Barbie Blue Party Dress

As I've mentioned in several blog posts I've been going through my doll pattern binders looking for some neglected patterns that might be something that would work for the 2024 donation. This comes from my collection of Annie's Fashion Doll Crochet Club patterns that I've been building over the years. This is from the Sundresses pattern FC20-02 for anyone who might be interested.

I secretly have a dream that I stumble across a complete binder of these patterns at a library used book sale or a church sale or some place with a price I could actually afford. I see them occasionally pop up online but far out of the reach of a price I'm willing to pay for items I donate. As much as I'd love to have a complete set, I'd much rather put the money towards buying dolls, accessories and the items I use to make the doll stuff to donate. I still hold out hope that at some point Annie's will release these patterns as digital patterns. It wouldn't be the same as finding the binder but I could find the ones I'm missing.

This outfit was made with Aunt Lydia's size 10 medium blue crochet thread and a 1.25 mm thread hook. For my own notes since I expect to return to this pattern again row 26 should be completed as written. It feels like the dress will be too small but it makes the back close correctly.

There are two main patterns in this leaflet and full length patterns included for each shorter dress. I hope to make all four dresses to include in the donation. This one worked up well so I'm thinking the longer version should work. We will see about the second dress. If the short version works up well I would be ready to make a longer dress to increase the wardrobe options for the donation dolls. I have multiple Barbie's leaving this year.

Tampa Doll's donation box included a box of doll shoes so I decided to include a pair with the party dress.

Glitter Girl Shorts, Shirt and Cap

This is one of Char's Wellie Wisher's patterns that I purchased recently here. I've found the Wellie Wishers patterns to be a good fit for the Glitter Girl doll without much need for adjustments.

This pattern calls for size 20 thread. For my own records so I know what I used and where to find it the Purple is Aunt Lydia's size 3 Fashion Crochet Thread in Purple. No idea where I purchased it but Aunt Lydias is a fairly common name so even for the odd size it has been easier to search and buy it online. I even occasionally find it locally. The Lizbeth is size 20 Scottish Thistle I found at Handy Hands. This is for my notes because I find something a specific fiber that suits a project and if it isn't from the place I normally shop I often forget where to go back for more.

This pattern has alterations to make different styles of this top, and versions of the shorts for capris and pants. It was one of the selling points of buying this pattern as I've struggled with separate options for the Glitter Girl. Most of the patterns I have for her are dresses. This widens my options for mix and match outfits.

I used the suggested e hook for this project. I might think about making the shoes with a D as they were slightly big. It is worth an experiment to see if I can get a better fit.

Stacie Coat and Hat

Stacie won my guage doesn't match the pattern designers lottery this week and ended up with an outfit I'd been trying to make for Chelsea. It's no great loss as with adjustments I think I can make this for Chelsea and now I have a pattern that will work for Stacie since there are so few patterns that are designed specifically for her.

This is a Petite Creative Designs pattern that can be purchased here.

The pattern calls for size 10 cotton thread and a 1.75mm thread hook. I used a 1.8mm hook. I'm thinking of going down significantly for Chelsea or perhaps if necessary switching to size 20 thread.

I followed the coat pattern as written with the exception of the arms. Stacie has one bent arm and this makes the coat sleeves two different sizes. I made the straight arm first and when I tried to make the second arm the same length it was too long for the bent arm. I pulled out some rows and crocheted it to a length that fits the arm as bent. Off the doll it is clear the arms are different sizes but it fits the doll.

This Stacie has a good size bun for this style of hat. In order to accomadate the hat I left the last 6 stitches unworked as I got to the section where her bun interfered with the hat sitting on the head. I then chained 6 and joined to the start of the hat row. As I continued I crocheted into the chain rows and continued around. This allows the hair to go through the hole.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Sweater, Hat, Pants, and Booties

This was the outfit I started to make which gave the Our Generation doll a cardigan with pants set. I used an F hook for the sweater and it resulted in a better fit. I used a G hook for everything else and it seemed fine.

The striped yarn is Lion Brand Ice Cream Lemon Meringue. The solid yellow is Bernat Baby Big Ball Sport in Yellow. Again I want to say I got this at Walmart as I've been finding the color selection less than ideal online for this brand and have a large selection in my stash for the doll projects.

The pants hat and booties came out fine as written. I've made the sweater twice now and while I like the look of it, not quite the look of the project picture. I take the responsiblity for this. I likely have missed a direction some place. Not unusual for me and with the additional challenge of using UK terms I can make mistakes.

Stacie Crop Top and Shorts

This is the final outfit for the 2024 donation from Annie's Fashion Doll Crochet Club's Cool Crop Tops and Shorts FC0104. I'd previously made the outfits for Barbie and Skipper and then things oddly got busy at the end of the summer and has continued into the fall season. I finished this outfit right before Labor Day and she's been waiting patiently for her picture and a return to the model bag to hang with her friends.

I love the idea that with one pattern I can make outfits for three of the Barbie dolls with minimal changes. I used Lion Brand Ice Cream Yarn and Baby Bernat Sport for this project. I used a C hook with the Medium directions to get the fit for Stacie. I can only imagine this will be on my to do list for 2025 as it works up quickly for all three dolls and gives a nice summer outfit that may not be exciting in the winter when the doll is received but will be something to return to as the weather thaws.

Our Generation Cardigan and Pants

Over the years and working with so many different sized dolls for the donation I try to recycle items if they end up too big or too small for the original doll. In this case the sweater is from a Petite Designs Baby Doll pattern that can be purchased here. Clearly it was too big for the baby doll but on further reflection it seemed like it would be a nice selection for the Our Generation Doll. Now she needed pants.

