Wednesday, December 30, 2015

American Girl Sweater and Skirt


I made a pledge when a friend gave me his sister's yarn that I would use at least some of it towards getting doll clothes made for this year's donation. Up next I have the first doll sweater I made with the yarn along with a simple skirt. The sweater was made using the out of print Sweater Trio pattern FCM494 from Fibre Craft. The skirt pattern is actually the pants pattern from Maggie's Crochet Abby, Allie & Annie PA972-R that I adapted by adding extra rows instead of making the leg rows.

I've made this outfit several times over the years and it is a simple, but fun addition to the doll donation. The sweater and skirt easily change with other pants and tops I make to increase the number of outfits the new owner will be able to create as she plays with the doll.

I'm working on my next doll outfit. I'm currently untangling a big yarn tangle that is holding up the project. When that is resolved I hope to push forward and finish the next outfit.

DH was kind enough to pick up some new patterns to add to my supply and I'll be talking more about those soon I'm sure.



Monday, December 28, 2015

Yoda


Yoda was the last of the Christmas presents to be finished and delivered. DH originally purchased Lucy Ravenscar's patterns for me about 4 years ago. She had upgraded them and then pulled them from Etsy when she got a contract to publish a kit with a updated pattern book and supplies for a couple of projects. They are now published as a kit under Lucy Collins Star Wars Crochet (Crochet Kits) and I really like the book format she produced. It was what I wanted when I bought the original patterns on Etsy.


As far as the kit, I would have preferred the book alone. I ended up making Yoda with an e hook and worsted weight instead of what seemed to be probably a size 2 yarn. It was not fun to work with and I quickly decided my stash of worsted could handle the burden. Considering what DH paid for the first set of patterns on Etsy when he bought them for a gift, the book was a deal, had they thrown in no extras. While I used the eyes for Yoda, I prefer the ones I have in my own stash. These were not of the best quality. There are several of these kits out there, where I'd just love the books, I don't need all the other stuff in the kits. I'm not sure why the kits are so popular, the patterns are adorable.

I had no issue going from making Yoda smaller to larger until I got to his coat. As I posted several times the force was not with Yoda's coat. I ended up remaking it using Darski's Pilgrim pattern, an e hook, and completing part of my mission, I used some sports weight yarn donated by my friend who passed this year. Oddly enough when you decrease your hook size, use much smaller yarn, and crochet tightly, a jacket you will make for Yoda. I thought it looked pretty good. Normally I'd have gone with a Barbie pattern, but I just haven't felt that well and digging through patterns didn't seem like a great choice. I hadn't put the Pilgrim pattern away yet.

All is well. We exchanged Christmas presents yesterday with our friend and Yoda was a big hit. While he made it under the wire, he did get finished for lengthened Christmas celebrations.


Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas


Merry Christmas to family and friends.

Thanks to all of you who are so supportive and encouraging during the year. Next year's doll donation is already started and some little girls woke this morning to find this years dolls tucked under the tree. Peace and good will to all in the coming year.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

American Girl Mrs. Claus



It seems to me Mrs. Claus gets included every other year in the donation. I'm not sure what happens, but it seems if I don't get her finished right before Christmas of the year prior to donation, she doesn't make the cut for the year. I just looked back at my previous blog entries and sure enough the last Mrs. Claus outfit was completed in December of 2013 for the 2014 donation. Last Christmas was crazy and I never got the dress done, thus no Mrs. Claus outfit for the 2015 donation. Well 2016's donation is secure. I sewed the buttons on Saturday night.

The dress is adapted from Darski's Pilgrim dress found here. The hat is a free American Girl Santa hat found here. While updating some old links, I found the designers new website and updated the link to her new website.

I'm working on a sweater using up the yarn left to me by a friend. I'll make a skirt to go with that and another outfit will be finished. I still need to get Yoda's jacket completed before Christmas Eve. It has been a bit stubborn. The force is clearly not with his clothing.

