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

Linda

December 28, 2025

I use color and fabric that matches the pattern type.

Linda

December 28, 2025

I use color and fabric that matches the pattern type.

Anne Cox-Espenlaub

December 28, 2025

When I do I project I start out by planning out the whole thing so there are several+Factors that keep it cohesive .Color is a base but line and flow of the finished garment are equally important.

Lori Neilson

December 28, 2025

What keeps my projects together is theme – usually historical patterns.

Kim

December 28, 2025

I look at the colors and the textures of the fabrics to carry out the theme I want to follow

Pam

December 28, 2025

I put everything together before I start and see if it looks the way I want it. I might try different types of trims or different color combinations to find what looks best together.

Janet

December 28, 2025

I like to have unifying theme or mood for my projects. Whether it be a time period or a feeling.

Madison

December 28, 2025

Day 4 when starting a project, what keeps things cohesive is sketching things out before hand. I like to sketch and color in a small drawing of the outfit I’m going to make so I know what I am going to be using for everything so I can visualize it before starting and make any changes to it before cutting any fabric.

Madison

December 28, 2025

Day 3 the thing i like to repeat most in my sewing is sewing patterns. If I find a pattern I really love the look of, I’ll make a few repeats of it using different fabric or colors

Marian

December 28, 2025

I am quite certain that I have used every possible style possible to make garments or outfits unified. Of course, color is a major choice although it doesn’t need to monochromatic to be effective. I like to use adjacent colors schemes as a unifiying method. I have utilized mood as well. I always find it fun to use the same type of fabrics, i.e. corduroy of something uncommon as a unifyier.

Linda

December 28, 2025

Color and mood

Leenie

December 28, 2025

Love to put trims on doll clothes in the form of lace or ricrac.

Melissa

December 28, 2025

I like to use color

Lora

December 28, 2025

I go with the mood of the project. What is the project trying to tell me. Then comes the colors, sometimes even an embellishment comes out first and I work on trying to bring out and emphasis the embellishment. The “mood” of the piece is usually always the starting point.

Frances

December 28, 2025

Theme and color

Heather

December 28, 2025

Sorry my first comment didn’t say how I select something by my eye. It’s unity. The colors must match and have unity. They can’t clash. They have to go together. Have a flow so to speak. Like maybe all be pastels or in the same color family. In other words , something I would wear. :)

Heather

December 28, 2025

Heather

December 28, 2025

I use my eye. Does it look pleasant to me? Does the combination please me? Would I wear it?

Glenda

December 28, 2025

Color is my first consideration. And I try to let the type of outfit be emphasized by color as well. For example, I might choose yellows and accents of green and then let those help tell the story of a spring outfit.

Kitty

December 28, 2025

I pick a fabric I want to use and then match the fabric to a pattern I think matches the mood of the fabric the best. It might be summery, playful, serious, wintery, etc. Once I have a fabric and pattern it’s all about matching the fabric color for embellishments for the outfit and the choice of shoes.

Janet F

December 28, 2025

Cohesion is typically determined by my color choices. Sometimes though, like when creating a full outfit, the theme creates the cohesive feel

Julie

December 28, 2025

I love to create complete outfits. So, I start by finding the fabric that I like best, then I go to my shoe storage to make sure I have the correct shoes. I check to be sure I have the correct socks that will tie the outfit together. If need be, I will make a dainty little necklace for the outfit. I want everything to compliment each of the other parts!

LouAnn

December 28, 2025

I like theme. Being like sporty, classy, college, sleepwear etc.

Jamie Cabral

December 28, 2025

If I am making a historical outfit, I usually research the type and pattern of the fabrics used during that era. I love the 30’s fabrics- the feedsack prints are usually small and work perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll find a fabric and then I decide what to make out of it.

Mandona Wilson

December 28, 2025

Right now I’m working on a steampunk outfit for a Smart Doll. With a theme “steampunk” and color palette, brown and red with black accents, in mind, everything else is easy to decide. It narrows down the choices very much!

Renee Finney

December 28, 2025

When I see a pattern of the garment that I want to make I start thinking about the color pallet I want to use then I look at whether or not I want to use a contrasting print or solid then I look at what embellishments I want to use, like the buttons or trims. Sometimes I will pick the fabric I want to use around the buttons I want to use.

Susan Smart

December 28, 2025

I start with the idea for an outfit. Say an historical outfit. I check for appropriate colors and the closest fabrics to what would have been used. This isn’t always exactly accurate as many historical fabrics are too heavy for doll wear. And there usually many items to make up a look, so I’m busy for a while.

