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December 25, 2025

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12 Days Of Christmas ›

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The 2026 12 Days Of Christmas Start Now!

🎄 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

Sonja
Sonja

January 04, 2026

I love to embellish the clothes as it gives each of them a new look. It is flun to see what I end up with.

Rita
Rita

January 04, 2026

I love embellishing with buttons and rickrack !

Barb
Barb

January 04, 2026

My favorite embellishment is gathered lace. I like to make flannel nightgowns (for 18" doll) and put lace around the neckline, the bottom edge of the sleeves, and the bottom hem.

Mary-Sarah
Mary-Sarah

January 04, 2026

I love adding beads, buttons or sequins to my projects as they are quick ways to elevate the look of the project. I haven’t distressed anything as I’m not sure how it would look when finished.

Mary
Mary

January 04, 2026

When I add an embellishment, it is often texture based. I like to add something that feels different, velvet collar, tatted detailing, such as that.

Lynn Gallager-Vallejo
Lynn Gallager-Vallejo

January 04, 2026

I think a textured fabric goes a long way to making an outfit look “real.” A crinkled taffeta, a cotton velveteen, even a touch of suede cloth or leather brings up the visual appeal of an ensemble.

Jenny S
Jenny S

January 04, 2026

I like to add small embellishments when it will add to, not detract, from the finished product or fabric choice.

Deb F
Deb F

January 04, 2026

“Do you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims?” I’m not much of an ‘embellisher’. I like simple lines and designs; however, sometimes, just sometimes things look too simple or plain so then I will embellish with buttons or ribbons or even contrast stitching.

Kristin
Kristin

January 04, 2026

I’ve done a bit of distressing on some little jeans and shorts, but honestly, it kind of pains me so I don’t do it much. I love the look of smocking, and I have done both hand smocking and faux smocking by machine with some darling results. Mostly I don’t do much embellishment due to the extra time it takes. I will do it for a very special item that I think I will be able to sell at a price to make it worth it. I don’t make doll clothes for my own dolls; they are my models. I’ve made some items for granddaughters but mostly for my Etsy shop.

Tammie
Tammie

January 04, 2026

Day 11 – Embellishing garments – I like to add lace to my dresses or t-shirts. I’m not big on adding more than that unless it’s little buttons to give it a more detailed look.

Mary
Mary

January 04, 2026

Trims, ribbons, fancy buttons – I’ve been known to use all of them in the design process.

Sue N
Sue N

January 04, 2026

Mostly, go for embellishment. Haven’t used distressing. Like the look of pin tucks and pleats. Faux fur adds a nice textural touch. Love faux fur collars on sweaters.

Marlene
Marlene

January 04, 2026

I enjoy adding smocking and piping to doll garments.

Laura M
Laura M

January 04, 2026

Day 11 Embellishing – I’ll sometimes add extra details to doll clothes, but not usually on my own garments.

Jeana
Jeana

January 04, 2026

I enjoy adding trims and cute embroidery or applique to simple outfits.

Lyn K
Lyn K

January 04, 2026

Definitely embellished garments bring interest. It can be as simple as a fancy button, or putting lace or light weight fabric on top of a plain fabric. It can elevate a garment from ordinary which is essential to one of a kind.

Brenda
Brenda

January 04, 2026

I enjoy smocking, which adds both pleats and embroidery to the garment. I like to add other types of embellishment as well – not every garment can be smocked! Pintucks are pretty easy with a double needle. And of course buttons and beads and stuff that can be sewn on are great. I just try not to over-embellish. I don’t do a lot of distressing since it can weaken the fabric.

Heidi
Heidi

January 04, 2026

Added details with embellishments without overdoing.

CONSTANCE
CONSTANCE

January 04, 2026

Use of distressing, manipulation of fabric or embellishing can easily be done for a steampunk look in doll clothes. I see this as a positive for this genre of clothing. Use of odds and ends to create something really unique is an interesting avenue to explore.

Tamara
Tamara

January 04, 2026

I feel like little details can add a lot to doll clothes. I admit that certain pleating techniques and pin tucks can be tedious but I love the way they look when they are done.

