My Life Cinderella

I have several versions of crochet Cinderalla patterns that fit the 18 inch dolls but Sweet Silver Creations is my favorite. It has a balance between being elegant and achievable for a donation project. I like the Adoring Dolls one I made for the Our Generation Doll because it is quick and easy but it lacks the elegance of this outfit. I have an Annie's one that is one my some day list but it requires more time and patience than I have at the moment.

This pattern, as do all her princess patterns, takes a significant amount of yarn. I went through a good bit of the dark shade of blue in a Caron Pounder for this project. This is a note to myself to have a Pounder on hand to start the project. I've gotten by with left over balls of the light blue for this project in previous years. This year I had a full skein and no left overs to use up.

You can purchase the pattern here. I used the shoes from her School Uniform pattern but sadly that pattern is no longer listed on her Etsy site. It's a quick and easy pattern when I don't want shoes with a strap.

Notes:

I used an H hook for the dress and an F hook for the shoes. This year despite the pattern directions I finished the back with a button hole and closed with a button instead of a snap. I just was in the mood for a button. I did use a snap for the collar.

I also choose not to follow the pattern directions for creating the arm holes. The pattern ends the yarn and continues. I skip the stitches and continue in the style I normally make arm holes. I just find this to be an easier way to create the arms. I continue to follow the directions for creating the arms in the same row the yarn is written to end. It all works out for me.

With an H hook I ended at row 20 this year as the dress had reached floor length. Not sure if I've done this on previous projects but I'm making a greater effort to record my steps for future projects.

Our Generation Cinderella

Now that I have multiple princess and other costume patterns written by different designers I'm trying to make sure the Our Generation doll gets a few for the donation. In the past I've tended to make these outfits primarily for the My Life dolls but this year I've been focused on trying to make things a bit more even so with multiple versions of some themes its easier to make more than one Cinderella.

This is Adoring Doll's version of Cinderella which you can purchase here.

One of my goals in making outfits for kids is making them as easy to get on and off as possible. This can be challenging when you have doll arms that aren't flexible so I try to add a little room when possible at the top withot making the top too large that it gaps open. It's always an interesting balance as I'm finding especially with the Barbie dolls this year.

Notes:

Every year my guage is slightly different. I hadn't made this outfit for the Our Generation doll before but I started with an I hook which is what I normally do with Adoring Doll's patterns and after reaching the arm hole stage realized it was going to be a really tight squeeze getting the outfit on and off. I eventually worked my way up to a K hook to get the dress to be more easily worn. These are just my notes as I do return back to these posts when I make outfits for later donations. Each person's experience may differ.

To add the overdress I changed row 9. I crocheted in the back loops for this round to leave the front loops available to begin the overskirt.

I used a snap at the back rather than buttons.

This pattern does have a shoe pattern but for some reason I missed it when I was planning this project and pulled Sweet Silver Creation's School Girl Uniform pattern and used those shoes. I generally use two of her shoe patterns when the outfit doesn't have shoes. One has a strap, this one doesn't. I'd use the Cinderella shoes next time. Just a note for reference, I need an F hook to get the school uniform shoes to fit the Our Generation Doll.

With the larger hook I should have reduced the skirt rows. It is a little long for this doll. I note this again as a reminder for my next attempt. The hair band which had been an issue with the My Life doll fit easily with the K hook for the Our Generation doll. The collar was also made with a K hook and instead of a button to join I used a snap.

My Life Cinderella

Cinderella seemed an appropriate post for Halloween. Every year I try to either add patterns I haven't ever made or return to favorites I haven't made in a few years. The princess patterns are always favorites but they don't make it into every donation. This year I decided to see if I could bring back a few as I know they tend to be popular.

This is Sweet Silver Creation's pattern that can be purchased here. I have a few Cinderella patterns that pop up for the donation from time to time. This one requires a signficant commitment of yarn in the main color. I was able to use a left over ball of light blue but this used up a signficant amount of a Caron Pounder.

Notes:

I noticed I never made notes for previous outings so best to get a few simple notes down.

I used an H hook for this pattern the I was a bit big, it might work for the Our Generation if I decide to switch up and make this pattern for the Our Generation next time.

The dress and the collar were closed with a snap.

I did not end for arms but continued pattern in more traditional arm fashion. I've not had good luck following arm section as written.

The shoes are made using the shoes from Silver Creation's School Uniform pattern and the suggested f hook. The pattern can be purchased here.

18 Inch Doll Cinderella

I did mention I'd eventually get back to making costumes for the donation dolls didn't I? I own several Cinderella patterns for the 18 inch dolls. Some are more challenging than others. I chose this one because it is quick to make up and I had the supplies on hand. While I've been focusing on using up orphan yarns I have a supply of staple yarns that the majority of my donations come from and since I haven't been out shopping much I haven't resupplied those as much as I would normally do and therefore there wasn't a guarantee that when I went to find light blue yarn I'd have any available.

For those of you interested in this pattern you can purchase it from Adoring Doll Clothes here. While her prices are quite reasonable she regularly has sales or deals for multiple pattern buys if that is of interest. I know I take advantage to keep up on her newer designs.

Pattern Notes:

To add the overdress I changed row 9. I crocheted in the back loops for this round to leave the front loops available to begin the overskirt. This is a change from the directions and one I'd like to remember when I make it again.

I had to add rows to the headband to make it long enough. When I make this next time I need to measure this prior to finishing off to make sure it fits.

To get the shoes to fit I needed an I hook. This is pretty standard for me.

Snaps closed the dress and the choker at the neck. This differs from the pattern directions.

The dress was short so I added rows to make it floor length.