Sewing For The Holidays - The Mini Treasure Hunt

susan Heishman

December 08, 2019

I sew for a business and love it. My greatest challenge has been making arm holes big enough to go over some of my smaller doll big hands without making the hole so large that the finished product looks baggy.

Amanda Van Sickle

November 25, 2019

I have a small business – Amanda Kate Designs – and I sew for fun. My biggest obstacle is time. I have a 17 week old baby girl who doesn’t leave much time for sewing of any time. Currently working on the Starlight Gala dress for fun.

Diane R

November 24, 2019

I sew for the pleasure of it. I usually sew things for people that ask for something that they can’t find in the color they want for 18" dolls. Like matching sun bonnets. My biggest obstacle is that they are starting to get lazy and don’t look for what they want a just come to me first.

Ellen

November 24, 2019

I sew for both pleasure and business….mostly embroidery items for business, but would like to start sewing doll clothes for sale. I would like to make them economically affordable as so many of the clothes are so expensive! One of my biggest challenges is the clutter that ends up in my sewing/craft room. Everyone (including me!) seems to put things in there they don’t know else what to do with, so every session seems to start with clean up.

Rita C.

November 24, 2019

I sew for a business on Etsy; AdollablebyRita.
My biggest struggle is invisible zippers.

Linda

November 24, 2019

I sew for fun. Time is my biggest problem……most of my finished doll clothes get given away after I take a few pictures of my dolls in them.

Nora

November 23, 2019

I sew for a hobby so I can work at my own pace and not worry about my results being perfect or good enough to sell if I make a mistake. My biggest struggle currently is finding the supplies I need when I have an idea for a project. I often have an idea for a design or outfit but am unable to find just the right fabric and/or embellishments that I want for my idea, in spite of scouring the usual on-line stores and local shops.

Kay

November 22, 2019

I sew as a hobby right now. I have four granddaughters and I really enjoy making clothes fore their dolls. My biggest challenge right now is time management. I just can’t seem to stick to my projects right now!!

kim

November 22, 2019

i sew primarily as a hobby and my biggest hurdle/obstacle is when my cats try to “help” me.

MAUREEN

November 22, 2019

I sew as a hobby but my biggest struggle is finding the time to sew!

Heidi

November 22, 2019

I love to sew for fun and duplicate something expensive. My biggest hurdle is time.

Flo Davies

November 22, 2019

I am a Hobby sewist but it’s been quite a while since I sewn anything. I hate to admit I have been collecting Liberty Jane Patterns since I can’t remember when. My biggest problem that I would LOVE to overcome is PROCRASTINATION! I really do want to start sewing again!!!
Love and Best Wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving and a Blessed Merry Christmas to ALL

Cynthia P

November 22, 2019

My sewing is a hobby. I sew for fun for my daughter, my daughter in law’s niece, and myself. My biggest challenge is time and organization.

Heidi Brown

November 22, 2019

I sew for fun and have always enjoyed making doll clothes. Even though I have sewn for many years, I have so much to learn! I do a lot of remaking children’s clothes to fit my 18 inch dolls. It is challenging for me to determine the best way to cut down little dresses. I do try to alternate sewing with an actual pattern and restyling children’s outfits. Going in one direction and then the other keeps everything fresh.

Maria

November 22, 2019

I sew for a hobby since my 4 grandchildren are girls. But will love to begin a business of it. Time flies and retirement is just around corner and will need and extra income. I do also my own patterns thanks to Pattern Academy, and will love to be able to put them in your website. Thanks larougetdelisle group for all your support and help in all this time I have been a member.

Cathy

November 21, 2019

I sew as a hobby, biggest challenges are time and organization.

Martha R.

November 21, 2019

Sewing doll clothes is intended to be a creative outlet for me. I have no problem finding patterns and fabric I think would look great on my mushrooming collection of dolls. Life keeps interfering. I am almost satisfied with my organization of fabric and sewing supplies. I need to sew something so I know if my ideas worked or if I am still running all over the house to find everything needed to finish a project.

Dolly

November 21, 2019

I used to sew for fun and for my four granddaughters dolls. They are grown now and since I still love to sew doll clothes I take my wares to craft shows and fairs. I make a modest amount. Enough to support my habit! My biggest challenge is selecting the best fabric choice for the pattern I’m making.

Roxanne

November 21, 2019

I sew for fun.

Ann

November 21, 2019

I sew as a hobby but I am considering sewing as a part time business (occasional craft shows and holiday markets). The biggest struggle for me to overcome is choosing the best fabric for the pattern I am using and not being so critical of my own work.

Barbara

November 21, 2019

I make doll clothes only for myself. It is for fun and it is my creative outlet. The obstacle is I am a perfectionist. When something is not perfect I get upset and frustrated and then it is no longer fun. At least the dolls never complain. They like everything I make.

Carol Cochran

November 21, 2019

Right now I sew as a hobby, but I want to try and make a business of it. I just need to be more organized with my time. I spend too much time looking at things and not enough making!

Pat Stone

November 21, 2019

I sew for fun and for my two granddaughters, one 6 and the other 12. Both have the AG 18" dolls, so that makes it easy. They live in different states, and usually only get together during the holidays, so I like to make at least one outfit the same for both girls so they can have twins when come visit.

Kathi

November 21, 2019

Carol

November 21, 2019

I sew for a business. I do 2- 3 shows a year to support my habit !! I am a fabric-catholic thanks to my Grandmother. lol I love to sew !

Donna Leddy

November 21, 2019

I sew for my Grand daughters and my own collection of dolls what i find the most challenging is altering the patterns for different size dolls.

Kari

November 20, 2019

I sew clothes for my daughter’s dolls as a hobby. I would love to have more time for sewing, but life is really busy right now. I really like sewing doll clothes because they are smaller projects and I can finish them in the little bits of free time that I have.

Rebecca

November 20, 2019

Right now, sewing doll clothes is my hobby. I enjoy it so much! I sell a few things, though. One of my struggles is finding the right market to sell my goods.

kathy

November 20, 2019

my is time time to do my sewing to make those cute dress top etc i work full time as long term nurse thus sew for a hobby not to make profits

Leighanne

November 20, 2019

I haven’t been able to have my sewing machine for 3 years now (remedying that this winter, according to the man), but I usually sew for myself, as a hobby. It’s love to turn it into a business though. My biggest struggle has been simply learning to do the intermediate techniques, since I have no one to teach me. Videos helps immensely though.

pam

November 20, 2019

I usually sew for profit, but am taking a break to care for my mother who is 92 years young. I still sew when I can, but not as much as I would like. Right now, it is more for pleasure until I can get back to more full time sewing. Love to participate in all of these activities, however!

Sue Z

November 20, 2019

My intent was to sew for business. But I am having a problem following through. I always feel that my product isn’t good enough to sell. I also don’t know where to start. Do I try to put it on Ebay or Etsy? There are so many other beautiful items for sale. I wonder who would buy mine. I guess I lack the confidence in my abilities.

Julie F

November 20, 2019

I sew for myself and as a business. Right now my biggest obstacle is time, not enough to make every thing on my to-do list. Retirement will be coming soon and I am looking forward to spending more time creating. I can’t wait to create some really cute holiday scenes with my dolls. I love to see what others are doing for their dolls’ holidays.

Donna

November 20, 2019

Do you sew as a hobby or business, and what is your biggest struggle you’d like to overcome?"
I want my hobby to become a business. My biggest struggle is forcing myself to use my time wisely and stop staying in bed all day. I ,as the say, talk a good talk, but Dont walk the walk. I have issue’s following through with things.

MILICA

November 20, 2019

right now I haven’t sewn much, my intent was to sew for my granddaughter but she rather has so many toys and already has an 18" doll and lot of outfits she hardly plays with. My intent few years back when I started collecting patterns, and I took design and pattern academy, was to create business, and have gone through the exercises and learned a lot, but it fell by the wayside and I concentrated on art. I would like to get back on some schedule where I could practice and both. I’ve read few posts and can identify with many others who have difficulty in concentrating on the project over few days or weeks. I’m fine for a day or so, making an outfit or two and then even though they turn out fabulous, and I’m excited to do more, i don’t. I have few outfits that I cut up and need to finish. I got stuck on how to work with poliester, how will it hem, will it be too thick. I was making a cloak. Thank you.

Mae Lynn Beck

November 20, 2019

I see as a business to support my hobby. I started making doll clothes for my granddaughters but they have outgrown them now. So sad! I do one craft show a year to sell what I enjoy making. I struggle with interruptions and finding time to make all the things I want to make.

Joy S.

November 20, 2019

I sew 18" doll clothes for girls that love playing with their dolls. Sometimes I send a doll along too. They are no charge and I always include accessories. My struggle is installing small zippers evenly.

Pamela Groves

November 20, 2019

I like to sew for myself and for kids. I also like to quilt. Making doll clothes I find very enjoyable and your patterns sure make it much more interesting

Tanya

November 20, 2019

My biggest struggle is to consistently working on projects for the business. Years ago I had a dollhouse miniatures business where I sold my handmade miniatures at miniatures/dollhouse conventions and shows. I would work hard several months before, but did not hav the discipline to work year round. I need to try and work at least one day a week on each of my hobby interests!!!

