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

Cindy

December 26, 2025

I love different textures of fabric to start and then use trim for the focal point.

Sandi

December 26, 2025

I like to use something with a different colour whether it’s with fabric, buttons, etc

Alita Shaver

December 26, 2025

I tend to prefer letting the fabric (or the yarn) do the talking, with simple, clean lines – especially since texture seems proportionally more noticeable on a doll. I’m obsessed with fabric. If the pattern has a wonderful design detail though, I’ll choose something plain. I also love piping or embroidery that accentuates seam lines. It can really elevate the super-simple. And I enjoy making art buttons and embellishments out of Sculpey when something turns out sort of ordinary. I guess “ordinary” means I looked at it and couldn’t find a focal point! The smaller the doll, the more I feel like details overwhelm them, and the simpler I want the pattern, and the fancier the fabric.

Marcy Mahle

December 26, 2025

I find it is fun sometimes to pick out a tiny color on a fabric design and bring that color out by adding trim, buttons or etc that is the same color somewhere else on the item I am sewing.

Sue

December 26, 2025

To create a focal point on a plain coloured skirt I like to add a thin ribbon or sewing machine fancy stitch about an inch above the hem on all but the smallest dolls where I add the trim proportionally lower.

Sherry

December 26, 2025

I guess it would be an occasional trim or buttons. Sometimes a a contrasting fabric. I’m not overly big on embellishments though.

Lynn Gallager-Vallejo

December 26, 2025

My desciption of a focal point echoes Coco Chanel’s famous mantra: Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory! (That’s paraphrasing…)

Catherine Peterson

December 26, 2025

My focal point will depend on the pattern I am working on, certain fabrics look better to me than others or certain colors, most of my buttons and trim accent the fabric I will have chosen and sometimes nothing works together and I have to start all over!

Caroline

December 26, 2025

I like to use trim as a focal point — for example, lace around the neck of a dress.

Niki

December 26, 2025

If I really want to catch the eye, it’s a trim that I will use.

Bettie

December 26, 2025

I like to use color to bring out something about the outfit that one may overlook otherwise. Like making pockets a different color, or the collar.

Lorraine

December 26, 2025

I try to scale the print on the fabric to the doll size

Lorraine

December 26, 2025

I love to start with a fabric and browse for embellishments that please my eye

Bettie

December 26, 2025

when designing a new outfit, make a draft of the outfit to see if any proportions are off before you make the actual outfit.

LISA G.

December 26, 2025

I like to use them all. It depends on the fabric, pattern and what I have in my stash that I can use.

Barbara

December 26, 2025

I tend to use contrast as part of my focal point. I try mirroring the contrast I see between hair and skin tone.

Jane Parks

December 26, 2025

I like to create focal points with fabric, color, trims or embellishments depending on the outfit.

Patti

December 26, 2025

I typically find a fabric that appeals to me as with a specific pattern in mind. Then I look for a few ways to embellish the outfit with either lace trims or buttons.

Sharon M

December 26, 2025

What’s your favorite way to create a focal point — color, embellishment, trim, or fabric choice?
My answer is color, then I can add extras based on that.

Nancy

December 26, 2025

I love to use my embroidery designs for focal points.

Nancy Hartley

December 26, 2025

Great ideas. I love the personality I can leave with the sweet outfits I create

Kay

December 26, 2025

I enjoy all the help that your blogs give.

Kimberly Chidsey

December 26, 2025

I love adding little design features like special stitches or unique buttons or even handmade flowers.

Connie

December 26, 2025

I love special trims. My latest interest is hand embroidered garment edges.

Julia

December 26, 2025

I like fabric, especially different textures. They lend themselves to building a core wardrobe that offers many pairings options!

Bev

December 26, 2025

Focal point pulls everything together like a magician. My favorite focal point is a unique color that creates interest.

Sandy (Sharon)

December 26, 2025

Depends on the size of the doll. For a small doll, less is best. If the fabric is a bit busy perhaps the design of the pattern such as a cross-over bodice, a fancy sleeve or a contrasting solid color for the collar. For a larger doll repeats can be made such as a strip of vertical lace on the bodice with added lace on the hem. When a finish dress needs something, it might be just the simple trick of buttons add to the bodice front.

Sharon B.

December 26, 2025

I like to use the fabric as the focal point, but it depends on the design as many others have said as well. Using a variety of things, such as ribbons, lace, buttons, etc. if you need an additional umph to an outfit is what makes sewing for dolls so fun!

Barb

December 26, 2025

When I make a T-shirt for a doll out of a solid fabric, I often make a little bow out of 1/4" satin ribbon and sew it to the center front just under the neckline. I make the bow out of a contrasting color. For example, if the shirt is pink, I make the bow white.

