Rag Doll Sundress

Not all my 18 inch doll patterns work well with the Rag Doll but this year a happy accident demonstrated that Sweet Silver Creations patterns with minor adaptions and leaving out the accessories work well for this doll. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

I used an H hook with Baby Bernat Sport white and an unknown baby yarn for the trim. I'd go with a different brand next time. I loved the color but it was a little lighter than it felt and I'd like a heavier yarn for the trim for future projects. When I made this for the My Life doll I had a contrast color in Baby Bernat sport that worked better.

I trimmed the neckline to tighten it and I finished the sleeves with a sc row and then a sc chain 3 row around just to make this outfit a little different from the My Life outfit. This doll does not need shoes and most hats don't fit so I didn't make the accessories.

I finished the back with white making a single button hole to close the back.

My Life Sailor Dress

I leave myself notes for these projects and overall they work great unless I misread them which happened here. For some reason I thought I was supposed to use the sport yarn for the hat not the Red Heart Super Saver. Live and learn. I have one more Sailor outfit to make for the baby doll. Like the 18 inch dolls I'm going to alternate the Sailor and Sundress patterns for the two dolls rather than making duplicates. So I will use the Red Heart for the hat and the baby sport yarn for the rest of the outfit.

Notes:

I used Baby Bernat Sport White and Red Heart Navy for this project. In the future I'd use Red Heart White for the hat as well.

All items were made with an H hook.

I do have a note that I went to a g hook for the skirt last year, which again clearly I didn't read. I will experiment with this when I make the 16 inch doll outfit as it is a slighter build and the skirt might be a bit wide.

I choose to create the arm holes differently than she does for her patterns. I just find it less complicated.

Barbie Q and E Prairie Dress

This is one of Annie's out of print Fashion Doll Crochet Club Patterns Q and E Prairie Dress FC27-03.

The original could be a fancy dress western outfit but as I was making this for the donation it seemed more practical to move it towards a princess dress. Adding the sleeves and collar didn't seem like it would improve the dress and I really liked the look of the dress as I finished it. I mention the rest in case anyone decides to hunt down the pattern and realizes the picture of the finished item is different than what I decided to make.

Notes:

I'm really working with new thread sizes this year. I thought introducing size 20 and 3 was bold but this year it looks like I'm moving into size 5 and eventually 8.

This was made with Creative Yarn Source Omega Yarn Light Blue and White. I've been starting to research my options for where to buy my multiple sizes of threads looking at color options and price.

Note to myself for future projects I needed 3 light blue Omegas to make this outift. It is a heavy dress. The white trim requires a minimal amount of white. If I added the sleeves I might have finished the 3rd cone of light blue.

I used a size C hook for the blue and a 1.8mm hook for the white trim. A reminder for future projects don't forget to switch back to C hook after finishing section of white trim. Also don't switch from triple to dc.

I decreased around the top for a better fit as it was too big. I didn't finish under the arms or it would have been too tight.

Rag Doll Dress with Ribbed Waist

As I'm working on a larger doll pattern I will often try it on the Rag doll to see if there is a chance it can be adapted to fit the Rag Doll as I have no specific patterns for it. This one required me to drop rows at the end but for the most part it was a pretty good fit based on making it for the larger dolls.

Notes:

I had considered using a smaller hook and possible a lighter worsted 4 but it fit well at the top. I'd consider switching hooks at the waist in the future to reduce the size slightly.

I used an I hook and followed the same process as I did for the other 18 inch dolls.

Chelsea Critter Empire Dress

I've been pleasantly surprised to discover with a little adaptation some of the Calico Critter Mom patterns will fit Chelsea. I'm always thrilled when I can get one pattern to fit multiple dolls. I'm currently experimenting to see if I can get it to stretch just a little more to fit Stacie as sadly I have few patterns for her and finding ones that I can adapt for her is a great blessing.

Notes:

As with the Calico Critter project I wrote about before I continued with size 10 thread for both colors. The odd part was the Calico bodice was huge on Chelsea. She needed a much smaller width but a longer length.

I used a 1.25 mm hook for Chelsea.

I repeated row 6 of the pattern until the dress reached Chelsea's knees. I then did row 7 and 8.

I've started Stacie's dress so we will see if it works out as I hoped. Sometimes while something looks good on Chelsea it doesn't quite work for Stacie. If it works you will see it here.

Glitter Girl Drop Waist Dress

I keep trying to rotate through the dolls to make sure nobody leaves with a small donation wardrobe. This is one of Char Caywood's Wellie Wishers patterns that seem to fit the Glitter Girl dolls fairly well. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

I originally discovered Lizbeth threads at Joann's but even back then the supply was limited. I discovered Handy Hands Tatting and this is really a note to myself to remember where to find it when I run out.

