American Girl Dress, Poncho and Hat

My DH bought me this pattern as one of my Valentine's day gifts. It is called Gray & Burgundy, Hat, Poncho & Shoes and you can find it here.

The picture doesn't do it justice. This was one of the best patterns I've worked on in a while. My guage matched perfectly. The only challenge I had was I used a lighter Lion Brand yarn for the red dress portion so I needed to add a little to the closing in the back. For this reason I chose to use buttons instead of snaps. I'm also running low on snaps and have a healthy supply of red buttons, so it also worked out well as a trade off. It's not clear in this shot, but the bows are great accessories for this outfit. This will be on my list of outfits to repeat.

The shoes and socks pattern is one of the best fitting I've made to date. I had to make no adjustments to get it to fit the doll. I love the way the socks look with the black shoes.

I'm currently working on ami's and some dishcloths for swaps. Then I have to get busy on my Easter and birthday projects. I hope to get back on track with my doll projects after that. I found the 12" doll I was looking for, so I may even have a shot at including that in this year's donation.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page

Barbie Knitting Page

Ken Page

Kelly/Skipper Page

American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing

American Girl Doll Knitting

Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns

Baby Doll Patterns:

Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch

Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:

Christmas

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

American Girl Snuggly Bear

I was so excited to see Annie's had published a new book of 18 Inch doll patterns On-the-Go Fashions for 18 Inch Dolls and I rushed off to order it.

This outfit was the selling point for buying this leaflet when I saw it in one of Annie's promotions. I loved the bear outfit.

I did end up playing with the gauge to get the outfit not to be too snug. The pattern calls for a J hook I found with a K it fit but very snuggly. The challenge was the next size up is almost a little too loose. However, since I know small hands will need to get the outfits on and off, I went with a little loose.

The one big change I made is the pattern doesn't use a chain stitch to create a crotch. I tried it and I couldn't make it work. I added a chain stitch. This requires you to reduce afterwords to make the legs work for the feet later. I tried following the pattern as written and I couldn't get it to work without it looking strained. Someone else may have better luck. I found the chain stitches made joining the legs a bit easier.

I am pleased with this purchase. I can see myself working through most of the patterns in this book. I was able to make this pattern using yarn I had on hand. A few of the outfits might require special purchases, but I think several have equivelent yarns I have in my stash, which is always welcome.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page

Barbie Knitting Page

Ken Page

Kelly/Skipper Page

American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing

American Girl Doll Knitting

Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns

Baby Doll Patterns:

Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch

Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:

Christmas

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Baby Doll Dress

Today's baby doll dress comes from the same out of print leaflet I wrote about last week the American School of Needlework's Twin Baby Doll Clothes to Crochet, 1155.

The dress and panties worked up pretty quickly using baby weight sport yarn. I finished this outfit while watching the Winter Games. The pattern didn't call for finishing the back I did for two reasons. First, it looked bad without doing it, second it gave a little extra room for this doll which needs it with her padding. The panties were a little snug on the legs. I think I'd increase the hook size when I make these again.

This booklet is turning out to be one of my best used pick ups in a while. So far the patterns work up quickly and they are fitting the larger doll, which was a concern.

Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:

Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page

Barbie Knitting Page

Ken Page

Kelly/Skipper Page

American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing

American Girl Doll Knitting

Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns

Baby Doll Patterns:

Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch

Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:

Christmas

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving