Ken Farmer

This is one of Shirley Jean Wright's free fashion doll patterns that can be found with the help of the Wayback machine here. Sadly the machine doesn't always save pictures just text.

I made this pattern for the donation a few years back and clearly it was a different Ken because I had to play with the pattern to get it to fit the It Takes Two Camping Ken I'm currently donating.

Notes:

This note was added to my pattern copy but I'm placing it here because I often read these notes before even grabbing the pattern to start. The shirt is a tougher fit for this doll. I'd suggest starting with the shirt, getting it to fit and then deciding if the waist for the overalls should be wider. I didn't do that for this project but I would do it next time as I plan on continuing with this doll for the donation for a while.

Overalls:

I used a D hook with Red Heart Super Saver Light Periwinkle for this project. I ordered a three pack from Amazon after completing the project because I can't get the color locally and they are a great pants color for the boy and girl dolls along with other projects. Lately I've picked up great shades only to have them never appear locally again.

I had previously done 17 rows for the legs, I increased to 18 this year and would consider 19 for a future project.

As I mentioned this Ken is a different build then the previous doll so he needed a longer bib so I had to add a row to the bib.

Shirt:

The shirt has never really been an issue for this project until this year. The shirt is made as one piece not buttons or snaps required. However this requires that it can be slid on and off the doll.

My first attempt using previous directions was too small. I then thought about not joining it but that looked terrible.

After various attempts I decided to change to using an e hook until row 5 when the armholes are created switching back to the D hook I originally used for this project.

Note to self that the projects stops joining at row 5 as this is when both the armholes and the collar begin to form. Without this the shirt will not pull on and off.

The sleeves were huge as written so I did a decrease round of sc which also finished off the arms to make for a better fit. I then did 3 rounds of DC finishing with a ss around the edges to keep them from fraying. Hat:

I have yet to get her hat directions to work as written and each time I've made the hat it has been different. This year's hat was made with Hobby Lobby sport yarn.

Ken Sleeping Bag

With this item finished Ken's box was packed for the donation the week of Halloween! Yes I am very excited to be getting these boxes packed so early. The departure date isn't until December but this means I can close out 2025 and begin the prep for 2026 once the last doll is packed.

The base of this pattern is Suzie's Stuff free Fashion Doll Sleeping bag found here. This is done completely in sc and I prefer the shell option she offers for the Beanie's found here. So I combine the start of the fashion doll and finish it with the Beanie shells. I just like the look and the texture it provides. I also find it works up faster than the rows of sc's.

Notes:

I used an I hook with what I believe was Red Heart Super Saver Green Tones. After getting the join correct I started the shells right away and I liked it better. I generally continue the pattern until I can join it at the bottom with a little room for Ken's feet. This makes it easier to get him in and out.

Still working on nightgown wear, bathing suits and sleeping bags until the boxes are complete. Then I can have a little more freedom of creation starting 2026.

Ken Shorts and Tank Top

I am happy to say as with Barbie I had to replace the previous Ken, Ken Dentist, with a new Ken, Travel Ken, as the Dentist was no longer available. What made me happy is this Ken is closer to the size of the older patterns I have and I'm hoping it will make it easier to fit patterns to him, thus giving him a better wardrobe when he leaves for the donation.

I made a different set from an out of print Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 Inch Fashion Dolls Including a Complete Wedding Ensemble and Trousseau for the 2022 donation. I didn't get back to it last year. I will likely revist it for the shirt as quick and easy shirt patterns for Ken are always a blessing.

However, getting back to this pattern I found it while doing a search for free Ken patterns. You can find the pattern here.

Notes:

I used Knit Picks Palette Yarn. This is a fingering weight yarn. MANY years ago when I first started working with Barbie dolls it was the first affordable fingering weight yarn I could find and I've stuck with it over the years, buying it when its on sale.

I changed from an f hook to an e to get the outfit to fit the doll.

Note to self the pony tail holders are too big for Ken you will need to cut and sew elastic for the shorts.

The designer has included directions to make this into a long sleeved shirt and turn the shorts into pants. As I mentioned above I'm always searching for ways to extend Ken's wardrobe so I hope to get back to this pattern and add another outfit to his donation bag.