For the pants I freestyled a pair based on a Maggie's Crochet pattern I've used forever but can do without even really reading anymore as I've made them so often. Abby, Allie and Annie pattern that can be purchased here.

I finished this and a Stacie outfit that will post tomorrow around Labor Day and the dolls have been patiently waiting for the pictures to be taken so they can return to the model bag. I've been busy with other things but last week was my week for tackling things I really shouldn't be ignoring anymore. I'm preposting these so they will be documented for my own records.

The sweater was made with Big Ball Baby Bernat Sport yarn. I don't see the purple online much anymore. I still find it occasionally at Walmart of all places. The blue is Red Heart Super Saver.

I was pleased to find two of the JC 16 inch Hispanic Baby Dolls on sale. Doll prices have been crazy with inflation. My solution to this problem has been to put the dolls I'm interested on wish lists at the stores I shop at so I can monitor the prices and purchase when the price is at a price point I'm willing to pay and I have the resouces available for the donation project. The sales are sometimes quick so if there is something specific I'm looking for I will check frequently to see if the price has changed at all. I happened to stumble into this price drop. It appears they've gone up again when I checked while writing this blog.

Thankfully my doll room looks a little like an episode of hoarders as I buy on sale and some years when the prices are high I can go without needing to buy certain dolls. That being said to avoid truly becoming a doll hoarder I donated a Ken and Barbie doll to our Church's free botique as they still have play life in them but they aren't the new standard we look for to donate to Aztec Wishes. These look like they've been doll models. However, I take all the original pieces and store in a baggie until its time to donate so they have all their original clothes and accessories. Ken has plastic hair so he actually looks pretty good. Barbie's hair, well she shows the dark side of life as a doll model.

I am almost finished with remaking this outfit for the intended doll. One more bootie and it will be ready to roll.

Granny Square Doll Blanket

I have an amazing group of friends who donate doll blankets, clothes, and accessories every year for the donation and since I've added the baby doll snuggle snacks and the larger doll sleeping bags I haven't been making as many doll blankets.

Both these are projects that I can take with me when I have appointments or I'm going some place where I'll be sitting for a bit.

However, I found myself having finished with those items and time to work on blankets. I started with my seed stitch go to pattern but it was fighting me and I decided not to fight back. At some point I'll return to the blanket and figure out where I'm going wrong but I need a stress free blanket project and the giant granny seems to work. I finished this one and am about half way through a second one.

Skipper Crop Top and Shorts

It's almost Labor Day but Skipper finally has shorts. Considering the doll won't be leaving until November for a Christmas donation seasons are less relevent when I make the stuff. However, sometimes when its hot I do feel like shorts are a good idea. This past week was a good week for short outfits.

This was the second outfit from Annie's Cool Crop Tops and Shorts Pattern from their Annie's Fashon Doll Crochet Club FCO104.

I used the medium directions with a C hook for Skipper with baby 3 yarn. I would continue with this for the shorts but use I'd use a b hook and the large directions for her top. I had to add rows with the medium directions to get it to fit the modern Skipper. Barbie's finished shirt was too big so I'm thinking a smaller hook would make the fit work.

I've started Stacie's shorts with the smallest pattern but lots going on so we will see when that outfit is finished.

Barbie Crop Top and Shorts

I made myself a promise this year that I'd work through my doll binders and find projects that I'd neglected that I thought I could actually complete for this year's donation. While going through my Barbie binder I found an old patterne that seemed like a good one to work on when I needed something quick and simple. This one was perfect because it offered a simple project and it had three sizes of the Barbies with limited changes so it was a great way to add projects to the donation bags.

This is an out of print pattern from Annie's Fashion Doll Crochet Club FCO104. I truly wish Annie could find a way to reprint these patterns in digital format for purchase as they are often ridiculously priced in the used pattern market. I like them because they vary from simple projects like this to fancy detailed outfits I'll never make but there is variety for all levels and interests.

I've learned working with Barbie's that I always need to test the outfit against my current model doll as the dolls can change. I'm donating a Ken and Barbie that don't really do well with the older patterns I have but the current models seem to do quite well. I'm only hoping when I have to get the next model when my supply of these current models runs out still fit these older patterns without the drastic changes I'd had to do for the previous dolls.

Notes:

I used baby yarn for this pattern. Herrschners baby 3 for the solid and Lion Brand Ice Cream 3 for the shirt.

Glitter Girl Camping Outfit

This was one of those outfits that kept building as I was working on it for the Glitter Girl. I started by making Adoring Doll's sleeping bag as part of her camping pattern which can be purchased here. I don't make the camping accessories because I've been purchasing the Glitter Girl Campfire set when I can get it on sale for the donation.

The pattern also includes a shawl and headband and I thought they'd be fun to try. Having made them I realized I was far from an outfit so I kept looking for more pieces.

The pants are from another Adoring Doll Pattern found here. I hope to finish the complete outfit with a different colorered pants to give more options for mixing and matching before the donation deadline.

The sweater is from a Wellie Wisher three sleeve length pattern that can be purchased here. I had hoped to get a long sleeved sweater for the donation from this set but I couldn't get the sleeves to fit the arms so I went with the sleeveless option. If I hadn't been to the point of wanting to be done with the set I might have experimented with crocheting the sleeves on and trying to establish the pattern. It is an idea to try for the future but I needed this outfit to be done.

Notes:

Shawl: An f hook with worsted works for the Glitter Girl. Use an H hook accidently and you have a shawl for the 18" dolls.

