The 2026 12 Days Of Christmas Start Now!

Deb CONDOSTA

January 03, 2026

I like the more detailed designs to challenge myself.

Lyn K

January 03, 2026

I like basic patterns. From there fabric, colours, embellishments turn the garment into a completely different look or era. An example would be a shift dress. Use colour blocks, or tie dye fabric, satin, or lace, add a belt, jewelled neckline, embroidery design, make longer. All of these transform a simple plain dress to your own creation.

Jane Parks

January 03, 2026

Simple or detailed? Well, I like lots of ruffles and lace, so I guess the answer is detailed.

Elaine

January 03, 2026

I don’t really lean either way. If I see something I like then I make it. If I need it quickly, then I’ll lead towards simple. But there are several patterns that are really like that are. Pieces that are more complex. I like these because they push me to do something that I don’t normally do.

Janice

January 03, 2026

Day 10 – the prompt today is a repeat of Day 9. In another part of the site the prompt was about simplicity or minimalism or lots of details. I like simplicity because I am making items for children to play with. Anything that might come off with lots of play, might be a choking hazard.

Susan Fritz

January 03, 2026

While I love some of the fancier Victorian styles, and the beaded ‘bling’ of some of the classic and modern evening wear. I do tend to go with more minimalist designs, especially for the first time. I find that to really showcase some of the fancier designs requires a 14" and above size doll. A beautiful material and jewelry will entrance most girls as much as intricate beaded dresses with all the furbelows and flounces delight the adult collectors. That said, you can still pay homage to the design on a smaller doll by ‘sizing’ and limiting how much embellishment you use, or use embroidery instead.

Sharon M

January 03, 2026

Easy styles from different eras

Cheryl

January 03, 2026

I like simple designs because they’re quick and easy. And I like detailed designs because they help me learn.

Patti

January 03, 2026

Day 10: Is there a designer, era, or style that inspires your sewing the most? I wouldn’t say that either of these inspires my sewing the most. I love to sew! Whether it is doll clothes, home decor, or quilts it all depends on the pattern I feel talks to me at that particular time. Sometimes it might be the design of the pattern, other times it might be the color pictured on the pattern front that draws me towards it.

zuest

January 03, 2026

The closest i have got to minimalism is the slip dress. Looks so simple but the bias turned out so difficult to get right. i still like a clean look with button plackets or invisible zippers and fussy cut covered buttons. The busier the fabric, the simpler the cut.

Krynne

January 03, 2026

Day 10 Prompt: “Do you lean more toward simple designs or detailed ones—and why?”

Most times I tend to follow a simpler design when I’m sewing. This is mainly due to a lack of a sewing machine (I hand sew everything I make). As well, it can often be hard for me to obtain some of the more fancier trims and notions to add to a garment, so I do with what I can :)

Pat

January 03, 2026

I like to draw ideas from all eras.

Julie Vasbinder

January 03, 2026

I like simple patterns, but I use interesting prints, colors or fabrics to sew them. I lalso like to sew outfits with ruffles, ribbons, bows and bling. Its fun to create a beautiful fancy dress.

Claudette

January 03, 2026

Je suis plus style traditionnel. Simplicité, mais j’aime bien ajouter un petit plus à mes créations (couture point décoratif, broderie, ruban, …

Karen

January 03, 2026

I prefer minimal. It’s awesome to add a wee focal point. I lately been into using bees and hearts, ladybugs, etc. I’m hoping to do some pinafores with embroidery as well. Linking the embroidery with the dress print should work out really well.

Sandra Cox

January 03, 2026

Here again, it depends on who I am making the doll clothes for. I will sew minimal when sewing for young girls and their dolls. I like much more detail when sewing for the historical dolls and older girls and their dolls.

Leslie

January 03, 2026

As a designer and creator, I get to choose when and how I’ll fashion these clothes. Sometimes a simple satin ribbon is all that’s needed.

Vicki

January 03, 2026

I often sew simple outfits so that the sweaters and other accessories I knit can take center stage.

Cheri

January 03, 2026

I have to remind myself to keep it simple when sewing for the kids dolls…they just want to play and that is perfectly fine

LAURIE

January 03, 2026

Fabric is the key to what I choose to repurpose.

Cheri

January 03, 2026

Day 9 I like to reuse special fabrics to pay homage to its original owner, it makes the item a one-of-a-kind special

Beth S

January 03, 2026

I struggle with making things too plain and I’m always looking for the right thing to give it just enough interest.

Deb F

January 03, 2026

Deb

January 03, 2026

Starting with a simple pattern gives me two options. I can keep it simple or add embellishments.

Deb

January 03, 2026

Starting with a simple pattern gives me two options. I can keep it simple or add embellishments.