Ann
Ann

January 04, 2026

FFabric manipulation like ruffles and pleats are a nice addition to doll clothes to add texture or depth.

Deborah
Deborah

January 04, 2026

Always, I love to make my doll clothes look as real as possible.

Patti
Patti

January 04, 2026

I enjoy embellishing my projects all the time. I love gathering, pleating, and sometimes adding decorative stitches to a project. I like to embroider but haven’t done any embroidering for little doll outfits yet. I have done appliqueing but I’m not very good at it so I tend to steer clear of that embellishment. Mostly I like to use buttons and trims. I have used lace, ribbons, rickrack, tulle and eyelet ruffles and feel that those embellishments are enough.

Maggie
Maggie

January 04, 2026

While I enjoy seeing embellishment on others’ work, I rarely use it myself.

Lisa G
Lisa G

January 04, 2026

Not a fan of distressing fabrics or fabric manipulation. Distressing fabric feels more like destruction of fabric. However beads, buttons, ribbons, ric-rack, embroidery etc. elevate the design if not overdone.

Claudette
Claudette

January 04, 2026

Bonjour, J’ai bien mélanger les tissus autant par des couleurs différentes ou jouer sur du ton sur ton. En regardant jouer les enfants, je vois qu’ils sont plus attiré par les vêtements avec un petit plus: Bouton décoratif, broderie, perles, couture décorative, … Bonne couture à tous!

Krynne
Krynne

January 04, 2026

Day 11 Prompt: “Do you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims?”

Since I hand sew, most types of fabric manipulation can be much more difficult for me to attempt to sew. With human sized articles, this fabric method is somewhat easier as the garment is larger (and easier to pin down). Trying a similar thing on something doll sized can be rather difficult for me to keep straight, so most often I tend to go for the trims and notions to help embellish a garment, with maybe a milder type of fabric tucking where possible.

Kathleen A
Kathleen A

January 04, 2026

I like to add little bits of embellishment. Too much ruins things in my opinion.

Danielle Boon
Danielle Boon

January 04, 2026

I love all the embellishments. Sometimes that means fussy cutting, other times it’s adding ruffles or another detail. And sometimes it is beads and buttons, or little bits of chain. It depends on the project.

I love embellishments so much, I’ve even made my own: like hand embroidery, iron on designs with my Cricut, or even home made polymer clay buttons

Elaine L
Elaine L

January 04, 2026

I love adding lace to dresses. I’ll go to the thrift store and get old clothing and pull the lace off.

Pat
Pat

January 04, 2026

I love buttons.

Patti
Patti

January 04, 2026

Do you lean more toward simple designs or detailed ones—and why?”
It really all depends on my mood. Sometimes I just want to make a simple design so I can just nonchalantly sew in a therapeutic fashion. Other times, I feel energetic and creative so I will look to make a pattern with more details so I can utilize my mind and creativity.

Deb Condosta
Deb Condosta

January 04, 2026

I don’t think about embellishing or adding texture too often. I need to try more of it!

Emily
Emily

January 04, 2026

The right trim or buttons or other embellishments can take an outfit from “meh” to “wow!” So I try to use at least one kind of embellishment on each outfit. I love to use fabric with texture, like twill, gauze, or crepe, because it can act as its own embellishment and it looks more like a real piece of clothing.

Susan
Susan

January 04, 2026

I like fabric manipulation like pintucks, but distressing just looks like something is old and worn out.

Barbara W
Barbara W

January 04, 2026

I love using embroidery and lace. Just enough to make a simple garment shine.

Vicki
Vicki

January 04, 2026

Love adding embellishments, but not the distressed look.

Jacquie Corrigan
Jacquie Corrigan

January 04, 2026

I love the finished look, but I am often impatient to be finished once I get to the embellishment stage!

Barbara Weaver
Barbara Weaver

January 04, 2026

I love embellishments. I’m not very good at it. I feel like it’s not enough, or way too much. Looking forward to learning how to make it “just right”

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

January 04, 2026

Love pintucks, piping, sequined fabric and unusual creative closures. (elastic, covered snaps, button hole in seam etc)

Janet
Janet

January 04, 2026

Yes, I am always looking for that “just the right thing” to finish the look.