Pants: G Hook worsted weight yarn. Add three rows to the waist before splitting for legs as the waist line was short for me.

Sweater: Knit Picks Pallete Yarn with a D hook. You will add rows to back before closing so don't panic if it is snugger than normal.

Glitter Girl Sleeping Bag

With the Glitter Girl sleeping bag finished I have completed the sleeping bag/snuggle sack challenge for 2024. Every doll is leaving with one.

This is the only non-free pattern I use in the challenge as I'd already purchased the set before coming across the free patterns which actually fit the other dolls better and while slightly more time consuming just work better than the mummy sacks as my brothers used to call them.

You can purchase the set for the 18 inch and 14.5 inch dolls here. She also offers each pattern set separately. It comes with additional camping items. I'm going to make the shawl and add it to a pants set. However, I purchased a camping set for the Glitter Girl that contains the items she's made here so I'm not going to duplicate them.

Notes from previous project that I used for this project:

I hook

Check length folding up as I always seem to need extra rows for length. Fold and pin the top prior to checking to see how much more length I still need.

This is closed with 2 rows of contrasting color that go all around closed ends of face area. The stitches are not the same for each row.

Glitter Girl Ballerina

I've been pushing into my doll pattern binders this year to try to make sure I'm using the patterns I've purchased when ever possible. Some are still not realistic for my circumstances but many I just forget I have and it is time to branch out and try some different kinnds of items or sometimes visit patterns I either bought and forgot or haven't made in a while.

This is one of Adoring Doll's patterns that can be purchased here. It is a relative new comer to Glitter Girl's binder but since it isn't a huge folder I find myself not leaving much behind for ideas.

My one challenge with this outfit is I wish she'd gone with a lighter yarn, perhaps even thread as the worsted weight yarn is heavy for such a delicate doll and this type of outfit. The idea is adorable but it feels heavy.

I used Caron Pounder Lilac from my stash.

I needed a I hook to get the suit to fit. I changed to an H hook for the skirt and the straps.

I used a D hook for the slippers.

The headband was made using a g hook.

My Life Sleeping Bag Part 2

This is the last of the sleeping bags I'm making from Suzie's Blog free pattern for the donation this year and I'm so happy. While they make amazing travel projects because you can sit and relax while making them, it is so nice to know something is finished for the year and I can move on to other things. As I'm writing this the final sleeping bag is also done and will post this week as well. I guess that means I'm on to doll blankets as my travel project.

For those of you who are interested you can find the free pattern for the sleeping bag here. She has a variety of sizes of the sleeping bag as well as snuggle sacks for baby dolls. It has been an amazing addition to my doll donation project.

Notes:

I use a K hook with this pattern to get it to fit.

This takes close to 2 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver Stripe Yarn for future reference. For some reason these skeins always feel smaller than the traditional skeins.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Swim Suit

This has been a wonderful, crazy, busy summer and even when I've finished stuff for the donation I haven't gotten around to taking pictures and writing it up. Stuff was piling up and it seemed like time to do a little cleaning by means of processing stuff. I'm slowly working my way through my target projects for 2024. Swim/Bathing suits has probably been one of my oldest projects for the dolls. However, as I've added more dolls I've had to work harder to try to include all of them in the challenge.

This is one of Char's 15 inch doll patterns. I'd previously used it for the JC 16 Inch baby dolls but decided to try it for the Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll this year. You can purchase Char's pattern here. While I needed a J hook for the larger 16 inch baby doll using Herrschners Baby Worsted 4 in Kitten I was able to make this using the suggested H hook despite it being a smaller doll than the Bitty Baby the pattern was designed to fit.

I followed front of swim suit pattern until frow 12 and skipped from row 12-15 for both dolls as I found it was too big with the additional rows.

Ties and Trim for the front I used the contrast yarn. I liked the look better than continuing with the solid color.

Still playing with the hat as this isn't quite the look I want.

I used a G hook for the sandals.

I may go back to the bikini pattern for next year.

Glitter Girl Empire Dress

My summer production of doll outfits has dropped of as our invitations to fun seasonal activities has been quite busy this year. I'm not complaining and the dolls as always will leave dressed. I perhaps will even be more engergized and refreshed as I work on my projects.

The Empire Dress is one of Char Caywood's Wellie Wisher patterns that can be purchased here.

The Glitter Girl has her own binder of crochet patterns and unlike previous years I've made a significant dent in the available patterns. She will leave with a decent wardrobe this year.

It turns out my investment in more size 3 crochet thread from a variety of different manufacturers has paid off as I seem to be using it quite a bit for a variety of doll projects.

Notes:

Size three crochet thread is from Aunt Lydia White and Warm Teal with Lizbeth Wild Flower as the contrasting color. I went with Teal as I didn't have any Parakeet which is a closer match to the Wild Flower. I used the suggested e hook through the entire project I'd consider using a D hook for the shoes as they are slightly large.

The underwear for this set was done in white. It is less likely to show through the dress, note for future projects.

I haven't always done the tie at mid waist for her outfits but it worked for this outfit and it was included.

My sleeves came out differently than the picture so I'd play with them next time to round them off in a cleaner manner as is pictured.

Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll Bathing Suit

The Lots to Love 10 inch Baby Doll now has its bathing suit for the 2024 donation.

I had thought about making the towel like I did last year but for a variety of reasons this outfi took longer than I'd expected and when I was finished with the suit and accessories I just mentally had moved on to another pattern and didn't have the interest in making the additional beach blanket. Another year perhaps.

