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[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 â a season of creativity, generosity, and reflection. This year I wanted to continue to celebrate in a way thatâs meaningful, fun, and deeply connected to what we love most:Â design, sewing, and growing together as makers.

So today, Iâm excited to announce the 15th annual 12 Days of Christmas Celebration, inspired by the 15th anniversary of the Design Academy-12 Principles of Design.
For the next 12 days, weâll be sharing:
âď¸ One Design Academy Principle per day
đĄ A practical Design Tip you can use immediately
đŹ A daily blog comment prompt for you to earn entries in our giveaway
đ A $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card giveaway â 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 thereâs more....
These 12 principles are also the foundation of something very special coming in 2026âŚ

Twelve principles. Twelve months. One unforgettable year of growth.
In 2026, Cinnamon Miles is opening the vault and teaching the Design Academy like never beforeâfifteen years after she first published the landmark series that inspired thousands of sewists worldwide. This is a complete, modernized re-imagining, blending Liberty Janeâs iconic design principles with Sewing With Cinnamonâs 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, thereâs 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 havenât 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 whatâs coming â and a great way to jump back into thinking like a designer and getting the most out of your Pixie Faire pattern collection.
Letâs celebrate creativity, learning, and sewing together this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas,
Cinnamon & Team Pixie Faire
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đ Winner announced 1/6/26!
Today (12/25) we kick things off with Principle #1: Proportion, and your first entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip - Proportion: Scale is invisible when it's right and noticeable when it's wrong!
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt:
Whatâs your best tip for determining scale in relation to the doll you're sewing for?
Today (12/26) we kick things off with Principle #2: Focal Point, and your second entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip - Focal Point: Choose ONE star of the show. Whether itâs a bold fabric, a special embellishment, a unique neckline, or a pop of contrast â one clear focal point will always outperform several competing ones.
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: Whatâs your favorite way to create a focal point â color, embellishment, trim, or fabric choice?
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Today (12/27) we kick things off with Principle #3: Rhythm & Repetition, and your third entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: âWhat do you enjoy repeating most in your sewing â shapes, colors, stitching, or patterns?â
Today (12/28) we kick things off with Principle #4: Harmony & Unity, and your fourth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip:Â
Choose one unifying idea and let it guide every decision.
That unifying idea might be:
If every choice supports the same idea, harmony follows naturally.
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: âWhen you start a project, what helps you keep everything feeling cohesive?â (color, mood, fabric types, themes, etc)
Today (12/29) we kick things off with Principle #5: Color, and your fifth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip:Â
Successful Color Blocking:Â 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
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: âWhat color combination do you find yourself reaching for again and againâand why?"
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Today (12/30) we kick things off with Principle #6: Fabric Matters, and your sixth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip:Â
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?
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: âWhatâs one fabric you love sewing withâand one you tend to avoid?â
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Today (12/31) we kick things off with Principle #7: Fabric Matters, and your seventh entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip:Â
Surprise is what turns a nice design into a memorable one. Itâs 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.
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: â Whatâs the most fun or surprising detail youâve ever added to a sewing project?â
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Today (1/01) we kick things off with Principle #8: Waistlines, and your eighth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip:Â
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 arenât just structuralâtheyâre visual cues.
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: â Do you tend to prefer high, natural, or dropped waistlines in your designs?â
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Today (1/02) we kick things off with Principle #9: Homage, and your eighth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip:Â
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 storyâand itâs one of the most meaningful ways to create!
Isolate one defining element of your inspiration and build from there.
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: âIs there a designer, era, or style that inspires your sewing the most?â
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Today (1/03) we kick things off with Principle #10: Minimalism, and your tenth entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip:Â
Minimalism isnât about making designs boringâitâs about making intentional choices.
When fewer elements compete for attention, the most important ones shine.
Minimalist designs often look confident, modern, and timeless.
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: âDo you lean more toward simple designs or detailed onesâand why?â
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Today (1/04) we kick things off with Principle #11: Distressing & Embellishment, and your eleventh entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip:Â
Todayâs design principle is all about adding depth, texture, and personality. Distressing and embellishment bring a design to lifeâbut only when theyâre intentional.
The goal isnât to add more, but to add meaning.