Tanya

November 20, 2019

My biggest struggle is to consistently working on projects for the business. Years ago I had a dollhouse miniatures business where I sold my handmade miniatures at miniatures/dollhouse conventions and shows. I would work hard several months before, but did not hav the discipline to work year round. I need to try and work at least one day a week on each of my hobby interests!!!

Christie

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby. The biggest struggle that I need to overcome is actually my severe depression. I want to sew, I need to sew, but somehow it is hard to force myself into getting started. Once I do start, I have fun. But getting started remains the hurdle for me (in everything right now).

Debra

November 20, 2019

Right now I sew as a hobby and my greatest obstacle is finding the time to sew. Also, since I am approaching retirement, I would like to expand my sewing to perhaps become a secondary source of income in retirement. Either way, thanks for the opportunity and for making larougetdelisle such a fun place!

Susan P

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby. My biggest obstacle is finding fabric and trims locally, especially specialty fabrics like silks, batiste, wools, etc. There are online sources, but nothing compares to being able to feel the fabric. Matching colors can be tricky, too, because they can read differently on a computer monitor. I do have several nice quilt shops in my area, so I can usually find cottons locally.

Vicki

November 20, 2019

I sew doll clothes as a hobby. I’m a little on the too critical side if something isn’t exactly
right! My biggest obstacle right now is what to keep the dolls clothes in. I don’t have a huge
amount right now, but if I continue it will be a bit of a problem! LOL

Marian Robinett

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby. My biggest obstacle is finding the time.

Sherry H

November 20, 2019

I have been sewing for years as a hobby, but since I started making doll clothes for my granddaughter, I have ventured into the business side of it (sort of). Mainly I sell at craft shows. I would like to put them online, but my biggest struggle is how to manage that while still holding a full time job.

Gail Orr

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby and a business. My business is sewing for humans but I do sell the occasional doll’s outfit. My biggest obstacle is lack of focus. I can’t seem to keep going with a project. I have so many half done jobs its pitiful.

Maurine

November 20, 2019

I sew for dolls as I love to create and I already have so many clothes that I will never wear all of them in my lifetime. My children & grandchildren are grown and not interested in me sewing for them. It gives me an opportunity to create in a small scale wit h the very large stash of fabric. I do sell my creations on Etsy but do not market my sight aggressively as I enjoy making the clothes rather than making money on selling them. My biggest obstacle is sewing the tiny seams for set in sleeves. I have a hard time getting them without tiny tucks. Another obstacle is that I am a poor photographer and hair stylist so my photos on Etsy are not very professional.

Rita

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby, making clothes for my granddaughters and their dolls. I struggle with making sure I allow myself a little time each day to enjoy sewing.

Jeri

November 20, 2019

I saw as a hobby – one of many! My biggest struggle is deciding which of my many projects to work on and staying focused until one is finished before starting a new one. I enjoying making things for others so I’ve usually got quite a few projects (sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting) going on at the same time. Maybe once I can retire I’ll do better LOL!

Frances

November 20, 2019

I sew for the joy of it. My biggest struggle I’d like to overcome is procrastination in designing and making my own mannequin the same size as the dolls I have that are not the same size as those larougetdelisle usually caters for – first, the Maplelea dolls.

Francoise

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby and I saw your movie ! Nice what you can find in the stores !
I wish I lived in the USA, I think I’ll have to move.
Making doll clothes would be much more fun than in my small country,
also for finding the small accessories for the dolls

Nancy

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby. My biggest struggle is finding dolls to test finished clothes on. I do not have the budget to BFB, Wellie Wishers, Kate and Kids, etc. I have found and purchased some BFB dolls at the local thrift shops and cleaned them up, including hair cuts if needed. At often times give these away to little girls or boys who dream of owning one of them. I also struggle finding pattern for dolls of my youth. I am not so great, yet, in resizing patterns.

Marcy Mahle

November 20, 2019

Years ago I use to do shows selling clothing for all kinds of dolls but then the grandchildren started arriving and I gave up my show. Now I sew a lot for charity, family and friends. My biggest obstacle this year has been finding time. My dear hubby has had many health issues and I myself had a couple and there have been family and friends who have needed my help so my sewing time has been limited. I have wonderful hopes for next year to sew sew sew.