One challenge for this outfit is I had a bit of a game of yarn chicken with the Thread Art size three Aqua thread. There was a time in my life where I could go years and never finish off a cyclindar of thread, now I'm actually running out. The bathing suit, shoes, and visor were fine but I lost the game making the cover. I placed a replacement order before I started this project but there was no chance it was going to arrive so I fiddled and finished it with Lizbeth size 3 Wildflower which was my contrast color for the bathing suit.

This is a huge pattern set availabe for purchase from charpatterns here.

There are directions for the Lots to Love 10 inch Baby Doll and the slightly smaller 9.5 inch Baby Steps dolls for two types of bathing suits with directions for each doll, a beach blanket, and a beach bag.

Notes:

Bathing Suit:

This was made with Thread Art size 3 Aqua crochet thread and Lizbeth size 3 Wildflower. I used the suggested size f for the swimsuit and it fit better than the e from the previous time I'd made it.

Visor:

Followed pattern as written using f hook.

Sandals:

I needed an e hook for the sandals as the f shoes were huge.

Coverup:

I used an f hook for the coverup. I had to start using contrast color in row 8 as I ran out of aqua.

Note to self finish trim directions before doing ties and neck edge.

Cap Sleeve:

I sc around sleeve to finish and then alternated sc and shell. I liked the look.

Barbie Barbecue

My hope was to have this done in time to post for the July 4th holiday but I have no regrets as much as I love this donation project living life is an equally important and worthy goal.

I find myself returning to projects I haven't made in a few years. I last crocheted this Joyce Bishop July Fourth Picnic outfit in 2021.

My copy comes from Crochet World 2005. However, back then I was able to add a link to Annie's Freepatterns.com site for the pattern but sadly it appears that site is no longer available.

So you'll have to hunt down a copy of the magazine to find the pattern. I believe mine came from one of the CD sets Annie's put out several years ago with copies of the magazine and one that specifically had doll patterns.

As I revisit these patterns one thing I'm trying to get better about doing is documentation because I find as I read old posts I tended to be some what lax in listing details about hook size, fiber, etc. Sometimes I can't get the same fiber, but it is a starting point when I come back to try a pattern again.

Pants:

While the pattern calls for size 10 thread I did note on my previous project this had been an issue so I decided to experiment with Size 3. I finished off a cone of Thread Art slate blue and thankfully had a second one to use to finish off the pants. I used a B hook for the pants with the larger thread.

The one challenge I had with the larger thread was the pant legs were huge. To fix this in row 8 of the legs I dc in first stitch dc2tog around reducing the total stitch count to 18. I also only needed 21 rows for the pant legs not 25.

Shirt:

I used Aunt Lydia's size 10 white for the shirt starting with a 1.8 mm hook to make the waist fit and moving to a 1.25 starting in row 5 to reduce for the chest. I may experiment with size 3 at another time as this still isn't quite right.

The directions call for this to be a one piece outfit. I resisted previously as I was making huge changes to the pants. Having struggled with the fit of the top twice now I'm tempted to make the top as written connecting it as a one piece next time to see if it would fit better around the waist without having an issue with the top of the shirt being large.

Apron:

I used a .75mm hook for the apron with Aunt Lydia's Red size 10. I followed the directions as written.

Hat:

The hat needs a 1.25mm hook with Aunt Lydia's White size 10. Mitt:

The pattern calls for 1 I make two as it just seems more even. They are both likely to be lost at some point so 2 keeps the odds one can be located more likely. I used a 1.25 mm hook. I followed the directions for the fake thumb.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Summer Outfit

I've long been a fan of Amy Carrico's patterns for the baby dolls as they work up quickly making a nice wardrobe for the various sizes of dolls. Unfortunatly her shop has disappeared from Etsy and while some of her patterns appear to be for sale at Ravelry I haven't tried purchasing any there as there are none I hadn't previously bought when she had her store on Etsy. I didn't see this one listed in my brief search on Ravelry. Hopefully she will be selling her patterns more widely again as they are great outfits for the baby dolls.

This one is titled Summer Outfit should you do a search for it.

Notes:

I'm starting to really enjoy working with size 3 crochet thread.

This was made with Aunt Lydia's White and Warm Teal.

I've been disappointed that Aunt Lydia's and Red Heart seem to have decreased the available colors for their various thread sizes. I've also noticed they are much harder to locate locally. Oddly Hobby Lobby has size 10, 8, and 5 but no 3, which seemed strange to me. I have been buying other brands to get a broader base of colors but they tend to be pricier.

On to the pattern.

Top:

I started with a C hook for the top. It was too tight with the suggested B. However I shifted to a B hook in row 4 because as the increases occured the larger hook made the top way too large.

For the arms I did not add the increases in the suggested stitches as it made the sleeves into mini balloons and it didn't look great.

Shorts:

I used a C hook to get the shorts to fit and followed the pattern as written.

Headband:

I used a C hook to get the band to fit the head but the smaller b hook for the flower. The pearl buttons are from Joann's.

Shoes:

I used a C hook for the shoes. The t strap has to be played with to get it to work there is no easy way to get it to work.

My Life Sleeping Bag

The My Life dolls are on the board for the sleeping bag challenge of the doll donation. I am down to two more sleeping bags required for the 2025 donation. I need one more for the My Life dolls and one for the Glitter Girl.

These make great travel, waiting, sitting projects when you don't have time to read patterns but you do want something to keep your hands busy.

I usually try to finish the pillow section as it requires stuffing and counting rows. Once beyond the pillow I try to get it to where the pattern forms and then I find it is ready for a travel project. I don't bother counting rows, although I still mark the start of the row and count shells to make sure I'm on track with the pattern. I just try it on my model doll as I think I'm getting close to it being long enough to finish it off.