Karen

December 26, 2025

Thank you for the information.

Laura

December 26, 2025

My favorite way to create a focal point is through the embellishments. A touch of embroidery really brings the outfit to life

Linda Novakovich

December 26, 2025

I love choosing fabrics that pop. I love contrasting colors and textures for variety. That is usually my focal point.

Mollie Bradford

December 26, 2025

I like to use fabric and trim as my focal point generally. Often I’ll do some embroidery instead of trim. I mostly do historic fashions, so fabric/trim choice is always important!

Emily

December 26, 2025

I think the extra touches like tiny buttons, lace, and trim are my favorite ways to create or emphasize a focal point. They just elevate a piece so much and make it look finished and professional.

KatieE

December 26, 2025

When sewing for dolls, I usually gather my fabric pieces to use in coordinating with the pattern I’m using. With such variety of options such as trims and buttons, each garment becomes one of a kind. I really enjoy making all types of clothing for my dolls. When I create a custom order, the need to make the customer happy is my main focus.

Patti Brinnon

December 26, 2025

One of my favorite ways to create a focal point is through a design feature. I love designing and creating a unique twist in the design is so fun.

Patti Brinnon

December 26, 2025

Wow, this sounds exciting! A more in dept exploration of fashion and design. I’m especially excited about the historical fashions!. I teach sewing at our local community College and this will help brush up my skills and knowledge to better help my students. Thanks Pixie Faire!

Janice

December 26, 2025

My favorite way to have a focal point is thru fabric choice. Sometimes a solid with a coordinating print will create a great focal point.

Mandona Wilson

December 26, 2025

I gravitate toward creating a focal point using fun embellishments. Buttons, bows, embroidery, and other trims are so fun to really make a garment “pop”!

Julie C

December 26, 2025

Generally, I like to add an embellishment for the focal point. But a busy print fabric doesn’t need much added or the outfit becomes too busy looking. Sometime a contrasting color stitching or solid color button is all that is needed.

Nadine

December 26, 2025

I rely on fabric and/or contrast for focal point most of the time.I sew for a charity that specializes in AG 18"dolls and Bitty Babies. About 85%-90% of my contributions are for boy dolls. I have no idea how old the children are who will receive them, nor do I know their developmental age/skills. I do make some “dress” shirts. I always use hook & loop closures, but do add a few buttons on those. They are sewed on over the hook & loop closure, then I use either glue or fray check on the threads to hopefully keep them from coming off. For girls clothes I do sometimes trim with ribbon or other trims that can be securely sewed to the garment. I treat buttons the same as for boys.

Linda Davis

December 26, 2025

I like to use laces, buttons and Ribbon to accent the fabric choice.

Linda Davis

December 26, 2025

I like to use laces, buttons and Ribbon to accent the fabric choice.

Pam

December 26, 2025

I like using a trim as a focal point, or a contrasting fabric/

Dawn

December 26, 2025

I like to spend time at fabric store search for coordinating fabrics that help make a focal point. Lately I have been fascinated by fabric manipulation techniques that can help make a outfit unique and provide a focal point

Karin

December 26, 2025

I like simple design lines and the focal point in my creations is usually trim or embroidery. Sometimes I use fabric that becomes the focal point. It also depends on the age of the child I am donating the doll and wardrobe to.

Martha

December 26, 2025

To create a focal point I like to use fabric that is the same but opposite. Like blue stars on white background, or white stars on a blue background.

J.J. Goody

December 26, 2025

For my latest design (https://pin.it/5uSZG5k13), the doll had pink earrings, so I chose pink rick rack and lace binding ruffle to contrast with the blue & white flounce dress. She was fun!

June

December 26, 2025

I use all 4 ways based on the fabric I choose and the pattern. I used a cute flowered fabric and where the ruffle was sewn on the sleeve and skirt, I used piping for a focal point. On “fancy” dresses I use a shiny embellishment around hem and the waistline. Sometimes I use a ribbon at the waist with a pretty shiny button. Sometimes I’ll add a contrasting fabric band at the hem or cuffs. I also like to use lace, ric rac, buttons but lots of times it’s just the fabric that is the focal point.

Kitty

December 26, 2025

Ouch, one focal point! I’m a major embellisher and I add a LOT of different trims, buttons and laces to a single outfit. That’s probably why I like sewing doll clothing; I certainly wouldn’t add multiple embellishments to clothing for an adult. However, I do color coordinate all the different embellishments with the fabric print, so they look like they all belong together with the colors of the fabric.