Cheryl B.

December 28, 2025

I think I am more successful with my projects when I have a theme or story to start with. Then, I try to imagine what colors, fabrics, accessories and patterns would be appropriate for the time. I love to have something at the end that is soaked in color and texture and that begins with shopping (yay!) and having almost 100% of required materials together before I start.

Dorothy

December 28, 2025

I rely on the fabric color the most because it defines a period, an activity, or the reason for the clothing. Then I choose the pattern. Both together dictates the outfit.

Laura

December 28, 2025

My mood sets the theme for the new outfit

Brenda

December 28, 2025

Color is the main way I keep things cohesive. It helps to keep the whole outfit in mind — I am guilty of just sewing a cute little top, and then not having a pair of pants or a skirt to match, for instance! I also focus on print scale for doll clothes. I feel like it is really distracting when you see a print that is too big on such a small garment. That is not a cohesive look, even if the colors work.

Sue

December 28, 2025

If my theme is historical then I try to harmonize my fabric choice to that era and make sure my trims aren’t wildly out of timeline.

Heather Haw

December 28, 2025

I like to go with for a outfit, dancing , picnicking and go with the mood and the colours of fabric

Ellen

December 28, 2025

I rely on color the most because I think it defines a period, an activity, or the reason for the clothing.

Ann

December 28, 2025

“When you start a project, what helps you keep everything feeling cohesive (color, mood, fabrics, theme, etc)?” Colour, definitely! For example, when two colours in the same family don’t work together ( for example, green) I find that adding more greens (say 3, 5 or 7—an odd number) gives a coherent look. I use this idea a lot in my everyday life.

Crystal

December 28, 2025

When I start a project, the fabric type available in my extensive stash helps me keep everything feeling cohesive. I buy almost exclusively 100% cotton fabrics, since I also like to do other types of fabric crafting so I have a wide variety of colors, designs, and themes to pick from.

Sharon (Sandy)

December 28, 2025

For me first comes the pattern (historical vs beach wear), then comes fabric selection to compliment the pattern. Then comes the selection accent colors, trims, etc. to tie the garment together.

kathy m

December 28, 2025

theme = era or playful outfit , fancy dress , or maybe a new summer outfit check my pattern choose one , find the fabric and make it

Barb

December 28, 2025

I like to make mix and match wardrobes for 18" dolls. Several tops, cardigan, pants, leggings, capris, short skirt, long skirt. I start with a print that has several colors in it. I try to find other fabrics that have those colors. I rarely buy fabric, since I sew for friends and charities. I use what I have in my stash of scraps my quilt friends give me.

sheila

December 28, 2025

generally I use theme.

Deborah P

December 28, 2025

When I start a project, color always keeps everything feeling cohesive but that is just a given. I don’t necessarily think of color as the unity keeping an outfit cohesive. When planning an outfit, a mood (playful, classic, modern, historic) is usually where I focus the unity & cohesiveness.

Theresa

December 28, 2025

I usually try to pick everything I want in a project as I get started because, LOL, I run out of time to finish if I debate too much with myself.

Ginger Dykes

December 28, 2025

Day 4: Harmony and unity
I seem to have the best success in unifying my projects by utilizing colori. It is so easy to harmonize with lighter or darker shades of colors, or with pastels or brights. Next for me would be fabric types.

Dotti G.

December 28, 2025

I usually have a style in mind, then I choose the fabric and let everything else, buttons, trims, etc. follow.

Leslie Jo Gatti

December 28, 2025

I have trouble choosing coordinating fabric in a way that actually works. So I usually use top stitching to unify a look. This is an area I clearly need to work on.

Charissa Deuser

December 28, 2025

Keeping all the ideas fabric, pictures, sketches, etc. in front of me. I have baskets and a bulletin board on the wall above my sewing machine and cutting board.

Penny Byrd

December 28, 2025

I love your Daily Principles

Laura

December 28, 2025

Pick a pattern and then color and fabric.

Heidi

December 28, 2025

Color is my main unifier.

Linda M.

December 28, 2025

The fabric pattern and the color have to just jump our to me and say pick me!

Tanya Walker

December 28, 2025

I tend to use colors starting with the main fabric putting other fabrics with that main color in it. But many times I again tend to use my embroidery machine to see a design with colors similar to the main fabric, but I have embroidered a stand-alone lace or trim pattern using the same embroidery thread colors or maybe dazzling threads and make my own trim/lace.

Marti

December 28, 2025

i think mood guides me. Sometimes that mood is set by the fabric (I like a lot of vintage linens etc) or the mood of the pattern. From there, ideas begin to flow.