Mama T

January 03, 2026

Day 6: I hate to work with shredding fabrics. Even when I work around it with using some like iron on interfacing, it is so much work to contain and make things shape right, biggest disaster was a small elephant costume with a loose weave material. Looked great as wrinkles, but it took me forever to get that thing done.

Dona

January 03, 2026

I will admit that minimalism is something I have trouble with! I am drawn toward Victorian era clothes for my dolls, and those are definitely NOT minimalistic! I have some things to learn about this topic!

Karin

January 03, 2026

I feel that minimalism is especially important when sewing for kids. I think a child’s imagination is better served by not “overdoing” something and I try to keep that in mind when sewing for the dolls I donate. I also find that children will add their own touches, so I try to encourage that by giving little accessories along with the clothing.

Mama T

January 03, 2026

Day 5: I love the jewel tones. They sing to me and sometimes it feels like even though they might not be the hottest trends at times, they work and highlight classic styles.

NancyB

January 03, 2026

I can’t say I have a favorite, my creativity is all over the place! However, I do prefer more design elements as opposed to minimal, and right now I am focusing on more mid century styles, coats with design details such as pleats and belts with buttons.

Mama T

January 03, 2026

Day 4: color story really resonated with me. Before I begin a project, it needs to flow with the colors, perspective and fit to the theme or it seems outta wack and then I feel like I need a redo on something. My seam ripper can be my best friend.

Mama T

January 03, 2026

Day 3: Repetition: I would have to share that I really like using the same basic pattern and changing the materials out or doing some fun twist to make it look new. I found some adorable paw print pattern material and swapped the sleeves on 2 variations and wow, did they pop. So fun!

Mama T

January 03, 2026

Day 2. For Focal points, sometimes, something as simple as a color change or a tiny ribbon or flower will help to draw the eyes to your creation.

Helen

January 03, 2026

For me, the pattern determines whether it needs to be minimalist. I lean towards the 60’s/70’s, but I love to try all eras. I really do like trims. I think they make the garment.

Mama T

January 03, 2026

My best way to make scale work is to measure first and then find prints that fit the size. Too big and it looks odd and too small and you loose the “fun” factor.

Sandra

January 03, 2026

I like easy to intermediate styles. Sometimes the fabric makes the outfit.

Bridgette

January 03, 2026

I like using Simplicity patterns, and Liberty Jane patterns.

Kimberly Chidsey

January 03, 2026

I’d say it depends on the look I’m going for with the design. Sometimes minimal is the best, especially when dealing with historical outfits where minimalism was the main theme. Then there are times when something is more fancy and you want to add sparkling details.

Sandra

January 03, 2026

I love the simple designs of the Regency era, easy to make and lookelegant

Ruth

January 03, 2026

Day 10 -I love piping as a minimalist design element that adds a finished touch to suits, collars and more!

Elin

January 03, 2026

I love the 60’s, jeans & colorful fabric. With this in mind, I sew a lot of Forever 18inches, Liberty Jane, QTpie patterns. Instead of jean fabric, I use chambray. It’s lighter weight and comes in so many colors. My biggest influence is Peter Max.

Maggie

January 03, 2026

While I normally go for minimalist styles because I like the clean look, occasionally I will sew something with more detail for a change.

Renee B

January 03, 2026

I love detailed sewing. What I call Gourmet sewing. Takes time and it’s worth it. I used to make Daisy Kingdom dresses for my daughter. She loved all the ruffles and when she twirled around her dress fanned out so beautifully. Even had a special full slip to wear under the dress to help it stand out fuller. I saved all those beautiful dresses and hope to see them on my new granddaughter one day! I love Shari Fuller’s Thimbles & Acorn patterns and Keepers Dolly Duds. I grew up in the 50s & 60s and loved all the Original Barbie Fashions, but I was so happy when the ruffles came into fashion for us to wear in the 1980s.

Patricia Ann Johnson

January 03, 2026

I love Christain Seriano from project runnway he is quite the inspriation

Susan Smart

January 03, 2026

I go for mor minimalist styles. I have problems when trims and other details aren’t in the proper scale, therefore I avoid the problem.

Cynthia

January 03, 2026

I lean toward designs that are simple for most doll clothes as I think when there are too many details, it detracts from the doll’s own charm. Also, too many details look thick and fussy in smaller scales at times.

Debbie

January 03, 2026

Day 10 – I tend to use minimalist patterns – easier to make

Barbara Weaver

January 03, 2026

I love to see historical patterns for my personal enjoyment. I like model era clothes when making to donate or sell.

Lise

January 03, 2026

Kathi M

January 03, 2026

I’m a detail oriented person so I always lean in that direction. I feel that it’s the little details that catch someone’s eye. The things that I look at, in my doll clothes, are what others comment on.

Judy

January 03, 2026

Coco Chanel has inspired me the most with her classic style and use of the most fabulous fabrics!

