DOLLY PEG FAIRIES

Fairies in vintage dresses are made using small rectangles of fabric and netting, and two simple lines of stitching. They can be embellished with pretty beads and buttons, which makes them sparkle in the glowing light of the Christmas tree. To make a fairy, first take a dolly peg and screw a hook and ring into the top. The bodice of the dress is made by wrapping around a rectangle of fabric, approximately 1in by 2in (2.5 x 5cm), to the peg and sticking it in place, leaving the top uncovered to resemble the head and neck of the fairy.

The skirt of the dress is added next, using a 4in by 8in (10 x 20cm) piece of netting or lace and a 3in by 8in (8 x 20cm) piece of fabric. The length and width of the fabric can be varied to make a longer and fuller skirt. The pieces do not need to be hemmed, but pinking shears can be used to create a pretty edge.

A long running stitch is sewn along the longest edge of each piece, leaving long ends on both sides. Taking the netting first, the long ends of cotton are pulled to gather the netting, then tied around the peg to form the underskirt. The process is repeated with the fabric, gathering and tying it to the peg over the top of the netting. Care is taken to tie the cotton firmly, but to not break the thread.

To make the fairy wings, a length of ribbon is tied into a bow and attached to the back with glue. Extra pieces of ribbon, lace and pretty embellishments can be added to make each fairy unique.