The variegated thread is size 3 Lizbeth Springtime. The blue size 3 from Threadart that I had left over from making Barbie's Prairie dress. The white is Aunt Lydia's Fashion 3.

I use a size e for the dress and underwear and I used a D for the shoes this time. I'm thinking a C would be worth a try as the shoes are still a little big.

The only minor changes I make to this pattern is I finish the back in variegated but follow the directions for using white at the top. I also finish the edges around the underwear. I just find its neater and less likely to snag.

The dress is closed with a snap at the back.

Rag Doll Sailor Dress

I've been working through my 18 inch doll binders trying to make sure I keep some classics each year but add to the range of items I make as well. This Sweet Silver Creations pattern most often is cited for its shoes as it is my go to pattern. In recent years I've started to try to include it in the actual donation. After making the Sundress for the My Life doll I started in on the Sailor Dress as I already had the White Baby Bernat Sport Yarn out.

As I was making it I realized this might be one of the 18 inch outfits that can work for the Rag Doll and possibly the 16 Inch Baby Dolls. I was preparing this one for the My Life Doll but after trying it on the Rag Doll I realized the first one was going to the Rag Doll and I will have to make complete sets for the My Life and the 16 Inch Baby Dolls.

You can purchase the pattern here.

I did not make the hat or shoes for this doll. The hat won't fit over the hair and the doll has sew on shoes.

I used an H hook for this project. The white yarn is Baby Bernat Sport, the blue is Red Heart Super Saver, and the Red is old Red Heart Sport yarn. I'm currently trying to find a sport navy that would work better for this project but so far haven't found one. I'm thinking perhaps when I have my next Herrschners' coupon I'll search for navy along with the odd sized thread I seem to need for some of my Barbie projects.

If I make this for the Rag Doll again I would think about making it slightly shorter and working on the button issue for the back. This has actually given me some thoughts about what to do for the My Life doll as I wasn't as happy with how this worked.

Also a note regarding the collar. Finish off navy and start white from other end.

My Life Sundress

I try to return to patterns that haven't been used in a while and rotate them back into the donation unless there is a really good reason I stopped making them. Most of the time, I just lose track of patterns so I've been trying to look through binders and pull out more neglected patterns.

This is a Sweet Silver Creations pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I used Bernat Baby Sport yarn for this project with an H hook for all pieces. I did use a g hook to finish around the arms.

The arms for this pattern are formed by ending yarn and then chaining over the ends in the next row. I did something a little different forming the rows without ending the rows. I've never been able to get her method to work for me but my method seems to get the job done.

These are the same shoes as found in the Sailor pattern that I use for most of my 18 inch girl doll patterns that don't include shoes in the pattern.

My Life Dress with Ribbed Waist

This was a new addition to the donation this year. It's a free pattern that can be found here. The shoes are my go to pattern for the 18 inch dolls and is part of a sailor pattern that can be purchased here.

I don't buy much Red Heart Soft yarn so I'm not sure when this skein came into my stash but I've been targeting skeins that seem orphaned. I also have found this pattern works up better with lighter colored yarns. I tried a darker colored purple for the Our Generation Doll but the texture didn't show as well as the two colors I chose for the My Life dolls. I note this because I know I'll be back to make this next year and this is information that is helpful.

Notes:

I used an I hook for the dress and a G for the shoes. I go back and forth with the shoes. While a g was perfect for the last set of shoes they were a bit snug this time.

I made a note last time that the hair tie was a serious of less than 200 chains. I made 200 chains this time and it was a bit long. I try 150 and see if that is long enough.

When I first made this the count on row 1 confused me my note is the numbers are correct as written follow them.

I used an H hook to finish the back and neck. I closed the dress with a snap on the back.

I finished the arms with a sc around the arms to clean them up and then did a sc chain 3 skip one for an additional row.

Calico Critters Mom Sleeping Bag

I'm continuing with my travel sleeping bag projects. Mom's was finished last week and I realized when I went back to Dad's post I didn't make some crucial notes. So I wanted to help myself for future projects.

You can find the free pattern for the adult and children sleeping bags here.

Notes:

I used a 1 mm crochet thread hook and size 10 crochet thread for this project.

The directions include both sizes listed in () for each size. If you are like me you need to make sure you are following the correct stitch count.

The row count resets for the pillow section.