Cynthia
Cynthia

January 04, 2026

I prefer using embellishments because it allows me to assess how well my fabric choices have worked once a garment is sewn, and whether embellishments are needed or not.

Linda
Linda

January 04, 2026

I enjoy adding buttons

Darlene w
Darlene w

January 04, 2026

I prefer to embellish. This way I can audition the elements as I progress stitching up the item.

Dotti G.
Dotti G.

January 04, 2026

Occasionally an item calls for simplicity, but the majority of the time I use embellishments. I love smocking, appliques, buttons, trims, etc. I think these features make a dress or top or skirt more appealing.

Deb
Deb

January 04, 2026

I enjoy embellishing my projects with fancy buttons, lace, ruffles, ribbon, etc. Sometimes all I need is one embellishment, sometimes I use more.
Have a good week everyone! Take care!

Bridgette
Bridgette

January 04, 2026

Yes, I like putting trim on, I have been making button holes if I use buttons.

Ruth Ann
Ruth Ann

January 04, 2026

Day 11: I tend to use embellishment more than manipulation. I have bins full of ribbons, lace, rickrack, buttons, etc. A Wright’s factory outlet near me closed and was essentially giving away trim so I ‘overstocked’ and shop my stash. I do like ruffles though!

Deb
Deb

January 04, 2026

I enjoy embellishing my projects with fancy buttons, lace, ruffles, ribbon, etc. Sometimes all I need is one embellishment, sometimes I use more.
Have a good week everyone! Take care!

Thresea
Thresea

January 04, 2026

Embellishments!

Sandra Cox
Sandra Cox

January 04, 2026

I use fabric manipulation when I smock on clothing but also use embellishments to add details. Smocking to me is just so pleasing to me.

zuest
zuest

January 04, 2026

Not sure if i have truly left my bleach shadow galaxy era! so effective on little plain items and i love masking out a shape or letter to embellish after the final rinse and dry.

Leslie
Leslie

January 04, 2026

Love both! Because children are tactile learners, texture is king! I often manipulate fabric to include a surprising texture…
I love watching the girls (Moms and teens, too) run their eyes and fingers over the clothing. Big smiles and twinkling eyes!

Marcia G
Marcia G

January 04, 2026

Most of the time, when I embellish my project, I use buttons or beads. I haven’t been confident enough yet to try destressing. I have used fabric & I am learning some embroidery or appliques.

Susan Fritz
Susan Fritz

January 04, 2026

I an not a fan of distressing material to make it look worn. If a style needs a worn look I will probably just use worn but still good material. I use all sorts of embellishments at different time but tuck, pleats, gathers and ruffles probably more than trim.

NancyB
NancyB

January 04, 2026

I use embellishments; trims – lace, ric rac, buttons, ruffles. As far as fabric manipulation, I have not made any distressed items but do make tiny pin tucks, cover stitch or twin needle accents, or small machine embroidered touches.

Helen
Helen

January 04, 2026

I feel embellishments are a big part of the total garment. Perfectly placed trim or buttons makes all the difference in the final project!

Amy
Amy

January 04, 2026

Day 11 – Texture/Embellishment
When planning my sewing projects, I think through the entire outfit and draw sketches that detail placement of fabric manipulation, trim, etc., especially if it’s a more complicated project, or when I’m adapting several patterns to either create my own entirely new design, or to recreate an existing design, such as recreating my daughter’s dance outfits. I tend to prefer adding embellishments instead of manipulating fabric to add texture. However, I am trying to learn about the different types and different applications of pleats and tucks, including shell tucks, to use in my historical sewing.

CdnCrafter
CdnCrafter

January 04, 2026

I like to add embellishments like buttons and fancy trim..

judy
judy

January 04, 2026

I like tl make simple doll dress and add laces, ribbons and pretty buttons, sometimes add a little embroidery design

Judy
Judy

January 04, 2026

I love embellishments! It is the perfect finishing touch!

