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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My Life Swimsuit 2

I've been using Pamela Yarborough's patterns for years and finally decided to invest in her flash drive of patterns for her 18 and 14.5 inch dolls since there were some I'd just not had the chance to buy and the flash drive while an investment gave them to me at the old prices not the current prices. Having some birthday money I made the jump. You can find her flash drive sale options here.

If you are interested in this pattern it can be purchased here.

I'm coming close to finishing the swimsuit challenge for 2026. I only have the Our Generation Doll and the two 16 inch baby dolls to go. I found a free pattern for the Calico Critter female I'm going to experiment with to see if I can get it to fit the Mom or sister. I'm not counting that one as it is iffy on getting it to work.

For future reference I much prefer this swimsuit than the first one I made. The one piece top is a much better project than the two triangles. I found the panties fit better as well. I love the sarong and the hat. I would consider adding the sarong to other swimsuits.

Notes:

I used an H hook for the swim top, bottoms and hat. I used the suggested G for the sandals. One of my projects for the off season is to find a sandal pattern I can use like I use Sweet Silver Creations other shoe patterns. Sandals have less connection with doll feet to keep them on so I've always found them challenging to make and keep them on but it is clear I need to find a pattern that works better for me.

The white is Red Heart I suspect the pink yarn is either Red Heart or Caron Pounder. I've been working on using up left over balls of yarn and this pink was left from previous doll projects.

I don't have much experience with sarongs so I was thrilled that the designer took a picture from the back and front as this helped me to realize I was going in the right direction.

I added 2 additional rows to the hat as it was too small. These rows continued the DC 5 2dc pattern. I continued this DC 5 2DC on the brim.

My Life Cinderella

Sweet Silver Creations was one of the very first doll designers I started collecting crochet patterns way back over 15 years ago even before this donation began.

Her shoes are still my go to for all my 18 inch doll creations. However, every so often I find myself longing to go back to the princess days and hers are always the first patterns I turn to as they are beautiful to make and something I can reasonably finish without neglecting all my other projects.

With the practice I've had from working on the ami projects I worked this larger outfit across a couple of weeks of other doll projects rather than trying to finish it all at once. I'd finish a set portion, put it aside and come back. When I finished the skirt and then the trims I finally decided it was time to finish and completed all the smaller accessories so I could add it to my finished items.

You can purchase the Cinderella pattern here. Her princess patterns do not have shoes so I use the shoes from her School Uniform pattern which can be purchased here. That pattern is also on my list of items to get back into the rotation this year. I want to attack some patterns I've not used in a bit, patterns I've never made, and new ones I've found.

Notes:

I used an H hook for the Cinderella dress and Royal and Light Blue Red Heart Super Saver. I needed a Jumbo of Royal as her princess patterns eat quite a bit of yarn. The light blue was primarily trim so far less was needed.

There was a note from previous projects that I stopped at row 20. This year I needed to add rows for length but did not write down the number.

I find myself scanning the pattern for where the item will join for my own records this will be end of row 2 skirt. Also a reminder to keep turning after joining.

I followed the School Uniform shoe pattern as written using an f hook.

My Life Swimsuit

I am quite hopeful that before the end of September all of the swimsuits will be finished for the dolls. I have one more My Life, an Our Generation, and two 16 inch baby dolls to go if my count is correct.

Since I make swimsuits every year when possible I try to work through my pattern collections to keep the challenge engaging.

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

This has been my year to pull out patterns that I haven't tried and my copy actually goes back to when she was first starting out posting free patterns on her blog. I use her patterns for the 18 inch and the 14 inch Glitter girl doll so I finally invested in the flash drive for both sized dolls that she sells on Etsy. I've already printed three patterns and there are more to go.

It is also such a relief to be able to easily find patterns when I misplace one. I've gotten so much better about putting patterns back in their binder when I'm finished but every so often one goes missing and I can sometimes find it from where I purchased it but sometimes it is gone. This gets me the patterns I never purchased and the security of quickly finding the ones I lose.

Notes:

If I choose to go back to this one I would use an H instead of an I hook for the top. The trim with a G hook worked.

I used an H hook for the panties but then needed to chain 3 to join on each side to get them to fit around the waist. I crocheted them closed rather than sewing. I added the trim after that row. I'd consider using a smaller hook for the crotch rows as it is a bit bulky.

I followed the shoe pattern as written.

There is a pattern for a cover up but I chose not to include it.

