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.

Chelsea Sun Dress

Last year I picked up a collection of AG mini crochet patterns from Sweet Silver Creations that follow many of her full sized American Girl patterns. This one is only sold in the set not as an individual pattern. You can purchase the set here.

I've been slowly working to adapt these patterns to fit the Chelsea doll.

Notes:

I used size 20 thread and a .75mm hook for this project.

There are several additional accessories I didn't include. I've yet to find a crochet shoe pattern that fits the Barbie dolls well. I've made this hat for the 18 inch dolls and if you are going to display the dolls I suspect it would work but it doesn't stay on easily. The purse is a bit large for Chelsea and I really had no desire to try it in size 20 with a .75mm hook.

That said I do like this pattern and would use it again. It is a quick dress for Chelsea. The dress closes with a snap and the front buttons are mini buttons I picked up a while back. It might be time to consider a new batch as my color selection is a bit limited.

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.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Alice in Wonderland

I started an experiment last year that I never got to continue for the donation of trying to translate some of Sweet Silver Creation's 5" doll patterns to fit the Lots to Love 8" baby doll. My first attempt actually was a better fit for the Lil Cutesies doll.

It is a bitter sweet attempt this year as the remaining 8 inch baby dolls I do have will be finished off for Operation Shoebox unless I can find a viable substitute for this discontinued doll. I don't have a huge amount of room for these more detailed outfits so I'm likely going to have to see if these outfits will fit the Lil Cutesies doll to use these projects in the future.

You can purchase the original 5" Baby doll pattern here.

Notes:

Having made the sailor dress last year and finding it was too big for the 8" doll I followed my notes to experiment with the Alice dress.

I calcualated making these dresses for the 8" doll during my last purchase of Premier Basix DK yarn. However, I forgot about black for the shoes so I used Hobby Lobby Sport from my stash. The original pattern for the smaller doll uses size 10 thread so this was all based on experiments from the sailor doll.

I had suggested I try an H hook but I found it was too small for the upper part of the dress so the first three rows are made with an I hook and after making the arm holes I switched to an H hook for the remainder of the dress.

Do to the different size of dolls and fiber I believe I only needed 11 rows for the skirt before working row 17.

I was able to follow the directions for the apron as written.

I used an e hook for the Apron sleeves and played a little with the location.

The back and collar were finished as written but I used a snap to close the back.

The headband required an e hook as well. With the heavier yarn the bow required a little bit of play to get it to form.

This is the first set of tights I've made with shoes for this size doll so I added a picture. I did have to play just a little with the joining to make the final stitch count but I found they worked well. Again these are designed for a smaller doll made with lighter fiber but I was pleased with the outcome.

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.

Skipper Nightgown

I'm continuing on with my quest to send the dolls out with nightgowns this year.

This was an AG Mini pattern I found from Sweet Silver Creations last year and was able to adapt for Chelsea, Stacie, and Skipper. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

This outfit was made using Hobby Lobby's Artiste size 10 Orchid thread and their size 10 multi-colored thread.

Skipper requires a 1.8mm crochet thread hook to adapt this pattern to fit.

I do not add arms to any of the dolls for this nightgown pattern as it makes it much harder to take on and off.

There are several places for contrast color trims, I only use the trim on the bottom of the outfit. The nightgown closes with ties and I used the contrast color for the ties.

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.

Our Generation Wisteria

Still on my stroll through Darski's pattern library. This free pattern can be found here. The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creation's Sailor pattern and can be purchased here.

I love the concept of this outfit but I struggled a little with the execution.

Underskirt:

I used the 4.5/7mm hoook for this project with the exception of the shoes.

First I'd reduce the width of the skirt for the underdress. I had to make the overdress much wider to come close to accomadating the width of the skirt.

I would consider keeping it at the original 60 stitches rather than expanding it to 70.

I reduced the underskirt to 20 rows but I would trust my instincts and keep it to the top of the feet likely closer to 18 rows next time.

The tie pictures look more complicated than necessary. I did a simple tie in the back.

Overskirt:

I used a 4.5 mm hook for the overskirt.

The top feels large but it is reduced with a pull tie that allows the dress to come on and off.

For this outfit I had to increase the skirt count to 75 to fit over the larger skirt. This might not be as much of an issue with a smaller skirt.

I used Sweet Silver Creation's shoe pattern with a G hook.

