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

NancyB

January 05, 2026

I would like to tackle the fancy dresses I planned, using sequin fabric. I would like to improve on working with sequin fabric for small items.

Virginia Goodwin-Gray

January 05, 2026

This year I want to master heirloom sewing techniques on my new sewing machine. Her name is Mary Frances and she has a bad habit of eating my fine fabrics and laces. We’re going to have to work this out fairly quickly as I have things to do.

Thresea

January 05, 2026

Technique? Time is my biggest challenge. I can’t seem to find the time to sew.

Thresea

January 05, 2026

Technique? Time is my biggest challenge. I can’t seem to find the time to sew.

Karyn

January 05, 2026

These are the sewing “laws” my mother taught me when I learned to sew in my teens. One I would add: MATCH PLAIDS AND STRIPES!! Nothing — and I mean NOTHING — looks as tacky as badly matched stripes or plaids. It is make-or-break: Make a masterpiece, or break your reputation as a creator.

Lorraine

January 05, 2026

Sheers, straight seams, invisible zippers and using my serger more.. I always tell myself that I can do better even though I have sewn since I was a girl

Cora

January 05, 2026

I would like to work on millinery skills.

Jane Parks

January 05, 2026

I want to improve my top stitching by learning to use several of the speciality feet for my sewing machine. Stitching with the regular foot doesn’t produce the professional finish I want. My top stitching
ends up wonky.

Mary-Sarah

January 05, 2026

I’d like to do more with my embroidery machine. I’ve mostly done free motion applique work, but would like to be better with pre-set & purchased designs, as well as using decorative stitch functions more. Scalloped edges can be so cute on doll dresses and I’d like to be really good at doing them.

Gigi

January 05, 2026

I would like to learn to sew with delicate fabrics such as chiffon.

Sherry

January 05, 2026

I’d like to finish making the Galactic Pilot outfit I started last year. The foam helmet techniques are new to me.

Marian

January 05, 2026

After 60 years of sewing, I am uncertain as to what I would want to work on. I concur that all of the items listed in the introduction to today’s comment prompt were valid things to address. I want to continue to explore the usage of some of my “antique” attachments which actually fit my favorite machine. Many of them do things we do not commonly include in our current repertoire of “sewing” I hope everyone discovers the joy I feel when I am designing and sewing.

Nadine

January 05, 2026

I have been working this past year on seams & their finishes. My consistency has gotten pretty good, Now I’m working on finishes that look good. I used to say that looked “professional”. But, many of the commercial doll clothes I’ve looked at have horrible looking seams. LOL I sew for a charity. Last year I literally made hundreds of outfits. I want them to look good AND to last. The dolls & their wardrobes are given to kids in foster care and to kids being served by agencies that help children deal with a variety of trauma. I don’t want the dolls clothes to ever cause more trauma.
thanks for the 12 days. Have a great new year.

Stephanie A

January 05, 2026

Sheer fabric and learning to do a rolled hem. Because it’s a skill I don’t have a great grasp.

Lynn Gallager-Vallejo

January 05, 2026

I am always trying to improve my gathering techniques! Meanwhile, I am a staunch advocate of handsewn hems! I think nothing screams tacky more than a line of machine stitching on an otherwise beautiful dress!

Ruth

January 05, 2026

I will love to learn to work with stretchy fabrics.

June

January 05, 2026

I would love to learn how to sew on chiffon, and other sheer fabric. That’s just something I’ve never been able to do to satisfy me.

Laura M

January 05, 2026

Day 12 New Techniques to Learn/Master – I want to master bag/purse making skills, including working with unique fabrics like cork and vinyl, using the hardware, mastering zipper techniques used in purse making.

Linda Leigh

January 05, 2026

I need to work on balancing my time equally between quilting for others and sewing doll clothes for myself. Also need to work on sewing with sheer fabrics.

Barbara

January 05, 2026

I want to master zippers and sewing with knits.

Marla

January 05, 2026

I want to learn to do machine embroidery!

Tammy

January 05, 2026

I want to master using my serger on knits. All the various settings can be overwhelming! That’s after I get it threaded properly.

Marie

January 05, 2026

Day 12.

Would like to learn/practice more hand sewing techniques , advanced embroidery to elevate an oufit, adjusting patterns to fit better or fit another doll size.

Patti

January 05, 2026

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

I have an embroidery machine and seem to only use it for ITH projects. I would like to improve the use of the machine and master embroidery because I see so many outfits embellished with embroidery and wish I could do that as well. I am not good at centering the pattern on an outfit (although I’m sure the pattern is embroidered on a larger piece of fabric then the pattern is cut from that piece) but either way, I have difficulty centering the pattern. I also have difficulty re-sizing a pattern to make it smaller. No matter what I do, the stitches appear scrunched and unsightly.