My Life Kinley Casual Pant Set

I've made an effort to print patterns that got purchased and for various reasons never got printed so I don't end up buying them again. I almost thought about buying this one before finding it in had been purchased and printing it out.

You can purchase the pattern here.

I honestly thought the challenge for this pattern was going to be the pants. I find stripes for smaller projects like doll clothing or ami's can be challenging as the stripes need to stay even. These worked up really well and I got a little over confident going into the cardigan, thus the reminder pictures for future projects down below.

Notes:

I used an I hook for everything but the shoes and the necklace. I'd consider an H for the cardigan next time if it would work as the holes are large with an I but not sure how the fit would be. The necklace was made with the suggested f hook and the shoes with an H hook.

Shirt:

I rather like this shirt and followed the directions other than hook size as written. My only thought for future projects is I might add a few rows before bottom trim. I found it rode up a bit. Since I wasn't sure how the whole outfit went together as I was making it I went as written. I consider a couple of rows to make it longer for the next project.

Pants:

The pants worked as written. My only reminder to self is to watch the row count and to start row counter for second leg at 12 as first row for leg 2 is 13.

Shoes:

These are cute summer shoes but I'm not sure for my purposes I'd make these again. They were more challenging to make and sadly they don't stay on as well as most of the other shoes I make. I see these getting lost quickly.

Necklace:

I ended up with a button from my collection after failing tassling making a few times. I like the button look and I had to make the necklace longer to be able to take it on and off the doll. This made the button even more practical.

This brings me to the cardigan.

I have no idea why this was so hard for my brain to understand but I don't trust that if I come back to this in a year or more I will remember so I took some pictures.

The basic back was pretty straight forward but for the life of me I could not understand how the arms and sides panels were formed. Without giving the pattern away but reminding myself follow the directions as written they are correct. There are side seems and gaps for arm holes involved.

I did adapt the pattern to make longer sleeves. I did three rows of dc chain one around the arm holes before adding the sc trim.

Our Generation Boy Swim Trunks

These swim trunks are made using a pattern from from Pamela Yarborough's Swim Suit Set which can be purchased here. The set includes trunks for the boy and suits for the 18 and 14.5" dolls. This pattern can also be purchased alone here.

A note for myself is that all three patterns are stored together as they are printed double sided. I went looking for the boy's trunks and panicked when I couldn't find them. I'm going to make a note on top pattern that all three are located in one set as to not panic myself next year.

Notes:

I am determined to use up some of my project ends so some of you may recognize the green from previous projects. I do like the light blue I've used in previous years but I am need to eliminate some of my endless left over yarn balls and this was a good place to start.

An I hook is pretty standard for her patterns and it is no different for the swim trunks.

The Our Generation Boy requires a starting chain of 46 which makes the legs increase to 23.

The color change for the leg is marked for the 2nd leg not the first so the change is Row 11 stays main color, row 12 contrast, end with row 13 main. Thanks to last year's notes I didn't make the mistake of not counting for the changes.

However, having changed colors I did make the mistake of not starting with the contrast color and had to start the top of the trunks over having started with the main color not the contrast color.

The original pattern calls for a piece of yarn to be tied for the trunks as if it is a tie. I decided to crochet a tie and thread it through the fpdc as it seems each year the trunks are a little loose and it allows me to tighten them just a little with the pull ties.

With these swim trunks down I still need swimsuits for the female 18 inch dolls and the larger baby dolls.

I finally took the plunge and purchased Pamela Yarborough's flash drive of doll patterns. I have several I'm missing and decided I want to be able to easily retrieve patterns I misplace. I ordered it last Friday so we will see how it works when it arrives.

Our Generation Red Flower Dress

This has been the year to use neglected patterns. This is another one of Pamela Yarborough's patterns that can be purchased here. It's been in my binder of her patterns for a bit but I've never made it. I do think rotating the dolls weekly has opened more options than working on one doll for a period of time before moving on to another as something usually arises and shortens the time for one doll to be dressed. This way the rotation continues around time reductions.

Notes:

The yarn for this project is Red Heart. The red is Cherry and I'd like to see at some point if I could locate a brighter red. I thought that was Cherry but this is darker than I anticipated.

Dress:

I used an I hook for the dress.

After row 1, I sc in back stitch to allow myself to play with red trim that is added at end. What I forgot is it needs to be added now not at end to make this technique work. I've added a note to my pattern and here as a reminder for the next time I approach the project. I am not a fan of surface stitch and this is one way to avoid it if I do it correctly.

The flowers for the dress and headband were made with the suggested 3.0mm hook. I found they were smaller than I liked. I'd try them with either an E or F hook next time.

