The 2026 12 Days Of Christmas Start Now!

Deb

January 02, 2026

Pattern creator Little Miss Muffet inspires me because I like the feminine doll clothes with lace and ruffles.

Samantha

January 02, 2026

The Sixties different bust cuts, baby doll waist, belled sleeves on tops and pants, longer skirts and pants, the mini skirt, add on trims beads and Pom poms, different length of boots, the hats were all great but love the larger brimmed hats especially for ladies, and not just women’s fashions but men too were very interesting and influencing so many new and creative ideas. : )

designdreamer

January 02, 2026

I love lots of eras – from the 1800s to the 1970s!. I doubt I could pick just one. As for designers, Chanel is probably at the top of my list.

Brenda

January 02, 2026

I think that historical designs inspire me the most. I’m not drawn to any particular designer! I love fashions from many time periods, I’m not sure I have a favorite!

Trudy

January 02, 2026

I like fashions from the 1940’s

Sharon (Sandy)

January 02, 2026

There isn’t one time period of dress design I don’t like. I’m inspired by popular TV programs like Emma, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, etc. I’m also inspired by a fabric I might find that screams for Empire, Victorian, Sixties, etc., or a dress pattern that says, “Make me!” There are so many wonderful ones on Pixie Faire I would not to leave anyone out.

Marcy Mahle

January 02, 2026

My favorite Eras for sewing are Colonial Times, Regence, Victorian ( would love to see some Sherlock Holmes patterns) and the Roaring Twenties.

Cindy D.

January 02, 2026

I fell in love with 1850s fashion after reading Little Women. This was in the mid-1960s, Since I couldn’t find appropriate fabric or patterns for me to wear and the current Barbies still had over-made-up eyes and pony tails, I ended up making my own dolls so I’d have someone to wear the dresses. The Godey Lady Doll by Charlotte Eldridge and The Doll Book by Estelle Ansley Worrell were my guides until I could get into the library’s rare book rooms and hand-copy the colored plates from the Godey’s Ladies Book and Magazine bound editions from the 1800s. Still have the drawings, although when we went back to the college for our 50th reunion, the librarians let me take pictures of the pages with my cell phone!
Hubby and I are now involved in vintage dance (1800-1930) and I sew and attend balls in the gowns I love. 1850s is still my favorite period. For your enjoyment, go to the Internet Archive, books, and type in “Godey’s The Lady’s Book”.

Sewbig

January 02, 2026

DAY 9 -“Is there a designer, era, or style that inspires your sewing the most?”

Most of my own designs are inspired by the Mattel doll of the 1960’s and 1970’s – SKIPPER, Barbie’s little sister. I have almost finished the 1960’s, and am working my way through the 1970’s.

Martha

January 02, 2026

The era I love to sew for is the 1800’s.

candy

January 02, 2026

time to celebrate

candy

January 02, 2026

time to celebrate

Rebecca Flint

January 02, 2026

I love all the historical designs. Love when I see a fabric that is the right scale to make a historical piece

Penelope

January 02, 2026

I would say that a traditional style that is acceptable over generations is the stuck I prefer.

Mary

January 02, 2026

Sometimes the ‘20s through the ’50s inspire me. Other times, I want a ’70s or a modern-day look. It all depends on what frame of mind I’m in at the time.

Mollie Bradford

January 02, 2026

I missed yesterday. I like whatever waistline is appropriate to the historic era I’m seeing. I do love this lovely children’s Edwardian drop waistline dresses though!

Julia Christman

January 02, 2026

My inspiration comes from all over the place. Could be an illustrated book or magazine, tv, movies or the fabric itself. I see something and enjoy the challenge of recreating it for which ever doll I think matches the personality of what I am looking to create.

Mollie Bradford

January 02, 2026

I like many eras, but my favorite is medieval. I don’t know why I find the styles so fascinating, maybe because of all the fairytales I watched growing up. These days I’m developing an appreciation for many other eras though as well.

Renee Finney

January 02, 2026

I really don’t have a favorite era because I like all, But if I had to choose it would be whats current and the victorian era

Theresa

January 02, 2026

I really don’t know why, but I really like the look of the drop waist. I loved it when making clothes for myself when I was younger and now continue to enjoy these patterns when sewing for my dolls as well. I just like the look of it.

Nancy S.

January 02, 2026

I don’t have any one inspiration. If I see a pattern that appeals to me, I’ll make it! Sometimes it’s historical, sometimes not. Designer doesn’t matter to me, although there are some I prefer because I like they way they write patterns over others rather than their designs. My pattern collection includes all sorts of designs!

