Stacie Penny Brite Dress

Over the years I've kept my eyes out for patterns that might fit Barbie's sisters with or without minor adjustments. There just aren't lots of patterns written specifically for Chelsea, Stacie, and Skipper. However, if you keep an eye out you do see outfits that may work.

One of the first things I learned as I started hunting for doll patterns years ago is height is only midly helpful when looking for doll patterns. Sure when I'm looking for Stacie I don't want a doll that is 18" tall. However, there are a range of 8-9 inch dolls that don't come close to fitting a smaller Barbie type doll. They are shorter but oh so much bigger.

I had seen a few Penny Brite crochet patterns and her body frame looked like it might adapt to a smaller Barbie type doll. She is shorter than Stacie but as I worked through the pattern I realized they have close physical types. Any issues I found were likely more my gauge issues than size issues.

A big thank you to my DH as this was part of a batch of patterns I found in my Easter basket.

Notes:

You can purchase the Penny Brite pattern here.

The pattern suggests a 1.9mm hook and I used a 1.8mm hook. I'd experiment with a slightly smaller hook perhaps going down to the 1.5 although it might be tight at that point.

The dress has a tie at the neck and a snap in the back so despite it being a little loose adding the snap did bring the back together. I did finish the back before adding the snap.

The doll is an inch shorter so I had to add rows to the dress before adding the scalloped final row.

I did make one shoe to see if they'd work but the feet of Stacie and Penny seem to be different. I didn't like the look of the shoe and decided not to add them to the outfit.

Lil Cutesies Mermaid

I have favorites over on Ravelry sorted by doll size or other categories. I generally keep them in those folders after I've purchased or downloaded the free patterns for a couple of reasons.

I go to the folders sometimes to get ideas about what to make next. Sometimes it reminds me of a pattern I already have either free or purchased.

In this case as I opened the small baby doll folder was I surprised to find I had stored a ravelry page of a Lil Cutesies Mermaid available to purchase that I had not yet bought. Since Mermaids have been on my radar I decided to add the pattern to my stash. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

This project is made using Red Heart Unforgettable Candied Yarn and a J hook.

The pattern for the tail was easy to follow and I finished that without challenges.

I had a bit more of a challenge with the top. For my notes I would chain 15 not 20 based on how I decided to put the top together. 22 stitches required me to reduce the arms. Row 2 says turn. I missed this the first time and it forces you to start with a long chain but then begin working a short piece sideways with the chain hanging.

The directions were not clear but as the picture demonstrates below I chose to use the chains as armholes to keep the top on the doll. There were no clear directions for this but it worked for me.

The outfit slid down in the second picture a reason not to rush when trying to get blog pictures taken.

I tried making the headband as written and then decided to be kind to myself. I chained the distance I needed around for the headband and closed it finishing off ends. I then made the star and used the ends of the star to cover up where the headband had been joined.

I repeat what I said after making Skipper's mermaid costume. I love the colors of this yarn I hate how this yarn works. It is really hard to pull out and when you are trying to adapt and change items it is frustrating. It also has a tendency to shed and the fiber shedding is hard to remove before you crochet it into the piece.

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