I found the length was fine as is with no additional length rows.

Shoes:

The Our Generation Doll was fine with a G hook and the directions as written.

Headband:

I used a G hook for the headband. I had to add rows to fit it around the Our Generation head. I wouldn't increase the hook size as the width would be too wide.

Our Generation Boy Minion Inspired Outfit

This is one of Pamela Yarborough, formely Adoring Doll Clothes patterns that can be purchased here.

This has been in my pattern library for some time and this year was the time to make it for the Our Generation Boy's donation bag. While designed for the girl the pattern is generic enough to use for the boy.

Notes:

I used the suggested G hook for the boots and they fit really well. I'd use these for another project.

For the hat I went back to my notes for the doctor as the hats aren't completely different in size and used an H hook for this hat rather than the suggested G as I had with the Doctor hat.

I alternated between an H and an I hook for the outfit.

These are one of the only overall doll patterns I have that have a front and back bib. Most of my patterns have a front bib and attach to the rear waist band. I like the look of this style of double bibs.

The shirt and pants were made with an I hook. However the sleeves and legs changed to an H hook as they were to big with the I hook.

I made a note on the pattern that to make sure I am at the half way point of the waist when I start the legs or they are off center. Having made this mistake the first time through I'm noting it here and on the pattern to avoid future challenges.

I did the last row of shirt in back loops to make it easier to attach bibs only to discover this wasn't necessary so I wouldn't do it again.

I would definetly make these again for the Our Generation Boy donation as long as the Minions continue to be something kids receiving the donation would recognize. The overalls could continue to be used. I'd just go for a more nuetral shirt color.

My Life Playtime Garden Outfit

I've been using patterns from Adoring doll clothes since she begin as a blogger. However she has changed the name of her business to Pamela Yarborough Designs so you will find her patterns now listed under that business name. You can purchase this pattern here.

I've noticed I'm rotating through patterns I haven't made in a while. This last appeared for the 2021 donation and I'd like to see it more often. It's a quick, cute make.

I used three different brands of yarn for this project. The yellow is Red Heart Super Saver. The green was Bernat Super Value and the off white is a lighter weight of unknown orign that I wanted to use up.

I generally love Bernat's super value but don't buy it often because it is pricey for doll clothes. I picked up some on sale and it faded into my stash. This skein exploded when I did a center pull into a maze that I'm still untangling. I did get enough rolled that I cut it to finish off the dress.

Notes:

I used an I hook for the shirt and dress. I finished the back and top stitches with a g hook to make button hole.

The hat was made with the suggested hook and the lighter off white yarn. I needed to add rows before decreasing and then adding the brim to make it wide enough as it was not worsted weight yarn. I'd use this yarn again for the hat as it was a better fit than the previous hat I made for this project with worsted.

The shoes were made with an H hook. I used sunflower buttons for this project previously and I had wanted to try something closer to the pattern. I may go back to the sunflowers for a future project.

My Life Romper

I've noticed as I've been trying to balance outfits between the three female 18 inch dolls I'm going back to patterns I haven't used in a while. I last used this Adoring Doll pattern that can be purchased here in 2022. There is no real logic to the gap other than I am fortunate to have a decent pattern library to work through and each year seems to send me on a different focus.

Notes:

I believe this year's version is made with Red Heart Super Saver Pretty N Pink which I had on hand and is fine. However, I believe it was previously made with Shocking Pink and I like the darker version better. Since I'm always buying shades of pink for my donation projects it is worth noting this to have it on hand when I reach for this pattern again or some version of a darker pink.

I have a couple of bags of random buttons that people have given me over the years that aren't great for many of my doll projects as they can be too big, oddly shaped, or not enough of one kind. However, I was thrilled to be able to use one for the purse and one for the flower on the headband. I also found enough matching buttons for the romper which never happens.

I used an I hook for the romper, an H hook for the shoes and g hook for the headband.

Reminder to self the starting stitch of headband is not repeated.

I need to repeat row 3 on the shoes to get them high enough to stay on the foot.

Our Generation Purple Dress

I am fortunate to have a rather large collection of crochet patterns for the 18 inch dolls so I don't have to repeat every pattern every year to get a decent wardrobe for the three female 18 inch dolls I set out to dress each year. I have some favorites and must do's for each donation round but others surprise me that they haven't been seen for a bit.

This is one of Adoring Doll's patterns that can be purchased here.