There is an overall set included with this pattern that I'd like to finish for the donation.

I do need to pivot and start getting back to the night clothes, swimsuits, and some general clothes for the other dolls. I'd also like to work on some of the other patterns I have for the 18 inch dolls. I won't be abadoning my quest to work through more of her patterns but I do need to broaden my donations for a bit.

My Life Mommy's Little Girl

This is another of Darski's free patterns found here.

I did try making Darski's shoe pattern from Youthful memories but even with increasing hook size and adding a few stitches to the starting chain I found them to be too small. I was hopeful as her baby doll shoe pattern is the only one that will fit the 16 inch donation doll. Therefore, it was back to Sweet Silver Creations's Sailor pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I don't get to Hobby Lobby often so I do pick up a few skeins of I Love this Yarn when I'm there, especially if I can find some unusual colors.

For my reference the dress is made with I Love this Yarn Print 494 Instant Classic. I would like to buy more of this as I have several projects including this one for next year where this color blend would be wonderful.

The other two colors are Red Heart Super Saver Safron and Real Teal.

Dress:

As mentioned this was made with I Love this Yarn Print 494 Instant Classic and an I hook. I did not add the additional trims Darski used as I liked the look without them.

I used three buttons for the dress.

Capelet:

I had trouble establishing the shape of the cape. When I finally didn't get it to be too large it doesn't create the circle that the pattern intends. It still works. Note to self that the sc are only in the dc not the chains otherwise the cape is huge.

The dc ch 1 does not skip a stitch between.

Straw Hat:

I followed the directions for the hat as written.

Purse:

The purse is a work in progress. The directions for the bottom of the purse were very detailed the top was more vague and something I need to work on.

My Life Youthful Memories

This is one of Darki's outfits I've made a few times as it is a bright cheerful spring/summer look and it makes me smile when I'm crocheting it.

You can find the free pattern here. In all the years I've made this I've been missing pages for this pattern that include the rest of the directions for the purse and a pattern for the shoes. I realized that as I decided to try the purse again and realized I couldn't finish it without the remaining directions.

I'd already used Silver Creation's Sailor Doll shoe pattern which can be purchased here because I like the straps to hold on to the foot. However, I would like to try these slip ons at some point to see how well they fit. I'm about half way through another one of her sets so it would be a good time to try the shoes.

Notes:

The pink is Red Heart Super Saver Shocking Pink, the white likely also Red Heart. I've used up lots of white these last few weeks I am pretty sure I don't have anything left but Red Heart in worsted white.

Jacket:

The directions suggest a H hook and I am torn as to which hook I used the H or the I. I thought I'd used the H but I had to switch hooks several times to get the shirt to fit and didn't write it on the pattern so my suggestion would be to start with the H and check the fit.

I finished the front edges of the shirt with sc edge and then for fun alternated front post and back post dc around the nect to get to the other front panel to finish off the second side. I like the textured look. I made a note to add 3 arm rows to the jacket.

Skirt:

I need to buy some 1/4" elastic as the 1/8" has not been working for me lately. The elastic I sewed together for this project broke as there isn't a great deal of room to sew it together at the end seams for the amount of pressure a larger doll exerts on the smaller elastic. I haven't had problems using it for Barbie. Thankfully, I do have elastic hair bands that do work well for these projects so I went with a hairband.

I used an I hook for the skirt.

Shirt:

I struggled with getting the top of the shirt to fit the doll and ended up with a K hook. I would start reducing hook size after the arm holes are formed as it is bulky at the bottom but it needs the larger hook to even close at the top.

I included pictures for the hat and the purse because I refer to these posts every time I come back to a project and the accessories can be hard to see in the general picture.

I used an H hook for the hat and purse. In order to make the trim for the hat I needed the K hook. I chained the suggested yarn together and tied it around the hat. With the actual complete directions for the purse this time I was able to complete the purse. I still may not be reading the directions completely correctly but I ended up reducing the flap to get it to fit her final directions for the button hole. I completed it and I like the look which I have never done before so I'm calling it a win.

My Life Chef

This is the last item from Darski's free Howdy Neighbor pattern found here. The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creations' Sailor pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I take better more detailed notes some years than others. I made this several years back and my notes were not as helpful as I would have liked.

I used an I hook for this hat. I'd go bigger next time for a fuller hat. I tried this twice and it is smaller than the two hats I made before which leads me to believe I may have used a larger hook.

