Barbie Bella

My time is winding down to finish the 2026 doll donation and I'm focusing on finishing up some fairy tale/fantasy outfits for some of the dolls and a few practical outfits for the Glitter Girl. What ever is finished I am grateful as this has been one of my better years for completing items.

This is one of Mel Garcia Tello's patterns that can be purchased here. I've made Cinderella for Barbie already. I use a different pattern for Skipper. I hope to complete this for Skipper and Red Riding Hood for both Barbie and Skipper before the deadline.

Barbie's gown was made with Knit Picks for the first time this year. I got a wider skirt with Bernat Baby last year. I'm going to try an experiment with Skipper's dress to see if increasing the stitch count as I added rows changed the drape of the skirt. Neither Knit Picks or Bernat Baby are the suggested yarn for this project. Knit Picks is closer to the weight and color suggested so I'd like to make it work.

Notes:

I followed my suggestions from last year not realizing I had changed yarns. I used a 3.0mm hook for the bodice I'd try my D hook next time. It is a different Barbie version but I also think the change in yarn may require a larger hook.

I'd suggest a C hook for the neck trim. Just a reminder to myself so I don't panic the armholes are not formed until the neck trim is added. This gets me every time I clearly need a project note.

It is in the pattern but again reminder that bodice is not joined until after row 13. This is correct but it always seems late to me and I scramble looking for my note. It is now on the pattern and here to remind me when I review.

Thankfully, I followed last year's suggestion to order more yellow micro buttons as they were in my mini button container when I went looking.

I will add last year's reminders to not finish the back or add snaps until the top is finished.

Regarding supplies I would suggest having a full skein of primary knit picks color on hand for this project. I have enough left for trim for another project but I would need another full skein for Barbie for next year. There is a limited use for the trim color. I didn't note how much Skipper needed last year so I will try to take note of that when I finish her dress. I try to order my Palette when its on sale so tracking how much I need for specific projects is important.

I believe this was made with Canary and Saflower.

Sunflower Dishcloth

In the last few years sunflowers have become a favorite flower. One of the local farmstands sells boquets of them during the summer and there is just something about them sitting on my kitchen table that makes me smile. I thought adding a dishcloth to my kitchen rotation seemed like a great idea.

This is another pattern from Leisure Arts out of print leaflet A Dishcloth a Month 75558.

While I've been making a decent dent in my old dishcloth cotton I realized I'm starting to run out of certain common colors. Walmart has an in house brand Hello Hobby that is quite a bit cheaper than the other cotton I normally use but it has good reviews.

I decided to give it a shot. I will say it splits quite a bit less than the other brands I've been using from my stash and that is a huge plus. How long these last with use vs the other brands remains to be seen.

For my own notes I did the center with the suggested H hook and switched to a g hook for the petals as I found it was harder to get the triple combos to keep their shape with the larger hook.

Our Generation Mermaid

The 18 inch dolls are next up for the 2026 Mermaid Challenge. I have a couple of different patterns to try. The first is a free pattern you can find here.

While I've liked some of the designs over the years with the free Yarnspiration doll clothes patterns I've not always had the best luck with making them. This was one of the first I've completed in a bit and required the fewest alterations to the pattern to complete it

I used Lavender Big Twist that has been in my stash since the days of Joanns. The blue and pink are Red Heart Super Saver.

To get the top to close with the lavender I needed a K hook and to change the starting chain from 34 to 45. I think if I made this again I'd experiment with what it took to close with suggested I hook as I ended up switching to an H hook for the tail as it was bulky.

Changing the original stitch count changed row 8. I needed to sc in the first 19 skip 2 sc 5 dc in the next sc and sc in the last 19.

At some point I realized to make the tail point I needed to get down to the original stitch count. This happened by reducing the tail count to the original stitch count before starting reduction for tail point. This happens between row 19-20. Then I returned to row 20.

I started the first fin sc into the back bumps of the chain. This made it so much easier to start the second fin. I sc the fin to the body and then sc around the fin to give it a more solid finished look.

The first two rounds of the crown were made with a K hook to get it to fit on the doll's head. I made the final row of the crown with an H hook so I wouldn't ruin the spikes of the crown.

Chain 40 for the ties sc in center crochet around sl join and chain 40.

Neither of my other mermaid patterns has a crown so I'd consider using this with those patterns. It will be interesting to compare the three to see which one I prefer. This is the only one piece set.

I'd also like to make a tail for the Our Generation Boy like I did for Ken.

Leaf Dishcloth

I've been reworking a Mermaid pattern to fit the Our Generation doll. Likely my gauge and fiber choice not the pattern but it is nice to walk away with a practical project for my house.

This is another pattern from Leisure Arts out of print leaflet A Dishcloth a Month 75558.

Notes:

One of the thing I've enjoyed about making these dishcloths is working off some of my older stash.

I wasn't sure I had the yarn for this but I found Lily's Sugar and Creme Terra Firma in my stash and avoiding buying some Hobby Lobby cotton. For future reference Hobby Lobby's Crafter's Secret Variegated Olive Branch was what I was thinking I'd buy as Terra Firma is no longer available to buy. Classic Brown would also work. Mango would give it a more orange leave look.