Josi

November 20, 2019

I sew as hoppy since I work full time at a JOB. Would love to sew full time. What holds me back is time and money.

candy

November 20, 2019

Margaret

November 20, 2019

Just sewing as a hobby right now but have so many ideas for designs that I would love to turn into a profitable online business. My biggest challenge is developing my imagination into a working garment with the same look I see in my mind.

Maritta

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby. My biggest struggle is that I’m a neat freak and once I start sewing I need to complete my project and clean up…which can lead to not starting or spending to much time in my sewing room and not doing my household chores (who needs clean dishes anyway, right)
.

Kimberly C

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby right now but hoping as a business in the future. The hardest part is getting started

Tracy

November 20, 2019

I sew as a hobby. My biggest struggles are finding time, organization and confidence.

Pat

November 20, 2019

I sew for a hobby – I am a grandma, my kids are all grown and on their own now. I started making doll clothes for my 3 little granddaughters. They grew out of dolls, but I didn’t! I love playing with fabrics and style, and these little miniature clothes are perfect for me because they require so little fabric and I can finish one in a few hours. I have sold a few at times, and given some for gifts, but they are mostly for my own satisfaction.
My biggest challenge is motivation. I used to have sewing days with my sister, but she moved away, so I don’t get much done anymore…

Pat

November 20, 2019

I se

Michele

November 20, 2019

I am retired and sew for dolls as a hobby but, would like to open a small business. I am unsure about how to go about setting up an online business and all that that entails. I would also love to learn more about pattern design and hope to take courses in the future.

Sharon Thomas

November 20, 2019

I only sew as a hobby. My biggest obstacle is me. I keep finding other things I need to do like laundry, cooking, cleaning. I even hired a cleaning crew to come in once every two weeks. LOL But for some reason my sweet hubby and my mother (who lives with us) keep wanting me to do other things…like carry on a conversation! I’m working on valances for our naked windows (well, they do have blinds for privacy) but I’d really like to get back to doll clothes for our grands.

Sharon B.

November 20, 2019

I sew only as a hobby – my biggest struggle is finding the time and then the energy/motivation to do it! I have twin daughters who are high school seniors looking into colleges right now, plus I work full time, so it is hard to find the time and energy to get projects done. I also struggle with finding inspiration – I have a lot of patterns, but then struggle with trying to figure out the right fabrics or looks to turn them into cute projects. The nearest Joann Fabrics is about 25 minutes away, so I don’t get there as often as I’d like.
Maybe when I get more time, right?!

Susan

November 19, 2019

I sew for my doll clothes business. Staying motivated is my hardest thing. I love sewing but with all the other tasks it is so hard to get everything done. I have recently retired and you’d think that would help, but I am so overwhelmed.

Alice Denny

November 19, 2019

I am a hobby seamstress although some of my work in the past as been praised as being professional looking. I just don’t think I could sew for a business. I helped my Dad with an Ebay business before he passed away, and even though we didn’t make any of the things we sold, the work was sometimes overwhelming. Having to keep track of inventory, stay on top of orders, advertise, communicate, handle packing and shipping and keeping customers happy, was just too much. So now I sew when I want to and for whom I want. It makes me happy and keeps me only as busy as I want to be.

Sandra Cox

November 19, 2019

I continue to sew as a hobby however do sell sometimes. My worst thing to overcome is Procrastination!

Diana Geiger

November 19, 2019

I sew as a hobby . I am way too critical about my work to sell. My biggest struggle is types of material to use and how not to be so picky about how my work looks to me.

Diana Geiger

November 19, 2019

I see as a hobby . I am way too critical about my work to sell. My biggest struggle is types of material to use and how not to be so picky about how my work looks to me.

Karen Martin

November 19, 2019

I’m a hobby seamstress/crafter/painter currently—-and barely that at the moment! Our two year old grandson lives with us now, so my creative juices have all but dried up. My biggest obstacle is the fact that I don’t have any time or space of my own anymore. It can get frustrating, but he won’t be this little forever. I’d rather be his favorite person than crank out projects like a factory any day!

Donna

November 19, 2019

I started collecting dolls in April with the intent to sew for business. I’ve bought so many patterns from larougetdelisle, classes from Cinnamon, and fabric all with good intentions. My dolls keep multiplying while I sleep, waiting for their clothes. But after getting into all these groups I’ve become afraid i jumped too far into the deep end!!

Donna

November 19, 2019

I started collecting dolls in April with the intent to sew for business. I’ve bought so many patterns from larougetdelisle, classes from Cinnamon, and fabric all with good intentions. My dolls keep multiplying while I sleep, waiting for their clothes. But after getting into all these groups I’ve become afraid i jumped too far into the deep end!!

