Glitter Girl Thread Pants, Top and Shoes

When I made the previous thread short outfit I realized the designer included pants so I decided I'd tried to include additional pants with some of her top patterns I'd previously picked up but not made.

You can purchase the shorts pattern that includes the pants, shorts, hat, different pair of shoes, and a different top here. You can purchase this top pattern and shoes here.

I'm thinking I have time for one or maybe two more outfits for this doll depending on time. I have one more thread casual outfit and one more yarn that I'd like to include.

Notes:

This pattern is made with an E hook and size 3 crochet thread. The blue is Aunt Lydia's Fashion 3 Blue Hawaii. The top is made with Lizbeth size 3 I believe springtime.

The top fit as written. I did finish the back to make adding the two snaps easier but that was the only change I made.

The botttom section of the shoe fit fine but the increases made the boot huge. I did not increase but kept the same number of rows once it moved from the bottom to the upper foot section.

I like these pants what I will do for the next set is make the legs a little less wide by reducing the count after the legs are split. I stopped the increases but the legs are still wider than I'd like.

Another note regarding supplies between the pants and the shoes I used almost a full cone of size 3 thread. Something to keep in mind for future pants projects. I'd want to start with a new cone, not a partial or if finishing off one, have another one to complete the project.

My Life Mermaid

When I start working on a theme across the dolls I try to find multiple patterns for the dolls I donate more than one of every year. That meant looking for some additional mermaid patterns.

This is Elle's Creation's pattern that can be purchased here.

The crown is from the free Yarnspirations mermaid pattern found here.

After making this for the Our Generation Boy I was trying to make this work better for me. I tried several tricks that have worked in the past but they all failed me. For my notes, crocheting over an elastic did not work for this project.

Notes:

I had to add more chains to get this to fit the My Life doll and started with a K hook. I joined after finishing first row. After second row I reduced to J hook and continued with the J until I was past the hips. I finished rest with I hook.

After first row I worked towards reducing count to match count suggested in pattern.

I played with the top as I didn't like the fit. There is a bikini top I made for one of Pamela Yarborough's swimsuits that I'd use the next time I made this instead. I'm actually thinking of using it for Sweet Silver Creation's Mermaid that I still need to make for the last My Life doll. You can purchase that pattern here.

Mermaid fins have been a bit of a challenge but I think I mastered this one the second time through. I used an H hook for the fin and realized you are decreasing and increasing only on one side. I took this picture as I think I finally like how it attaches here. The directions weren't as clear as I'd like but this gives me something to look at the next time I try it.

The crown is pretty straight foward. The green is another skein I was looking to finish. Lots left but it will only go when I use it. I do the first 2 rows with a K hook and the final row with an H to get it to fit. I also increased the starting chain.

The mermaid outfit is made with Loops and Threads facets and my experience hasn't improved. The yarn pulls apart breaking mid stitch. I've never worked with a yarn that self shreds like this. The colors are beautiful and it is incredibly soft. However, they need to fix this issue. I'm determined to finish off what I bought but then I'm out.

Pushing on to the end working on outfits for Skipper, Barbie and the Glitter Girl. I still need one more 18 inch doll Mermaid.

Crochet Thanksgiving Card Decoration

Back in 2020 I found a pattern in Annie's Big Book of Christmas Crochet that gave a pattern for turning cards into gift tags and other useable items by cutting them up, reinforcing them, and crocheting edges for them. I had some cute Thanksgiving cards and I preserved them at the time and I still put them out with my Thanksgiving decorations.

This year I wanted to make one for someone else but couldn't find my Annie's book. I had a pretty good idea what I'd done and even had the materials waiting for me in my craft area but also was lucky to stumble upon Roots and Wings blog entry. It is a little different from what I'd done helped me to remember where I was going. You can find her free directions here.

You will need card stock to glue your card to once you decide how you wish to cut it out to display. The blogger clearly had more of a scrapbook background then I did. However, I also really wanted the feel of Thanksgiving and going through cards this year it was hard to find one that had the fall colors and feel in a small area.

When I made the last set of these I bought a Fiskars 1/8" paper punch as the ones I could find locally were the larger school sized ones and the holes need to be big enough for your crochet hook but not paper sized holes. Again if you scrapbook you might be more familiar with these tools but these are occasional projects for me so I buy tools as I need them.

Many cards have nice verses, perhaps a personal note you wish to remember, etc. These can generally be glued to the back of the card. In taking out on of my 2020 decorations I was pleased I had saved the verse and the note from the person who had sent it. I'd forgotten I'd kept all of it and it makes it more personal and special.