I needed an H hook for this project.

The directions are correct but the format of these directions required more attention than I expected as there are multiple changes in each row.

It is nice to see my replacement fall dishcloths take shape.

Jack O Lantern Dishcloth

As I mentioned previously I'm on a quest to update my holiday dishcloths as I finish off this year's doll donation. Since two major holidays arrive before the doll donation ends I can't really wait if I want to use them this year.

While I love a holiday theme to brighten up my kitchen my dishcloths and potholders do get used so I try to find something that will do the job and provide some holiday color. I do have some potholders with some sewn on appliques as stuff just sits on them. However, where possible I try to have the details of my dishcloths be part of the pattern as they are less likely to come off over time.

I've seen some Jack-O-Lanterns with the details sewn on the dishcloth and I have a potholder made that way but until I came back to this one I'd avoided the idea for a dishcloth because I knew it wouldn't last in my house.

This pattern is from an out of print Leisure Art Leaflet 75558 A Dischcloth a Month.

I used the suggested H hook for this pattern with the same colors I used for the pumpkin dishcloth I made previously with the addition of black for the mouth and eyes.

There are a couple of other fall dishcloths I'd like to add to the collection but it will depend on where I have time to squeeze them in between other doll stuff.

16 Inch Baby Doll Sundress

As I mentioned in a previous post I've decided to devote the rest of my donation time to balance between where I still see some needs and projects I want to finish for me. This project for the 16 inch baby doll is about filling in gaps. There are so many accessories that get made at the beginning of the donation year that the number of outfits tends to be less than many of the other dolls. There are also two dolls to rotate through the baby doll crochet project slot creating a disadvantage. It is time to even that out.

This pattern is a free an oldy and one of my first for the larger baby dolls. While out of print it is still available through the Wayback machine here. It has been a few years since I have made this one and I love the dress and the hat but I really need to create straps that join as I go. That is the only part that makes me crazy about the dress. I hope to fix that for the second baby doll.

The shoes are my go to free shoe pattern from Darksi's Peachy Keen set found here.

Notes:

The dress and hat were made with a K hook, the shoes with an I. I found this yarn at my local Walmart and I picked it up thinking it would be perfect for projects like this one and for next year's snuggle sacks. I hope to pick up more as I like how it worked up. This is Red Heart Jumble Speckle Bubble Gum. It's nice to see something I bought get used quickly and not get lost in my stash. I still have quite a bit left to use as I bought the jumbo but it will be useful for the baby doll projects.

I always join after the first row and because of this I often forget to turn the rows. I really prefer the look when I turn. Mark the front. I will be working on a way not to have to sew on the straps. This never ends well for me. Took me several tries to get these lined up and sewn on correctly.

This dress slides on and off the doll easily and no snaps or buttons are required. The designer didn't join but sewed it together later.

Chelsea Cinderella

I picked up Sweet Silver Creations mini AG pattern set last year and I've been using it for Chelsea, Stacie, and in some cases even Skipper. You can purchase the individual Cinderella pattern here or the set here.

Notes:

To be clear these are not Chelsea patterns so I need to adapt them to fit. I've had more luck adapting her AG Mini patterns than the 6 inch Kelly patterns. I've tried both but the AG's were easier to fit.

I use size 20 thread from Creative Yarn Source and a .75mm hook for this dress. It is the smallest hook I need for these outfits. I was playing a little bit of thread chicken as I havne't ordered the Cinderella colors in a bit. I reordered over the weekend and believe I found a lighter blue I couldn't get the first time.

With the .75 mm hook I did not need to increase the number of rows to get the bodice to fit as I had to do for Stacie and Skipper. Like the other two dolls though I did have to decrease at the neck to get the neck to fit the doll. I did a sc 4 than decreased around the neck.

For the skirt I did rows 1-14 as written. I then completed rows 21-22. This gave me the floor length the pattern required.

I would not do the suggested additional chains at the waist as this made it harder to close and I needed an extra snap. I don't believe I did them last time but decided to try the directions to see what would happen.

I suggested adding a row to the headband and the collar and both worked better with an additional row. The snaps are tight even with the additional row for the collar and those are the smallest I have.

This year I followed the overskirt directions as written and liked how it looked. I plan on continuing this for Stacie and Skipper.

Glitter Girl Thread Shorts, Shirt, Hat, and Shoes

As I approach the end of this donation season I'm trying a different approach as I'm in a pretty good place with the donations this year with my new method of spreading out projects.

I stopped to look at where the needs are greatest among the dolls. Most have pretty good wardrobes. With some outside donations some have great wardrobes. However, some are lacking in certain areas of their wardrobes and that's where I want to focus some of my remaining time.

Then there is my creative time. I want to make some things I just haven't had the time to make this year and why not.

This project falls under the first category. The Glitter Girl has a decent wardrobe but almost everything is a dress. So before the season ends I want to add some casual clothes as one accessory kit is camping and that doesn't go well with some of her more dressy clothes. Along with this project I have a couple more thread and one yarn project I hope to add that will give her some casual play clothes as my Mom used to call them to go with her more dressy outfits.

