element. But I have taken old jewelry and made necklaces for dolls as an accessory.

Claudette

December 31, 2025

Tout dépendant du projet pour les vêtements de poupée: ajouté un élément décoratif avec de la brillance (ruban, bouton, tissu) ou de la broderie de perle est toujours un grand intérêt auprès des enfants.

Linda Hamilton

December 31, 2025

I like to use a contrasting hem on a cotton skirt or jumper. You wouldn’t always see it, but when you do, it’s somewhat magical.

Vicki

December 31, 2025

Not sure I have intentionally added an element of surprise to my sewing, but perhaps some unusual buttons.

Judy

December 31, 2025

A surprise lining! I once lined a pink linen, sleeveless, A-line dress with an orange floral print lining!

Sandra Cox

December 31, 2025

I have added a really pretty fabric as lining to a jacket for the Wellie Wisher doll. I got several “WOW” comments about that jacket. Also adding a design on the back pockets of those tiny jeans is also a surprise element that I have used.

Beverley

December 31, 2025

Cotton, my fabric of choice.

Mollie Bradford

December 31, 2025

For surprise details I like to do hand embroidery somewhere. I also sometimes like to do reversible outfits.

Susan Fritz

December 31, 2025

I like to a do a ‘surprise’ logo or accessory for an outfit. A hat with a logo, cute headband, sweater, scarf, or jewelry. Key changes can some times be a source for small dolls. I once found a baseball glove and bat that were perfect for an 8-12" doll or even the Tyler Wentworth size fashion dolls.

Cheri

December 31, 2025

This isn’t the kind of surprise you mean…but I used fabric as my surprise. My son was really close to his grandfather. I made a santa outfit for his daughters 18" doll using his grandads Santa suit.

Janet

December 31, 2025

I like to see with quilting cotton because it’s easy! I tend to avoid knits.

Debbie

December 31, 2025

Day 7 – I made 2 aprons for my great niece’s dolls and embroidered their names on them. She was so surprised.

Karin

December 31, 2025

I add a special tiny embroidered message somewhere. If I know the girl’s name ahead of time, I embroider it on one of the garments that go along with the donated doll – usually I embroider “You Are Loved” or “You Are Special”, along with the name if I know it.

Kitty

December 31, 2025

I add a decorative button as a trim to accent the theme of the outfit.

NancyB

December 31, 2025

One that comes to mind is I used a strip of the decorative selvedge from the quilting cotton fabric on the garment lining. It was a cute little pop!

Kathi M

December 31, 2025

I love adding unexpected elements to my designs. I created an ever after ensemble and then added handmade iridescent wings to finish it off!

JanetO

December 31, 2025

I used pieces from my dad’s old ties and shirts to make little quilted Christmas ornaments.

ElsieS

December 31, 2025

I had made a t-shirt with a soccer uniform and lined the inside of the shirt with stripes so the doll could switch from being a soccer player to a referee. I used snaps so that it could be fastened either way.

LAURIE

December 31, 2025

When I use buttons for closures, I find a one of a kind from my stash of buttons.

Deb F

December 31, 2025

“What’s the most fun or surprising detail you’ve ever added to a sewing project? I made a shirt for my granddaughters AG doll, added the word Love and put a crystal in the “o” of Love. It was super cute.

Deborah

December 31, 2025

Adding pintucks to a project makes the design to me, more finished and beautiful.

Marie

December 31, 2025

Day 7. Most surprising? Hmmm… yet to come… favs are Unique wood buttons, real crystal beads, embroidery…I like to use natural materials whenever possible. On a vinyl /plastic doll. Ha!

Loving reading the responses.

CONSTANCE

December 31, 2025

Surprise design elements that are inspirational are delicate laces and embroidery that just add a touch of wow to a garment. Nothing that overpowers the costume – just enough.

Ruth

December 31, 2025

Surprise: I made my own self fabric lace and it turned out wonderful to add dimension to the doll dress using a stripe after looking for something that would try to March for weeks with a special fabric

CdnCrafter

December 31, 2025

I sewed rickrack to the bottom of a pair of jeans – very retro!

Cora

December 31, 2025

I like making a necklace and earrings for my designs. With formals, I use crystals to make it more special. I have seed beaded Native American dresses as well as moccassins, papoose board and baby doll and breast plates with small tubes.

Cynthia

December 31, 2025

I like to add a small charm to an outfit that fits its theme.

Sarah

December 31, 2025

Day 7. I’m not sure about surprising, but one of the most fun details I’ve ever added was sewing a colorblocked dress. One fabric was a busy black and white print, the other a solid raspberry. When the dress was sewn, I went back and mixed acrylic paint to match the raspberry color, added fabric medium, and filled in select areas of white in the print to match.