I got this one close to being done and put it aside this weekend while at a cookout. I didn't want it to be too long and was able to finish it off when I got home. I have another one started for the last of the My Life dolls. As I mentioned before I worked the pattern until it repeats and now it is an easy travel project ready to take with me when I'm in need of something to keep my hands busy.

The Glitter Girl pattern is slightly different as it is from Adoring Dolls and formed some what differently. I've only made it once so we will see if it is useful for a travel project.

Notes:

This is a free pattern you can find here. I used Red Heart Super Saver Ombres Violet for this bag and I would use it again for next year if they are still selling it. The color worked nicely for this project.

I need a K hook to make this work for the 18 inch dolls.

Barbie Doctor

I've been going through my Barbie binders looking to increase the donation for the fashion dolls this year. I'd forgotton about this out of print leaflet Annie's Attic Crochet Costume Party for Fashion Dolls 870014. I have another costume leaflet but they are far more costumes than anything that could be added for a career outfit.

I was suprised to find these use yarn rather than thread. Many of my older patterns are thread so it was a welcome break.

It has been nice to have a doll that fits the older fashion doll patterns. The previous doll I was using I had to do far more adaptations so I skipped using many of these patterns.

Notes:

This calls for sports yarn but sports yarn is a relative term especially with older patterns. Thankfully, this pattern has gauge so I tested some baby yarn I had to see if it would make gauge with the suggested e hook. To my delight it worked.

For my own records the green baby yarn had no label but I believe it is Mary Maxim's Baby's Best Yarn in mint. I've been buying their baby yarn when I have a shipping coupon because they work well for so many of my doll projects. The white yarn is Bernat Baby Sport White. In a twist I ended up needing Aunty Lydia's Size 3 Fashion Crochet yarn for the mask as the yarn was too thick.

I used a size E crochet hook for everything but the mask. I made the mask with a size D hook.

Shirt:

I chose not to add the sleeves. I couldn't get a modern scrubs look but the sleeves just looked awkward.

While using the directions to finish the neckline I also finished the sides of the shirt prior to adding the snaps.

If I had mint thread I would have added the pocket but the yarn pocket was too heavy and bulky.

Pants:

I thought the pants might end up being long but they fit as written. I made no changes to the pants.

Jacket:

I finished the ends of the jacket coat while working the collar and I would do that again.

I tacked down the collar and I would not do that again.

After I finished the coat I found the white thread for the mask. Next time I would try to make the pockets for the coat and see if they worked with thread instead of the heavier yarn.

Hat:

I think I'd make the hat a bit wider for the top and then perhaps tighten for the bottom. It doesn't fit well and I'd work more on fit the next time I make this.

Mask:

The mask pattern didn't work for me. First the yarn was just too heavy and chains work better for ties. The Adoring Doll pattern uses loops for the ears of the larger doll but there isn't enough of Barbie's ear to hold a mask so ties are required.

I just crocheted a rectangle finished the edges and then I added ties to each corner without crocheting back down the chain as this was just to thick even with slip stitches.

Our Generation Boy Swim Trunks

Another item finished for the swim suit challenge.

This is one of Adoring Doll's patterns that can be purchased here. I have the pattern set that includes bathing suits for the 18 inch boy and girl as well as 14.5 inch doll that I have used for the Glitter Girl.

Notes:

I use an I hook for this pattern.

To get it to fit the Our Generation Boy I need a starting chain of 46. This then changes the legs to 23.

The color change for the leg is marked for the 2nd leg not the first so the change is Row 11 stays yellow, row 12 blue, end with row 13 yellow.

The original pattern calls for a piece of yarn to be tied for the trunks as if it is a tie. I decided to crochet a tie and thread it through the fpdc as this year the trunks were loser and it allowed me to tighten them just a little with the pull ties.

Glitter Girl Drop Waist Dress

I thought I had made this pattern before but I can't find any notes in my records that I actually did. It is similiar to some of her other patterns so perhaps I just thought I'd made it and kept skipping over it.

You can purchase her pattern for the Wellie Wisher doll here. I've found the Wellie Wisher doll patterns adapt to the more affordable Glitter Girl dolls quite well.

Notes:

I've been digging into my stash of size 3 crochet thread for some of Char's patterns and I believe the pink is Aunt Lydia's Soft Mauve.

The pattern calls for two strands of size 10 Parakeet used together but I wanted simple so I chose a contrasting size 3 that would work with my variegated Lizbeth. I used Wildflower in size 3 Lizbeth for the bodice section of the dress. I also needed a little bit of size 3 white to finish the top of the dress.

I followed the directions using a size e hook for the project. I made no changes to the pattern. I might consider a D hook for the shoes as they were slightly big but would have to experiment with future projects to see if the fit would work with a smaller hook.

My Life Pioneer Nightgown

I haven't made this outfit in almost a decade. I suspect because it calls for yarn I don't normally buy and it is a yarn hog of a project.

You can still purchase the pattern here.

The last few years I've gotten more adventurous about trying out yarns I have on hand for projects before diving into buying special yarns where I think it will work. I decided to see if I could get this project to work with Red Heart Super Saver Artist Paints instead of the Babybee Hushabye Camo or what ever is currently available from Hobby Lobby at this point.

After close to a decade it is possible I'd still have another substitute. I love Hobby Lobby's yarns but I rarely get there and Red Heart tends to be one of my go to for affordable doll clothes.

Notes:

It took almost a skein and a half of Red Heart for this project and I started with a skein and a half so I was playing yarn chicken at the end. I ended up using a random pink to make the tie for the hat as I didn't think I had enough yarn left and I didn't plan on using ribbon. I wanted to stick with yarn.