This pattern is available for purchase here and also includes a pattern for pants that I'm hoping to include as part of her casual wardrobe.

Notes:

I purchased a bunch of Lizbeth size 3 variegated yarn a while back and found myself using the same colors again and leaving certain colors abandoned because I wasn't quite sure how the pattern would work up. I've decided it is time to attack these orphans and this project was the first outing.

The shirt is made with Lizbeth size 20 Wildflower Garden trimmed with Aunt Lydia's Fashion 3 white. The purple is Thread Art Size 3 Lilac which is only labeled 20 on the carton.

I followed the directions using an e hook through out the pattern. Since I plan to return to this pattern for the pants I'm thinking of decreasing the hook size to a D as they seemed a little large. I'd also use a D for the shoes. I've never worked with a Wellie Wisher doll so I don't know if those doll's feet are larger. The cap worked well with an e.

The shorts were long for me as written so I ened at row 12. This may change if I move to a D hook.

This pattern includes directions for shorts, capris, pants and a collar for the shirt to change the outfit.

Pumpkin Dishcloth

I purchased this pattern during an incredible sale on Etsy and you can purchase the pattern here. There are plenty of free pumpkin patterns out there but this one had texture and it is double sided which attracted me to buying a single pattern.

I knew it was going to be slightly smaller than most of my dishcloths but since it was a double sided technique I hadn't tried before I was hesitant to add widening rows the first time through. Having made one I'd condider making it a bit wider and longer before working the back side.

This was made with I believe Lily Sugar and Creme orange and Peaches and Creme Rosemary Cotton kitchen type yarn. I needed an H hook for the job. The pattern was easy to follow and as I mentioned I made no changes.

Turkey Leg Dishcloth

Still working on replenishing my holiday dishcloths. Today we have another free Yarnspirations pattern found here.

I still have their turkey one I made many years ago but I rather liked the texture on this one. It makes for a good cleaning experience.

This was made with Peaches and Cream yarn and an H hook. I used an off white yarn rather than the suggested Jute. My goal where ever possible is to use up the cotton I have on hand to reduce a stash I don't often use rather than to buy more random colors. I'm sure there will be that project that I can find a substitute color to make but my hope is that some of this yarn will be living in my kitchen and not my stash.

Spider Web Dishcloth

I learned to crochet many years ago making dishcloths and then pot holders for my house. I continued to make them to learn new stitches knowing that even if they weren't something I wanted anyone to see they would still be used to clean my house. I've always loved having holiday themed dishclothes and potholders for the kitchen.

About five years ago I updated the holiday potholder collection. I thought it had been more recent but one thing about this blog is it does help me keep track of my projects. It has been much longer since I've updated my holiday dishclothes. I still make scrubbies as they die and I've made some regular dishclothes on occasion but the time has come to add some new holiday ones to our collection.

This is a free Yarnspiration pattern found here. This is actually a scrubby pattern made with Red Heart scrubby yarn. I have never been able to crochet with their scrubby yarn and honestly for the same reason have never been a fan of the items made with the yarn. However, I wanted to see if this would work with traditional kitchen cotton. This was made with Peaches and Cream.

I started with the web. If the web wasn't going to work than the project was pointless. My one thought is I might use a g hook to get better definition with the web next time if I make it again. I used an H hook for the entire project. The only changes I needed were to change to kitchen cotton and I used blue for the border since I didn't have any purple on hand.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Spring Dress and Jacket

I'm returning to Amy Carrico's Spring Dress and Jacket pattern for the Lots to Love 14 inch baby doll that can be purchased here. It was in the 2024 donation but somehow missed the 2025 donation.

Notes:

This is made with Bernat Big Ball Baby Sport yarn. The yellow striped is getting harder to find but it does make a nice contrast with the regular yellow baby yarn. It's nice to try something other than pink or lavender for this outfit.

The pattern calls for an e hook but I need to start the first two rows of the dress and the jacket with a g hook before finishing with an e hook.

The panties need to be worked to 32 stitches to fit this doll. Depending on the year I sometimes need to add additional rows and then decrease a little to make them fit. I also finish around the legs.

The shoes fit as written and this year using yellow I have more variety of shoe colors for this doll.

I finished under the arms. My note from my previous project suggested finishing the top as well and I'd do that next time.

The dress is closed with a snap and the jacket with a button.

Barbie Pilgrim

Over the years I've acquired quite the doll library but only in the last few years have I truly commited to seeing what actually can be utilized for this donation.

This pattern comes from Crochet World's 1984 Special Issue No.2 Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 Inch Fashion Dolls. What intrigued me when I saw this on a used pattern site was the mention of the Pilgrim outfits. Ken's is designed for display. However, when I saw Barbie's I had hopes this might work.

Notes:

The pattern calls for sport yarn. This is one of those terms that can make you crazy in old patterns for a number of reasons. Even in 1984 there were a number of references to sport yarn that meant different things. However, today we have so many different types of yarn referrred to as sport that the word is sometimes less than helpful.

