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.

Operation Christmas Child Chelsea Sleeping Bag

With this sleeping bag complete I am done with sleeping bags for 2026. I will likely start sometime in the fall prepping for Kits for Kids and Chelsea will need a sleeping bag but since I generally start with the baby sleep sacks it could be a while after that before I get to sleeping bags again.

I was pleased to discover the Calico Critter free sleeping bag pattern works for Chelsea if I make it longer and use a bigger thread crochet hook. This makes it less bulky. For two of the places I donate Chelsea Operation Shoebox and Kits for Kids space is premium. So, when I can make something that accomplishes the same task but takes up less room it is a win.

You can find the free pattern here.

Notes:

I need a 1.5mm thread hook for this project and follow the adult critter instructions with the exception of the length of the sleeping bag.

I believe this is Aunt Lydia's Size 10 Blacklight

Chelsea Sleeping Bag

I settled on the free Calico Critter pattern found here for Chelsea after experimenting with it for the Kits for Kids donation.

With this one complete I just need one more for my Shoebox donation and I can move on to the small baby doll bassinets. It feels good to get these finished, especially with two additional donations that require sleeping options.

Notes:

I need a 1.5mm thread hook for this project and follow the adult critter instructions with the exception of the length of the sleeping bag.

The identification for this thread sources seems to have fallen out of the cone so I don't know which brand or color this is but I suspect it is Hobby Lobby.

A note to myself is that unlike the previous pattern I was using where it was obvious the bag was long enough I got the feeling this one was too long and stopped. It does fit but I like a little extra foot room to make it easier to get on and off. Next time I'd ignore my fear and go longer. The thread is tighter than the yarn ones I make and a little extra room is worth it.

This was a great travel project over two appointments. This post is being preposted to the end of the month but as I write this I'm starting the last Chelsea sleeping bag I need as I have an appointment this week where I suspect I can get some rows completed.

Chelsea Nightgown

I decided to start with the smallest of dolls to get back to my nightgown challenge. This pattern is actually an AG mini pattern but I found a series of them that adapt well not only for Chelsea but for Stacey and Skipper with some alterations. Since my pattern supply for Barbie's sisters is low I like when I can find patterns that work across the doll range.

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

I bought one pattern first to see if it would work for the Chelsea with minimal effort and when I realized it would work I went back and bought her pattern set available here because I already use many of these patterns for the 18 inch doll. I hope to get to more of them this year.

Notes:

To make this work for Chelsea I use size 20 thread and a .75mm thread crochet hook.

For my own reference the pink was Omega from Creative Yarn Resources. The contrast was Lizbeth Wildflowers.

Since I do try to check my notes before starting these projects each year I would suggest going with a lighter color for the primary. I made this in a pale pink last year and liked it better. I thought going with a bolder color would work but rather prefer the pale.

I've made alterations on my paper copy of the stich counts which after row 2 don't account for the row increases in the following stitch count. If I have to reprint at any point it will be important to remember that there are changes to rows 3 and 4.

Sweet Silver has a process of stopping for her arm holes. I always continue as this has never worked for me. Therefore when completing row 5 I need to look at the directions for row 6 and chain 4 for the arm holes or Chelsea can't move her arms. I thought I needed to increase hook size only to realize I hadn't read my own notes.

Skirt

Row 1 was changed to a dc in 2 followed by 2dc around. As written the skirt was too large for Chelsea.

Last year I finished the skirt at row 10 and left a note to continue to row 11.

So now the skirt directions are to follow rows 1-11 then skip to row 16.

Rows 17-18 are done in contrast color.

I do not add upper trim.

The nightgown closes with ties. I chain 40 for the ties and follow directions for ties.

I finished the back in sc before adding ties.

I've never had good luck with crocheting shoes for the fashion dolls so no slippers for Chelsea.

Chelsea Kits for Kids Sleeping Bag

It's April Fool's Day and I'm preposting my Kit's for Kids projects which hopefully have long been delivered by now. I've been using a free beanie baby sleeping bag pattern for years for Chelsea's sleeping bag. However, the two new charities I've added Chelsea to this year have space restrictions. The beanie bag is bulkier and I decided to explore if I could use the thread bag from the Calico Critters to save space as I've adapted a few of Mom's outfits to fit Chelsea before.

You can find the free Calico Critter sleeping bag pattern here.

Notes:

I am always on the hunt for differnt types of thread, especially variegated colors. This is Herschnerrs own brand size 10. I had previously tried it on a dress I've made multiple times with the same hook and it was huge. It also looks larger than my other brands of size 10. I don't have 8 on hand but that would be my guess as it is smaller than my 3 but it is heavier than my other 10's.

