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.

Our Generation Boy Merman

Having made Ken a Merman outfit it was always on my mind to try to see if I could get to one for the Our Generation Boy. I intended to make his after the girl's outfits were done but it worked out that his was next.

I purchased this pattern on Ravelry here. The crown is not part of the pattern and comes from the free pattern I used for the Our Generation girl which can be found here.

Notes:

This ended up with the boy as it took a great deal of experimentation to get the tail to fit the doll. As written I couldn't find a yarn to fit the stitch count. I ended up starting with a K hook and more stitches then needed and reducing to the original stitch count. What I'm trying currently for the My Life doll is I started with a K hook and more stitches and reduced to a J hook. Once I'm past the hips I want to slowly work my way down to the H hook as I found with this tail the increased hook size changed the shape and length of the tail.

I purchased Loops and Threads facets hoping to replace the harder to get Red Heart Unforgettable. The colors and softness are amazing and I will finish it off as not to waste it but I am going to continue to hunt down Unforgettable. This yarn breaks easily and that is not OK. I've never had a yarn that just broke off mid crochet like this one does.

I did try various brands of worsted 4 and none could come close to hook and starting stitch count to fit the waist of any of my 18 inch dolls. I think bulky might make it but it would look bulky.

The boy already has a golden crown for his prince outfit so I gave him a silver one for his Merman outfit.

Glitter Girl Butterfly Pant Set

As promised I'm using some of my final crochet time before the donation is due to get some casual clothes finished for the Glitter Girl. While I love her dresses I also think she needs some other types of clothes.

This was made using Pamela Yarborough's Butterfly Pant Set Pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

This was a scrap project made with left over Red Heart and Caron Pounder yarns. It's that time of year when it is so nice to be able to use up lots of left over skeins.

I made a modified version of these pants once before and for the Glitter Girl the crotch split comes to early so I had to add to rows prior to switching. However, the pant legs were long and to include the trim, which I didn't on previous attempt, I needed to reduce the leg count. I crocheted over a hair elastic to give the waist an elastic waist band. This also makes it easier to keep the pants from being either too loose and slipping off or too tight to pull up on the doll.

I used a G hook for the pants.

For some reason I seem to be struggling to attach straps. This is the second project that has made me crazy trying to get straps on and I've done them for years. I do prefer arm holes to straps but the directions were clear it shouldn't be a problem.

I chose not to have the shirt slide on and off as this can be challenging. I did not join and added snaps to close. This part worked well.

The shoes worked well with a 3.0mm hook.

The hat calls for a G hook I'd consider going down to my e hook as it is a bit large.