My Life Madison Maxi Dress

I looked at my notes from the last time I made this in 2021 and I can't help but think I posted it in a batch of projects because my notes don't really reflect much that helped me when I went to make this project again. I'll try to do better this time.

I previously wrote this was a fairly quick project to make and I'm not sure if I had this project mixed up with another I had made. It is not a difficult project but I made it over a few days while working on other projects as it is more time consuming.

Notes:

Without revealing too much about the designer's secrets this dress is made in two pieces and it requires assembling the top to the bottom and then sewing the back together to get the fit. This in no way is a "quick" make as I noted previously.

The texture of the skirt is beautiful and while I was nervous about how the attachment of top to bottom to would work it was far easier than I expected. I really didn't have any memory of how I made this previously. That's why I make these notes.

Again revealing no secrets but reassuring myself not to panic when I make this again. I also remind myself to set aside time for this project and not to try to complete it all at once. I found it easier to complete in stages and then assemble.

I used an I for the bodice and a G for the skirt portions of the dress.

This is the end of what was either a Caron Pounder or a large Red Heart that I've made several projects from for this donation season. I was playing yarn chicken to finish the last shoe but I have a tiny bit left.

I used the suggested H hook for the headband but had to add rows to get it to fit the head. The flower covers the seam.

The small flowers were made with a C hook and the large flowers with an E hook. I made the suggestion for an E hook after making this in 2021 and if was a good choice.

I needed an I hook to get these shoes to fit.

Lil Cutesies Dress, Hat, and Shoes

I'm not quite as ahead preposting as I was but it is still nice to have a little edge of needing to get something finished and posted.

It is Wednesday as I prepost and I had a delightful experience helping to pack the Kits for Kids bags bags this morning. I was an honor to watch this sophmore kids demonstrate what they are capable of doing with supports in place. They organized supplies to pack 120 kits and having been to different but similiar events I was amazed at how well they had it all ready to go.

I had hoped by going to learn more about what I could offer that would be useful and I have two plans. One is to collect school supplies in the fall to drop off with my Aztec Wishes donation so they will have it for their Spring packing party. Anytime you need school supplies the back to school sales are the best time to get name brands at really cheap prices.

The second is about what to make. I will drop the baby doll and keep the Chelsea doll for next year just do to space. It is a small bag. Then I will focus on the finger puppets, book tie ins, and play sets as the director for the project suggested those were the projects that would work best for the kids they service. I'll keep my dolls other than Chelsea for Aztec Wishes. I have my eye on another Three Little Pig set that would be perfect for this size donation.

Now back to this outfit.

This is one of Petite Designs patterns that can be purchased here.

I just purchased one more of her patterns for the Little Cutesies doll and several Amy Carrico baby doll patterns that I didn't have from Ravelry. I have some of their patterns on wish lists and then those patterns aren't offered for a bit. So, when I find them again I've been buying them. Just a side note as I seem to be wandering today.

Notes:

I have discovered Premier Yarns DK yarn and I plan on adding more to my stash for the baby doll projects. The contrast color is Caron Simply Soft Paint Rose Garden.

A note for future projects this project eats the contrast yarn. I used almost a 1/2 skein of Simply Soft Paints. Just something to consider when planning yarn needs for this next year.

This pattern is written in UK terms. While I can remember that a dc is a sc the htr always throws me and I find myself looking it up to discover it is the hdc. I was able to use the suggested e hook for everything except the first row of the panties which I needed to start with an I hook to get them to fit around the waist. I suggest swithching to an e hook for the remaining rows or the panties become too large. I switched at row 3 and had to make some reductions while sewing the crotch together.

I sewed a snap to close the back without thinking about it. In the future I'd finish the back and do the suggested neck ties.

Chelsea Sleeping Bag

I settled on the free Calico Critter pattern found here for Chelsea after experimenting with it for the Kits for Kids donation.

With this one complete I just need one more for my Shoebox donation and I can move on to the small baby doll bassinets. It feels good to get these finished, especially with two additional donations that require sleeping options.

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.

The identification for this thread sources seems to have fallen out of the cone so I don't know which brand or color this is but I suspect it is Hobby Lobby.

A note to myself is that unlike the previous pattern I was using where it was obvious the bag was long enough I got the feeling this one was too long and stopped. It does fit but I like a little extra foot room to make it easier to get on and off. Next time I'd ignore my fear and go longer. The thread is tighter than the yarn ones I make and a little extra room is worth it.

This was a great travel project over two appointments. This post is being preposted to the end of the month but as I write this I'm starting the last Chelsea sleeping bag I need as I have an appointment this week where I suspect I can get some rows completed.