I made these shorts top down crocheting over elastic sewn together. I decreased until I got to the stitch count Darski listed for her legs after splitting. I did not do a chain 3 for the crotch but joined at the split. I did a ss to hem the shorts so they were less likely to get caught while taking on and off.

The previous notes don't mention and issue with the count for the shirt being a challenge for splitting the arms and having them even. To get them to be even I did the first arm as written and then counted the stitches from the end for the second sleeve and put a marker where the join should be made to split the sleeve. This was the only way the sleeves were close in size.

The apron is made using the suggested hook size. Mark both sides where the ties will be added to make sure they will be even on both sides. I chose to sc rather than ss as I prefer the look. Darski's notes explain this but in order for the apron to slide over the head with out tying behind the neck there is a gap that hangs behind the neck. If you decrease the stitches it will not fit over the doll's head. The only way to fix this would be to finish off one side and start the other so you could tie the apron at the waist and neck. I've not tried this but it would fix the large gap.

I used a G hook for the shoes.

I know this is Red Heart White but I have a note that the last time I made this the pink was Red Heart Super Saver Shocking Pink and the colors look like a match.

I added this picture to my notes to remind me to use Adoring Doll's Back to school heart motif. I find it next to impossible to make good hearts. That pattern is one of the few that works for me. I fiddled with this one several times. It would have been easier to pull the other pattern. I will do that next time.

I like that this works as a summer outfit if the child bores of the chef motif.

Our Generation Clam Diggers, Top, and Kerchief

With the wonders of preposting this was the last item I finished in April. Spring is flying quickly by it seems.

This is one of two items found in Darski's free Summertime pattern found here.

Notes:

I've written numerous times about not liking to make my pants legs first but these clam diggers were a compromise. The picture is deceiving the legs are just past knee length but I wanted to get the kerchief in the shot and taking it from a higher angle meant the pants look like they meet the shoes which is not the case.

I would go back to my original plan of top down and work the legs with decreases next time. I keep convincing myself I will come to love her style but these pants are completely fudged to make them fit.

I chose not to add ties to the top. I tacked the ends to the inside of the shirt as the ties didn't work for me.

I used the suggested hooks for this project. Regarding the kerchief, I'd just make a triangle next time. I understood where she was going with the design but her numbers didn't quite work for me. I like the kerchief and I'd make one again for a summer outfit like this one but I'd go with a different design.

The shoes are my go to shoe pattern from Silver Creation's Sailor pattern that can be purchased here.

My Life Birthstone

Again still not out of April but moving deeper into May as I prepost. Not a bad challenge to have as summer approaches and more things take up time.

This is another one of Darski's free patterns found here.

The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creation's Sailor pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I'll start with the pants. Unless I'm making footed pj's for the baby dolls for the most part I just make pants from the top down regardless of what the pattern says. There have been a few exceptions where the pants required something specific but when possible I don't. I find creating the legs and joining to be a frustrating process. I'm sure it technically is better but I've finally decided a finished wearable pair of doll pants is better than an unfished technically correct pair.

So with that in mind I followed Darski's directions for the upper part of the outfit but went my own way with the pants. I buy hair elastics and sc over them. I then dc until I split for legs by chaining 3 and dividing the legs evenly. I then decrease the legs as they can be wide. I generally finish with a ss "seam" as this tends to keep the stitches from catching as the pants are taken on and off.

This is Red Heart Super Saver Blue Wave and I only got two skeins of it when I stumbled upon it at Walmart. I liked it because it was between Royal and Navy and I knew I'd have projects that would work with this yarn. Sadly when I went to look for more it looks like they are no longer making this color.

It takes almost a full skein of Super Saver to finish this outfit along with additional white for trim.

Sweater:

I used an H hook for the sweater as suggested.

The sweater seemed short so I added some rows for length which meant adding rows to the cape to get the length pictured in the pattern.

This is a nice top and I would add it to the rotation with the cape for future donations.

Cape:

I used an extended dc rather than the hdc that Darski suggested. I tried the hdc and it didn't work for me.

As stated above I needed to add rows to the cape to cover the rows I added to the sweater to get it to fit.

Hat:

The hat was a happy mistake. I thought about pulling it out and starting again but I liked the way it looked despite it not being the match to the pattern picture.