Barbara W

January 03, 2026

I enjoy classical silhouettes and get inspiration from the 50s and 60s. I’ve found my granddaughter likes princess dresses. I guest most young ladies do.

Nadine

January 03, 2026

I sew for a charity. I usually sew doll clothes in “batches”. Currently, I’m working on 9 boy short sleeve “dress shirts”. When those are finished I will make the pants for them. So, I tend to go for the simple designs.

CdnCrafter

January 03, 2026

I lean more towards simple designs.

Ruth

January 03, 2026

When my fabric has more details I tend towards simple edgings to make it shine has the star niblean towards the historical eras and accuracy but I enjoy more modern and easy clothing to help my daughters in their creative play and ease of dressing their dolls

Karen K.

January 03, 2026

I can’t really choose a favorite era or designer, but I love the design eras with details like pleats, tucks etc. I love the design details of Ralph Rucci, but not the silhouette of his designs. He has so many interesting ways he incorporates details that you don’t see everyday. I am attracted to the simple that has interesting detail because I enjoy working the details… even with hand embroidery added… I’m not so interested in lots ruffles, but a design that allows a nice silhouette. A perfect design would maybe be something modern with details from anywhere…..With all that said, I also admire the designers that are able to make the beautiful replica’s of the different eras such as Keeper’s Dolly Duds. I also really love almost all the designs from Liberty Jane that represents that modern with the details I love so much and is what attracted me to this website in the beginning.

John Sweeney

January 03, 2026

SIMPLE – NOT A COMPLICATED PERSON DAY #10

Ruth

January 03, 2026

I prefer a simple design because I need the girls to be able to dress and undress their dolls without help or destroying the outfit while trying to put it on and off the doll.

Dorothy

January 03, 2026

I lean toward simple details on more modern patterns and intricate details on historical patterns.

Hannah

January 03, 2026

I tend to lean more maximalist cause i love all the lace ruffles and sparkles
But I definitely appreciate some aspects of minimalism

Rebecca

January 03, 2026

Love the 50’s & 60’s. The styles look great on the dolls but to be honest…I love sewing for any of the historical dolls.

Mae Lynn Beck

January 03, 2026

I lean toward making contemporary clothes most often. I like to sew what appeals to little girls and feel they are drawn to the type of clothes they wear. That a pink bling princess dresses!

Mary-Sarah

January 03, 2026

I may sew more minimalist pieces because it’s faster but I definitely prefer design with more to them.

kristin

January 03, 2026

Off the top of my head, I would say I tend toward minimalism but usually with a small detail of some sort to give a little focal point. I sometimes feel overwhelmed when there is too much detail, and that kind of flows over into pattern designs as well. If there are too many details to a pattern, I tend to shy away from it. That is not to say that I have never used a lot of prints and laces and ribbons all combined. When I do use a lot of detail, it is very very intentional.

CONSTANCE

January 03, 2026

One can create beautiful costumes through the use of focusing on a particular detail. Some eras, like the gilded age, are all about the bling. Since I like all eras, I can choose to minimalize the details, based on the era, or add more details to create the likenesses of the more flamboyant eras. It just depends on what was in vogue at the time, and I like to recreate those costumes in miniature form to fit the dolls in a historical context.

Marsha

January 03, 2026

I prefer simple designs for the pattern and details for the embellishments.

Melissa

January 03, 2026

I think the princess style is the best. Clean lines, the simplicity just shines thru and with a good fabric not much else is needed

Marian

January 03, 2026

I vacillate between the minimalist existence of the 1960s and 70s when I was designing and sewing so much for myself in undergraduate and graduate school. However later I got into the more detailed historic style garments for my daughter and her dolls and later my granddaughters and their dolls. I enjoy all facets of design and therefore may one day work with a highly detailed historic costume and the next be involved with the structural elements of an outfit which Twiggy would have loved.

Tess

January 03, 2026

Day 10: Minimalism
The best part about simple designs is using fun accents or stitches to accentuate the designs. It is a great way to add a minor detail using those fun, decorative stitches on my sewing machine.

Dawn

January 03, 2026

I am partial to historic designs but also include some modern outfits. I think minimalism depends on the era of design you are working on. You can always overdo things but some eras like the Victorian era are a lot more detailed than others, so you have to consider the times and also who in that time are you sewing an outfit for. Is the outfit for high society or special occasion or does it represent the everyday style of how people lived their lives in each era.

Barbara

January 03, 2026

I’ve made Civil War era dresses when my granddaughters were reading Little Women. I’ve made evening gowns because they’re “special.” I plan to make ballet outfits because they do ballet. I guess I don’t have a particular era or style, but maybe occasions that I make clothes for.