In other good news I got an email from AC Moore with an advertisement for a sale on the Springfield dolls for $9.99 good until Christmas. DH went out Saturday getting me the two dolls I need for next year's donation. This is a huge step forward for getting ready for 2016's donation. Now I just need to get the clothes made.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Minion Scarf


A funny thing happened when I realized I was short a scarf, I went rushing to find a pattern that was simple and that I already had the yarn to complete. Luckily I found a free Minion Scarf pattern here.

This pattern is not only adorable, but it works up incredibly quickly for that last minute gift. I thankfully have lots of these basic colors on hand in Caron Pounders, so the yarn wasn't a problem. I've done my present accounting and most of the presents are wrapped, so I'm not thinking I'll have any more panic moments. I have one more project I'm working on for a friend that I hope to finish for Christmas. I'm having to rework part of the pattern so we'll see if the little Ami makes it to my Christmas Eve party.

To my friends at Crochetville thank you for all the beautiful Christmas cards. With your help and those of my Dog Blogger friends we have again just about filled two card wreaths with beautiful Christmas cards. It has become a favorite Christmas tradition.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Dr. Who Scarf


I have a younger family member who has become something of a Dr. Who fan. I decided to explore my options for making a Dr. Who scarf for her for Christmas. Since the original is knitted this was a challenge, but there are several free patterns posted to adapt the idea to crochet. After reading several I found the most helpful to be dreamweaverartsandcrafts post on the topic here.

The chart she discovered for the colors and her suggestions for how much to buy of the Vanna's Choice yarn I needed for the project were incredibly helpful. Most of the other patterns suggest the English Stylecraft yarn. I'm sure this is a wonderful option for those who want a pure recreation. However, mine is being made for a preteen. The odds is will get lost, be damaged, or otherwise suffer harm are pretty high. I couldn't find Stylecraft in the US and importing it made it quite pricey. Even buying Vanna's yarn on sale with free shipping, the amount of yarn used still doesn't bring this in as a cheap gag gift. You have to know the person is going to like it.

I did make some changes. I made mine half as wide as her pattern suggested. It was turning into a bizarre shawl at the original width and it would have crushed the person it is being given as a gift. I frogged it and made it half as wide. I did stick with the hdc and used one hdc row per suggested on the chart and it seemed to be a more reasonable length. Perhaps not authentic, but it's a preteen not a six foot giant who will be wearing it.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Minecraft Scarf


I thought I'd posted all my scarf pictures and realized I missed two that were unique. First up is the Minecraft Creeper scarf. You can find the free pattern here.

This pattern works up quickly and has a simple chart that makes the creeper pattern. I'm sure this will be a hit with the Minecraft fan on my Christmas list.

There are lots of scarves on my Christmas list this year, but considering one was left at my house last weekend after a visit, I'm thinking extra scarves are not a bad idea.

I've finished Mrs. Claus' hat and begun her dress. With 2015's doll donation delivered, I want to get a jump on 2016's outfits. After I finish Mrs. Claus' outfit I have a couple of sweater outfits I want to make along with a Colonial outfit. I found a new bonnet pattern I want to try out. I still need to make the Christmas holiday dress, too.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

American Girl Pilgrim


There are some outfits I try to include every year in my donation and others that rotate around as I get new patterns and have to decide what to include and what I don't have time to make. I try to include as many of the holiday outfits as I can each year. When possible I try to get them done before Christmas or right after as they seem not to get finished if I wait until Spring.

This year I dived into the Pilgrim outfit shortly after finishing my Christmas scarf presents. This is an adaption of Darski's We Gather Together pattern found here. Every year I promise myself I will write down the changes I've made and then I remember it doesn't work out that easily. I took pictures and I work through the pictures slightly differently each year.

The sticking point this year was buttons. I just don't enjoy sewing buttons. I put it off for several days and finally finished sewing them on on Tuesday. It isn't a complicated process, just not the part I enjoy. I've started on the Mrs. Claus outfit. The hat is almost finished. Then I'll adapt this same pattern to make Mrs. Claus' dress. Hopefully I'll have that finished so I can get the Christmas party dress completed before Christmas.