Sharon

January 05, 2026

Working with embroidery.

Darlene

January 05, 2026

I would like to work on having the time to work uninterrupted. Sounds crazy and easy but just when I want t sit and relax and sew someone needs my attention!

Sandra

January 05, 2026

I would love to be able to use my overlocker for more that just covering seams

Jen L

January 05, 2026

I would like to make a couple of ballet skirts that I have already cut out. So I’d like to improve working with some tulle and organza.

Cindy

January 05, 2026

I want to improve the adding of embelishments to my projects. The seams always seem to be just a little off on them. Plus getting better at sewing small items and making sure that the seams are accurate.

Nancy S.

January 05, 2026

I want to get better at pleating this year. It seems to take me too long to figure out getting my pleats right (when they’re not already marked) or sometimes the marked pleats don’t fit the piece they’re being sewn too, so I have to refigure!

Sharon M

January 05, 2026

Everything, I’m just a beginner and I’d like to get more experience

Ann

January 05, 2026

To make sure the “inside” of the garment looks as good as the outside. My mother always said, “You should be as happy to wear your garment inside out. Your inside stitching should be as clean as the outside stitching!”

Marsha

January 05, 2026

I want to improve on sewing with stretchy fabrics.

Ruth

January 05, 2026

I would love for my sewing machine to not bunch up beginning threads on all sewing especially lightweight fabrics, knits and fine fabrics

Barbara

January 05, 2026

The technique that I would most like to improve on is buttonholes. This is what I struggled with last year, so this is the time to improve. Not only for that adorable LJ Jean Jacket, but I would like to use them on dresses and other designs. Hook and loop is great, but sometimes want a more professional look. I can’t wait for this year to SEW WITH CINNAMON. Thank you Team Pixie Faire!

GwenS

January 05, 2026

I want to improve sewing sleeves on. I have trouble with the curves. I stitch it on and find that the material must have slipped on the back side, causing holes. I then have to turn it over and stitch it again from the other side. I’m not sure where I go wrong but it’s frustrating.

Maureen MacLean

January 05, 2026

Finishing curved edges when only doing 1/2 inch seams

Sarah

January 05, 2026

This year i need to get better at finishing my seams. Usually I don’t bother and things are very messy inside

Debbie

January 05, 2026

Day 12 – I would like to do a better job sewing knit fabrics – the first couple of stitches always bunch up and sometimes makes a hole.

Florence

January 05, 2026

I want to improve my machine embroidery skills and use some of the tiny patterns in doll clothes

Lyn K

January 05, 2026

Skill I would like to master is the vent at the back of a jacket. Can’t seem to get the angle correct or secured properly for a nice clean flat finish.

Dorothy

January 05, 2026

I would like to master the technique of sewing hems, because that is my weakness.

Tamie

January 05, 2026

I would like to learn how to take a picture of a garment and adapt it to whatever size doll I’m sewing for. Also the tiny finishing touches so important for making garments look professional.

Hannah

January 05, 2026

This year I would like to improve on gathers. No mater how long I take and how even it looks before sewing them, they always look uneven after sewing them.

Sue D

January 05, 2026

I would like to improve my accuracy in sewing and try different fabrics than cotton.

Sharron Wofsy

January 05, 2026

Day 12- The finishes and making look neat and professional and crisp is what i struggle with the most as I am usually pressed for time when I sew and just need to get it finished in a hurry and on the doll. I also need to work more on the hems for fine fabrics.

Deb F

January 05, 2026

“What sewing technique do you most want to improve or master in the coming year—and why?”
I would LOVE to figure out how to start sewing without the little birds nest under the 1st stitch. I dislike how the 1st stitch always looks messy on the bottom :{

Christine

January 05, 2026

I would like to start serging seams on doll clothes, but I’m not sure how it will work. They are so tiny.

Jenny S

January 05, 2026

I’d most like to improve my topstitching and final details. Sometimes I get rushed at the very end of a project, so I need to focus all the way to the last stitch!

Ellen

January 05, 2026

I look forward to this year and exploring these principles from the Design Academy. Sewing techniques is what I am most looking forward to as it is difficult for me to work with such small pieces with big fingers. I especially need help with seams and top stitching. Thank you, Cinnamon and Team Pixies. This was a great “12 Days”. and it will be a great year!