I choose to add the pillows to my sleeping bags you can finish it flat if you choose. I need to remember more stuffing isn't better. This pillow is bigger than Dad's and it should be smaller. It needs to be barely stuffed to give the illusion, not the reality of a huge stuffed pillow.

Again this is a reminder for me, you need to sew the pillow closed after stuffing as the directions are some what vague about this issue while very clear about the actual formation of the pillow and closing the top of the pillow.The row count resets for the pillow section.

The pillow attaches to the sleeping layer closet to the pillow opening. I seem to have understood this the first time I made it but clearly things register differently on different days. This note just reminds me not to panic when I can't find the specific directions.

After finishing this bag I set up the sister sleeping bag in my travel project bag for upcoming appointments.

Calico Critters Mom Empire Dress

To the best of my knowledge this is the only Critters pattern from Char patterns. You can purchase the pattern here.

I've been collecting crochet critter patterns for a bit now. At one point I had some young family members who enjoyed the toys. Now that they seem to have moved passed that interest I've decided to add a set of bunnies to the donation. I've also been on the look out for patterns I didn't previously have. I've found a couple of paid and free patterns this year that have made this a fun project.

I've also discovered that the some of the Critter patterns can be adapted for Chelsea. I'm experimenting with this one to see if it will work for Stacie as well

Notes:

I originally decreased to size 20 thread and a 1 mm hook as that has been my go to for this Calico patterns but much to my surprise it wasn't even close. I went back to size 10 as suggested and a b hook for the dress to get it to fit. I used a 1.25mm hook for the trim around the neck and arms.

I added color trim to the neck and back to finish the dress before adding the snap. I used the white to finish off the arms as they were slightly ragged before finishing.

Stacie Summer Dress

I've been adapting some of Petite Creative Designs American Girl Mini patterns for Chelsea. Some of them with a little additional work will also work for Stacie.

You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

I used size 10 crochet thread and a 1.25mm hook for this project.

The project starts with the skirt and I needed to add 7 rows of row 5 to get this to be long enough for Stacie. I then finished it as written before continuing to the bodice.

For the bodice I had to repeat row 2 6 times to get the length I needed.

I changed the chains to 6 and I would continue this for future Chelsea projects as the pattern as written makes it too big.

Doing this I didn't reduce as much. I did row 4 without reductions and added a trim row where I did a few decreases to tighten the fit just a little.

I chose not to include the hat for Stacie.

Barbie Prairie Dress

I have been hunting for the binder with the Annie's Fashion doll crochet pattern for a bit and was so excited to finally find one. It wasn't complete but I discovered I didn't have too many duplicates with the patterns I've collected from used pattern sites over the years. I promised myself I would start to use the patterns that were practical for the donation this year. This was the first pattern that I selected.

I had tried this pattern about 15 years ago for one of my nieces before I was comfortable using thread. I also didn't do as much altering of patterns then as I do know to get an item to fit when the directions just don't seem to work for the doll. I wanted to try thread for this donation project and I was much more willing to change directions to get a finished product that worked.

Normally I will make changes directly on the pattern but the text on this pattern is pretty thick and I made substantial changes so I used the notes option on my phone and printed them out to include in the pattern for future attempts.

The pattern calls for size 5 thread. I don't remember the last time I used size 5 thread but I'm thinking it was a Christmas project as the only colors I had on hand were red, green, and white. That being said lately I've found I've had to decrease thread and hook size for most of my Barbie patterns to get them to fit the modern Barbie's. This was not the case with this pattern.

Notes:

For many Barbie, Chelsea, and Calico Critter patterns I have found myself using size 20 thread instead of the suggested 10.

I was hoping this meant I could use size 10 instead of size 5 but the pattern was too small in size 10 with a few exceptions. I ended up using size 3 as I had it on hand but I've ordered some size 5 thread to try as the 3 was heavier than I wanted for this outfit. It worked but I'm hoping the 5 will make the other patterns big enough but lighter in weight.

I used size 3 and 10 slate blue color 28 thread from Thread Art and Aunt Lydia's size 10 White for this project.

Dress:

B Hook

I didn't reduce after fow 12 staying at 21 stitches.

Finish row 30 and skip to row 33.

Arm:

One thing I'd remembered from making this pattern previously is the picture shows dainty sleeves but the pattern creates balloons. I first tried the sleeves with the size 3 thread and then with the size 10. Both were a problem.

I stuck with the size 10 thread and reduced to a 1.8mm hook and changed the stitch count.

I did 13 rows staying at the original 15 stitches. I didn't reduce at the wrists as the hands got stuck in the dress making it hard to put on and take off. I did a ss around the edges to reduce the hands catching on the sleeve and the risk of fraying the end of the sleeve.