Karen K.
Karen K.

January 04, 2026

I can’t really choose between fabric manipulation or embellishment, but would probably choose manipulation more often.. I love how is can add interest without looking overdone.

Nancy
Nancy

January 04, 2026

I keep a computer file of the embellishments I see online. I especially like the ones that use companion fabrics for the “artwork”.

Janet
Janet

January 04, 2026

Love embellishing! One of the reasons I love making cloth art dolls & doll clothes, is that dolls wear anthing you make them, never whine or fuss about colors, fitting, design.

Kitty
Kitty

January 04, 2026

Embellishments are the creative elements I love to add to my sewing projects. I’m always trying to find new ways to embellish!

Kimberly Chidsey
Kimberly Chidsey

January 04, 2026

I love doing embellishments on items that I make! I’m always keeping an eye out to see new ways to do that.

Marie
Marie

January 04, 2026

Embelliments are the chocolate sauce on top of your ice cream sundae!

Kathi M
Kathi M

January 04, 2026

I love doing it all just not at the same time. Knife pleats are beautiful at the bottom of a historical dress. I add buttons with loops for closer on a different historical looking ensemble. It’s all so fun.

Sandra
Sandra

January 04, 2026

I do add buttons ribbons and other trims sometimes to make a plain item prettier.

Ruth
Ruth

January 04, 2026

I like ve adding a little detail to projects, lace, ribbon, buttons, beads, trim or even color to define an outfit

Dorothy
Dorothy

January 04, 2026

I like to embellish my projects with added details. But, sometimes I like to use special fabrics with sequins .

Angie Wyatt
Angie Wyatt

January 04, 2026

“Simple elegance” is the phrase I usually go with. It’s fun to add extra trim or embellishments to a project. But sometimes you don’t need more then the basics or bare minimum for the project to come together and look gorgeous.

Ruth
Ruth

January 04, 2026

When I add a little something to a project, It is almost always a trim or an embroidery design. occasionally I will add another layer or a belt for a little something extra.

Melissa
Melissa

January 04, 2026

I love adding just a little bead work where you least expect it
On a collar around the waist on a pocket

Cheryl
Cheryl

January 04, 2026

Using fabric seems easier, but I also like the look of beads, buttons, and trims.

Anne
Anne

January 04, 2026

I like to use added trim – buttons and rick rack always enhance an item.

Bettie
Bettie

January 04, 2026

Day 11
“Do you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims?”

I do love the challenge when getting the fabric for an outfit, to see what I can do to make this outfit stand out. Sometimes it can be a fabric trim to either contrast or complement, or even the color and type of button to make the outfit a one of a kind. Maybe adding a belt or sash when the outfit didn’t have one.

Bettie
Bettie

January 04, 2026

Day 10 Minimalism

I do work well with simple designs, but I typically use anywhere from simple to medium designs. The more harder, more intricate designs tend to frustrate me, but I do attempt to do the more harder ones from time to time to challenge myself.

Hannah
Hannah

January 04, 2026

I love all kinds of embellishments and trim
Especially lace and pearls

Hannah
Hannah

January 04, 2026

I love all kinds of embellishments and trim
Especially lace and pearls

Holly
Holly

January 04, 2026

I’m on team “fabric manipulation”. A few well-placed pleats can totally change the look of an outfit with no extra trimmings required, just as a ruffle or two can dress up the plainest styling. Trims and fancy bits have their place but I don’t like to have to wait until everything’s done to see the effect.

Pattij
Pattij

January 04, 2026

I like a small amount of detail or embellishment like buttons to be a focal point.

Bettie
Bettie

January 04, 2026

Day 9
I don’t prefer a designer, era, or style. If the pattern/outfit is designed well, I will enjoy it; and it will also give me inspiration to create my own design.

Marian
Marian

January 04, 2026

My love for embellishment started long ago even before I went to college and studied design. I would include buttons, lace, beadwork, etc. While in college, I moved on to applique, hand beaded lace work, trapunto, etc. I am always seeking to design garments with embellishment in the perfect scale.