KathyS

December 26, 2025

I love to add a trim or some other piece ( buttons, beads or an appliqué, etc) to add a little unique pop of color.

Connie

December 26, 2025

I usually use some type of embellishment as a focal point. However, I also like to use different and unusal fabrics.

Maggie

December 26, 2025

Usually it’s the fabric/colour choice, but if I’m making something special trim would be the focal point.

Priscilla Witwer

December 26, 2025

I tend to lean more to a simple but elegant style. Adding a decorative bling of sparkle or pearls at a focal point compliments the simple, elegant look.

Cheryl McArtor

December 26, 2025

I love to create one of a kind garnishments including embroidery.

Kathy m

December 26, 2025

Focal point depends on the pattern the fabric colors and era of fashion of the pattern contrast thread or contrast fabric different machine stitching and trim lace it creative processes to achieve the focal so pattern fabric help to choose

Sparkle

December 26, 2025

I love colors.

Beverley

December 26, 2025

I choose color or trim for a focal point.

Hannah

December 26, 2025

I tend to gravitate toward unusual fabric

Mary

December 26, 2025

Even small things like bags for dolls need a focal point, like a pretty closure or an interesting fabric.

Laura

December 26, 2025

It depends on the outfit I’m making. If it’s fancy like a gown but plain color fabric, pin tuck pleats in the bodice give it a nice focal point but they would be lost in a busy patterned fabric. A little sailor suit type outfit looks great with a red bold tie that would not work on a gown. Contrasting color can often be all you need like that bold red with a neutral. I really think the embellishments are driven by fabric and style. I do try to stick with one focal point per garment and keep it at waistline or above to draw the eyes up. Too many embellishments can overwhelm these small items and make them look too busy.

Linda Linzey

December 26, 2025

My focal point depends on mood. I will focus on a fabric if I start hunting through them. Sometimes a ribbon or button will catch my eye. I will focus on them to pick a fabric. I’m a mood crafter lol.

Mary Frances Hughes

December 26, 2025

So many lovely ideas. There are so many ways to show off your focal point, I love historical fashions so sometimes the focal point needs to be subtle, depending on who is doing what. Don’t Felicity’s dress to detract from the situation.

Kathleen A

December 26, 2025

My favorite way to add a focal point is by highlighting the thing I love most about the fabric I’m using. If it’s the color, I mirror it in different places. If it is the print, I center my favorite part.

Rita

December 26, 2025

For casual clothing, I use color as the focal point. For dressier creations, I use embellishments.

Susan Fritz

December 26, 2025

If the garment is more historical, I go for trim or a contracting color. If it is contemporary, I find
embellishment with buttons or bows easier.

Julie P.

December 26, 2025

I like to use pleats or pintucks on my doll clothes bodices and then add tiny buttons down the center. It brings the attention to not only to the bodice, but also to the doll’s face.

Heidi

December 26, 2025

For an 18-inch doll dress, I like to sew a 1- to 1 1/2-inch strip of flat lace above the waist seam and add an embellishment, such as a silk flower, off center on the front.

Angela

December 26, 2025

I like to use fabric to make a focal point. I really like darker or more solid prints as a frame to make a brighter print stand out in specific spots.

Sue Gunther

December 26, 2025

I usually opt for color, my favorite option being jewel tones. If I am using a muted a neutral color then I would choose embellishments, unless the design of the outfit has its own focal point.

Lisa

December 26, 2025

Proportion can totally throw off the look as you said. A recent example was a short sleeve on a blouse – it just didn’t look right until I made it shorter than the pattern said.
For focus I like to let the fabric speak for itself – whether it’s the fabric color combinations or print.
The simplest, but effective trim, I think, is Rick rack which comes in lots of sizes so you can always find the appropriate size for the doll for whom you are sewing.

marykay hymes

December 26, 2025

I use design lines and selected color that don’t overshadow the focal point which is my dolls face. Too many embellishments and distracting prints can create opposing focal points.

Lois

December 26, 2025

Focal point: for me it’s all about the details! The top-stitching, pin-tucks, pleats, ruffles, buttons. Maybe a seam in a place you wouldn’t expect for a unique garment shape :)

Theresa

December 26, 2025

For proportion, I make sure that the pattern on the fabric coordinates with size of the doll I am sewing for. If it’s too big, you don’t even see that and your eye wants to focus on what you don’t see. And to the focal point, if the fabric is too busy, your eye doesn’t know where to focus. A pop of color will direct your eye to what you want to focus on. It could be lace, or braid or even a contrasting thread color.