I used the suggested I hook.

The two major changes I made were not using ribbons and adding a snap to the top back for closure instead of velcro. I've never found adding velcro to yarn to be an easy prospect so I've always used snaps or buttons.

One minor change I made do to the game of yarn chicken I was playing is I reduced the triple crochets to 5 for the bottom of the hat. I can go either way with this as the 7 looked good until I realized I was going to be short yarn, but I was also happy with the finished product of 5. The fiber difference between this outfit and the one I made before might be the reason the 5 was OK here. I'd likely experiment with more yarn to decide if it weighted down the hat too much or if I liked it with bigger shells.

While the stitches do eat yarn I love the texture it creates. I'd make this again making sure I have 2 full skeins on hand before setting out.

Both My Life Dolls have completed my 2024 Nightgown challenge.

Glitter Girl Bathing Suit

Another doll finished for the yearly bathing/swimsuit challenge.

You can purchase the Wellie Wisher pattern I used for this project here.

There are still a few vendors that make solid colored size 3 thread including Aunt Lydia's and Thread Art. However, finding the contrast multi-colored threads can be more challenging. I'd picked up some Lizbeth in size 10 but then it became hard to find. This year I found it at Handy Hands and picked up a supply of size 3 as I never know how long something will be available and I do use the multi-colored threads for a variety of projects. I can use 2 pieces of size 10 together but this burns through my size 10 thread faster and it is more of a pain dealing with the thread tangling. I list the vendor because I am sure at some point I will be looking and have forgotten where I bought the thread and be looking for the vendor again.

Notes:

I don't have the package label for the solid color so I don't have brand or color for the main thread for the outfit. If I had to guess I'd say it's likely Thread Art Slate Blue. I haven't found many shades and varieties left with Aunt Lydia to buy so I'm just guessing this isn't Aunt Lydia's.

Just a note for myself as I was trying to locate the source of the main color I did locate additional sources of size 3 for future purchases. I had checked Creative Yarn Source previously for size 3 because I get my 20 and 30 size thread there for some of my Barbie patterns.

I hadn't seen it there before but today I discovered the sell a Hilaze 3 brand and while there isn't a huge selection of colors they have colors I haven't previously found. I also discovered Knit Pick's has Curio 3 that I was previously unaware of with again not a huge selection but different colors than I normally find when looking for thread.

Getting back to this project the contrast color is Lizbeth size 3 Wildflower

I followed the pattern as written except that I finished the leg holes with a round of sc and then a round of sc chain 2 skip 1 around.

Our Generation Boy Basketball Uniform

I've mentioned on several occasions I haven't found many crochet patterns written specifically for the boy doll. However, there are some patterns that are generic enough that they work for either the boy or girl doll. I already made the doctor scrubs and now I'm starting in on some of Adoring Doll's sports patterns. You can purchase the basketball uniform here.

Notes:

Shirt:

This is made with Caron Pounder Kelly Green, Red Heart White and Black. I wanted the specific shade of green for future reference I tend to use what ever shades/brands of white or black I have on hand.

I used an I hook for the shirt and I'd stick with that for future projects as the fit was good for getting on and off the doll.

I made the button hole while trimming the neckline and finishing the back in white.

Shorts:

The shorts lists an f hook I needed an I.

I've never been good at adding ss along the edge of something so I ss to add the yarn to the side than did a row of ss not attached to the end of the shorts and ss to the end of the shorts. I left a long end and sewed the ss to the shorts. Not the most effective method but better than the mess I was making trying to ss directly to the shorts.

Shoes:

I used the suggested G hook and followed directions as written. I would likely use an H hook if making these for the My Life Doll.

16 Inch Baby Doll Sunny Days

Another outfit finished for the 16 Inch Baby Doll made with Darski's free Sunny Days Pattern for the outfit found here and her free Peachy Keen pattern for the shoes found here.

Notes:

Dress:

I used a J hook for the bodice and an H for the skirt.

Row 5 should read dc in sc 3 dc in 5 not 2 or the count gets complicated.

I don't decrease for row 6 as I find the bodice gets tight.

Row 14 is listed but I've never had the directions and have always created them. I'm now recording them for future reference. sc in first ch 2 skip 1 repeat around.

I failed to make this note on the written copy of this pattern which I have since added but I find this pattern to be short. I need to add more rows prior to making rows 12 and 13 the finishing rows for the skirt.

I've always finished the arms but again finally recorded what I did as the look with the larger hook is unfinished. sc chain 2 sc around.

Hat:

J Hook for hat. I followed directions as written.

Shoes:

I hook. Followed pattern as written.

My Life Pig Nightgown

I have a couple of themes going across doll groups each year. Some are clothing related like the bathing/swim suits. Others are accessories like the Snuggle Sacks and Sleeping Bags. Some come and go. This year I've been working on nightgowns as I have a few patterns that will work for some of the dolls. Not sure this will extend to the fashion dolls as it isn't a pattern area I've explored for them. However, it does work well with the baby and other doll groups so you will likely see more as the project progresses this year.

The 16 inch baby dolls are complete. I'm combing through my 18 inch doll patterns as I have a few and I'm thinking one might fit the Rag Doll with some work.

This is Adoring Doll's Pig Pattern Gown available for purchase here. The slippers were what really sold me on this being a must make project this year. The nightgown is cute but the matching slippers just make the outfit.

Notes:

This is made with Caron Pounder Rose and Red Heart Super Saver White, Black, and Pretty in Pink.