Another change I made this year to the Pilgrim outfit was using off white for the hat, apron, and trim. A friend's sister passed away and he offered me the yarn she left behind. Most of it is off white in various brands. It's good quality acrylic and I'm determined to honor her by finding ways to use it in my donation project this year. Next up I'm thinking of using it in a doll sweater I make every year. I've got quite a bit of it, so you'll see it popping up. I think it is a great way to honor her memory.


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Aztec Wishes Donation Headed Out


DH is delivering this year's doll donation to the local tech high school's Aztec Wishes Holiday gift program and thanks to friends at Crochetville it is the biggest donation I've ever made.

This year we have more baby dolls than ever. Thanks to Darski and Tampa Doll at Crochetville we will be sending a beautiful rag doll, an 8" doll and an additional 15" doll in addition to the yearly 12" and 15" baby dolls I usually send. I also warned the director she was going to need more 18" dolls than the two I normally donate to accommodate the beautiful boxes of clothes sent by Darksi and Tampa Doll. I can't wait to hear the director's reaction to all the donations and the kids realization that their program has reached beyond the United States into Canada.

I also need to thank Crochetville friends who have donated tights, shoes, and patterns to the cause. While some patterns are repeated yearly, for my sanity, I need to try new stuff each year to keep this donation project interesting and engaging. Thanks to all of you there are some little girls who will wake up this Christmas not just to dolls, but to dolls with beautiful clothes and accessories. Thank you all.


Monday, December 7, 2015

American Girl Sundress



I haven't posted in ages, but I have been busy crocheting scarves for Christmas gifts. I didn't post all of them because many of them were repeats. I fell in love with the pocket scarf and got lots of requests once the first one was finished.

However, I started to get the urge to return to my doll donation project and wanted to get started for 2016. I got Sarah's Sundress pattern as a gift from a Fairy Godmother on Crochetville's wishlist.

As is usual with me I ended up making a couple of changes to the pattern although it was easy to follow. I am useless when it comes to crocheting into a row of slip stitches. I have used a row of slip stitches to end a piece, but I can almost never crochet back into it to continue on to a new row. So I changed the pattern and it worked for me.

I stuck with Caron Simply Soft as suggested by the pattern, but I decided to use up some left over yarn I had from making scarves. The pink actually turned out to be a good choice.

The next project is almost done. I like to start the year with my holiday projects. The Pilgrim girl only needs a button. I haven't had the patience to sew the buttons yet, so I started on the Santa hat until I have the quiet time I need to get it done.

DH will be dropping off 2015's doll donation to Aztec Wishes this week. Thanks to the kindness of friends at Crochetville there are 6 boxes of wonderful crocheted goodies and extra dolls beyond what I normally donate. I can only thank the kindness of friends who have donated finished items, dolls, shoes, tights, and patterns like the one for today's finished product that make all of this possible. I'm hoping to get some pictures taken before the boxes leave.


Monday, October 12, 2015

Pokeball Scarf


I have a nephew who is a huge Pokemon fan. When I saw a free pattern for a Pokeball scarf here I decided it would make a great addition to his Christmas gifts.

I started making the pattern in double crochet as the pattern suggested. However, I found I didn't like the way it looked and restarted with half double crochets. In order to correct for length I doubled the row count for each color and it worked out fine based on my gauge. Someone else may want to measure their half doubles against their double crochets. I found it did indeed take about two half doubles to make the distance of one double crochet. The scarf is a little stiffer, but warmer than the original I started. I suspect with a few washes it will soften as well. I was concerned that the double crochet holes might leave more chances for it to catch and get torn. He can be tough on his stuff.