Pam

January 02, 2026

I don’t think that any one thing inspires my sewing. I pick patterns that I like and that look like I can succeed in making.

Lynda

January 02, 2026

I love the designs from the 70"s and 80’s

Jackie

January 02, 2026

Don’t laugh! The 1960’s inspire me. The hippie era in spite of its excesses brought a renewed respect for the human body as it is actually shaped and not as it can be molded by a foundation garment such as the one my mother called ‘Old Ironsides’. Joyous colors .A renewed respect for hand work. Shoes you could actually walk in. PANTS! I was in grad school in much of the ’60’s. It was a great day when a professor’s wife turned up in a pants suit. In this one could SIT DOWN, on the floor if necessary, Bend over. . All without offence to modesty. I didn’t have enough time in grad school to make many of my own clothes but a simple sheath dress, fully lined, in a joyous blue paisley was one I made and enjoyed in that era. And I was still making shirtwaists. Water color florals, paisleys and such. I also like Edwardian clothes for little girl dolls tho I am glad actual little girls don’t have to play in them. Love the SCA stuff and hope for armor for some of my dolls. My Sasha dolls often wear some variation of a dress with I high yoke often in some version of baby wale corduroy or eyelet embroidery [often white]. My Kruselings are most often in contemporary clothes. After the devastating fires in our area a few years ago trick-or-treaters were met at my door by a doll dressed as the Fire Chief of Camp Runamuck..

Charlene

January 02, 2026

I make just your everyday outfits.

Bridgette

January 02, 2026

Not really.

NancyB

January 02, 2026

I am really all over the place with design, era, color….

Marjory

January 02, 2026

I like designs of the 40s and 50s (my era) and also the art of Mary Engelbreit, as I have many of her fabrics.

Chantal

January 02, 2026

Day 9: It’s difficult to choose just one or two designers but overall i like the “every day” clothes patterns the most.

Karen

January 02, 2026

I’m not a designer but I love the clothing from 1700’s and 1800’s.

Karen

January 02, 2026

I’m not a designer but I love the clothing from 1700’s and 1800’s.

Hannah

January 02, 2026

I am get inspiration from so many places
I really love historical stuff and also Disney princesses

Karyn

January 02, 2026

The art of Vincent Van Gogh and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec have been a continual source of inspiration to me, as has Art Nouveau and Alphonse Mucha. Without these artists, I would be a very different person.

Barbara

January 02, 2026

I love historical clothing for my dolls. Victorian, Regency, Edwardian, Colonial, I just can’t choose my favorite. I love learning from Shari Fuller about the history with her Thimbles & Acorns and Keepers Dolly Duds videos.

Julie

January 02, 2026

I don’t have a particular era or designer that I favor. I do like making bubble skirts, pleated skirts and even circle skirts. Whatever I need to make to go with them is what I knit or sew.

Deb

January 02, 2026

Linda

January 02, 2026

I enjoy sewing all the different eras. They each have something special about them.

Jane Parks

January 02, 2026

I find that i have an eclectic style. A little from different eras and time periods.

Sharon

January 02, 2026

I have an eclectic collection of patterns for dolls with designs from various eras. What I would really like to make is making Girl and Doll matching outfits. I really like those the most and have trouble finding matching designs.

Barbara W

January 02, 2026

I love the glamour of the 40s and 50s! There’s something about it that makes me want to dress up! While it’s generally easier to just throw on something casual, in my mind, it doesn’t quite say, “I’m beautiful!”

BrendaK

January 02, 2026

The group of ladies sew doll clothes for a local charity. The young girls prefer to dress their dolls in current fashions that they wear. I prefer dresses with natural waist lines and full skirts. I have many Pixie Faire patterns tat I make over and over!!

Sherry

January 02, 2026

I like nearly any historic style before the 1900s And yes that covers a lot.

Mary-Sarah

January 02, 2026

I love the 80s punk & post-punk, esp Alexander McQueen & Vivienne Westwood. I loved the fashions of the 60s as well.

Trish Glavin

January 02, 2026

“What’s the most fun or surprising detail you’ve ever added to a sewing project?” The most fun was when I added a pieced bodice to an 18" doll dress, when I created a patchwork piece that I then used as the bodice to an 18" doll top, and when I altered a basic sleeveless top pattern designed for an 18" doll by splitting the bodice front into two pieces and creating a diagonal seam from left shoulder top to right side lower hem and using two contrasting fabrics.