Brenda

November 19, 2019

My sewing is a hobby and always has been. Would love turning my doll clothes into online business but don’t have any idea how to start. I’ve been trying to educate myself on different aspects of starting a business, but then just feel overwhelmed with it all and don’t move forward. I’m also afraid the enjoyment of sewing would go away with the pressures of trying to sell items and keep up, along with the whole pricing thing. I struggle with how much should doll clothes really be worth. I want to be somewhat profitable!

Olga

November 19, 2019

I sew as a hobby but would love to turn this miniature craft into a business. I struggle with trying to get all my materials together to start a project and tend to overthink design ideas and not get started at all.

Karen

November 19, 2019

I sew as a hobby and a once a year bazaar at the school to clear out the hobby creations. My biggest difficulty is trying to decide if I should make separates or outfits. Dresses or pajamas….and how many? I tend to find a pattern I like and make a million of whatever….all different colors. There must be a formula that tells you how many you might make/sell at any given time so you don’t end up storing stuff. Organization. Nuf said.

Holly D

November 19, 2019

I sew mostly as a hobby. My biggest struggle is finishing what I’m currently working on before starting something else that catches my attention and interest, leading to far too many UFO’s!

Beth C

November 19, 2019

I sew as a hobby. My biggest challenge is balancing my time. I am either all-in or all-out with sewing. I need to find a way to do a little here and there so I can complete all the sewing projects I have in my head…and still manage to feed my family :)

Liana

November 19, 2019

I sew as a hobby. Biggest challenge is time and keeping my sewing space organized.

Anna S

November 19, 2019

I sew as a hobby – mostly for my own doll collection. But I also sew doll clothes, costumes, and pillowcases for my kids. I have two major challenges to getting my sewing done. The first is simply time! With a three year old at home who only sometimes naps, time to work at the sewing machine is rare. The second challenge is a VERY chaotic studio that no longer has room to walk! I just need some time to purge, organize, rearrange – but then we’re back to time again!

Ruth

November 19, 2019

I sew as a hobby and a service project. I create sets of clothes and accessories to donate to children in foster care. There are a few agencies that provide birthday/Holiday gifts for children that are in foster homes in the Phoenix area. I watch for sales on OG and My Life dolls and build a set for each doll so the child gets a new friend as well as a new family.

Margaret

November 19, 2019

My sewing is a mission, donate complete wardrobes for raising money for charities with a 18 in doll. Give the same when I find out about little girls who are in foster homes, esp. handicapped girls. I love doing this and God has blest me with people who give fabric.

Deanna

November 19, 2019

Sewing is a hobby and sometimes a service for church plays, etc. I have not sold any handmade doll clothes. My biggest obstacle is time. I like Judith’s idea of tips on photo shoots as I do share with facebook groups.

Karen

November 19, 2019

My sewing is a hobby though I’d love to be able to sell some of my pieces. The hardest thing for me though I’ve been sewing over 50 years is having to keep the instruction manual for my machines right there so I can figure out all the new stitches and such. Memory is going and I have a new embroidery machine I’m still trying to figure out. Thank you for all you do, Cinnamon.

Becca

November 19, 2019

I sew as a hobby. But my biggest trouble is trying to make it a business!

Carol B

November 19, 2019

My mini-sewing is primarily for myself and to give as gifts. I am building an inventory of items to offer items for sale during the coming year. I have a lovely workspace and, thanks to Cinnamon, it’s all organized. My biggest obstacle is myself. I am hyper-critical of my work and see every little bobble. I just love creating for “my girls.”

Denise Darby

November 19, 2019

This is my hobby.My biggest struggle is getting organized with all the sewing stuff that I
have collected over the years. Plus all the doll clothes and stuff that I have made. But it is so much fun and I love it. I can not believe that I can do all the things that I do. I just need a bigger place so I can look at all of it. Thank you so much for all you do I have truly enjoyed learning from you and the pattern makers that are at pixie faire.

VICKI

November 19, 2019

I posted a picture on Facebook of a tiny gingerbread house—about 2" square, that I found in the
Christmas candy section at Walmart!

MARTY

November 19, 2019

My sewing is definitely not business-related. If it’s not fun, I don’t want to do it! My biggest struggle is organization of supplies.

Judith

November 19, 2019

I turned my hobby of sewing doll clothes into a business. My biggest obstacle is keeping my online store up to date. It involves photo shoots, editing photos, writing copy and getting everything posted. I have developed some sets, and use props from my show displays. I bought a small light box with solid backdrops for photos and have photo editing software that’s easy to use. I would love tips on how to manage photo shoots. I only have a phone camera to use for this, but it’s a good one.