Since this one worked out well, I plan on making another one to donate. I know there are plenty of Pokemon fans that might need a little warmth this winter.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Lego Block Inspired Scarf


I was searching on Ravelry to find some interesting kid scarves and came across one for a free pattern for a Lego Blocks scarf found here.


There was some discussion about how long to make a child's scarf over at Crochetville and the opinion was 3 feet. I finished this one off at slightly over that to finish the last block, but after talking to the child's mother realized she'd prefer it to be 4 feet. Instead of restarting, I decided I'd donate and start again. I'd already planned on making at least one more to donate to a local charity so now I have one finished. I just need to get one done for my Christmas presents.

I started following the pattern in single crochet and didn't like the way it looked. I experimented with a few options finally settling on working it in half double crochet and was more satisfied with the look of the bobbles and the additional size and warmth it gave the scarf.

This is a fun quick pattern and it is great to use up your Lego colored scraps of yarn. It is a thin scarf and I think most suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. I haven't quite figured out the best way to widen it to make it a more suitable scarf for older kids. I'm sure I'll eventually find a wider pattern that will appeal to older children to make for presents and donations.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Little Teddy Witch


As I wrote yesterday, I started searching on Ravelry for new Ami patterns and came across the free Lil' Teddy Witch here. The teddy was adorable and I couldn't resist making the ami and sending him off to my friend.


The pattern worked up quickly and it was a fun project to help me get into the fall/autumn spirit.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Mr. Pumpkin Pants


I haven't made as many ami's as I normally do this year and it was fun to get back into holiday themed ami's a few weeks ago. A online crochet friend is always sending me and others wonderfully thoughtful gifts so I wanted to send something fun in return. I started searching Ravelry for patterns I hadn't tried yet.


I came across the free pattern for Mr. Pumpkin pants here.

I altered his feet and a few other items as I was constructing my pumpkin bear. I also made a witch bear from another free pattern. I'll post that information tomorrow.


Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Red Pocket Scarf


It is time to get some Christmas gifts completed. I ordered a bunch of Caron Simply Soft Yarn during a Joann's sale to make scarves for gifts this year. My favorite pattern this year has been a Pocket Scarf pattern I picked up during one of Annie's pattern sales. You can find the pattern here.


I love the texture this pattern creates. I've made two of these scarves so far, one with and one without the pockets and both are very nice. The softness of the Caron Simply Soft Yarn makes for a very soft scarf. While a lighter yarn I still think it will provide some warmth. It won't just be decorative.

I've been alternating between the Simply Soft Paint and Ombres colors to meet the color requirements I have for scarves and have found both seem to work. If you choose to do the pockets, you will need an alternating color.

I like the idea of the pockets for cold days when you either don't have mittens or gloves or you just want a little extra warmth. I purchased Pocket Shawls recently and am looking at making some of those, too.


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Dachshund Santa


We've been having beautiful summer like weather as I prep these posts and I couldn't resist going outside to get the Valentine and Santa pictures. After all why shouldn't Santa enjoy some good weather a bit before the winter chores of Christmas kick in and require all his attention.


As with the Pilgrim Dachshund, I combined a few patterns to create Santa. I started out using a free Lion Brand Pattern found here. I didn't like the way the head looked, so I decided to end the pattern at the neck and use the head, leg, and tail pattern from the Teri Crews' pattern I purchased here. The Santa hat was adapted from an old Barbie pattern found here.


I finished a pocket scarf I hoped to get photographed and posted soon. I've started another one for another family member. I'm trying to get a couple of Halloween projects squeezed in, and I have a front and back post prayer shawl, I'm working on, too. As I finish them I'll get them posted, too.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Dachshund Valentine


I got delayed in posting the last two holiday Dachshund's I made, but I'm finally back on track, posting the Valentine's entry. This one required no adaptions. I found the free pattern for Puppy Love here. The pattern was easy to follow and it makes a for a cute Valentine's decoration. The heart ear muffs could easily adapt to other small ami characters if you were looking to create a Valentine's themed ami.


