Skipper Swimsuit

As I was working on my swimsuit challenge for 2025 I had to adapt patterns for Skipper and Stacie as there are very few pattern written specifically for these dolls. I chose the swimsuit pattern from an out of print Leisure Arts leaflet 2132 Hawaiian Honeymoon Fashion Doll Wardrobe for this project and decided to stay with it for 2026.

Notes:

I used a B hook with no longer available size 5 Bernat Handicrafter thread for this project.

I had looked into purchasing more size 5 Artiste from Hobby Lobby but the color selection is a bit low at the moment. However, Creative Yarn Source does carry size 5 in more colors and I'm thinking of getting a supply. I'm discovering I have more Goldilocks projects which are too small with size 10 thread but bulky with size 3. With no color options its been a bit challenging to move to size 5. I'm hoping to correct that soon.

One of the notes I made previously was that the piece needed to be even after row 2. This became clear to me and once again I adjusted as I was off. I took a picture to remind myself of how the crotch needs to be balanced or the whole piece is off center.

After row 1 on shaping don't count slip stitches.

I generally sc around leg openings but this time I opted for hdc and the look was better to close the gaps.

Ken Pajamas

I can get a few years out of one Ken doll model but it is often hard to stock up until I'm sure I really like a model.

The dentist for instance was not my favorite Ken he was a bit smaller which meant every pattern had to be modified to fit him drastically. Last year was my final year with a hiking Ken model. Sadly when I realized he was a great fit for my patterns he was no longer available so he had a limited shelf life.

This brings us to It Takes Two Camping Ken which I was smart enough to stock up on this version so I have an additional 5 years to go. This is good because once again I have a model that seems to fit the patterns I have.

Unfortunatly, they've already discontinued the Stacie and Skipper dolls from this set which is sad because they both again fit the patterns I have so well. I'm finding it hard to find replacements for these two. I have time as I have two more years for Skipper and three for Stacie so perhaps something will be released before then.

This is actually a jumpsuit pattern found in Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls including a Complete Wedding Esemble and Trousseau. When I originally saw the pattern I thought it was PJ's so I decided to adapt the pattern using the top for my pajamas top and making pants.

Notes:

I used a D hook and Baby Bernat Sport Blue yarn for the top and followed most of the pattern as written through row 10 where I stopped before joining to make the jumpsuit. The one major difference I made was to use sc for the collar as it was way to large with the suggested dc. The sleeves worked as written.

I made the pants the way I make most of Ken's pants. I measured and sewed a piece of elastic big enough for his waist and crocheted around it with a C hook and the same yarn as the top. When I reached the crotch I split the paints by chaining 4 in the middle and joining thus creating two legs of equal stitches. After reading last year's notes I made each leg 19 rows from waist to bottom of the leg.

These are the smallest white butttons that come in my button sets I buy. Just an FYI note to myself for future projects. I actually did come back and check this note and picture from last year so I'm adding it back because it helped me decide which buttons to use.

Chelsea Valentine's Dress

Chelsea enters the Valentine's challenge with a pattern that can be purchased from Michelle Ratman here.

Notes:

This was made with Lizbeth size 3 Pink Ice Crochet thread and an e hook.

I changed the sc to hdc and the hdc to dc and this will require reducing the bodice section when I make this again as it is longer than I had planned.

The dc are worked between the stitches.

I would use this color again as I like the blend it makes, I would make it shorter. I have green I may try as a Spring dress for her.