The outfit shown in the picture looked like the yarn was lighter so I started with heavier thread, moved on to fingering and found myself at DK. Even then while the dress was a bit bulky, the way the waist was formed made the dress too small for my current model. To manage this I decided to fall back to crocheting over an elastic for the waist ensuring that the waist would fit.

As a note for future projects I'd start with the elastic waist and fingering yarn. The Premier Basix DK was bulkier than I liked but it was the only yarn that was even close to fitting at the waist.

The suggested D hook worked for the yarn portion of the project. I used a 1.8 mm thread hook for the thread sections with the exception of the bonnet which I used a 2.0mm.

I changed the cuffs by joining and then sc to the dress.

Bonnet needed added neck rows to get it to fit this Barbie's hair so I continued to crochet until it fit the face of the doll. The bonnet is supposed to have 3 rows bend back over the bonnet. I sc first row into back rows and sc next two rows as written. This just makes it easier to get the thread to fold evenly. I added ties to the bonnet with I believe 30 chains. If this was being displayed the like of ties would likely not be an issue but since it is designed for play it needs to be tied down.

I have a third Pilgrim pattern for Barbie from Shady Line that I last made before this donation started. I may pull that out and see which pieces work best. I do like the bonnet and apron from this pattern. The collars would have worked better if the dress worked better.

Our Generation Boy Prince

I made this in 2024 for the donation but while I added some new items to his wardrobe last year this one fell out of the rotation. I wanted to get it back in for 2026.

This is part of Pamela Yarborough's Snow White three pattern set. However, you can buy just the Prince outfit here.

I've been assembling the pieces of this outfit between other doll outfits over the course of the last two weeks. I find it easier to handle these projects with multiple pieces tackling them between other projects.

Notes:

The outfit is made primarily with Red Heart Super Saver. I knew from last year I needed a lighter yarn for the yellow trim so I went with Herrschner's DK yarn that was in my stash using a G hook. This was a much neater look than using worsted 4 for the trim.

I use an I hook for the one piece pants and shirt. After reading last year's notes I added three rows to the pant legs as I do not connect the boots to the pants. This makes it much easier for little hands to get the outfit on and off. If this was going to be a make and display I'd consider doing as written but tucking the pants into the boots works fine and means a child can put the clothes on and off.

As my guage can vary I make the boots first using a g hook. This allows me to test the length of the pants to make sure they are long enough to tuck the boots into the pants. The added row I suggested from last year worked well.

Two other changes relating to the boots were that I changed all brown yarn to black in this pattern. To allow the pants to tuck into the boot tops I crochet the first round of the cuff in back loops so it will bend over top of the boot.

The belt was also changed from the pattern to make it easier to get on and off the doll. I used a K hook and chained 50. I chose not to join but use a snap to close in the back as sliding it on and off over multiple layers is more challenging. If it was a one time display situation it wouldn't be much of an issue but if a doll is going to be changing than simple is better.

I needed a K hook for the Tunic and as mentioned above used DK yarn and a G hook to finish around the edges.

Having just resupplied my red I decided to go with red for his cape using a K hook. I would stick with that next time. I liked the look. Just a note for future projects the chains reattach to the sides of the cape. The directions are there but for some reason this puzzled me this time. My previous notes suggested using a G hook for the black sections of the cape I would suggest doing that next time as well.

If you want the crown pattern you will need to buy the Snow White set here. The crown pattern comes from the Evil Queen's pattern. I've been using it for the Prince as I've yet to get to the Evil Queen.

I used an M hook to get the crown to fit over the rather puffy hair of the Our Generation Boy. I did not use the suggested red trim.

One more personal note because this always panics me my copy is the complete set double sided so the Prince pattern is tucked in with Snow White and the Queen and can not be separated out like I've done with some of my other sets. When I look for this pattern again look for the set not a single pattern.

Glitter Girl Spring Petal Dress

It has been a few years since I last made this pattern and I continue to debate about the best fiber for the job. I was waiting on a shipment of Knit Picks once again so I decided I'd try size 3 crochet thread. It worked, but like the baby yarn I tried previously still not the flow I was hoping to find.

You can purchase the pattern for this outfit here.

Notes:

In case I decide to go this route again and as a gauge for thinking about how much Knit Picks Palette I'd need I used a little over one complete container of Aunt Lydia's size 3 warm rose for this project.

Unlike the previous time I made this I was able to use a D hook for the entire project.

I used the two suggested buttons for this outfit. I will sometimes substitute snaps for ease of use so I've been trying to get better at noting which patterns I use snaps and which ones I use buttons. It makes repeating the pattern for a future donation much easier.

Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll Dress, Kncikers, Hat, and Shoes

This is one of Petite Creative Designs patterns for a 9.5 inch baby doll that with a hook change works for the Lots to Love 10 inch baby doll. You can purchase this pattern here.

Notes:

I have notes on the pattern so I'm pretty sure I've made it before but I didn't see it listed when I searched the blog for it. It may be because it was made for a different doll.