It isn't often I find the ami I want with the holiday theme I want. I was thrilled to find a pattern requiring no adaptations.


I will be posting Santa shortly and after finishing him I had to close the door on this project to move on to other items demanding my time. I'm hoping these dogs will be off help their family settle into their new home soon.



Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Dachshund Pilgrim


As I mentioned yesterday I've been working on a house warming project for a fellow dog blogger. This is the second ami I've completed for the project. This dog was made using a combination of patterns. I started out using a free Lion Brand Pattern found here. I didn't like the way the head looked, so I decided to end the pattern at the neck and use the head and tail pattern from the Teri Crews' pattern I wrote about yesterday.



For this dachshund I chose some yarn I had been given a while back as it was close to the color of one of her dogs. It was a wool blend and a bit rougher than the acrylic yarn I usually use for my ami's.


The hat was adapted from a free Ken doll pattern found here.



Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Dachshund Witch


I recently discovered a fellow dog blogger is relocating and I wanted to send her a fun house warming gift. Every Christmas she writes about the Dachshunds revolting against the Snowmen invasion, so I thought it was time to even the field. It was time to have some of their own holiday decorations.


I decided to start with a Halloween themed Dachshund. During a recent Annie's sale I purchased Terri Crews' Dachshund's pattern found here. I reworked a free Barbie witch hat pattern found here to give the Dachshund his holiday costume.


I didn't get quite the expression and shape I wanted out of this pattern, so I am continuing to explore different ami Dachshund patterns, even combining some to get the best effect possible.







Monday, September 14, 2015

Lacework Prayer Shawl


I received a Homespun donation from a very kind woman in AL last week and I decided to start another prayer shawl while I continued to look for the tulip I need to finish another shawl I'm working on.


This pattern comes from The Prayer Shawl Ministry, Volume 2 (Leisure Arts #4622) and I've enjoyed making it before. Despite the weight of the Homespun the pattern makes for a lighter shawl and it is also a relaxing pattern to work on while in distracting circumstances.

It's been hot here and it's only with the AC that I've been able to tolerate the heavier Homespun yarn. It gets warm quickly. I have been neglectful of donating the shawls so I feel compelled to get back to making them along with my doll donations and toys.

I'm working on a holiday ami project at the moment. It is a slightly different style than I'm used to working on, but I'm hopeful of a good outcome and I hope to make a few to cover the holidays. We will have to see how it all works out.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Green Prayer Shawl


I started this prayer shawl a year ago and then sort of hit a crochet funk and it took me a while to get crocheting again. When I started again my focus was on getting the dolls ready for the donation, but I kept looking at the sad shawl waiting for me to finish it. A couple of weeks ago when had the chance to go back to my library yarn group, I decided it would be the perfect project to take and finish up.



I adapted the Baptismal shawl from The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion: 37 Patterns to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life that I purchased a while back. I liked the pattern and realized Homespun would create a warmer, heavier shawl than the one pictured, but I was OK with that knowing it was going to a Prayer Shawl ministry.

I've almost finished a pink shawl using tulip Homespun yarn, but I'm one skein short. The place I normally get my Homespun was out, so I'll have to pursue other alternatives. While I'm waiting, I started another shawl using some yarn sent to me from a wonderful person in AL who no longer works with Homespun.

I found some wonderful patterns during the Labor Day sales and am looking forward to some different kinds of projects after I finish off these Prayer shawls.



Monday, September 7, 2015

Orange Scarf



One of my nephews loves orange, so I was looking for a pattern that would work with some cool variegated Caron Super Soft I discovered. I had recently purchased a pocket scarf pattern, which has a neat texture and without pockets I thought would work for him. You can purchase the pattern here.


Sadly my phone camera didn't do justice to the colors. I hadn't used Caron's Paint or Ombre colors before. Having worked with both recently, I really like the colors have already started a second scarf with a red paint selection for his Mom that will have pockets.

