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.

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.

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.

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.