Susan

December 26, 2025

This is a skill I want to build. I am often a too much is never enough kind of sewist

Vicky Smith

December 26, 2025

My favorite focal point is the embellishment. I usually look at other designs and bounce my ideas off that. I’m always learning and love to see other people’s suggestions.

Cheryl

December 26, 2025

For focal point, I use fabric, or the design of the pattern.

Elaine

December 26, 2025

I love to use contrasting trim where I can.

Betty

December 26, 2025

I’ve never thought about creating a focal point….I always sew what I think I will like without thinking about such things intentionally….but since I’m reading these design posts, now I’ll start thinking about what I’m doing more intentionally

Julie Vasbinder

December 26, 2025

Sometimes, I use a decorative stitch in a constrating color if I’m using a plain fabric. Most of the time I use buttons, or bows as an embellishment. As I am sewing the garment, inspiration will help me choose the correct embllishment..I have a vast assortment of trims, character buttons, plain buttons, ribbons, rick rack, beads, etc. Creating special doll outfits is a fun creative process.

Michele A

December 26, 2025

A favorite way for me to create a focal point for a doll outfit is to practice using a new technique. For example, I recently learned to create my own piping & continued to practice the the skill on additional garments. I really love how that special feature added interest to the outfits!

Renee

December 26, 2025

The design, pattern and feel of the fabric is what directs the focal point for me. I’m enjoying everyone’s process and eye in the comments.

Krynne

December 26, 2025

For focal points in my dolls clothing, I tend to base mine on what type of garment it is. If the garment is something fancy (like for a formal party) I’d go with lace, bows, or frills to embellish the outfit. With more casual outfits I’ll either try adding a few buttons, or use simple accessories (like a backpack, a cap, or even a small pendant on a delicate chain) to help “embellish” the outfit.

Ruth

December 26, 2025

I like to add a little something that becomes the focal point, an embroidered something, a belt, trim… Just a little something.

Karen

December 26, 2025

I prefer to make the focal point on the upper part of the outfit or dress. Either the neckline, bodice or upper part of the sleeve or even a pretty piece of jewelry at the neckline like a pin or a necklace.

Nadine

December 26, 2025

Make a cutout of a shape or square that matches the scale you are making and put it over the fabric and judge whether the design looks appropriate in that scale or put the fabric around the doll and take a photo and that gives you a way to view it in a different way!

Sue D

December 26, 2025

My favorite is an embellishment for a focal point.

Cora

December 26, 2025

I use the trim, buttons, or embroidery as my focal point. If I use prints, I use a solid color for piping or as an addition to sleevesm waist, hem.

Judith Pece

December 26, 2025

On most of outfits I make, embroidery takes center stage. For scale, I try to envision how the pattern of the fabric or the embroidery design would look on a person if were enlarged. One-third doesn’t always look right.

Deb Condosta

December 26, 2025

The scale of the print is guided by what look I’m going for; fancy, fun, loud, etc.

Ruth

December 26, 2025

I love to find fabric. To me they are a treasure, something soft, small print or tonal solid, no ice drape for what I’m making then I try to showcase the fabric on the doll

Helen

December 26, 2025

I like to make my fabric my focal point. But I also like to add trim to compliment the fabric and garment design.

Deb F

December 26, 2025

What’s your favorite way to create a focal point — color, embellishment, trim, or fabric choice?
My eye is definitely drawn to the fabric so that’s my focal point. If I’m out of “pretty” and must use “plain”, I usually jazz it up with fancy buttons or charms, or sometimes add a little machine embroidery design.

Shlirley

December 26, 2025

My best tip is to read the pattern completely before you buy your fabric or start making the garment.

Maureen Brennan

December 26, 2025

I’m just a beginning to sew, so, I’m learning from these comments.

Marcia G

December 26, 2025

My favorite focal point is the front main shirt, or back pockets of pants.

Simone

December 26, 2025

Day 1, scale is good to look at especially when choosing what era you’re designing for. Something modern and loose, or does it call for form fitting?

Day 2, proportional of fabric details is really important

Soozee Kusch

December 26, 2025

I like to search for small print fabrics.

Shlirley

December 26, 2025

My best tip is to have the doll I’m sewing for at hand, as I sew I try the garment on the doll to make sure it fits.

Sally F

December 26, 2025

I do look mostly for smaller prints as that is what I prefer anyway. However, when I find a fabric I adore, I’ll likely buy a small amount enough for a doll dress or another project. I hold it up to the doll before deciding and if I can imagine it looking nice as a doll clothing item I go with it! If not, I save for another use. Since my favorite fabric store closed it’s been very difficult for me to find fabric though.

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December 25, 2025

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