This gives me my first Christmas gift completed. I'm hoping to make a practical and a silly scarf for each.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Choosing Your Crochet Hook

I've read lots of posts over the years on various websites and Blogs as people struggled to find the "best" crochet hook and I've always pushed people to realize that the best hook is the hook that works for you.

Early on when I was first starting I took what ever hooks I could find or were given to me. I didn't know enough about my style to understand how hooks were different or how my style of crocheting would influence the type of hook that would work best for me. After some time I also came to realize the type of projects I worked on also had some impact on the type of hook I wanted to use.

For instance while I love bamboo hooks for afghans, they aren't nearly as effective for ami projects where my stitches are tight and I need a hook that can penetrate those tighter stitches. For that a metal tip is important. However, I learned as time went on a metal tip didn't mean a metal hook. I discovered there are blends. For me, my favorite hook blends metal tips with Bamboo handles. I use the Susan Bates Bamboo handled hooks. I get the style of hook I like with the rounded bamboo handles I love.

Knowing what type of projects you enjoy doing can influence the type of hooks you want. While some hooks will work through any project, some are less versatile. The plastic and wooden hooks I've acquired over the years don't work on all my projects. I've broken a plastic hook and a wooden hook working on ami's when I didn't have a metal tipped hook available. However, they worked fine on scarfs, afghans, and prayer shawls when I've borrowed hooks and that was all that was available to use.

As for the tips there is an ongoing debate you can spend hours engaging in or you can find a Bates and a Boye hook and experiment with the tips yourself. I used them interchangeably when I first started. After a while I found Boye was harder for me to work with and Bates hooks became my standard. Other brands have hooks that tend to fall along the spectrum of hook shapes. Eventually you will find what works for you if you keep your head down and avoid the controversy. I've never seen any proof that using one or the other improves the quality of your work. Each person seems to have a personal connection to way the hook works and thus it is reflected in the work created. Thus, if you are less likely to snag your work, you feel it runs more smoothly with one, etc. you are likely to produce a better piece. It doesn't scientifically prove X hook shape produces a better product.

Handle shapes are another huge issue with crochet hooks. Some of it has to do with how you hold your hook. There are two basic standards for the hook hold, the pencil and the knife. However there are people like me who don't quite fit the mold. My style is closest to the knife. I call it a modified knife hold. As a result the most comfortable style of handle is a round one. The flat styles tend to cause problems for my hands. I originally started with the basic metal Bates hooks, but found I couldn't work with the tiny thread hooks at all. Then I also found my hands cramping just working with yarn and realized a switch was needed. I purchased some different styles of hooks, won some in giveaways, and others were kindly sent to me by online friends.

As I mentioned before I loved the wooden hooks, but they weren't practical for much of the work I did. So comfortable in my hand, I loved the way they fit. While friends had raved about the ergonomics of various flat handled hooks I found my hand and wrist wouldn't adjust to working with my modified knife hold and sent them on to new homes of people who clearly raved about how well they worked for them.

After trying various brands I did find a brand that finally allowed me to do thread work. I was thrilled. I worked on acquiring not just a complete set, but extras since it is always so easy to lose hooks, I wanted some for a travel kit, and I end up loaning them when people visit.

From this experience what I learned is try one of a brand you are interested in before buying a set. It is tempting to buy the set, especially when they are offering a really "good" sale. However, a sale is useless if you are never going to use the hooks. It is easy to get excited when everyone is talking about the latest hook and how much they enjoy using it. Trying one gives you the opportunity to evaluate and determine how it works for you. If it is indeed the dream hook set you've been waiting for another sale will emerge.



Wednesday, September 2, 2015

American Girl Lacy Nightgown



This was another of Tara Cousin's patterns that I purchased as a set with my birthday money. You can purchase the pattern here.