I used an I hook for the gown and an H for the shoes but followed hook instructions for all other portions of the outfit. I would consider using buttons for the eyes next time.

Lil Cutesies Bathing Suit

Next up for the bathing suit project is the Lil Cutesies doll.

This was made using Char's Swimset that can be purchased here.

I had my notes on the printed pattern so I didn't look at the post from last year until I was making this post and realized while I'd randomly grabbed a solid and variegated color match from my size 10 cotton supply these are in fact the colors I used last year. The pink is Aunt Lydia's size 10 French Rose. The contrast I believe is Hobby Lobby's Artiste Blossom but without the label it is hard to know for sure.

Notes:

I used a 1.75mm thread crochet hook for this project with size 10 crochet thread in the colors listed above.

In Row 16 of the bottoms part B I use hdc not sc.

Ruffle I hdc in row 17 not 16. For my own notes row 17 is worked around the complete doll in the back loops. This is the row the ruffle will be added to around the doll.

I do a sc around the legs followed by a row of sc chain 2 to complete the leg openings.

The back is finished with sc as part of the chain process. I mention this because I had forgotten from making this last year. I usually will finish a back even when not in the pattern.

I chained 50 for the ties.

The visor and shoes were made as written.

I have a few options for the Lots to Love 8 inch Baby doll which include coming back to this pattern for the bathing suit project. I am not sure which route I'm going yet.

Barbie Sleeping Bag

I'm quite excited to be able to see the end of the sleeping bags for the 2024 donation.

With this bag the fashion dolls all have their sleeping bags. I have three more to make for the 2 My Life Dolls and the Glitter Girl and I will be done with the bags for the year. It is a fun accessory to add to the donation and not terribly difficult to make. I just like finishing off the projects that go across multiple dolls as early in the year as possible. It prevents me runnig into the November deadline.

The free pattern for the sleeping bag can be found here. This however does not include the shells. The directions for the shell version work easily on all the sleeping bags but are found on the free Beanie sleeping bag variation found here. I like the texture the shells produce and it breaks the boredom of constant sc rows.

Notes:

I used an I hook with this sleeping bag.

Hunting through my stash I came across some Red Heart Ombres Jazzy that had the pink shades I wanted.

I don't count rows for these bags I keep a doll in my travel bag and keep measuring the doll in the bag until it feels like its a good fit.

I have started making a note on my phone about how many shells I'm supposed to have in each row as I found when I was making the Rag Doll I added shells. It wasn't as much of an issue with this bag but I still have the note on my phone so if I need to count it is there for future sleeping bags.

I have another round of appointments coming up so I need to get another one started before I head out. I prefer to get the pillow made and sealed before it leaves the house as the pillow has to be stuffed. I do have a closed pocket in my project bag with stuffing just in case I need to work on the go but it isn't my favorite way of working these projects on the go.

Our Generation Boy Doctor

There aren't many patterns written specifically for the male 18 inch dolls but there are enough generic patterns that I'm finding myself with a fairly decent wardrobe for the Our Generation boy doll this year.

This pattern is Adoring Doll's Doctor Scrubs pattern that also comes with a lab coat I've yet to make fit. It's on my to do list but I went up a hook size and it was still small this round so I clearly have work to do when I have more time to devote to it. For now the doctor scrubs seemed a good outfit to send along. You can purchase the set here.

I made this a few years ago for the My Life doll and the notes were helpful in making the outfit again for the Our Generation Boy. I made some additional changes specific to the boy and will add the previous notes I'd made for the My Life doll as I will likely visit this pattern again.

Notes:

Shirt:

In my previous notes I suggested trying an H hook and I went with that suggestion. For future projects I'd check the length of the shirt. It feels a bit long. I used a G hook for the sleeves. The pocket for the shirt was made ith a F Hook.

Pants:

I used an H hook as I did with the My Life doll and the waist fit was good. The legs were too long and I went with 36 instead of 38 rows for the legs.

Mask:

As per my previous notes I used an H hook for the mask and a D hook for the ear loops.

Shoes:

I find Adoring Doll's shoes seem to fit with the suggested hook size so I used the G hook for the shoes.

Hat:

I had suggested trying an H hook for the hat next time and the fit was good. My main challenge was running out of Red Heart Turqua and having to subsitute Herchnerrs Worsted 4 Turquoise to finish the hat. While it worked fine for the hat it is slightly lighter than the Red Heart. I don't think the pants or the shirt would have fit had I made it with the lighter yarn.

Rag Doll Sleeping Bag

I started out with the intention of making this sleeping bag for one of the My Life Dolls but soon realized that the opening was slightly smaller than I'd intended and it was a better fit for the Rag Doll.

I normally use an I hook for the Rag Doll sleeping bag but since I already had started and almost finished this for the My Life doll I reduced the rows and finished it off for the Rag Doll with a K hook. I will need to measure it earlier on the My Life doll when I make the next larger one to make sure I have the right fit.

This is a free pattern found here.

Last time when I was figuring out what I had left to make for sleeping bags I left out the Glitter Girl. So as it stands I still need two My Life bags, one for the Glitter Girl, and one for Barbie for the 2024 donation.

16 Inch Baby Doll Peach Baby Doll Nightgown

Many years ago when Mary Maxim stopped having the 15 inch baby dolls I stumbled upon the JC 16 inch baby dolls and started donating two every year rather than the single baby doll I had donated in previous years.

Over time I've been fortunate to add dolls and while the fashion dolls have cross over years where an additional doll goes while I start off with a new doll, the only other duplicate dolls are the My Life 18 inch dolls. I just end up with enough outfits for two every year. A kind friend at Crochetville has been donating additional My Life dolls and friends there donate enough clothing that those dolls leave extremely well dressed as well.

