American Girl Sweater and Skirt

I made a pledge when a friend gave me his sister's yarn that I would use at least some of it towards getting doll clothes made for this year's donation. Up next I have the first doll sweater I made with the yarn along with a simple skirt. The sweater was made using the out of print Sweater Trio pattern FCM494 from Fibre Craft. The skirt pattern is actually the pants pattern from Maggie's Crochet Abby, Allie & Annie PA972-R that I adapted by adding extra rows instead of making the leg rows.

I've made this outfit several times over the years and it is a simple, but fun addition to the doll donation. The sweater and skirt easily change with other pants and tops I make to increase the number of outfits the new owner will be able to create as she plays with the doll.

I'm working on my next doll outfit. I'm currently untangling a big yarn tangle that is holding up the project. When that is resolved I hope to push forward and finish the next outfit.

DH was kind enough to pick up some new patterns to add to my supply and I'll be talking more about those soon I'm sure.

Yoda

Yoda was the last of the Christmas presents to be finished and delivered. DH originally purchased Lucy Ravenscar's patterns for me about 4 years ago. She had upgraded them and then pulled them from Etsy when she got a contract to publish a kit with a updated pattern book and supplies for a couple of projects. They are now published as a kit under Lucy Collins Star Wars Crochet (Crochet Kits) and I really like the book format she produced. It was what I wanted when I bought the original patterns on Etsy.


As far as the kit, I would have preferred the book alone. I ended up making Yoda with an e hook and worsted weight instead of what seemed to be probably a size 2 yarn. It was not fun to work with and I quickly decided my stash of worsted could handle the burden. Considering what DH paid for the first set of patterns on Etsy when he bought them for a gift, the book was a deal, had they thrown in no extras. While I used the eyes for Yoda, I prefer the ones I have in my own stash. These were not of the best quality. There are several of these kits out there, where I'd just love the books, I don't need all the other stuff in the kits. I'm not sure why the kits are so popular, the patterns are adorable.

I had no issue going from making Yoda smaller to larger until I got to his coat. As I posted several times the force was not with Yoda's coat. I ended up remaking it using Darski's Pilgrim pattern, an e hook, and completing part of my mission, I used some sports weight yarn donated by my friend who passed this year. Oddly enough when you decrease your hook size, use much smaller yarn, and crochet tightly, a jacket you will make for Yoda. I thought it looked pretty good. Normally I'd have gone with a Barbie pattern, but I just haven't felt that well and digging through patterns didn't seem like a great choice. I hadn't put the Pilgrim pattern away yet.

All is well. We exchanged Christmas presents yesterday with our friend and Yoda was a big hit. While he made it under the wire, he did get finished for lengthened Christmas celebrations.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to family and friends.

Thanks to all of you who are so supportive and encouraging during the year. Next year's doll donation is already started and some little girls woke this morning to find this years dolls tucked under the tree. Peace and good will to all in the coming year.