My schedule this year of rotating through the dolls on a regular basis has led me to dig deeper into my 18 inch doll binders and it is fun to see patterns that haven't been out in a while. This one was made for the My Life doll back in 2021. After looking at my notes and with a weird mistake to start the skirt I made a few changes for the Our Generation Doll.

For my own notes for future years, I've started to make many of the larger doll patterns especially in sections. In this case I started with the skirt, made the shirt, and jacket later and finished off with the accessories. This allowed me to start this project in between finishing off last weeks smaller doll projects.

Notes:

Shirt:

I started the project with the pink shirt and the suggested H hook. I followed my directions from last project not to join which requires 3 buttons instead of 1.

Skirt:

The skirt was made with an I which changes to an H hook as the pattern suggests just with different hooks.

I mistakenly started with the Red Heart Super Saver Amethyst yarn. It is supposed to be white at the top with a bottom trim of purple.

I made it that way for the My Life doll previously but I wasn't crazy about the long patch of white against the purple.

The white wedged between purple just worked better for me and I'd do that again for future projects.

I started with purple changing to white in row 5 and then changed back to purple as the directions suggested.

Jacket:

I used the suggested H hook for the jacket.

On my copy there is no line space between row 2 and 3 and I kept trying to use row 3's stitch count and figuring I'd made a mistake. I circled the correct count but an extra note here hopefully will remind me not to make this mistake.

I followed the jacket directions as written. This is one of the easier jacket patterns for me. My only suggestion for the future is to ss around the arm openings as this helps keep the fingers from catching.

Shoes/Socks

The shoes and socks required all three colors and a G hook. I made both shoes first, finished them off and then added the socks.

Scarf/Headband:

I made these after finishing the jacket and I just circled a note on the pattern to remind myself that neither are made in purple. I was half way through a very pretty purple scarf when I saw the picture and realized I had just continued on with the jacket colors without thinking.

I used Red Heart Super Saver Turqua for both items.

They both require a g hook.

Our Generation Boy Pajamas

When I decided on the nightwear challenge last year finding something for the Our Generation boy led me to an 18 inch doll girl's Christmas Pajamas pattern sold here.

The pajamas pattern she has for the boy look more like a summer t-shirt and shorts. Not that many of us haven't use those for night wear but I wanted something that looked like night clothes for the donation.

I made notes last year that I actually turned the pattern around and found it easier to close the onsie in the back with a snap and add a panel with buttons for show in the front. I continued with that this year. My goal is to make clothes as simple as I can to put on and take off for small hands. The snap in the back was easier to make work. I also continue to find for what ever reason the onsie sits better on the doll back to front.

Notes:

This was made with Red Heart Super Saver Light Blue and White. As I mentioned in last year's post the Caron Pounder color I really liked for this outfit was discontinued.

I did not include the hat that comes with the pattern.

A note to self the length of the legs seems to change each year. I have a note from both years about how many rows I need prior to adding the white trim. Use them as suggestions and try it on to see how the fit looks. I needed more rows this year than last and that could be me or the difference between the yarn I used.

While I still have a significant number of swimsuits to make I believe I just have the Rag Doll's nightgown to complete for the 2026 challenge.

Our Generation Boy Doctor

I made this for the Our Generation Boy donation two years ago and decided to bring it back into the rotation.

This is one of Adoring Doll Clothes 18 inch Girl patterns that can be purchased here. It also includes a lab coat but having tried and failed to make it work I've stuck with the scrubs.

This was actually the last picture I took as I finished the main outfit Saturday night and didn't realize until I took the first picture and posted it that I'd forgotten to make the mask. So I stopped working on my post, finished the mask and took another picture.

Notes:

This was madw with Red Heart Super Saver Turqua. For my own notes for future projects it took almost a skein to finish the project. I used a little Red Heart Super Saver white for the mask. The bottom picture is actually one of my notes for this project.

I've always had trouble with shirts that require sewing the shoulder seams together unless there is only one place for the seem to happen. Sure enough this is shirt two as I sewed the seems incorrectly the first time after convincing myself that my first instinct was wrong on where the shirt should be seemed. This picture of the second shirt was a hope that it would remind me next time why the shoulders form the way they do when the seem is made in the correct place.Notes:

Notes:

Pants:

My previous notes about the pants were correct. I needed an H hook and 36 total rows from top to bottom appears to be a good row count. Still playing with tie. 90 chains not enough 120 is a little long. Perhaps 110 next time.

Shirt:

I needed an H hook for the shirt too. The sleeves need a G and the pocket an f.