This was made with Caron Super Soft and a E hook. I am not a huge fan of Caron but I do end up with a supply for certain projects. When it doesn't get used up I make a point of trying to find uses for it as it isn't something I tend to grab for intentionally. It has to be a planned attack.

The dress has the last round repeated three times. Using Caron I only repeated twice before ending off. I finished the arm holes to give it a neater look, reduce the arm hole size and to keep the ends from catching.

I added rows to the hat to give it a deeper hole.

I'd consider using a different lighter yarn for the knickers. This yarn was too heavy. While matching is cute white would even work as it is a baby outfit to avoid the bulk of the heavier yarn.

The booties worked well with this weight and hook size. I thought they'd be big but fit well.

Calico Critter Sister Swimsuit

This is officially the last swimsuit I need for the 2026 donation. I wasn't sure if this would adapt to the smaller doll but it worked out. You can find the free pattern for the Mom Critter here.

Notes:

After making Mom's suit I decided if I was going to use this suit long term I needed to change the top. The bottoms work well for both Mom and Sister but the top wasn't a great option for either. I let it go for Mom but I decided to work some changes for Sister.

This was made with Herrschners size 10 thread and a 2.0mm hook.

For this version I did chain 24 as suggested and followed Row 1.

Row 2 sc 7 chain 5 skip 1 sc 7 chain 5 skip 1 sc 7.

Row 3 sc in each sc and chain finish off sewing in all ends.

Close with snap in the back.

I followed the pants as written just with different fiber and hook.

Calico Critter Sister Party Dress

This is the sister version of this dress made from one of On a Calico Day's patterns that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I needed size 20 thread and a 1mm hook for this outfit.

Reading my notes from last year I had to make some changes. This year I must have read directions differently because dress fit as written.

My Life Cinderella

Since I donate two My Life dolls each year I try to keep the donations balanced. Some years I will do different princess dresses and this one will go to the Our Generation Doll. However, this year I'm hoping in the final push I can get more princess outfits done for all three of the 18 inch girl dolls. I'm hoping to get a start on the Our Generation Boy Doll's Prince outfit soon.

You can purchase this pattern here.

Notes:

I used an I hook for the dress and an H hook for the overskirt.

To make adding the overskirt easier I crochet row 9 of the skirt in the back rows allowing me to add the overskirt in the front rows of row 9 later.

I used a G hook to sc around the overskirt and for the sleeve edging.

I used an H hook for the headband and the suggested g for the choker.

The shoes are from the school uniform pattern which can be purchased here. This is my standard shoe pattern when there is no shoe pattern and buckle shoes won't work.

Lil Cutesies Drop Waist Dress

This is a new pattern I was gifted for the 2026 donation. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

This was made with size 10 thread and a 2mm thread hook. The pink was Thread Art, the white Aunt Lydia's and the striped Herrschners.

I added a ss row to the bottom of the skirt to try to get it to stop curling and this seemed to help. I love the look of the pleats but mine curled.

My first attempt at the bonnet was a problem because I missed the note in row 9 where it reminds you to mark the neck opening and no longer work in these stitches. I make this note to remind myself the next time as once I followed this direction the bonnet worked up nicely.

There are directions for adding some decorative buttons to the dress and shoes. I opted not to add these as they were less practical for play time.

The panties and shoes worked up easily and could be added to another thread outfit that needed them.

Ken Pilgrim

This is an old free Ken pattern that can be found here. I used the boots from Annie's Fashion Doll Crochet Club's Old World Santa and Mrs. Claus FC43-01 but I'd go back to the original shoes and socks version next year.

I wanted to play with this outfit as the original was hard to get on and off. Some changes worked not as much and still others need some thinking.

Notes:

I used an e hook for everything but the hat.

I used worsted weight grey and black for this project likely Red Heart Super Saver. The white was Bernat Baby. The grey finished off a left over ball which is always a proud moment in my doll project.

The original project joins the jacket making it challenging to get on and off. I changed the coat to be closed in the front with snaps and this adjusted how the collar was made. I'd add a belt to this outfit next time like the one the Our Generation Boy has for his Pilgrim suit.

The pants start with an elastic waist and therefore could be made with a lighter weight yarn. They look and feel heavy with the worsted. I'd think of using a lighter weight next time and adjusting stitch count to match the fiber.

I wanted to try Santa's boots but I'd go back to the old pattern for the shoes and stockings.

Still playing with the hat as the brim is wider than I wanted but the width of the opening had to be wider for this Ken's head to fit. A work in progress.

16 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit 2

This is the last of the regular doll swimsuits I need to make for 2026. I'm going to experiment and see if I can adapt the Calico Critter Mom pattern to fit the Sister but I consider the Calico swimsuits to be bonuses to the challenge. They were not on my radar when I started this challenge for the year.

This was made using a no longer available 18 inch doll pattern from Stephanie Dygerty.

I am pleased to say the pink is from a ball of yarn in my this yarn really must go pile and I'm thrilled to say only a small amount is left. I do try to attack the left overs over the course of the donation projects.

Notes: I need a K hook to get this to fit the 16 Inch Baby Doll. I used a g hook for the trim.

