Chelsea Mermaid

It didn't seem fair to leave Chelsea out of the Barbie family mermaid costume party for the donation but I knew after making Stacie's costume it was going to be more challenging for Chelsea.

I wasn't thrilled with the top I made for Stacie but after flipping through the AG 6" doll pattern set I purchased from Sweet Silver Creations here I realized the Jasmine top would work for my Chelsea mermaid. I would adapt this for Stacie the next time I make her a mermaid outfit.

I'd adapted the free Barbie mermaid pattern to fit Stacie so I was hoping with size 20 thread I could make it work for Chelsea as well. You can find that pattern here.

Notes:

Both patterns required size 20 crochet thread to fit Chelsea.

The green is mint Omega from Creative yarn source. Most of my solid color size 20 comes from them as they have a decent color selection and the cones are larger than Lizbeth.

The main color is Lizbeth 20 Springtime.

I started the tale with a 1.0mm tale changing to a 1.25mm when I realized it was a bit tight. I'd start with the 1.25mm next time. With the smaller stitches and hook I found it more challenging than the previous tales to find the stitches from the previous rows.

After leaving the tale on while I worked on the other pieces it bothered me that it was sliding a little so I added a sc row in the contrast mint and the sliding stopped while still being easy for a child to put on and take off.

The top pattern is not a Chelsea pattern but an American Girl mini pattern so it needs to be adjusted for Chelsea. Even with size 20 thread I needed a .75mm hook to keep the top from falling off her shoulders. The original pattern calls for metalic thread which matches the theme of that outfit. I went with mint to stick with the ocean effect I was trying to create.

Even with the smaller hook the top was still a little loose. I corrected this with the trim sc 2 and the sc tog across the top and bottom. This made the top fit nicely.

I decided on the mint headband with no trim. It likely should have been the main color covered by the mint but I started with mint. When I was thinking about adding the msin color I was concerned the base was not large enough. I'd try the 1.25mm hook for the headband next time.

Lil Cutesies Swimsuit

I've been alternating week by week to finish off the swimsuits and the sleep wear. Up next is the Little Cutesies' swimsuit.

This outfit was made using one of Char Caywood's patterns that can be purchased here. The pattern includes directions for the Lil Cutesie doll and the Lots to Love 8 inch baby doll.

I use the swimsuit, visor, and sandals from this pattern. I do not include the coverup.

Notes:

This was made with Aunt Lydia size 10 a version of yellow and an unnamed multicolored. I suspect they aren't making it any longer as I looked at a couple of colors online and either there were colors that weren't in this thread or they didn't have all the colors in this thread.

I made a note last time I wish I had read before starting this time there are two visor patterns and the one for the Lil Cutesies is larger due to head size. Choose the Lil Cutesie visor pattern to start future projects. I noted it on the pattern as well this time so that should help.

I used a 1.75 mm hook.

In Row 16 of the bottoms part B I use hdc not sc.

Ruffle I hdc in row 17 not 16. For my own notes row 17 is worked around the complete doll in the back loops. This is the row the ruffle will be added to around the doll.

I do a sc around the legs.

The back is finished with sc as part of the chain process. I mention this because I had forgotten from making this last year. I usually will finish a back even when not in the pattern.

I chained 50 for the ties.

I noticed there is fluff from a previous project that I cleaned off before putting the outfit in the bag to be put in the Lil Cutesies sorting bag.

Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll Sweetly

I was concerned about the availability of the Lots to Love 10" Baby Dolls after discovering the 8" dolls are no longer available.

I've struggled with the 10 inch dolls even longer often resorting to school supply sites to find them. I was pleasantly suprised to find them online this year not only at Amazon, but Walmart and Michaels. I stocked up as nothing is promised but I thought I'd put that out there for anyone else looking for the smaller baby dolls. Michaels' website says they are only available online.

This dress set was made using Darski's free Sweetly pattern found here. There are several patterns included and I use most of them for the donation.

Notes:

This outfit was made with Bernat Big Ball Sport yarn in Pink and Baby Baby.

From my previous notes I read the panties were long which resulted in needing a longer skirt for the dress to cover them so I started with the panties. I'd previously had trouble with the crotch but this time there was no problem. I just find these are long to fit over the tummy and then create the split for the legs. Followed as written they do create panties, but the skirt as written is still too short.

Having made the panties I decided to finish the other accessories before making the dress. Although, to be fair I redid one bootie and the bonnet on finishing the dress.

These adjustments to the booties work great, but you actually have to follow the complete directions or they fall off. I made the first one as written the second one I skipped rwo 7 and the bootie refused to stay on the doll's foot. I remade it after finishing the dress.

E hook

Complete row 1-3 of the booties.

Row 4: sc in back loops around

Row 5: sc evenly

Row 6: sc reducing 6 times at toe

Row 7: HDC evenly

Follow directions for 8-9

My notes say the bonnet fits as written and I have no idea how. So I'm revising my notes for this year. The bonnet as written is currently sitting on the Lots to Love 14 inch Doll for when I make this outfit for that doll's donation.

I used an E hook for the bonnet.

There was a good deal of adding and pulling out so I don't have a complete answer but I added rows after row 8 until the bonnet was big enough. Then I finished with row 9.

I used 40 chains for ties so this requires chaining 43.

I used the suggested G hook for the dress I'd consider an F for my next attempt as this felt roomy.

In the past I believe I reduced around the arms when adding trim and I did not do that this time. I would do that for future outfits.

I finish the back adding a button hole and later a buttton not following the written directions.