Karin
Karin

January 04, 2026

I absolutely love to add a personal touch to the items I am making. And I have seen that the little girls who are the recipients of the dolls and clothing I donate are thrilled with ruffles, gathers, tucks and other embellishments – many of the girls families generally don’t have money to spend on frills, so this is a way for the girls to enjoy being special through their doll.

Barbara
Barbara

January 04, 2026

I like to add trims or buttons or heat-set gems.

Soozee
Soozee

January 04, 2026

I have so many drawers full of buttons, ribbons, appliquĂŠs, laces, trims collected over decades of sewing doll clothes. Sometimes I still have nothing it seems that will go with my idea.

michelle
michelle

January 04, 2026

oh yes finding just the right size embellishments is exciting ,and you save every one because you need so much less for doll clothing…

Dorene
Dorene

January 04, 2026

I have an obsession with lace. I have a collection that I use to add elegance to my sewing.

Tricia
Tricia

January 04, 2026

I’m about to try appliqué on my daughter’s wedding dress, it’ll be the most embellishment I’ve ever done. Will I enjoy it? Time will tell! One of the most basic, but to me very striking was a pair of leggings, they’re basic of basic but by adding ruffles they looked great. The ruffles were the same colour as the leggings, a plain grey but I overlocked the ruffles edges with red thread, it really made them pop. Such a simple thing, just changing the colour of the thread but what a difference it made.

Beth S
Beth S

January 04, 2026

I enjoy miniaturizing special outfits that my daughters have worn as a way to keep the memory but in a smaller form, and that means lots of details. Simple is best when I am sewing doll clothes for my young granddaughters.

Lily
Lily

January 04, 2026

I enjoy adding cute embellishments like lace trim and bows!

Charlotte
Charlotte

January 04, 2026

I don’t do a lot of fabric manipulation, per se, although occasionally I’ll use ruffles and/or pintucks, but I do enjoy embellishing doll garments with a variety of trims—rickrack, braid, flat lace, ruffled lace, mini piping, etc. It’s a lot of fun to pull out several different trims and put them with a fabric, then decide which one (or ones—sometimes I use two or three) look best with that particular print.

I have a little tip for applying trim such as rickrack, ribbon, braid, and flat lace to the surface of a garment: wash-out glue. Tiny dots along the line where the trim goes, then press the trim into the glue and stab-pin thru the trim and the garment into the ironing board pad for a few minutes while the glue dries. Carefully remove the pins once the glue has dried, and take it to your sewing machine. (I will sometimes also pin across the trims to hold them in place, just in case it didn’t stick as well as it might have!) My trims are always even and straight that way!

Barb
Barb

January 03, 2026

Like detailed designs more because I like the challenge of making something new that I haven’t done before. I like the historical costumes with embellishments at the neckline. But sometimes I like simpler designs. It depends upon who I am sewing for. For the more simple designs, a color or a pocket or appliqué can make the garment stand out.

Janet F
Janet F

January 03, 2026

Day 10: Is there a designer, era, or style that inspires your sewing the most? (Same prompt as day 9?) . . . I love Keepers Dolly Duds patterns! I am most inspired by historical sewing.

Janet F
Janet F

January 03, 2026

Day 9: Is there a designer, era, or style that inspires your sewing the most? Not really. It generally depends on my mood. Different things inspire me at different times. I do tend to sew a fair bit of 30s inspired dresses.

Jacqui Starr
Jacqui Starr

January 03, 2026

I prefer simple classic designs. They are timeless but can be embellished to make it memorable.

Linda
Linda

January 03, 2026

I think it depends on my mood. Most of the time I go for details and enjoy the end results. If I am sewing for the young I go for simplicity.

Judith Martinez
Judith Martinez

January 03, 2026

I love lots of beautiful details!

Dona Wilson
Dona Wilson

January 03, 2026

I love making tiny jeans embellished with rivets and top stitching. Then, it’s fun to take some sandpaper to them and distress them so they don’t look brand new. So, both embellishment and distressing I guess!

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