Well-placed texture can elevate even the simplest design.
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt: âDo you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims?â
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Today (1/05) we kick things off with Principle #12: Sewing Technique, and your final entry for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card.
đĄDesign Tip:Â
Most projects look âhandmadeâ 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
đ To enter: Leave a comment under this blog post. Comment Prompt:
âWhat sewing technique do you most want to improve or master in the coming yearâand why?â
Thank you for being part of this community and for sharing your creativity with me.
Warmly,
Cinnamon
P.S. Donât forget â today is the final day to comment for the $100 Pixie Faire Gift Card drawing!
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What do you enjoy repeating most in your sewing â shapes, colors, stitching, or patterns?â
Color first, then shapes.
I frequently use contrasting fabric â ruffle, belt, peplum, shoes, etc.
If I am repeating in a sewing pattern it is generally in solids, unless a pattern calls for otherwise.
I like repeating trims or color/pattern.
I think repetition of color is key to a polished, intentional-looking design.
âThreeââŚ. Iâll have to ponder this â not something Iâve âbeen aware ofââŚ
I probably repeat color and trim most frequently when I am adding to my nautical themed collections. Ever notice how frequently I use red, white and blue fabrics? Buttons, braids, topstitching, belts, shoes and hats.
Stitching. Whether embroidery or tucked stitch. Itâs an easy, cheap way to embellish a dress without ruining scale.
I have never really thought about it. I usually play with fabrics and embellishments till it looks pleasing to my eyes
I like color. I have a large piece of lavender gingham I found thrifting. I want to incorporate it into many outfits with other purples. (Ruffles on a skirt, part of sleeves, jean pockets, etc.) I see my dolls all dressed, like a new clothing line. I see florals and solids mixed in. I havenât done it yet..but I have a vision.:)
This question has caused me to expand my thinking about design. Until now Iâve never really thought about it except with repeating colors which has to be my favorite, then topstitching. In my future projects I will experiment with other ways to repeat in different ways.
I typically repeat color and shades, but also trims and buttons.
Day 3 I have donât this repeating color or shapes I have to try it next time when I creative my doll clothes
I love using different colors of fabric for the same pattern. Example Faraway dress I bought 3 different fabrics to do the same dress. Each time I do it the more confident I get with the pattern.
repeating colors throughout the project
I really like colour repeats, especially using different tones and gradients.
I have never thought of repeating anything but color beford, except maybe embellishments.
Repeating colors.
I love repeating colors or at least, shades of the main color. I like to have a harmonious continuation in my garments.
Color, but Iâd love to see some visual examples of what others have done.
The repeat I enjoy/use the most is definitely color. I use the same colorways in different elements to make the garment cohesive.
I like to repeat the colors as it brings it all together that way.
How do you choose a favorite? They all have their place. I have used each of those techniques. The one I have probably used the most is stitching.
I like to repeat patterns mostly. I get into holidays sometimes. Iâll only work on say Christmas until Iâm ready to move on.
I love repeating colors and certain patterns
I like making a simple short skirt when I need to relax.
I like to make sure details like topstitching are consistent and even everywhere theyâre used. I also like to use repeated colors in my thread, fabrics, and trim.
I had trouble with this question. I like variety
Color. It has to look complete to my eye.
I enjoy repeating color in outfits
I am all about color, often using different shades of the same color. No matter what I am doing, I always repeat with an odd number. I feel this leads to more harmony. Even if an outfit needs symmetry with the two sides, which most do, I use an odd number on each side.
Iâve never really thought much about what I repeat but I guess it would be trims and buttonsâŚI love both!
It depends on what Iâm making I love using lace and some sparkle or Decorative stitches for accents. Color and patterns also work best on some things.
Day 3 Prompt: âWhat do you enjoy repeating most in your sewing â shapes, colors, stitching, or patterns?â
For me it really depends on the garment. Sometimes itâs the colour that I am happy with repeating across⌠other times itâs an easy to repeat type of stitching or patternwork.
I love pintucks on a bodice and pleats in a skirt. I also like rows of ruffles or stitching or trim at the bottom of a skirt.