Since I wanted to use more pink, I did not change to the contrast color for the brim.

I chain 40 for the swimsuit ties.

Calico Critter Sister Shell Dress

This has become one of my more frequently used free Calico Critters crochet patterns and you can find it here. It has directions for Mom and Sister.

Notes:

Taking my notes from last year's project I used a 1.5mm hook for the top and a 1.25mm hook for the skirt.

The dress uses size 10 thread and this is from Hobby Lobby's artiste thread sample box.

I was able to complete everything but the snap while waiting my turn for an appointment Saturday. I added the snap when I came home.

Calico Critter Mom Swimsuit

I've been writing for a bit about this free pattern that you can find here.

I wasn't sure I could make it work and it took a bit of work but Mom has entered the 2026 swimsuit challenge for the donation.

Still thinking about fiber and hook for the smaller sister Critter but it is a start. I'm mostly through the last 16 inch Baby doll's suit so that just leaves me to see if this can be adapted for the sister.

Notes:

The pattern is written in UK terms and calls for 4 ply wool. As with several patterns I've used recently I worked my way down. I started with Unforgettable Yarn which was clearly too heavy. I decided to try Cotton Fair that I've been using for my ami projects and while a little bulkier than I'd have liked it did the trick. I will be moving to thread for the sister.

The pattern starts with 24 stitches I'd reduce this to 21 as I had to reduce the first row by 3 to get the shaped area to work.

I skipped row 2 as it made the top too wide to fit under the arms. I am considering doing a flat strip across for the sister and seeing how it works.

There is a gap between the arm holes and the top's cluster stitches. I stitched them to the arm holes as I liked the look better than having them be free standing. Generally ties are added to the clusters to tie the top in the back but this has arm holes. This is why I'm thinking of leaving them off for the Sister pattern.

I took a flat picture of the Critter as a reminder that these are made as hip huggers. There is no hole opening for the tail it rests on the back. Without giving away pattern secrets this is a unique way of making pants which I hadn't tried previously.

Glitter Girl Mermaid

I've had my eye on this pattern on Ravelry for a while but then it fell off my radar until I went to look for a pattern link and realized I'd never purchased it and if I wanted to include the outfit in this year's donation now would be a good time to buy it. You can purchase the Wellie Wisher pattern here.

The pattern calls for sock yarn but I had a suspicion from a few other mermaid outfits I'd made that I might be able to get the Red Heart Unforgettable yarn to work. I believe this is Gossamer. There is some thought this yarn may be discontinued so I'm trying to stock up and look into a Michael's Loops and Threads substitute.

Notes:

There is no note on the pattern itself but the designer wrote a note on her Ravelry pattern site that one could crochet over an elastic rather than using a tie at the waist of the tail. I chose the elastic as this yarn can fray and the fewer lose ties the better.

I needed a G hook throughout the project.

The length is long likely do to the change in fiber and hook so when I make this again I would make sure I closed it at the bottom of the doll's feet. These fins are formed differently than any others I've made to date and I wasn't ready to alter the pattern until I understood where it was headed.

Having finished it once shortening the rows would not be an issue.

Again it could be the fiber or the hook size but I played a little to get the ties lined up. I also would work more on the lace look of the original top. As a first try it works but I think there is always room for improvement.

Barbie Cinderella

I keep trying to work in my themes for the year and so we add another to the Cinderella category with Barbie's dress.

You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

This outfit is made with Knit Picks Palette Yarn. I use a D hook for the top and an e hook for the skirt. The pattern joins from the beginning I join the in round 12 and add a snap to close as it makes the dress easier to get on and off for little hands. I've played with the trim in the front so there is no gap.

As for Skipper I haven't decided which Cinderella pattern to use yet. Her adapted Chelsea dress looked good last year.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Spring Petal Dress

I loved the look of this pattern but the dress and items looked heavier than what I expected from most baby doll patterns of this size. The pattern called for cotton fingering yarn and while I didn't have any of the brand suggested I tried various brands until I started up my acrylic ladder to full worsted with a G hook to get it to fit my doll.

Now this is the challenge of buying outfits designed for one doll and hoping they will fit your doll. This is designed for the AG Caring for Baby doll and you can purchase the pattern here.

One of the advantages of working with so many different dolls is I am used to having to adapt patterns and I rather liked the textured feel of this outfit and I wanted to add it to the donation bag.

Notes:

This was made with a ball of worsted from my let's finish off pile. It has to be Red Heart or Caron.

The dress required a G hook.

The bloomers started the waist with an H hook and switched to an e once the waist was created.

I was concerned the G would make the shoes large but the fit as written and didn't fall off.

I took an extra picture of the hat because I really liked the flower. I think mine might be more 3-D than the designers but I still really liked it and I'm always needing flowers to add to doll clothes were the designer has one on the outfit and then a link to go somewhere else that may or may not still be current. This one would work for a couple of outfits that I have been struggling with what to add.

It is odd that I went through the entire range of yarn trying to get this outfit to fit as I'm going through a similiar issue with a winter outfit for the Our Generation Boy. I once again started with my fingering yarn and am working my way up to worsted weight. We will see if that project comes to a finish.