I used an elastic again to expand the neck as I found it too tight prior to adding the elastic. This is a cute pattern, but I have other patterns I think I'll be working on next time.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

American Girl Tunic and Shorts


A funny thing happened on my way to trying my second set of capris, I ran out of yarn and had to settle for shorts. Since I was making this for a donation I wanted to have different colors for the dolls. I had some Bernat Satin that I wanted to use up and it made gauge for the project. However, it wasn't quite enough to complete the project. So capris became shorts.

For those of you who didn't catch yesterday's post. The pattern is from Shady Lane, Crochet Play Clothes and can be purchased here.

All joking aside this pattern is quite versatile for making a variety of lengths and styles of pants and I plan on using it in the future. I've found a cheap supply of hair bands at the local pharmacy and they are working out well with these patterns. It will make it easier for little hands to get the clothes on and off as well. While you could use regular elastic, the rubber bands don't roll or twist and it does make it easier. I've used the elastic in the past and it works, but I've often had to deal with the twisting.

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

Pictures may not be used without permission.


Monday, August 31, 2015

American Girl Tunic and Capris and Visor


As I mentioned in a previous post I picked up several Shady Lane patterns with some birthday cash. This outfit was my first attempt at the Tunic and Capris set found in Crochet Play Clothes. It can be purchased here. The visor was a free crochet pattern from ABC Knitting found here.

I thought the Capris worked up very well and will be making more of them again. I struggled a bit with the top which is why you will see my second attempt, with a slightly different challenge tomorrow. The visor was a fun project that allowed me to use up some thread I had left over from making the Chevron dress.

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

Pictures may not be used without permission.

Friday, August 28, 2015

American Girl Crochet Hat, Top, Vest, and Skirt


With my birthday cash I picked up a few of Shady Lane's newer 18" doll patterns. This is my attempt at the Crochet Fashion Statement that can be purchased here.

I am in a push to use up yarn before acquiring more in my stash so I went with a red and black theme instead of the pink. In order to make gauge my yarn was worsted instead of sport. Even going with a larger hook I couldn't make gauge with the sports yarn I had on hand. The only place it really seemed to be a problem was it made the shirt a bit bulky to put the vest over.

My hat came out more as a bowler than a top hat, so I'm going to give it another try at a later date, although I thought the bowler was actually a cute look. I haven't tried the sneakers. At the best of times I find shoes a challenge. These looked more than I wanted to attempt. I think I can find a cute pair of high tops to match that will save my patience for other projects.

One note on finishing the vest, do look at the picture as you are folding down the corners to tack them down. I didn't and had to pull out and redo again.

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

Pictures may not be used without permission.




Thursday, August 27, 2015

Baby Jenna Summer Outfit


Melissa & Doug Jenna - 12" Doll has been a staple of my donations for the last few years. I stock up when I find her on sale and it has helped to standardize the patterns I need to work on each year.

Recently I came across a free pattern on Ravelry for Baby Sasha and was curious to see if it could be adapted. You can find the pattern here. One of the big challenges in working with baby dolls is the sizes vary greatly. Baby dolls come in all lengths and widths. A 12" baby doll may not be equal to another 12" doll but it is a starting point. In this case I'd never heard of the Sasha line. After a little online research I discovered Sasha is generally considered more of collector's doll than a play doll, but the length was comparable. I had no idea about the other dimensions.

I had to increase the hook size and add a finishing edge, but other than that, the outfit cute and I thought it was rather cute. This was a great chance to work on using up my stash as this was made from Pound of Love baby yarn that has been in my stash for a bit.

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

Pictures may not be used without permission.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

American Girl Doll Wisteria Chevron Dress


I found this free pattern at ABC Knitting found here. I haven't had the opportunity to do much work with Size 3 thread, but I find it quite nice to use. It is thick enough to hold on to, but it doesn't split as badly as some of the fingering yarn I've used recently.

I liked the colors, but I didn't get quite the same results with the chevron that the pattern designer did. Perhaps next time I'll do better. This may also have been a result of having to play with the hook size to make gauge. More experimentation will help learn how to manage this better.

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

Pictures may not be used without permission.



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