Violette

January 02, 2026

Love the designs/patterns. They are all so interesting and challenging.

Anne

January 02, 2026

I love traditional taylored designs of the 40’s and 50’s. I grew up in that era so they are special to me.

Bettie

January 02, 2026

I like the regency era and other historical eras. But most of my sewing is for the modern styles that little girls like because it’s just like their clothes.

KathyS

January 02, 2026

I grew up in the late 50”s to 60’s era. I still have my 2 baby dolls. I love the babies from then before Barbie took over. I’ve been buying dolls from then and want to get into making clothing from my childhood.

Theresa

January 02, 2026

I am inspired by quilts – especially those that use the tiny flower prints that were used making flour and feed sacks. My grandmother made clothes from those – never wanting to waste anything. So I guess I am inspired by my grandmother.

Janet

January 02, 2026

I love historical clothing. Regency and Victorian the most.

Lisa G

January 02, 2026

I posted a comment earlier, but I entered the wrong email address. I fat fingered it & added on to the .com part of the address by accident. L.O.L.

Dona

January 02, 2026

Right now, my inspiration comes from my favorite literary characters—Laura Ingalls Wilder and Jane Eyre. I’m really enjoying exploring fashion through those two very different time periods!

Marti

January 02, 2026

I am inspired designs of the 1960s

Lisa G

January 02, 2026

A lot of my inspiration comes from Pinterest. I also love doll designers like Robert Tonner, Mel Odum & Bob Mackie for Barbie. Favorite Pixie Faire fashion designers are Keepers Dolly Duds, Liberty Jane & Thimbles & Acorns. People Designers: Gunne Sax, Laura Ashley & Shabby Chic for soft feminine romantic looks. :-)

Kimberly Chidsey

January 02, 2026

I enjoy contemporary fashion, but I get really excited when I see patterns from the 80s and 90s. It’s fun to be able to flashback to my years growing up in terms of fashion.

Ruth Ann

January 02, 2026

Day 9
If I were to choose a time period I would probably pick the 60s or70s — bell bottoms, granny dresses etc.

Sue N

January 02, 2026

Day #9 Drawn to fashion from WW1 thru the 20’s and the Art Deco 30s. Like the mod 60s. Am looking at some Regency designs lately. Many eras hold appeal,

Krynne

January 02, 2026

Day 9 Prompt: “Is there a designer, era, or style that inspires your sewing the most?”

For many years, back when my children were younger, our family were part of a special Renaissance group (the SCA), Many of the garments/outfits we wore during these special events I sewed for the whole family (and a few friends). While we are no longer attending these events, this era of costume/clothing still fascinates me, and many of my sewing ideas come from how things were made back in those days.

Janice

January 02, 2026

I’m inspired by the roaring twenties and mid-century modern. Depends on the fabric which era I choose.

Jennifer

January 02, 2026

I like making circle skirts and shirt dresses. I think that’s like the 50’s?

Laura M

January 02, 2026

Day 9 Inspiration from designer/era – I’m not really inspired by a specific designer or era. If I like a pattern, I get it. I don’t pay attention to who designed it or what era it channels.

Linda Hamilton

January 02, 2026

I am inspired by two eras: the Civil War period and the Depression era.

Dorene

January 02, 2026

I prefer contemporary fashion. There is variety oan abundance of different styles and I find it to be inspiring.

Florence

January 02, 2026

I love the styles, colors, and prints from the late 1960’s through 1970’s. Honestly I’m a bit into boho even today’s styles. I want make some doll dresses that remind me of some of my childhood favorites.
It’s amazing how well we remember those favorites.
My mom found a picture of herself and even though the picture was black and white and only showed some of her dress she was able to describe that dress in detail.

Elin

January 02, 2026

My favorite designer is “Fashioned by Rebecca” (Rebecca Dzierzon) Her patterns Regal Maiden & Colonial Elegance are amazing. From the Tangled & Snow White dresses as well as my on take to the Hocus Pocus Sisters. They are patterns that keep on giving!

Barb

January 02, 2026

Julie Vasbinder

January 02, 2026

I like to look at patterns from various eras and pick one to make as historically accurate as possible. I am currently working on Praire Rose dresses. I have also sewed medieval period dresses (very pretty), native american dress from lightweight leather with beads.Dresses from the fifties. It’s hard to choose just one era. I am thankful there are so many excellent designers on Pixie Faire.