Stephanie

January 03, 2026

I like simple styles and bright colors

Pattij

January 03, 2026

Amy

January 03, 2026

Day 10 – Minimalism
I lean more towards simple designs than detailed ones for two reasons. First, I consider myself to be an intermediate level sewist, and some of the more detailed designs can feel intimidating! Second, I just like the clean, timeless lines that can just let your eye rest – it’s refreshing! Two of my favorite patterns that illustrate this are Liberty Jane’s 18” doll Glaziers Hall Holiday Dress, and their 18” doll Salina Dress designs.

Susie

January 03, 2026

I love the 60’s and 70’s

Linda Hamilton

January 03, 2026

I love details. That’s why I love the clothing of the Civil War period. I love pintucks, and double sleeves, and coordinating fabrics. I love details that no one else notices. On the other hand, I love the simplicity of the thirties.

Katherine

January 03, 2026

I get inspired by almost every era. I love taking something from the different eras and combining with a current style. It makes for a new and different style.

Soozee

January 03, 2026

Currently I am sewing for Vintage dolls so I am researching the styles that they originally wore at that time period. I create most of my own patterns.

Elaine

January 03, 2026

Simplicity in stitching but one element that really stands out and shines!

Charlotte

January 03, 2026

According to the email, today’s theme is supposed to be Minimalism: “Do you lean more toward simple designs or detailed ones—and why?” and what you have posted here for day 10 is the same as for day 9! So that (the day 10 question from the email) is what I will answer.

I prefer designs that are more detailed. Not necessarily loads of ruffles, but things like puffed sleeves, yokes, added trims, and so on. I’ve had fun taking a single doll dress pattern and make it Exactly the same but use different fabrics for the dresses, and different trims done different ways on each one! It can be a challenge when you are making SEVEN dresses “the same but different”, as I did for my Little Darlings dolls! But a lot of fun, too. I’ve been sewing many, many years, so the super simple styles aren’t as appealing to me as ones that are a little more complex.

Rita

January 03, 2026

Definitely the 50s !

Sharon

January 03, 2026

Day 10 I like to keep it simple and stick with a basic color. It’s much easier to work with for me. Sometimes too much details and choices can be overwhelming

Deb Helfrich

January 03, 2026

I don’t know that I follow any designer in particular. I kinda fancy myself the designer. I can’t draft patterns, but I can use a pattern and re-draft it to suit my idea. I have done this with children’s clothing and dolls.

Maria

January 03, 2026

I love historical period clothing. I would like to design a Betsy Ross dress with a flag she herself is sewing.

Ma We

January 03, 2026

I like natural waistlines because they are so much earlier to work with!

Maria

January 03, 2026

The most fun detail I’ve ever added to a sewing project were Harry Potter crest symbols. So cute to imagine the dolls as these characters.

Ma

January 03, 2026

One fabric I love sewing with is felt and fabric I tend to avoid are sheers because they always snag.

Anja Bartlett

January 03, 2026

14th/15th century designs usually call for solid colors, the shapes being the focus. I like manipulating the fabric!

Ma We

January 03, 2026

The color combination I find myself reachinh for again and again is pink and turquoise because it looks like the corals of the ocean which I love.

Maria

January 03, 2026

When you start a project, the thing that helps me keep everything feeling cohesive is having fabrics that feel similarly in texture.

Ma

January 03, 2026

I love repeating stitch styles the most, colors next.

Ma We

January 03, 2026

I love the classical Victorian era the most when I sew for dolls!

Hilarie

January 03, 2026

Minimalism – it depends. I do tend to veer towards minimalism but will also make more elaborate clothes when the doll requires it. This Christmas I bought some fantastic figurative quilting cotton prints by Acufactum. They required simple shift dresses (with sleeves as they were winter prints) to show them off.

Shelley S.

January 03, 2026

Thank you for taking your time to offer these amazing 12 days of Christmas. They are always fun. With that being said, I love to do sewing for doll clothes from the 1980’s era. I do a lot of doll clothes for kids with cancer and kids that are facing hard times esp. this time of the year and they enjoy sparkly, glittery outfits & of course matching shoes and accessories.

Thank you again for this amazing opportunity. Stay blessed & let 2026 keep us grounded and thankful for all our blessings; big or small.

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.

Ruth

January 02, 2026

I enjoy so many eras , hard to say just one. I really enjoy the 50s, such fun styles, that would prob be one of my favorites

Jacquie Corrigan

January 02, 2026

Keepers Dolly Duds designs are my favourite!

Deborah P

January 02, 2026

No one style inspires my sewing the most. I do like everything from the past decade, prefering the 1950’s forward. I also like the Williamsburg era clothes. However, other garments & ‘career’ type outfits also catch my interest. Variety & a bit from each time period is the way to go!

Syndi

January 02, 2026

I am inspired by old elegant floating ball gowns from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Renaissance eras. I mostly sew Disney princesses. For everyday wear I like to sew pioneer and colonial or 1950’s type fitted outfits.

Linda Leigh

January 02, 2026

I usually go with color or theme.