Sharron Wofsy

January 05, 2026

Day 11 – I find the trims and finishing details the most fun part of sewing in general, and certainly for the doll clothes I make now. Laying out several different options to decide on the one that stands out the most with the dress or outfit or fabric being used is a lot of fun to see what works best.

Kathy m

January 05, 2026

Mastering my technique making buttonholes and zippers. More professional finishing of seams and i do have a serger but it not used collecting dust buddies i used my sewing machine zig stitch

Sharron Wofsy

January 05, 2026

I missed a couple of days. Day 10-I lean more toward simple embellishments a lot because of time to finish off a garment but it depends on what the garment dictates.

Dotti G

January 05, 2026

I would like to improve on my seam finishing – possibly by learning to use my serger.

Barbara W

January 05, 2026

This year I need to practice! The past couple of years have made sewing difficult due to health issues.
I do want to share something I learned a number of years ago from a tailor. In putting in a zipper, count the stitches on either side as you sew up the sides of the zipper. The goal is to have the zipper accurately centered. That kind of detail makes your garment look more professional.

Krynne

January 05, 2026

Day 12 Prompt: “What sewing technique do you most want to improve or master in the coming year—and why?”

I’d like to learn about more hand sewing stitching ideas: to help smooth out the seams, to make my necklines less bulky, and add in trims without them sticking out the wrong ways. I basically just want to be able to make things look less like a badly sewn Frankenstein monster, and more like the beautiful garment I want it to be.

Julie Vasbinder

January 05, 2026

Ths year I hope to master the invisible zipper insertion. I have a special presser foot for this, I need to practice. I also intend to learn better smocking and pintucks techniques, For interesting top stitching and designs, I have double eye and triple eye needles I have been practicing with. I also have a flower stitch presser foot to experiment with. It’s going to be a great sewing year!

Pattij

January 05, 2026

I need to work on my buttonholes for sure!

Karin

January 05, 2026

I would like to get better at adapting patterns for different size dolls. Since all of my dolls and their wardrobes are donated, I find that I need to look for different size dolls since the 18" ones are getting so much more expensive.

Emily

January 05, 2026

Ruffling/gathering! I have improved a lot since I started, but I still have a ways to go. It can be so tedious, and I hope I can get better and faster at it so I don’t dread it so much, because all the cutest patterns have at least some gathering.

Janet

January 05, 2026

I need to work on my buttonholes and zippers. I’m always worried about ruining a garment with buttonholes after I’ve spent so long making it and I avoid zippers for the same reason.

Cynthia

January 05, 2026

I would like to learn how to make and/or use piping on doll clothes.

Marcy Mahle

January 05, 2026

I would love to learn how to do smocking on dolls clothing and applique. Looking forward to this years Sewing with Cinnamon.

Rita

January 05, 2026

I want to learn to put in zippers that are covered with only one lap, one side of the fabric.

Kitty

January 05, 2026

I want to learn to put Kam snaps on my creations and also learn to sew with slippery fabrics. Sewing the tiny snaps on takes time that I could use to start my next project.

Ruth

January 05, 2026

I would like to master tiny piping to use more often on doll suit jackets and dresses.

Sue N

January 05, 2026

Techniques I’ve yet to master: sewing invisible zippers, aligning buttonholes, & setting eyelets.

Ava S.

January 05, 2026

I would love to learn how to do machine embroidery in 2026, and also improve my pattern drafting skills!

Gail

January 05, 2026

I would like to learn to use the decorative stitches on my sewing machine in 2026.

Kathi

January 05, 2026

I would love to master buttonholes both by hand and machine.

Tamara

January 05, 2026

I would like to have less fear of zippers and buttonholes. My finished garments look fine, but I always match my buttonhole thread to the fabric to make it less noticeable and it might be fun to not be afraid of making a mistake and adding some fun contrast

Joyce Jesko

January 05, 2026

I always have and still do have a problem making pants

Joyce Jesko

January 05, 2026

I always have and still do have a problem making pants

Holly

January 05, 2026

Since my relationship with sewing machines remains fraught at best (give me 10 minutes and it’s out of tension or jammed inside, even if a pro set it up for me), I need to continue to refine my hand sewing skills. They’re fairly good but buttonholes and neat gathers are still tricky

Maggie

January 05, 2026

I think I need to slow down to be more accurate with cutting out so my seam allowances are more accurate, which means everything else falls into place more easily.

Sandra

January 05, 2026

I would like to improve small button holes

Kimberly Chidsey

January 05, 2026

I still want to master zippers and buttonholes

feriba

January 05, 2026

I would love to perfect my tiny buttonholes , they always look awful

Sonja

January 05, 2026

I need to work on neater seams. Buttonholes are hard for me and will practice this year for them to look more professional.