Calico Critter Brother Swim Trunks

Well the Critter Men are ready for the beach. I have a pattern I've never tried for Mom which might fit the sister if I can get it to work. We shall see. I've never tried the designer's pattern but a free pattern is always worth a shot.

Notes:

You can find the free pattern for the Dad and Brother swim trunks here.

This pattern contains directions for both Dad and brother with the designer directing you clearly to the differences.

I used size 10 thread.

I used a 1.25mm hook for Dad and Brother.

Lesson learned after making Dad's was a reminder not to join after the first row.

I only do one leg row after joining to keep them as swim shorts and not pants.

To finish Brother's shorts and make them accept a snap at the back I needed to finish around the top and the back edge.

With this swimsuit finished I have one more 16 inch baby doll and the experiments to see if the Calico women will have swimsuits for 2026.

Calico Critter Mom Morning Glory Dress

I made this free pattern found here for the first time last year. The skirt was fuller this year and that is something I will work on the next time I make it.

Notes:

The dress is made with Aunt Lydia's size 3 and the flower size 10 white.

The flower is from an accessories pattern that comes with some of On A Calico Day's patterns.

I used a 1.5mm hook for the dress, a 1.25mm for the headband and a 1mm for the flower. Someone posted on a fb crochet site that they couldn't understand why people needed more than a couple of crochet hooks as she never used more than one size. I needed three thread hooks to complete one project. It really comes down to what you make.

I did not join the first row of the skirt as this pattern starts with the skirt to give the bunny a bit more tail room. I started joining in row 2.

16 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit

With this swimsuit complete I have one more to make for the 16 inch baby doll and then what ever else I can complete for the Calico Critters to finish out the 2026 swimsuit challenge.

This was made using a no longer available 18 inch doll pattern from Stephanie Dygerty.

Notes:

This was a great chance to use up an orphan yarn for the yellow. Not sure what brand this is but the white is Red Heart Super Saver.

I need a K hook to get this to fit the baby doll.

The only part of the swimsuit I have to play with is the top row. I always have to make sure the points are centered. I added a reverse crochet to finish the hat.

I use 40 chains for the ties.

Our Generation School Uniform

Not to late to add a back to school outfit for the donation.

This is one of Sweet Silver Creation's patterns that can be purchased here.

I'be been using this shoe pattern for several of my outfits that need a shoe without a strap for years. I couldn't find any blog notes about this project but I do know I'd made it for one of my nieces years ago. I confirmed it when I found notes on my printed pattern regarding the repeats for the skirt.

Notes:

I follow my traditional method for splitting for arm holes rather than the pattern suggestion. I've never had an issue with her other patterns making this change and it saves sewing in more ends.

The top section and the skirt are created separately and joined at the end.

The arms are premade and set into the arm holes. I crocheted into the back loops of the arm hole and recreated the arms that way. I had better success with one arm than the other but this is something I can work on as I've never had great success setting the arms in after I've made them.

I had a note I should use an f hook for the shoes, I'd go back to the previous note that suggests an e hook.

This picture is a reminder about setting the skirt after crocheting it. I crocheted around the bottom of the skirt with sc and then finished the top of the skirt sc around the inner sides of the skirt before completely sewing the skirt closed.

I then pinned the skirt to the top. I found I couldn't completely join the top to the skirt and be able to get the outfit on and off easily thus the picture below.

The headband worked as written.

16 Inch Baby Doll I Feel Pretty

Rotating through the baby dolls weekly seems to be creating a more balanced wardrobe among the dolls.

Next up is the I Feel Pretty Dress for the 16 Inch Baby doll.

You can find the free dress pattern here and the shoe pattern here.

Notes:

This was made with Herrschners Baby Worsted Stripes Pastel Rainbow and Worsted Peachy.

The dress and panties used an H hook. The hat used a g and f hook. The shoes need a J hook with the Herrschner's yarn.

Row 5 of the dress first dc is 9 not 8.

I add 3 rows for length for this doll.

The legs are formed in row 7 of the panties.

The hat uses a G and an f hook and I use 50 chains for the ties.

I've been using a snap to close this outfit after finishing the back rather than buttons.

Chelsea Sun Dress

Last year I picked up a collection of AG mini crochet patterns from Sweet Silver Creations that follow many of her full sized American Girl patterns. This one is only sold in the set not as an individual pattern. You can purchase the set here.

I've been slowly working to adapt these patterns to fit the Chelsea doll.

Notes:

I used size 20 thread and a .75mm hook for this project.

There are several additional accessories I didn't include. I've yet to find a crochet shoe pattern that fits the Barbie dolls well. I've made this hat for the 18 inch dolls and if you are going to display the dolls I suspect it would work but it doesn't stay on easily. The purse is a bit large for Chelsea and I really had no desire to try it in size 20 with a .75mm hook.

That said I do like this pattern and would use it again. It is a quick dress for Chelsea. The dress closes with a snap and the front buttons are mini buttons I picked up a while back. It might be time to consider a new batch as my color selection is a bit limited.