Shoes:

This is my standard strap shoe pattern but having read my notes from the Madison project I did use a g hook and the fit was better.

Our Generation Elspeth

Still not quite to the end of April yet but edging closer as I prepost my projects.

This is another of Darski's free patterns that can be found here. The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creations School Girl pattern which can be purchased here.

Notes:

The main yarn for this dress was Red Heart Super Saver Saffron. The pattern called for an I hook but the dress is slightly larger than I'd like but having played with these patterns lately I suspect the H hook would be too small to get the dress to close for me.

The white trim is Baby Bernat Sport the hat Red Heart Super Saver. The Green is also Red Heart Spring Green left over from the Madison and Rivulet outfits. I used an f hook for the shoes but I'd go with an e next time as this yarn is heavier than the grey yarn I used for the last shoes and they were big.

My Life Arabella

As I'm writing this we are finally heading into the last week of April. My preposts are starting to catch up as my projects are a little more involved and take a bit longer to finish.

This is one of Darski's free patterns that can be found here. The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creation's School Uniform pattern that can be purchased here.

I needed a break from some of my smaller hook work and decided a stroll through Darski's patterns would be a good break. I had not made the Arabella pattern before. Some of Darksi's patterns work up easily for me and others feel like we are not communicating clearly. This sadly was the latter. I kept on and finished it. I took pictures in case I want to tackle it again at some point but I don't see this becoming a regular pattern.

I started with an I hook for the top section of the dress but it was huge. Thinking this was my problem I used an H hook as the top section is worked from the waist up. Then however the top was still too large in the bodice and the waist too small. This was a sign I was going to be making lots of changes.

I went back to the I hook for the dress and started reducing stitches once I was sure I had the waist wide enough for the doll. I didn't record all the reductions but I did finally get the top not to be off the shoulder.

The dress skirt was not an issue at all and worked up as written. I lenghtened the chains for the white trim at the neck in order to get the trim to weave through. It was short as written.

I used the suggested H hook for the bonnet. I likely should have used an I. The bonnet was not what I'd hoped for based on the pattern pictures. I had to add chains to the red trim to get it to fit and it was narrow so I added a row.

One of the reasons this dress has been on my radar for so long is the Spenser jacket. It gives the dress a historical feel.

It starts as a shrug working into a jacket and I found it was hard to fit. I pulled out the front panels a couple of times as they needed to be moved so the arms weren't trapped. There are pictures but the places I needed more help were the areas that had no pictures and the directions seemed a little mysterious for me. I have come back to projects after working on something else and suddenly they make sense which is why I took so many pictures because I haven't given up hope that this might make more sense with another try.

The shoes thankfully were easy with a size g hook.

The yarn for this was Big Twist I believe Teal. The Green and White were both Red Heart Super Saver. I'm glad I stuck with it and it does give another historical piece to the donation.

My Life Harriet

It feels odd to be preposting in May in the middle of April but I'm glad I have enough projects finished to be ahead instead of behind. Life can get busy and it is easy to stop posting and focus on what needs to be done outside of my preparations for donations.

This was made using the free Harriet pattern from Darski's Harriet set found here.

The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creations School Uniform Pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

This was made with Red Heart Super Saver Heather Grey and left over Big Twist unspecified grey. I haven't bought any Big Twist since Joann closed but I have been trying to find ways to use up the stock pile I purchased prior to them closing. The scarf is made with Walmart's Mainstay's Pink Blend. I use this particular Mainstay yarn for a couple of projects because I like the color blend.

Skirt:

The skirt was made with the Red Heart Heather gray. I crochet over a pony tail elastic with an H hook and complete the pattern as written. The increases are made in the back not the sides as with the Dovetailed pattern.

Sweater:

I use an I hook for the sweater. For some reason I had to play with the collar a few times as it wasn't sitting correctly.

Scarf:

I chain 100 and then mark the end stitches as the pattern is different for these and extend the count for the middle stitches to account for the longer chain. I used an I hook for the scarf.

Shoes:

I've discovered I need an E hook to get these shoes to fit.

My Life Claret

This is the second pattern in Darski's free Harriet pattern set found here

Notes:

My local Walmart did finally have Red Heart Claret so I decided to try it out. This feels more maroon than claret but each year I do try to get there.

This is a really quick and easy formal gown for the 18 inch dolls.