Angie Wyatt

December 31, 2025

The most surprising thing sewing I’ve done recently. I took a chicken plush pattern and turned it into a purse. Instead of stuffing I gave it a lining and zipper. Put a couple of D-rings on it to clip a shoulder strap to. Materiel used was canvas for the outside for structure and cotton for the lining. Turned out pretty good for using the pattern for the first time. Plus the person who got it for Christmas loved it. So all the frustration with zipper and d-ring placement was worth it.

Anne

December 31, 2025

I use mini trims such as baby rick rack to add a fun surprise. I keep tiny pieces of trim in a zip lock bag so when I need just a tiny piece I can find it in the bag! Love tiny rick rack and tiny pieces of narrow ribbon – they are always the icing on the cake.

Kimberly Chidsey

December 31, 2025

I love to use all sorts of surprise details. I love adding embroidery, fun buttons, coordinating fabrics, trims. Adding surprises is my favorite thing and always part of the plan.

michelle

December 31, 2025

i made a harry potter outfit for someone ……she wasnt expecting the magic wand and the heat transfered embem on the cape ;)

Tanya Walker

December 31, 2025

I’ve not done this yet but it has been bouncing around in my head for a while. I’m going to put in invisible zippers at the wrist/forearm area. I’ve always disliked the fullness of the wrist area. I know you need it but there are times elastic won’t work and cuffs changes the design of the sleeve. Giving thought to changing the pull with a charm as a piece of jewelry, a faux bracelet. We’ll see how it goes!!

Dorothy

December 31, 2025

The most fun detail I have ever added to a project is embroidery. It gave it that something special.

Marian

December 31, 2025

One of my favorite surprise details is putting an applique of the school mascot or the school letter on the back of the trunks on a cheerleader outfit. It is hidden but the skirt and is always a hit when revealed.

Shirley Camidge

December 31, 2025

I have a couple of jars of old buttons both on cards and loose that I add as brooches on coats or dresses I make for 18 inch dolls that just add that little detail. Exciting to see the final results.

Betty

December 31, 2025

Most surprising detail? I have no idea…I’ll be thinking about it for days…but I have to post now to get my name in the prize drawing

Dorene Zebarth

December 31, 2025

My most fun item added to my sewing was adding small charms to a dress. It transformed a simple dress into a steampunk inspired design.

Marilu B

December 31, 2025

the most fun or surprising detail I’ve ever added to a sewing project was when my granddaughter asked me to add some ribbon all around a dress, and she choose several of different colors like a rainbow (but in different order) and it turned to be really nice and eye catching

Tess

December 31, 2025

Day 7: Surprise
My fun surprise detail is rick-rack. It brings back fond memories of my childhood. The mini-size is perfect for the dolls.

Barbara

December 31, 2025

My favorite surprise in sewing was colorful buttons down the back of a corduroy jumper I made 10 years ago. The front of the jumper is cute with an embroidered turkey for Thanksgiving on the bodice. But when you turn the jumper around – buttons all down the back and they’re all different colors.

Pattij

December 31, 2025

The most surprising item I’ve added to a project is fringe.

Melissa

December 31, 2025

I add a piece of jewelry. Can be in the waist band or the neck or sometimes in the back at the waist
Or in a cuff

Ruth

December 31, 2025

One surprise element I have added is making real pockets and lining them with the same fabric as another piece in the ensemble. My girls have loved finding the pockets and have fun adding something to take with them to play with the cousins.

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December 25, 2025

Recent Articles

The 2026 12 Days Of Christmas Start Now!

🎄 The 15th annual 12 Days of Christmas at Pixie Faire!

Here’s how it works:

✨ Sewing With Cinnamon & Friends 2026 Theme

Design Academy Reimagined: A Year-Long Sewing Masterclass

🎁 12 Day's of Christmas Giveaway

🎁 Day 1

🎁 Day 2

🎁 Day 3

🎁 Day 4

🎁 Day 5

🎁 Day 6

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100 Comments

Lisa G

Christine

Barbara

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Tamara

Sue N

Heidi

Althea

Ruth Ann

Penelope

T

Sharon M

Sandra

Janet F

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Charlotte

Janet

Lyn K

Patti

Linda

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Stephanie A

Lois

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Clarissa

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Karla Stiverson

Mary

Terry

LouAnn

Hannah

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Ann

Michele A

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Susan

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Krynne

Emily

Darlene R

Elin

Cheryl

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John Sweeney

Cheryl

Nadine

Brenda

Helen

Trish Glavin

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Elaine

Claudette

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