Cheryl

January 05, 2026

This year, I want to master sewing zippers that are even on both sides, especially on padded projects.

Elizabeth

January 05, 2026

clean finishes are vital – nothing for little doll hands and feet to get caught up on. Example is a hem finish I often use – turn hem allowance to right side then cover area with ribbon or lace – underside is smooth. Can do this on sleeves as well.

Vicki

January 05, 2026

I want to master the sewing of knit fabrics…because of what I have read, I am scared to try! I will knit something before sewing stretchy fabric…

Mary

January 05, 2026

Apparently, my most serious problem is seam allowance. For some designers, I need to add at least an 1/8th to1/4 inch before I cut. I have been working on the darling “Tropical Illusion “ quilt, for a second time, because the first one was a complete failure! 5/8th seam allowance is very forgiving, not 1/4”.

Linda

January 05, 2026

I need to increase my accuracy of seam allowances. This will be my goal for the year.

Kelly E

January 05, 2026

I would love to improve my bias binding skills especially narrow binding on doll clothes. Also, l would love to get more comfortable using different sewing machine “trim specialty presser feet” to apply lace, bias, beading etc.

Heidi

January 05, 2026

Hemming delicate fabrics that fray easily.

Claudette

January 05, 2026

Technique de couture: couture de velcro, modification des manches. Aussi intégrer plus de points de fantaisie aux vêtements que je retrouve sur ma machine à coudre.

Janet

January 05, 2026

Buttonholes and other garment closures.

Dona Wilson

January 05, 2026

I need to work on getting my linings to lay smoothly. I think that means that my seam allowances aren’t consistent, but I’m not sure of that. Also, buttonholes still scare me to death. After putting in so much work on a tiny outfit, I hate the risk of buttonholes and ususally end up using snaps.

Bettie

January 05, 2026

Day 12
“What sewing technique do you most want to improve or master in the coming year—and why?”

I would like to improve when applying buttons, and closures. they end up being bulky and ugly on the inside of the outfit. I would also like to improve on using my serger machine when sewing doll outfits for a cleaner seems, etc.

Elin

January 05, 2026

I need to improve on using small sizes of velcro, such as jeans and shorts, Small pieces of velcro are harder to make look right. I make doll clothes for younger girls so velcro use is important!

Amy

January 05, 2026

I’m not sure if this still counts, but since I combined my Day 1 & Day 2 comments, I’m going to jump back on and add a separate Dy 1 comment just in case it’ll count!
Day 1 – Proportion
My best tip for determining proportion in relation to the doll I’m sewing for is mostly to eyeball it when holding the fabric against the doll. I also generally choose prints that are no bigger than the doll’s hands. I liked the comment that suggested stripes shouldn’t be larger than the doll’s fingers.

Bettty

January 05, 2026

Idk what I most want to improve this year….what I most want is to get sewing sewing and finish my projects

Lori

January 05, 2026

“What sewing technique do you most want to improve or master in the coming year—and why?” – Being able to add closures and make the project look more professional and put together.

Lise

January 05, 2026

I want to focus on clean, neat edges and accurate seam allowance.

Hannah

January 05, 2026

My goals for more professional sewing this year is working on more accurate seam allowances and also top stitching

Amy

January 05, 2026

Day 12 – Sewing Technique
The sewing techniques I am most interested in improving/mastering this year are achieving clean edges with a zigzag foot (I don’t have a serger), and learning how to adapt a pattern in scale to a significantly larger or smaller doll. I have really enjoyed reading everyone’s comments the past 12 days! Happy sewing for all in 2026!

Dawn

January 05, 2026

I like using fabric manipulation and sometimes using beads along with it, because it teaches you new sewing techniques that can turn plain fabric into something special. I also use a lot of trims, especially thin soutache braid but lately the fabric stores where I live have had trouble getting this due to imports from Tawain. However, I found a resale shop that has a sewing area where people can bring their unused sewing trims to sell and I have found some fabulous vintage trims there.

LAURIE

January 05, 2026

Continue to do what I’m doing now and do it to the best of my ability.

Mama T

January 05, 2026

Day 10: with how small doll clothes are, I lean more toward simple designs so as to not overwhelm an outfit. But of course, some outfits scream for the details. Working on an 18 inch doll pattern for a Jeannie outfit right now which screams for the tiny ribbon around the velvet top, but just in the right proportion to make it work.

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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

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