Calico Critter Dad Swim Trunks

I've had this in the Critter folder for a bit and never made it until I was going through my Critter folder and realized this wasn't a pants pattern but supposed to be swim trunks. I needed to shorten them to make them look less like pants and more like swim trunks to meet my swim challenge.

You can find the free pattern here.

This pattern has directions for the Dad and Brother. I hope to get back to the Brother soon.

So I will remember this pattern does not join until the legs are formed.

I followed the upper portion of the trunks as written. I decreased the leg rows to one additional leg row to keep them at short length rather than pants.

The designer does include directions for a tail hole and the back closes with a snap.

Calico Critter Mom V-Stitch Sundress

Every so often as I'm looking at patterns on Ravelry I find one from a designer I missed. This is designed for the sister and baby. However, I found I had to change the sister pattern to fit the Mom as it was huge on the Mom. I'm planning to adjust it to fit the sister.

You can find this free pattern here.

Notes:

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

I started this project twice learning from my first mistake. I try to make my doll clothes easy to put on and off. The pattern suggests joining the project from the first row. I did this and almost lost the bunny tail as I was working on the top section of the bodice. This made me rethink the project and I frogged my first attempt.

For my second attempt I chose not to join until making the skirt which includes a pattern trick for leaving a tail hole. This works better to slide the dress on and off with the top open until closed by a snap. I stopped damaging Mom's cotton tail.

Just a note by not joining I need an extra starting chain of 29 not 28.

I repeated Round 2 once for the skirt to get it to the same length as pictured for the sister Critter.

The headband only required 30 chains. Over the years I've collected a number of On A Calico Day's crochet patterns. They come with embellishment patterns. This is where I found the flower for the headband.

My Life Cat Short Set

I was hoping to get this posted Friday but decided to put it up on Saturday and keep pushing to complete my projects for the donation. It seems impossible but that deadline is now approaching rather than far off in the distant future.

This is one of Pamela Yarborough's patterns that can be purchased here.

I've been following her patterns long enough that my copy is from her origins of posting free patterns to her website to give her a following to start selling her patterns.

As with many of my doll projects this year this is another pattern that has been sitting in my doll binder for years until I came up with a more balanced approach for rotating through making clothes for all of the dolls rather than randomly picking which doll I felt like working on today. This has actually helped me to reach more deeply into all my doll folders and try some patterns I've not used in years or like this one, never tried.

Note:

This is made with Red Heart Super Saver Amethyst and White. The Pink and Grey are Herrschners. The black is sport yarn left over from the ami's.

I started with the hat and the shoes making them between other doll projects so they wouldn't need to be made after the outfit.

The hat was made using an H hook and I left a note on the pattern to try an I hook the next time.

The shoes were made with an H hook.

The top fits but it is snug with the suggested H hook. With anything that has to slide on and off the doll I like a little room so I'd use an I hook the next time for the shirt. A reminder to myself to pull the yarn up from the bottom for the ss.

I used the suggested F hook for the cat face and that was the right choice.

The shorts are snug with an H hook but my concern is getting them to stay up if I move to an I hook.

Our Generation Patriotic Swimsuit

I was looking through the flash drive of patterns I bought from Pamela Yarbororough Designs to find swimsuits I hadn't made previously for the donation and found this one.

I have decided I like this top and bottom best. I'd consider rotating the hat, sarong, and color options from the other patterns but this may be my go to starting pattern for the 18 inch dolls for a bit.

You can purchase the pattern here.

I used an H hook for the top and bottoms and an F hook for the accessories. I finally mastered the ss technique she uses while making the headband. I'd use it for future projects.

I'd consider experimenting with an I hook for the top. This top is joined and needs to slide on and off. It is a bit snug for the Our Generation Doll once you add the ss. An I hook might help make it easier to take on and off. I'd just have to check to make sure it doesn't gape open at the front.

The 18 inch doll swimsuits are done for 2026. I am going to experiment with something for the Calico Critters. No promises it will work. I still need two for the 16 inch Baby Dolls and then I will be done with this category for the year.

16 Inch Baby Doll Linmary Dress

This one took me much longer than I expected as I kept making unexpected changes.

The dress set is a free Linmary Knits crochet pattern found here. The shoes are from one of Darski's sets found here. Notes:

I've made a number of notes on hook size over the years. This year with the exception of the shoes, everything required an e hook. I used an J hook for the shoes.

This pattern uses UK crochet terms and I have notes all over my pattern to remind myself not to use US crochet stitches as it is a whole different outfit.

Dress:

I added 5 additional rows and an additional contrast row to the bodice for length prior to adding the skirt. To help myself keep track I have notes on the pattern regarding the repeats as they are not written out and with multiple repeats and row changes for each repeat I lose track. I finished the neck and the arm holes decreasing both as I found them a bit big this time.

I do not crochet in the back stitches for the bodice. I tried it this year and frogged it as it was not a good look.

Hat:

I had to stick with the e hook for the entire hat. I tried the notes I had on the pattern but the hat was huge. I believe this is how the Our Generation Boy ended up with a sun hat last year for his swim trunks.