Stitching! Iâm thinking tucks or pleatsâŚ
Day 3: I try to do repeating patterns based on fabric choices. I also try to do groupings of 3 buttons, or other decorative pieces! I also stick with the 3 sets by pulling together the outfit with a hat and purseâŚeach item has a similar piece to pull it all together.
It really depends on the project as to what and how I repeat a color, stitch line or design. I remember in my early years of crafting, being told that there should be at least three (or an odd number â but not just one) for balance and that has stuck with me throughout my sewing and crafting life.
I use color and trims, sometimes coordinating fabrics or patterns
Groups of threeâŚ
Stitching! I love making little tucks across the bodice or tucks at the bottom of a skirt. Three is usually the ideal number (per side on top). They look so pretty!
Stitching! I love making little tucks across the bodice or tucks at the bottom of a skirt. Three is usually the ideal number (per side on top). They look so pretty!
I like repeating color. I make many historical doll clothes with pinafores. I pick out a small print for the dress and a coordinating print for the pinafore. I also make the pinafores in a solid color with a decorative stitch that repeats the design in the dress and in a color ties the outfit together.
Thatâs a hard question, and one I have never really thought aboutâŚProbably both color and patterns. If I find a pattern pattern that is fairly simple but easy to modify for other sizes and non-typical dolls like porcelain I will make it in different colors for the same size dolls. And if I find a color combination I really enjoy, particularly in solids, I will alternate coordinating color in one size dolls, and use the same ones on different size dolls. (Itâs also a good way to use up the scraps.)
For rhythm and repetition, I mainly use color.
I use buttons in groups of three usually, with often a separate grouping on a matching hat.
Use different colors and repeat.
I repeat colors. I never thought about the why. Thanks for the tip.
I repeat prints in contrasting or coordinating colors.
Day 3 â I use contrasting color on collars, cuffs, lace, use 3 buttons, bows or embroidery for repetition and rhythm.
I think I use color and stitching most
I enjoy coordinating fabric.
I enjoy repeating the patterns of doll clothes. I will make the same pattern in different fabric prints, change a small variation to the pattern to give the finished product its own uniqueness or pizzazz, or I might add embellishments to the same pattern using the same fabric but changing the embellishments to also give the outfit a uniqueness.
I enjoy repeating with colors.
I like repeating a color and using coordinating fabric. I also enjoying using my embroidery machine to pull out a design from my fabric to tie separate pieces together.
I most often use color.
Patterns.
Iâve never intentionally tried to repeat an element I just do what naturally looks good. Now knowing I would say I usually use color.
Regarding principle #3 â What do you enjoy repeating most in your sewing â shapes, colors, stitching, or patterns â I use all four, depending on what I am ultimately trying to achieve, but I think I use stitching the most. I like to personalize my designs for the young lady I am gifting the doll and wardrobe to, and I usually do that with embroidery.
I like to add a cute machine embroidery to go with my fabric print . I can scale them down to a nice small size to be in proportion to the doll pattern.
I would say the focal point varies with each project. Embellishments and stitching are my favorites.
Day 3: Rhythm & Repetition
I mainly use colors and shapes in my sewing. It is fun to play with both!
You can repeat shapes to make a skirt. Like a triangle or a rectangle. Triangles add flare without to much bulk at the waist band. While rectangles can be pleated or gathered to create a different feel to the garment.
I think I like to repeat shapes. Picking up a shape in the print of the fabric and finding similar shapes in decorative stitching, buttons, or even embroidery helps draw a focus to the garment.
I mainly use color. Although I have used patterns along with color to repeat.
Day 2: Focal Point
I try to choose an embellishment that compliments the color that primarily catches my eye.
I think I probably use color as a repeating pattern mostly, although I must say i havenât thought about it a whole lot. I notice I do tend to repeat color when I am putting an outfit of my own together. But harkening back to the Faraway Downs dress I mentioned yesterday, it is the gathers and ruffles that repeat so sweetly, and I absolutely love layers of ruffles!
I believe I use patterns and colors more for repeating concerning the rhythm to making both doll clothes and quilts.
I would definitely say color, though it might be different shades of the color.
I love repeating the same dress in two sizes for my doll sisiters
When using a patterned fabric, I like to use n element from the fabric design in the embellishments. Ex I made a bucket hat for a doll, using pink flamingo fabric, and then finished it off with a pink flamingo button acting as a pin. I also like to repeat colors throughout an outfit, with embellishments such as bows, ribbons, etc.