Ruth Ann

December 28, 2025

I usually choose a theme first — holiday, beach, school for example. Then look for fabrics, patterns and colors to go along with the theme.

Cheryl S

December 28, 2025

I seek harmony through color, texture and size proportions of objects within a print and with trims.

Cynthia W

December 28, 2025

I actually use bright contrasting colors as a unifying concept. This is how I dress, so, it is how I sew.

Mae Lynn Beck

December 28, 2025

I guess mood is the unifying factor. If the mood is party dress then that guides the fabric, pattern and accessories.

Kat

December 28, 2025

I get the best cohesion if I can get all of my supplies together.Before I start, including shoes or the items to make shoes.

Ernestine Jones

December 28, 2025

I start with pattern then imagine what the best color would do for ot.

Laurie

December 28, 2025

Fabric is key!

Sue D

December 28, 2025

I like to use a theme and color to keep things cohesive.

Karen

December 28, 2025

Most of the time It is color, but can very from one project to the next.

Cindy

December 28, 2025

I start with the pattern and determine color and the trim to find harmony with the item I am making.

Julie C

December 28, 2025

To keep a project cohesive, I think about fabric types.

Lorraine

December 28, 2025

It all starts with the fabric for me

Lyn K

December 28, 2025

For me I like to visualize a complete outfit, Making shoes , apron, purse or hat to complete the look. Fun to play with when accessories are added.

Hannah

December 28, 2025

I usually use color, but if I see a great fabric pattern in different but coordinating colors, it really makes a fun outfit

Julie P.

December 28, 2025

Again, I like to visit quilt shops for my doll clothes. They have coordinated fabrics in the small scale that work perfectly together. Whether it be a repeat of color or interesting shape, I’m sure yo find what I’m looking for in harmony and continuity.

Laura M

December 28, 2025

Day 4 Harmony and Unity – it really depends on the project on what way I unify it. Sometimes it’s a color theme (this past year I did several outfits in pink/yellow/orange theme), sometimes it’s a mood, sometimes it’s just fabric choices which actually determine all the other ways of unifying.

Jennifer

December 28, 2025

I’d start with the print and then choose coordinating fabric with similar color scheme.

Laura M

December 28, 2025

Day 3 Rhythm and Repetition – color choices and stitching.

Janice

December 28, 2025

For me, everything feels cohesive when the colors are right-shades of the same color or minor colors support the main color.

Laura M

December 28, 2025

Day 2 Focal Point – I tend to use fabric choice and/or pattern design.

Laura M

December 28, 2025

Day 1 Proportion – I look at a 6" square of the fabric to see how the print looks.

Sherry

December 28, 2025

For me, I believe color and theme brings most outfits together. It can be the same color shades or possibly contrasting colors, but color and prints are my first go-to.

Barb

December 28, 2025

I usually pick a fabric for a particular pattern, then go for the embellishments, I see way too many pictures that make an entire outfit out of one fabric with no contrasting fabric, trims, accessories or buttons.

Nancy S.

December 28, 2025

I use color, like many posters, to keep my projects cohesive. However, I’m never opposed to had a striking contrast color to a project!

Beverley

December 28, 2025

A color story, then mood.

Emily

December 28, 2025

I always let the fabric “speak” to me and tell me what it wants to be. The fabric print, color, and type all factor in to how I’m going to use it. Everything else kind of falls into place one you pick the right pattern for the right fabric.

Liza

December 28, 2025

Reading all of the steps/instructions ahead of starting a project gets me off to a good start.

Julia Christman

December 28, 2025

Okay, so don’t lock me up…
I decide which doll I am going to so for, and let the inspiration of what to sew come from them. I usually have a fabric in mind, but if the doll doesn’t agree, we move on to a different fabric or design.

Sharon M

December 28, 2025

I appreciate various design themes that add character and personality to a project, such as festive Christmas motifs with their warm, traditional elements or glamorous black and bling styles that exude sophistication and sparkle. These design approaches can transform an ordinary space or item into something visually striking and memorable, whether through seasonal charm or luxurious aesthetic appeal.

Ruth

December 28, 2025

I like to bring a project together with color, patterns and a theme I might be working on

Debra Miller

December 28, 2025

My color story guides me through every step. I pick my colors at the beginning of my project and stay true to them. I find if I begin looking outward at new colors, I am not a happy camper at the end of my project. I

Mary

December 28, 2025

Color, more often that not. Not exactly the same colors – could be harmonizing or contrasting in some way.

