Rabbit in a Carrot

I've been splitting my crochet time between doll clothes and parts of finger puppets and small amis. I've been completing a portion of a finger puppet or ami, storing it in a plasic baggie and then when I'm close to finishing I'll assemble the item. In this case I also had the sleeping bag to make as well.

This is one of Laura Sutcliffe's patterns that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I'm going for small sized items for this donation. When I made this last in 2020 it wasn't as big an issue.

The pattern calls for DK yarn I went with Sinfonia cotton I am trying to use up and replace with Cotton Fair. They each have pros and cons but I have come to prefer the Cotton Fair for my small ami projects. This was a great project to hit my stash of old cotton I refuse to abandon.

I used a size 2mm hook for all items.

In my previous project notes I mentioned that the carrot needed to be wider to make it easier to get the bunny in and out of it for small hands. I increased the width following the pattern to 26 stitches.

I mistakenly read the front directions for the back and increased the length to make it long enough for the bunny but missed the shaping of the top for the carrot. After having finished the piece I was not redoing it but added the trim.

My note to myself on the pattern is to follow the lower directions and make the back piece first as this will determine I've made it wide enough and long enough for my rabbit. Then the front which is the first direction can be made and adjusted to fit the back.

This is going to be part of my Kits for Kids rotation.

Calico Critter Dad King

I've had this pattern on my list for a while now but I finally got to it last Friday. There wasn't really a reason not to do it, just the timing never seemed to be right.

This is made using one of Dawn Smith's free patterns found here.

I was drawn to this pattern for a couple of reasons beyond a free Calico pattern. First there aren't lots of patterns for the male Critters. Second I must say was the crown. It just was a unique item.

However, once I looked at the pattern I realized the crown wasn't part of the pattern. It's a free pattern so no real complaints but I wasn't giving up on the crown so you will find my own notes for a Calico crown. I'm sure someone can improve but it is a start.

Notes:

I used a 2mm hook and size 10 crochet thread. I believe the yellow is Thread Art and the brown Aunt Lydia's.

The pattern does have a sword belt pattern but many charities have been discouraging weapons and it seemed easier not to add this than to worry about making a sword to add to the project along with figuring out the crown.

I chose the short sleeved option for this outfit and I closed with a snap rather than a button.

Crown:

Chain 30 join

Row 1 sc in each chain and join.

Rows 2-3 sc in each sc stitch.

Row 4 (Chain 3 working down the chain ss in first stitch and sc in last of the chain 3 stitches.

SS in next two chains on crown.)

Repeat ( ) until the end of row and join.

Finish off

Now that I've mastered the crown I think next year I'll change the colors to more royal colors and work on a simple cloak to make the outfit a little more regal.

Rag Doll Nightgown

I'm always thrilled when I finish off a category for the donation and this week I have the pleasure of posting about two. With this nightgown all the dolls now have night wear going into the 2026 donation. I need to get caught up on swim wear but what better time for swimming than the heat of the summer.

This is the same free pattern I use for the 18 inch girl dolls that you can find here.

Notes:

I had bought a bunch of Big Twist yarn when Joann was going out of business for projects like this one. I find it a bit light for the larger dolls but does well with some of the smaller dolls. I realize the brand has been picked up but I'm still working through my stash and have not needed to refill yet. For my own notes this is Jade Green.

I do need to shorten the rows before the final trim rows for this doll. I would trim it back a few more next time as this felt a bit long.

My notes indicated I should use the suggested hook size but that was with heavier worsted. If I used lighter worsted in the future I'd go with the next size hook up.

I finished the back and closed with a snap.

Now to finish off the swimsuits before the fall hits.