I enjoy repeating colours in a pattern to create interest. Iâll often pick up a colour in my print fabric to add cuffs, collar or trim. I also like to choose small patterned fabric so that I can get multiple repeats of the pattern.
âWhat do you enjoy repeating most in your sewing â shapes, colors, stitching, or patterns?â
I like odd numbers for decorating ANYthing. I use 3 all the time ⌠3 of the same colors more than anything though.
I think I enjoy repeating shapes the most. I create historical fashions for ag dolls so,for the most part, the shapes are full and fancy.
I think i use color for my rhythm, repeating it in all the trims and stitching
I like to repeat color when creating an outfit with Pixie Faire patterns. For example, when creating a dress I will choose a multi-colored print and pick out one color to feature in an embellishment, such as ribbon or ric rac. Then I may use tulle in that same color to make a petticoat. And then repeat the color in accessories, such as a coordinating bag, hat or shoes.
Jâaime embellir le modèle
Iâm not sure if it counts as a pattern because it is very scrappy but I enjoy a quilted element and embroidery stitches
I never really think about repetition in my sewing. I just follow the pattern when sewing anything.
I love repeating patterns in my sewing. I love a scallop hem!
I enjoy repeating color the most in my sewing. I will typically use a small print or plaid fabric for my 18â doll outfits, then pull a coordinating or contrasting color from that fabric to repeat on the trims. I mostly use trim on the neck and sleeves, with the 3rd repetition of color choice on the buttons I select.
Iâm currently creating 18â doll reproductions of the clothes depicted in Lois Lenski and Vera Nevilleâs illustrations of Maud Hart Lovelaceâs âBetsy, Tacy, and Tibâ book series. Wherever possible, I use the bookâs written descriptions of the outfits to guide my color and trim choices. But since the dolls are displayed together, I like them to at least coordinate. So one way Iâve done that is repetition of color. For example, I often use the color white. One fabric may be floral with a white background. Another will be plaid with a white stripe running through the plaid. A third will be a solid color, but the trims are white. In this way, each dress has its own look, and the dresses harmonize better when displayed together.
Use a slightly darker shade of thread for topstitching to accent the fabric
I enjoy repeating patterns the most in my creations and hope to incorporate embroidery more into my sewing.
I think I mostly repeat with shape and trims. If I decide to do something like pintucks, then Iâm going to repeat them on the bodice, sleeve, and hem. Iâll follow up with other delicate line trims and thin ribbons, etc.
I enjoy using an embroidery design to make my ownr ribbon lace and repeating throughout all hems : sleeves, collar, top and bottom hems especially when I canât find a trim to go with it
As most everyone has said I like to use color as in a contrasting color or a color in a print.
Fabric selections in solids, prints or combination, topped off with embellishments that either compliment or contrast for a wonderful finish Eye candy
I use color as a way to use repetition, keeping the same scheme throughout the outfit.
âWhat do you enjoy repeating most in your sewing â shapes, colors, stitching, or patterns?â I enjoy repeating colours and stitching or other embellishments. Repetition of elements helps to give cohesion to the garment.
I agree that repeating an element makes it look intentional. If I am going to topstich something, I decide ahead time all the places on the outfit where topstiching would be appropriate. Same goes for tucks, some types of trims and adding accent fabrics.
Color, either singular, complimentary or contrasting..
I agree with many others, color is the element I repeat in my outfits.
Jâaime utiliser le mĂŞme motif en variant les tissus , et aussi ajouter de la dentelle ou du galon aux manches, col ou robe pour crĂŠer un nouveau look !
I like to repeat color â using it as accent â usually matching accents.
I like using the same pattern but changing up with different fabrics to make a new look!
I like using a little lace ai neck, shoulders, sleeves, waist or hem- not all areas but 3 is good
I think the things I enjoy repeating the most in a garment are color and stitching.
Ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles. Can be on a skirt, dress, sleeves, hat. Maybe only on the front or only on the back, may down the sides, as an insert.
I would say color is my rhythm in sewing. It is interesting to think of shapes and stitches.
Leeanne McLean
December 27, 2025
My preference is stitching: topstitching, pin tucking, and machine embroidery.