My Life Mermaid 2

I am thrilled to state this is the last My Life outfit for the 2026 donation. The end of this donation cycle is near!

Last year when I finished the donation I started the 2026 donation with Christmas outfits for all the dolls. I've decided to continue that tradition. As I approached the fall I realized I wouldn't have had the energy to approach this project but making Christmas and Valentine's outfits in the Christmas and post Christmas season was fun before settling into the yearly projects.

This outfit was a combo of three Mermaid patterns. The fin came from Sweet Silver Creation's pattern that can be purchased here. There is a halter top with this pattern but I wanted something simple so I went with the bathing suit top from Pamela Yarborough's bikini pattern that can be purchased here. The crown is a free Yarnspiration Mermaid pattern found here.

I think this is my favorite combo for the 18 inch doll Mermaid outfits. I would consider using Ellie's fin rather than the one from this pattern. I found it easier to attach.

Notes:

I used an I hook for the tail and an H for the fin.

Red Heart Wildflower and random green were used for this project.

The swim top required an H hook.

To get the crown to fit I need 38 chains and a K hook. I changed to an H hook for the final row.

Operation Christmas Child Donations 2026

Last November I found out very late our new Church was involved with Operation Christmas Child which involves filling shoeboxes for ministries overseas. I scrambled to fill a box but didn't have time to make much to go with the doll we sent.

This year I'm planning on sending two dolls that are familiar to those who follow my Aztec Wishes donations an 8 Inch Lots to Love Baby doll for a younger girls box and a Chelsea doll for the middle girl box. This blog entry is not designed to include all the items we will be putting in the box or the items that are going in the middle boy box. Like with Aztec wishes it is more of a way of tracking what I made and what worked and didn't work for this new donation.

I find myself returning to the previous year summary pages for Aztec wishes as I don't make the exact same things every year and I go back to find something that fell off and it helps to see why. I'm hoping this is a ministry that lasts for us and as I experiment with what works and doesn't that I can return to these pages as well to see what I made and what I'd make again. I do keep lists on my phone as I do with Aztec wishes with inventories of the other non-crocheted items necessary for the donation. I just don't tend to keep notes on what hook size I used or where I bought the fiber as I do with the project notes for these projects.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll

February 2026

June 2026

Chelsea

May 2026

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.