Leslie

December 28, 2025

For me, its about color, texture, and joy! I sew for girls and I want them to be delighted!

Allegra

December 28, 2025

I guess theme. I love the historical AG dolls the most, grew up with them in the 90s…well at least the books lol. I never had an actual doll until I was 30…bought Samantha for my birthday. I specifically got a 90s one…so it would be like I had gotten her back in the day…I love her so much lol.

Leslie

December 28, 2025

For me, its about color, texture, and joy! I sew for girls and I want them to be delighted!

geri

December 28, 2025

The color and print of the fabric.

Trish Glavin

December 28, 2025

What’s your favorite way to create a focal point — color, embellishment, trim, or fabric choice? I misunderstood the question! I create a focal point w/ sets of three – three buttons or a flower w/ three leaves and color/the print – if I’m using stripes, I’ll use horizontal stripes on the bodice and vertical stripes on the skirt or I’ll mix prints/colors in an unexpected way.

NancyB

December 28, 2025

Depends on whether I am trying to work with a particular fabric that I just had to have, with no project in mind, or working on a theme. I usually audition several options of design, or theme if I don’t have something specific in mind.

Julia

December 28, 2025

Color first, then Fabric, then Theme. Collectively it determines Mood for me.

Trish Glavin

December 28, 2025

“When you start a project, what helps you keep everything feeling cohesive?” (color, mood, fabric types, themes, etc.) – The time period of the pattern is my starting point. For me, if it’s a period inspired outfit like a 19th century prairie style dress/pinafore/bonnet, the fabric (cotton) has to have an authentic feel/color/print to the time period (a calico print, ticking stripes, patchwork), it has to be something a young girl might have worn on a regular basis (based on my research and visuals from pioneer museums), and colors that might have been available in the general store (I avoid colors that scream modern/contemporary). I look for fabrics based off what the pattern needs to make the outfit work.

Krynne

December 28, 2025

Day 4 Prompt: “When you start a project, what helps you keep everything feeling cohesive?” (color, mood, fabric types, themes, etc)

I find I’m usually starting with the theme first, be it medieval, modern, casual, etc. Then I gradually move onto a combined fabric & colour choice to make sure it matches well with my chosen theme.

Trish Glavin

December 28, 2025

“What do you enjoy repeating most in your sewing — shapes, colors, stitching, or patterns?” I will repeat using a pattern for ease of production sewing. Especially a dress with straight lines and easy construction. I will also repeat colors for these patterns in order to not have to change the thread and bobbin. But after sewing 2-4 of the same pattern/color, I get bored and switch to another pattern/design. I currently swing between 1960s/1970s mod/groovy outfits to Little House on the Prairie style dresses/pinafores/bonnets.

Trish Glavin

December 28, 2025

What’s your favorite way to create a focal point — color, embellishment, trim, or fabric choice? My favorite way to create a focal point is fabric choice and color. If I’m sewing a vintage 1960s mod style dress, the fabric and its color have to shout 1960s at me: houndstooth checks in black/white, an olive green w/ wild circles; an orange with yellow daisies printed allover; a wild geometric print in purples/lime greens on white; spiraling circles in bright yellow and orange on pink; orange/yellow/white/pink plaid. The mod dresses I sew frequently have Peter Pan collars; I try to use a contrasting fabric to whatever print I’ve used for the dress to continue the mod vibe. Trims/embellishments come last.

Linda Linzey

December 28, 2025

I use color to keep things looking cohesive.

Barbara

December 28, 2025

I like to lay everything together, the fabric, trim, buttons, etc to see if it has the right feel. I also like to draw pictures of my ideas and color them in with colored pencil. This helps me decide if I need to make any changes in my plan.

Kimberly Chidsey

December 28, 2025

I usually have a preset vision in my mind of what I want to do. Then, I pull the fabrics and compare them to what I want to make.

Dorothy Le

December 28, 2025

If I’m sewing a period piece, I believe the trim enhances the era. Otherwise the fabric maybe the theme and the trims enhance the fabric

Deanna

December 28, 2025

Choosing complimentary colors and fabrics

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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

🎁 Day 7

🎁 Day 8

🎁 Day 9

🎁 Day 10

🎁 Day 11

🎁 Day 12

100 Comments

Linda

Linda

Anne Cox-Espenlaub

Lori Neilson

Kim

Pam

Janet

Madison

Madison

Marian

Linda

Leenie

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Heather

Heather

Glenda

Kitty

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Heather Haw

Ellen

Ann

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kathy m

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Mae Lynn Beck

Kat

Ernestine Jones

Laurie