I use an I hook for the dress and follow the directions as written other than I added a few extra rows to get the length I wanted for the gown this year.

I've been experimenting with the trim that Darski calls the Flimmery bits. I've tried soley on the top as she suggests but I prefer front armpit to back armpit.

The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creations School Uniform that can be purchased here. I moved to an e hook for the pattern and they fit mcuh better.

The back gives directions for button formation as you are creating the dress and I almost started additional button holes after finishing the dress as this is something almost every dress does after completion. I rather liked this method as it was neat and clean.

Working on the Harriet pattern from this set for my next outfit.

Our Generation Dovetailed

This is a fairly standard donation pattern for the Our Generation Doll. It is one of Darski's free patterns you can find here.>

The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creation's School Girl pattern that can be purchased here.

This grey photographs lighter than the actual color. I was confused when I looked up the previous post as it also looked like a lighter grey and I don't have much light grey in my stash. This is Red Heart Super Saver Dusty Grey and it is the color I'd want again for this dress. I recently ordered some light grey for some other projects and I think it would be too light. The Red Heart Super Saver Gray Heather I use for another of Darski's patterns is too dark for this outfit although based on other pictures I have used it previously.

Notes:

I start the skirt by crocheting around a hair band with an I hook.

The increases need to be made on the side of the skirt. I start the overdress with a K hook switching to a J hook when I change to pink.

The back is finished and I add three button holes. Darski and I differ in that I do not let the buttons go below the grey line.

I used a H hook for the hat working as written.

I'm still struggling to make shoes without the strap that stay on the feet. I used an f hook for these and they still aren't quite right but I'm trying.

My Life Howdy Neighbor Coco's Tunic

With the wonders of preposting I'm half way through April as I write this but almost into May as I'm posting.

This is another pattern found in Darski's free Howdy Neighbor pattern found here.

The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creations Sailor Pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

This was made with Red Heart Bright Yellow and white. The hat calls for a darker yellow contrast but not having any currently in stock I went with a solid yellow with white trim.

I used an I hook for the tunic following the directions as written. I took the picture below to demonstrate the back closing as it has been a while since I made this outfit.

Darski makes her pants one leg at a time and joins them and this is a perfectly legitimate method. I only use this method when making footed pajamas because I can't avoid it for those. I much prefer to start top down and split for legs.

For this outfit I don't chain for legs I join at the crotch split. I start by sc over a hair elastic and then move to dc rows until I feel it is long enough to split for the legs. I chose to match the spikes on the top of the tunic to the bottom of the pant legs.

This year I needed a J hook to get the hat to fit the doll. The hair on this doll is a bit different but similiar to the models I've been donating so it seemed a good idea to go with the larger hat. The only other change I made to the hat is I finished it with white crab stitch along the top border.

My Life Rivulets

The last two years I've made this pattern with dark green yarn as the light green was harder to find. I found the Spring Green at Amazon and I just reordered some as I make several patterns for the 18 inch dolls and the 16 inch baby dolls with this color.

That being said after I'd finished this in the suggested color I realized I rather like the pattern in the darker color and wanted to note that for next year. While I'd continue with the Madison dress in the Spring Green I'd go back to the dark green for this outfit.

Notes:

This is one of Darski's free patterns that can be found here.

The shoes are made using Sweet Silver Creations Sailor Doll Pattern that can be purchased here.

This was made with Red Heart Super Saver Spring Green. I'd go with a darker green for my next attempt. My notes all say Caron Pounder is the best choice for this dress. The white is Baby Bernat Big Ball white.

I used the suggested I hook for everthing but the top trim. I used a g hook for the trim on the top as it tended to poof with the larger hook and the lighter yarn. I also used a g hook for the trim on the bottom as it gets bulky with the larger hook.

Don't increase beyond four dc between the post stitches as the skirt gets to be huge. The last row is all dc before adding trim. I missed this and the trim sits better from dc row.

The bottom trim rows need to adjust for reduced number of increases.

After finishing the dress directions I finished the back and top of the dress with the primary color yarn before adding the white trim. This made for a cleaner back and made adding the trim easier. It also makes the arm holes look cleaner when completed.

Be careful not to split yarn changing from chains to dc for arm holes. The white yarn is soft but it needs to stay strong for the arm holes.

I need to do a V stitch in the end stitch of each end for each row of the shawl, not in the chain stitch. I struggled with this last year and caught the direction this year.