Since I was looking to adapt a smaller pattern to a larger doll this seemed like the ideal time to use some of the thread up. I experimented with hooks until I settled on the 1.5mm hook. I may go back to the 1.25 for the one I need for Operation Shoebox as I'm still on the fence about the size.

I followed the directions as written for the basic formation other than I needed more rows for length due to Chelsea's height prior to starting the pillow section. As I do with the Critters I stuffed the pillow and sewed the bottom opening of the pillow closed.

Kits for Kids Chelsea Simply Bluetiful

This is a new donation project for me this year and until I work on the packing project in May I'm not sure if all my choices are the best but we work on the information we have to make the best choices we can.

For my main doll donation of the year I tend to buy or add accessories to the dolls I buy. However, this donation is different. Space for all items is limited to a single bag and I'm trying to limit the pieces that can be lost as a child moves.

During the recent sales I stocked up on some of my Barbie dolls. I've been thinking about what direction to go with Chelsea as the It Takes Two Camping set I've picked will eventually be discontinued. I was able to stock up for a few more years. My hesitation has been that most of the Chelsea models have a hard plastic "tshirt" that can show through depending on the outfit I make. The dark blue and even the yellow from the camping have not been a huge issue but as I started to shop not only were the newer colors more likely to clash with the outfits I made but they also had print designs on them to look more like a child's tshirt. I get the concept but again not quite helpeful for making clothes.

As I was thinking about what to do for the next Chelsea I found out about this donation and saw there was a basic Chelsea in two skin tones being offered. It's Barbie and friends Club Chelsea. I picked up on at my local Walmart to test how the clothes would fit because the measurements didn't match the current model doll I was using. After realizing the fit would work I picked up a couple of each skin tone for donations during the big sales in March.

This fit my goal of a simple doll. This model has a gingham dress and shoes. The body has no plastic tshirt cover common in the Chelsea line which makes dressing her a bit easier.

Notes:

This has been my go to free Chelsea pattern found here.

I used a 1.8 mm thread hook for this project.I used a 1.8 mm thread hook for this project.

I did not decrease rounds when joining at round 7 or the project would be too small for this Chelsea doll.I used a 1.8 mm thread hook for this project.

The back and top were finished and back closed with a snap.

For this outfit I did add trim at bottom.

Chelsea Valentine's Dress

Chelsea enters the Valentine's challenge with a pattern that can be purchased from Michelle Ratman here.

Notes:

This was made with Lizbeth size 3 Pink Ice Crochet thread and an e hook.

I changed the sc to hdc and the hdc to dc and this will require reducing the bodice section when I make this again as it is longer than I had planned.

The dc are worked between the stitches.

I would use this color again as I like the blend it makes, I would make it shorter. I have green I may try as a Spring dress for her.

Chelsea Swimsuit

Having finished all the diaper bag items for 2026 I decided to put the swimsuits in there spot to see if I can get them finished off earlier this year along with the night clothes.

Notes:

This is one of Char Caywood's patterns that can be purchased here.

The main portion of the suit is made with Creative Yarn resources size 20 Omega thread I believe in French Blue. The accent is Lizbeth size 20 Wild Flower.

I need a 1.25 mm hook to get this to fit Chelsea. This pattern will also fit Stacie with size 10 thread and the same hook size when I add a few rows.

Last time I made a note to decrease crotch size to 3 stitches which sadly I did not read before making. I am going to write on pattern this time to make sure the next attempt has a smaller crotch area.

Chains for ties as written are correct.

Chelsea Christmas Dress

Chelsea enters the 2026 donation with a Christmas outfit made from two free patterns. The dress is the free Simply Bluetiful pattern found here. The hat is the same one hat I used for Skipper found here.

I was able to finish Skipper and Chelsea's dresses two days before Christmas. It is fun to crochet Christmas items during the holiday season itself.

Notes:

Dress:

This dress has become a staple for Chelsea although I don't believe it made it into the 2025 donation as I'd tried a bunch of new pattern for Chelsea.

I believe these are both Aunt Lydia's size 10 crochet thread but for my notes the variegated is Aunt Lydia's Shades of Christmas. I had bought some for pot holders a while back and am working on using up orphan fiber.

To fit this Chelsea I need a 1.8 mm thread crochet hook.

I do not overlap the back as suggested in the pattern as I find the dress is then too tight.

The final row is a trim and depending on my mood I add or leave off. Wanting to add the contrasting color thread I chose to use the trim row. I would do this again in the future for a Christmas dress.

Hat:

The major change to the hat is I used the 1.8 mm hook for the hat. It fit her head better and it also looks like it will work for Stacie.

I hate making pom poms. I had an 18 inch doll Santa hat years ago that crochet balls and added them so that's what I've been doing this year. !0dc into magic circle. 2dc into each dc for 20 total. Finish off and close to make ball leaving end to sew to hat.