However, since I don't have specific patterns written for this baby doll when I find one I generally end up repeating it as if I'm making clothes for twins, despite the fact the dolls and all their clothing and accessories are likely going to different children. In order to keep it interesting for me I do try to alternate colors when repeating patterns unless a specific color is required.

I stocked up on Herrchners yarn a while back for my donation run this year. The nightgown is made with Worsted 8 Peachy and the hat with Worsted 8 Celebration Easter Yarn. While I try to buy only when I have a coupon their house yarns have proven to be a lighter, useful choice for some of my doll projects.

This is one of Darski's doll patterns that I printed at some point but it isn't part of the patterns still on Crochetville. She had her own site at one point and I might have found it there but sadly I can't share the pattern for the outfit.

For my own notes the hat is not included with the pattern and at some point I really should write down the directions.

Rag Doll Bathing Suit

With the arrival of the hotter summer weather I've embarked on the doll bathing or swim suit project for the donation. I try to send each doll off with a bathing/swim suit each year. I believe I have at least one or more options for each doll.

The Rag Doll is always a challenge to dress because there are no patterns written for the doll. You can purchase the doll at Factory Direct but they don't provide clothing options.

This pattern is adapted from a free Dora the Explorer Doll pattern Oceanside found here. I only use the bathing suit for the Rag Doll but there are other accessories included.

Notes:

I use a J hook for everything but the skirt and the trims on this pattern. For those sections I use an I hook.

The back doesn't close right away and this always throws me which is why I continue to take a picture of the finished back to remind me a large gap in the back is intended not a mistake.

I don't add the extra finish shaping rows at the top. It doesn't work right for me for this doll.

As suggested I do an extra row on the white skirt.

The skirt got a little folded in the back when I took the picture but it actually does work as a full skirt around.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Sunday Go To Meeting Dress

When Amy Carrico was still on Etsy I purchased a bunch of her doll patterns and only recently finished downloading and printing them to use for the donation. While she is no longer on Etsy, I did find this pattern listed for sale on Ravelry so feel free to check it out here.

Notes:

I used Aunt Lydia's Fashion 3 Crochet Thread in White and Black and Thread Art's Size 3 Crochet in Hot Pink for this project. Technically the shoes should have been made with the pink but I wasn't sure I had enough to do both shoes after making the head band so I decided on the traditional black Mary Jane shoes.

I made a note on the pattern and I have a note in my phone that the next time I make this pattern I should order two cones of the Thread Art in the main color for the dress as it is a bit of a fiber hog.

I went with the suggested b hook for this project.

The only major change I made was adding rows to the panties as they were too small for this doll. I went from row 10 to row 15 before doing row 11. This was a bit large and I ended up sc 2 dc around after row 11. So perhaps 14 rows would do the trick.

This is on my radar for next year as it is a very pretty dress. I'm not sure how well it adapts for the Lil Cutesies but I will see what I have time for once I work through all the Lil Cutesies patterns I have.

It was funnny when I saw the title of this project I wondered how many little girls still wear frilly dresses to Church and sure enough a little one behind me on Sunday came all decked out for Church and it made me smile to myself for doubting.

I'm still working on the sleeping bag project and I'm hoping to get started on the summer bathing suit project. Since Memorial Day has come and gone it seems like a nice themed based project to help me keep cool over the next few months.

My Life Pearly Dress

I'm getting better disiplined about returning patterns to their binders when I'm done with them for the year but every so often I find a stash of patterns that have been lost for a bit and I try to bring them back into circulation and then make sure they get back into the correct binder.

This is a free pattern you can find here.

One of the reasons I hadn't gone looking for it was I hadn't labeled the post with the pattern name. It's something I'm trying to do more often to include it in the post or the labels so it is easier to find when I'm searching the blog.

If you are looking for a dress up princess pattern for an 18 inch doll this is both free and fairly easy to make this is it.

The directions for the bodice and skirt are easy to follow. The under and overskirts are easy to make following her directions. One thing I'd really like to work on in future years is the arms. I find I'm not quite getting the look I'd like so it is something I need to work on when I have a bit more time to look at some other patterns to see if perhaps there's another approach that would work better for me.

I chose not to use pearl beads for the donation project despite the pattern title.

Notes:

I didn't write notes back in 2016 and I regreted it when I started this project.

This was a great chance to finish off some baby afghan yarn I've had for a bit. I lost a game of yarn chicken which is why the sleeves are white and the shoes grey.

I used an H hook for this project not the suggested G.

Bodice:

This has a series of button holes in the back I skipped making the button holes and closed with 2 snaps.

Skirt:

I found the underskirt was too long so I did rows 16-18 skipped row 17 and finished through row 22.

I had to eliminate rows from the overskirt to match the underskirt and keep the final row 21 which is more decorative.

Arms:

While I still need to do more work on the arms to get a style one note I made is you are working down the sc of the arm to expand. For some reason it took me several times to grasp this concept and I even underlined skip 2 sc on underarm as I misread this and had to try it a few times to get even what I got this time.

Headband:

The headband is a slightly different shade of the afghan worsted 4 baby yarn left over from the same kit that I used when I ran out of the lighter blue. The headband works up as written working around starting chain.

Shoes:

This pattern does not include shoes. The shoes are part of Sweet Silver Creations School Girl Uniform pattern that can be purchased here. I tend to use her strap shoes when possible because they stay on better but certain outfits require slip ons so I use this pattern instead when the outfit doesn't come with shoes.