Bonnet:

The bonnet convinced me to try buy the size 5 thread as it was hard to get it to fit Barbie's head playing with my make do options.

I used the size 3 thread and alternated hook sizes.

Size D hook rows 1-4

Size C hook row 5

Size B hook 6-7

Apron:

Size 10 thread

1.25mm hook

There is a decorative border for this apron. Don't reduce after row 12

There is a decorative border for this apron. I had finished it before I realized I'd missed the directions for it but I'd consider making it again with the border.

Calico Critters Sister Party Dress

This has been a popular pattern this week. This is On a Calico Day's Party Dress pattern. The set comes with patterns for the Mother and Sister sized Critters. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

For my own reference as I've just repurchased and at some point might forget where I bought it the size 20 thread used for these smaller doll projects comes from Creative Yarn resources.

I used size 20 thread with a 1mm hook.

I needed to decrease around the top to get the outfit to fit, especially the arms. I did not finish the arm holes.

The flower is part of the original bunny outfit.

Our Generation Boy Karate

This was made using Adoring Doll's Knox Karate pattern which can be purchased here. The pattern comes designed to fit the boy and girl doll with an additional shorts pattern.

Notes:

I almost always go up to an I hook for shirt patterns from this designer but this shirt is more of a wrap and when I make this for the female Our Generation doll I think I would start with an H hook and decrease rows if it is this long. It should be a little shorter.

I used an I hook for the body of the pants and an H hook for the waist and legs.

I used the suggested G hook for the headband but I'd try an H when I make it again. I tried making it flat but the look wasn't as I'd hoped so I worked in the back loops. I'd try it again flat.

I made the belt with an H hook, I'd consider an I to get it longer and wider.

Martial arts are popular in this area with students so I was glad to find a pattern to add to the donation. I have purchased some of her other sports patterns that I hope to use for both the male and female dolls.

Chelsea Critter Party Dress

Mostly when I crochet late at night trying to finish something the outcomes are not always great. However, sometimes I make interesting discoveries.

As I was finishing the Calico Critter's Mom Party Dress I happened to grab the Chelsea doll by accident and tried the dress on her. Clearly the dress was too short but oddly the dress was not too tight. I took a closer look at the dress and realized it could be a top for Chelsea or with some work I could actually get it to work as a dress. I just needed to make the skirt section longer.

Notes:

This was made with size 20 crochet thread and a 1mm hook.

I didn't count the extra skirt rows I just kept trying it on the doll until I reached the point I wanted to add the trim to the bottom.

Like the Calico Critter I had to decrease the top section to keep the straps from sliding off. Again it would be worth exploring the arm chains.

I am curious to explore more Calico Critter patterns for Chelsea options.

Calico Critter Mom Party Dress

This is another one of On a Calico Day's patterns that can be purchased here. For those of you looking for Calico Critter patterns hers are easy to follow and frequently go on sale despite a pretty affordable entry price.

Notes:

I used size 20 cotton and a 1mm hook for this outfit.

The only real change other than size of cotton and hook is I needed to reduce around the neckline as it was large even with the smaller hook and thread. One possible solution is fewer chains for the arms but I'd have to play with this to see how it changed the overall fit to the dress.

I finished the back but even doing so I was unable to join in the back and left it open for the tail.

Chelsea Summer Dress and Hat

I've been working on adapting Petite Doll Designs American Girl Mini patterns to fit Chelsea. I've found with work the patterns will fit. I thought I'd found a standard hook size for her patterns but this one required some decreases at the bodice to get it to fit properly. I think I'd go with a smaller hook the next time.

You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

I used a 1.25mm hook with size 20 crochet thread. When I make this in the future I'd consider a 1mm hook.

The skirt is long and I'd consider removing rows 6-7 when I made this again. It isn't supposed to be floor length.

I did a sc followed by a decrease around the bodice and arms to tighten the top as it was too large for the smaller Chelsea. This might not be as big an issue with a smaller hook.

16 Inch Baby Doll Sunny Days

This is one of the patterns that seems to appear for this doll most years. Darski created a great outfit for the doll.

The dress pattern is called Sunny Days and can be found here. The shoes are my standard shoes from her free Peachy Keen pattern found here

Notes:

Dress:

I used a J hook for the bodice and an H for the skirt.

Row 5 should read dc in sc 3 dc in 5 not 2 or the count gets complicated.

I don't decrease for row 6 as I find the bodice gets tight.

I continue the skirt until it covers the white section of the legs.

Row 14 is listed but I've never had the directions and have always created them. I'm now recording them for future reference. sc in first ch 2 skip 1 repeat around.