The short front edges should attach to the outside back edges not the inside ones. I tend to think this and then become certain this is wrong thus the multiple shirts. thus the reason for the picture.

Mask:

H hook for the mask and a D hook for the ear loops.

Hat:

I used an H hook for the hat and I was pleased with the fit with no additional rows.

Shoes:

The shoes were made with the suggested G hook.

Our Generation Boy Soccer

It seemed a great time to pull out some of Adoring Doll's sport patterns and adapt the girl outfits for the boy doll. With World Cup fever in the air I decided to start with soccer.

You can purchase the pattern here.

My husband is a huge sport fan so I asked him for some help with my color choices. He suggested going with solid blue for the shirt and solid white for the shorts. I wasn't complaining as I really don't enjoy adding the stripes for the shorts as I've done previously for the basketball shorts.

Notes:

I used Red Heart Royal Blue, Red, Black and White for the Uniform. The soccer decal was made using Cotton Fair black and white cotton yarn as I wanted it to be a little stiffer and more like a patch.

Shirt:

I used an I hook for the shirt and my size 2mm hook for the soccer ball decal.

Other than not making color changes and adding trim I followed the directions for the shirt as written without any changes.

I knew I wanted a red stripe and two white stripes for the sleeve so I marked the pattern counting back from the edge of the sleeve the last two rows as white and the third from the end as red. Then I started with the blue.

The pattern gives you directions for adding a number or a soccer ball to the front of the shirt. I'd done the number for the basket ball uniform and really liked the idea of the soccer ball. I chose the ball as I really liked the look of it.

Shorts:

I didn't mark a hook for the shorts so I am not sure if it was the suggested f or g.

Note to myself that row 7 should read 1sc in first 10 stitches.

Headband and Shoes:

I used the suggested hooks for both projects.

The headband worked as written no changes.

The only changes I made for the shoes were adjusting the colors. I had to play with the shoe laces to get them to work. I always find this to be challenging.

My Life Linda

I made Adoring Doll Clothes' Linda pattern for the Glitter Girl but this is my first attempt for the 18 inch dolls. My warning to self is to read the notes I make on these projects.

You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

The important note I forgot to review from the Glitter Girl project is personal to me but DON'T JOIN THE TOP.

I ended up sewing more ends for the Glitter Girl but it is so much easier than trying to guess how to make the top large enough to slip on but tight enough to stay up. I ended up starting with a larger hook, adding a row at the top to decrease when finished and even adding the tie from the Glitter Girl pattern.

All this could have been avoided if I didn't join the back until I reached the skirt allowing the dress to fit better. I love not having to sew butttons or snaps but I hate when a dress is tight or loose so next time don't join. I suggested row 9 for the Glitter Girl I think it will be row 10 for the 18 inch doll.

I used an I hook for the dress and would not need to start with a larger hook if I don't join. I started with 47 instead of 31 chains to deal with the need to slide the dress. I'd like to test this by not joining and see if I still need to change the starting chain count. I used an H hook for the shoes and the purse. The shoes fit well I'd consider an F hook for the purse next time. The purse is a little large.

My note from the Glitter Girl project regarding the shrug is important as well. The directions do work but my brain is always convinced it won't. That note I did read from the blog post I made and just went with it this time and had no issue making the shrug with the suggested hook size.

The headband isn't a favorite of mine so I've skipped it for the Glitter Girl and the My Life Doll.

My Life Kalia Party Dress

This is a wonderful pattern for the 18 inch dolls that works up quickly. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

I made this for the first time last year and I made it a little longer by adding more rows. I must say I like both options. The longer version smooths out the dress a bit but I like this look too.

This was made with Red Heart Super Saver Turqua. The trim was same brand white.

For future planning this took about 3/4 of a skein to complete without adding any additional rows. I had previously used the remains of a Caron Pounder that had been rolled into balls. This is just a heads up when I go to make this again to be sure I have enough of one color on hand.

The dress changes hook sizes as you work it. I started with an I and changed to an H.

This year I needed a 150 chains to get the tie to be long enough. Previously I wrote I did the suggested 100. I couldn't get it to tie this year.

I took the suggestion of starting with an H hook for the shoes and changing to a G where the hook change is suggested. I chose not to add a strap to button the shoe. I sewed the strap down and then sewed the button to the strap.

The shoes directions are listed as shoe one and two as the straps need to be on opposite sides to have the buttons on the outside of the shoes.

The flower button is from the buttons I bought over the years from JoAnn's before they went out of business. I keep pulling from my stash for these projects.