Kelly Red Pants and Pink Shirt

I have had several discussions with people about making Barbie and her friends and family outfits. What I have come to realize is there some of us focus on practical use and others on fashion and look. I would love to be able to make the thread outfits, but I lack the skills. However, this weekend I unexpectedly had a relative visiting. When she picked up this outfit to play with, I realized it was only because it was not made of thread that it survived the encounter.

I also focus need to focus on ensuring that snaps will not pop off and the buttons stay on tight. This does not always lend itself to delicate creations. Little hands are not always gentle, but they do love their dolls. This sometimes calls for practical and functional solutions, not always the most beautiful, delicate, and dainty looks. Others will argue that one can do both, however, this weekend reminded me that one should know the intended audience of one’s gifts. I do and for it is finally sinking in that each of us has a calling and a reason for our gifts. Mine is to make dolls clothes that can withstand tough little hands. I have a different audience than other doll clothes makers, but there is room in the world for all of us.

It made me think about my motivations for learning to crochet. Unlike many people, I know who knit and crochet, I did not learn as a child. I have only been at this a less than two years. One of my motivations was to be able to make dolls clothes and toys. I had looked at some of the junk that passed for Barbie's clothes and knew there were better options if one knew how to knit or crochet them. I have had store bought outfits almost shred as I have removed them from model dolls to try on outfits I was making. That is not what kids should have to deal with when playing with their dolls.

In the last year, I have gotten more adventurous about exploring and experimenting with patterns. This in fact is the pants and part of the shirt portion of a free overalls and shirt pattern available here. I started with the intentions of finishing the pattern as written. Before I was done, I had another dress and skirt finished. The overalls and the shirt have yet to be made as written. I am sure I will get back to it at some point, but it was fun experimenting to make new outfits for Kelly.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Kelly/Skipper Page

Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page

Barbie Knitting Page

Ken Page

American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing

American Girl Doll Knitting

Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:

Christmas

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

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