June

January 02, 2026

I don’t have a favorite era but I like the historical fashions, 1960-70 and the 20’s. This year the girls wanted clothes to look like what they were wearing so I had fun with the wide leg pants, knit pants and tops with lettuce edges, oversized sweatshirts, leather (dance fabric) pleated skirts, cropped hoodies, joggers. It was fun figuring all this out.

CONSTANCE

January 02, 2026

I am inclined to be inspired by historical costuming, primarily Victorian but venturing into multiple eras from Medieval to 1970s. I enjoy seeing works from Pemberley Threads, Keepers Dolly Duds, MHD Designs, Thimbles and Acorns, Flossie Potter and many more. Whenever a new pattern is released, I enjoy seeing how those patterns are envisioned by costumers who create their own ideas based on the pattern. Their use of fabrics and notions are inspirational. In the real world, I enjoy Charles Worth gowns and would love to create these in 18" doll size.

Alisa Oram

January 02, 2026

I think all the designers are great but my favorite is Keeper Dolly Duds. I like the eras around the 40s – 60s. I enjoy picking out fabric and determining which pattern goes best with the material.

Sharon M

January 02, 2026

Lately, I’ve been embracing the 1970s aesthetic, characterized by bold colors, wide-leg pants, platform shoes, and distinctive patterns that capture the free-spirited and eclectic style of the decade.

Cheryl

January 02, 2026

I have several favorite designers, some for their designs and some for their clear and complete instructions.

Christine

January 02, 2026

I love the historical outfits from the pioneer days, victorian era, and this century’s more
“modern” historical times like the 30s, 40, 50s, and 60s.

Patti

January 02, 2026

“Is there a designer, era, or style that inspires your sewing the most?”
I don’t have any certain designer, era or style that would inspire my sewing the most, however, I do enjoy making outfits by Jelly Bean Soup, 123 Mulberry St, Doll Tag Clothing, Keepers Dolly Duds, and Liberty Jane Clothing to name a few. I do like the 50s 60s style clothing and as long as the patterns are somewhat modernish that little girls can relate to then I am inspired with that style.

Pamela W

January 02, 2026

Day 9: The designers, eras or styles that inspires my sewing the most include 1920s fashions, 1960-70s boho fashions, colonial fashions and designers such as Magalie Dawson of MHD Designs, Melinda’s Melody Valerie Couture, Shari’s Thimbles and Acorns, Pemberley Threads.

Claudette

January 02, 2026

Bonjour, Ce n’est pas un style en particulier, mais un de mes projets pour 2026, serait de fabriquer des uniformes de différents métiers (Pompiers, garagiste, chef, brigadier, …). Par la suite à des déguisements pour la saison de l’Halloween. L’idée m’est venu en utilisant votre patron “Army Combat uniform” que j’ai adoré utiliser.

Beth S

January 02, 2026

The detail and precision of designers like Shari Fuller, Keepers Dolly Duds, Pemberly Threads, etc., are a great inspiration for me with realistic historical sewing for 18 inch dolls.

Mary

January 02, 2026

Sometimes I feel inspired by a book or a memory, sometimes it’s the fabric that tells a story. I am open to all eras and I like to sew.

Elaine

January 02, 2026

I don’t really have a design designer or an era that inspires me. But that being said, I do have several historical pieces that I would like to make. It’s not an error, but I have several historical American girl dolls, that I would like to make a piece from her error to clothe her.

Pat

January 02, 2026

I am not drawn to any particular era. I like getting ideas from all of them.

Lois

January 02, 2026

Homage: the era I find most inspiration from is the Civil War era. That being said, I am generally an all around fan of historical dress. 1850-1880s usually has the ones I go for most, but I go in for medieval through 1960s. As far as people go, Shari Fuller’s patterns are full of the detail and accuracy I admire.

Tamara

January 02, 2026

When I first started sewing, I liked to sew pioneer and colonial type ensembles. But there are so many cute patterns out there I’ve sewn a bit of everything

Heidi

January 02, 2026

I like to sew doll clothes from many of the eras, no one in particular.

J.J. Goody

January 02, 2026

My phone has albums of screenshots I take whenever I see something I like. Sometimes they don’t fit into an album category (by decade or by culture) so they just float randomly in the screenshot album. But I will often collect a number of inspirational pictures and even educate myself about a style before tackling it. Like for a Creole Barbie (https://pin.it/76QfGTwxn), I learned about discrimination that inspired the beautiful headdresses of African descent women in 1700s Louisiana, and about what the number of points on a Haitian tete casse hat indicated to potential suitors. I even passed on the info in a note to the little girl who would be receiving the doll.