I failed to make this note on the written copy of this pattern which I have since added but I find this pattern to be short. I need to add more rows prior to making rows 12 and 13 the finishing rows for the skirt.

I've always finished the arms but again finally recorded what I did as the look with the larger hook is unfinished. sc chain 2 sc around.

Hat:

J Hook for hat. I followed directions as written.

Shoes:

I hook. Followed pattern as written.

Stacie Block Dress and Hat

While I've had luck finding patterns for Chelsea, patterns for Stacie are much rarer. This is the same Petite Creative Designs Dress I made for Chelsea last week but this time I followed the original directions more closely for thread size and hook.

You can purchase the pattern here. As I mentioned in the Chelsea post regarding this pattern this is actually a pattern for the Mini American Girl Doll but it seems to work for both Chelsea and Stacie with some adaptations.

Project Notes:

I used size 10 crochet thread and a 1.8mm thread hook. This is actually really close to the original directions which call for size 10 crochet thread and a 1.75mm hook. I've never seen a Mini American Girl Doll so I have no idea how close this is to the actual sizing of the Mini vs the Chelsea and Stacie dolls.

I did seven rows of the dress pattern to get the length I wanted for Stacie. As with Chelsea I didn't change the final row to add an additional stitch to each section.

I also followed the same process for making the arms. I chained 1 and skipped 10 stitches for each arm hole following the rest of the directions for the arm hole row. It requires one to fudge the stitches to get the count right but it works. I did a sc around the arm holes to finish them and keep the hands from getting caught in the stitches.

I did finishing rows for the back and top but didn't need decreases as I did with the Chelsea doll.

The dress is closed with a snap not ties.

Stacie's hair is less accomadating than Chelsea's so I have to make a hole in hats for the pony tail to fit through the hat. I left the last seven stitches unworked in row 3 chained 7 and joined. I continued the rest of the hat as written crocheting into chain stitches as if the stitches had been completed on previous round.

I didn't attempt the shoes for Stacie.

Not sure which brand of size 10 thread this is as the wrapper is long gone but I'm pretty sure it is not Aunt Lydia.

Glitter Girl Easter Morning Dress

It was time to add the Glitter Girl to my Easter challenge.

I've mentioned this before but like the My Life or Our Generation dolls most patterns I use for any of these dolls tend to be marketed under another doll's name or under a generic sizing. The Glitter Girl is close in size to the Wellie Wisher and this pattern is a Wellie Wisher pattern.

Notes:

The pattern for the dress comes from Little Bitty Boutique and can be purchased here. I've collected quite a few of her patterns for this size doll as they work up quickly and are not overally complicated while not looking too basic.

The shoes are my go to pattern for this doll and come from an Adoring Doll pattern that can be purchased here.

I used Herrschners Thistle Baby yarn which is a 3 weight and slightly heavier than the white Bernat Baby sport I used for the white. I like the Herrschners' yarn for these projects because the availabilty of colors is wider and when I can get a shipping deal the cost for the yarn is rather affordable. I haven't found anything else that works as well for these projects in the range of colors.

The pattern calls for Caron Simply Soft and I had some left over from a shawl project that I was trying to use up but I found the dress was too tight even when I went up a hook size so I switched back to the combo of Herrschners and Bernat.

I used the suggested f hook for the dress and H hook for the bow. I used an E hook for the shoes with the baby weight yarn.

I change row 9 for this pattern and do not overlap as it is too tight for this doll.

When I made this previously I needed to add rows this time it fit as written.

Easter Ornaments

This first ornament was a bonus pattern from a Crochet Calendar.

I mentioned last month that friends have a business with a year round tree that we decorate. These are the Easter ornaments I added.

Cowboy Ducky:

I used size 3 crochet thread and a b hook to get this to ornament size. The original pattern calls for DK yarn and a 3.5mm hook.

Not sure what the availabity of this pattern is at the moment. No longer available on Etsy but it is listed on Ravelry for purchase here.

Eggheads Ornaments:

I bought this pattern years ago when Crochet Village had its own website. However the designer has moved to Etsy and the pattern is available for purchase here

I used the suggested G hook for these with worsted weight yarn.

I folded the beak to make it fit the head better.

Little Miss Maisy

I went through my Easter Ami binder and came across this pattern that is available for purchase here.

Easter Peeps

This was a Crochet Calendar pattern and it worked really well for my project.

Eggs:

These were made using a pattern from Amigurumi World Seriously Cute Crochet Ana Paula Rimoli. This book is no longer in print. I used the suggested hook but I'd make these smaller in the future.