Sue

January 02, 2026

I adore the steampunk style which I think is Edwardian mixed with a modern twist. Then lots of gadgets!

Charissa

January 02, 2026

As a child my grandmother sewed for me. She sewed for my dolls. This was the beginning of my love of sewing. I sewed what I needed. The biggest project I tackled was my wedding dress then clothes for my children. My children have dolls. It quickly became too expensive to buy premade sets for our crew of dolls so, the natural path for me was to make them clothes and teach anyone that wished to sew for themselves as well. now I sew for the sheer pleasure of making the dolls adorable outfits and seeing them sit around in things I have created even though I know the flaws. Lately my inspiration is actual little girls I know, meet, or occasionally bump into here and there. Several moms have allowed me to photograph their little ladies to create a mini outfit inspired usually by moms who know what they like. I grew up with pleated skirts and many that twirled when I danced. Many eras don’t have these features and I feel sad for little girls who don’t get that thrill. My boy dolls are also spoiled with any fun or sharp attire I find for inspiration. No one stays stuck in any style but is free to wear whatever strikes this mom-of-many’s fancy. since I make most of my projects from collected bits or thrifted fabrics it is exciting for me to see them come to life.

Marian

January 02, 2026

I particularly love recreating historically accurate doll costumes of all periods, but I also love to take a particular element i.e. a 1950 circular skirt and adapt it to a more modern garment. Since I love all historic designs, I am just as apt to pair a regency sleeve with a hi-lo skirt. It can result in some amazing garments.

Pamela McPherson

January 02, 2026

I love the visual progression from the Victorian era to the 1920s. Ruffles and laces give way to baubles and long fringes and sassy styles. The women designers from the turn of the century created some lovely gowns. But, I love the Fortuny gowns that have the crystal pleating. Those were so specialized that the buyer had to agree to bring their gown back to Fortuny to be cleaned. Search for Deplos and Peplos gowns by Fortuny!

Kathy m

January 02, 2026

Vicki

January 02, 2026

The Little Women designs by Keepers Dolly Duds, Pemberley Threads, and Luminaria Designs have inspired me to want to create my own Little Women dolls. Having access to the books and movies helps!

Karla Stiverson

January 02, 2026

1800’s time era the most.

Kathleen A

January 02, 2026

I love the “decades” – ‘50s, ’60s, ’70s for all different reasons. ’50s was my mom’s fashion years. I love to honor her fashion choices. The ’60s include my childhood and my Barbie years. The ’70s were my teen years, and I have lots to honor from them. I also enjoy cowboy fashion of the 1870s and 1880s.

Betty

January 02, 2026

I like the 30’s through the early 60’s….I collect vintage dolls and doll clothing patterns…those are my favorites

Susan Fritz

January 02, 2026

I jump around on time lines. Historically accurate designs can be tricky to find accurate fabric, especially wool that will drape well on smaller dolls unless you weave your own. So I have had to pay homage by an accurate design and outfit with fabric substitutes. Ethnic outfits are somewhat easier. If you jump ahead to the 1940’s and later you are definitely dealing with less undergarments and easier similar fabrics. Technically, even if you are trying for an exact copy of an historical garment or one an actor or family member wore it will still be a copy, not a knock-off…so homage but a design steal.

Maggie

January 02, 2026

I like the Edwardian era and the 1930’s to 1940’s.

Sue D

January 02, 2026

No matter what the style I like simplicity as I am a beginner.

Helen

January 02, 2026

I love the 60’s and 70’s. The style from that era bring back lots of memories!

Janet

January 02, 2026

Born into the straight designs of the 60’s, I have always loved the 50’s. I wanted twirly dresses like my sister had.

Deb F

January 02, 2026

“Is there a designer, era, or style that inspires your sewing the most?”
I love sparkly and peacock colors so there’s no particular designer, era or style that inspires me more.

Sarah

January 02, 2026

I’m inspired by so many things, but not all of it reflects in what I’m working on. I do just about every textile craft under the sun. For my doll and doll clothes making specifically—I have always longed to have a closet full of historically accurate outfit recreations/costumes from a variety of different eras, but I don’t have the money or the spare room to make a million costumes I’ll never be able to wear out, plus underpinnings. Instead, I make them for my dolls, drawing inspiration from whatever time period (and place!) I’m fascinated by at the moment. I’m especially entranced by the 1870s-1910s in particular.