Our Generation Boy Easter

When I see patterns for the 18 inch doll boy I try to pick them up to add to my options for the donation. I often find myself adapting more of the girl generic patterns.

This was part of one of Adoring Doll's holiday sets that can be purchased as individual patterns or as a set. Since I have Easter patterns for the other dolls in the set I decided to pick up only the male doll outfit and that can be purchased here.

Notes:

Shoes:

I was able to follow the pattern using the G hook as written as the feet are smaller than the My Life feet. I like the way these shoes fit and am making a note that they'd be good for future projects with pants. They have a boot look so a bit stranger for projects with shorts.

Pants:

I used an I hook for the upper portion of the pants and an H for the legs and waist.

Shirt

I used an I for the body of the shirt and an H for the arms.

I added 4 rows for the length to get it to be long enough for the doll before adding final row of brown.

This is a good pants pattern for future boy doll projects if I need a quick pair.

I finished back of sweater with white adding button hole and button.

Bow tie:

Made with suggested G hook. I would finish edges before wrapping next time.

Cap:

I used this pattern for the Valentine outfit and struggled with the directions but finally figure out the stitch count numbers are correct but at a certain point you switch from working the front of the cap to the back. I was trying to work in the round and was completely confused the first time I made the cap. Row 14 begins the directions for the back of the hat only. Figuring this out made completing the hat much easier.

I needed an H hook for the hat.

Calico Critter Dad Sleeping Bag

With the baby doll snuggle sacks finished for 2025 it is time to move on to the sleeping bags. I was thrilled to find a free sleeping bag pattern for the Calico Critters that adjusts for adults and children. It seemed like a great way to start the next accessory challenge.

I finished this one helping out at a down town event last Saturday. I was amazed how much attention a thread project got. While knit and crochet are becoming more common in public, thread is still some what unique I've discovered in public situations.

Notes:

You can find the free crochet pattern here.

I used a 1.25mm hook for this project.

I am going to start the Mom bag up as I have several appointments where this would be a good travel project.

My Life Harriet

This is the second pattern from Darski's free Harriet pattern set found here.

Notes:

I tried to document hook size this time but I have more limited notes on the yarn.

I have no idea which brand I used for the darker grey. The lighter grey is from my last shipment of JoAnn's Big Twist Yarn. While I always found their worsted 4 to be a bit lighter it had one of the widest selection of colors available. I will miss their yarn.

Hat:

I used a J hook and followed the directions as written.

Skirt:

I used a hairband for the skirt elastic.

An H hook worked for the skirt when using elastic.

Sweater:

I used an I hook for the sweater.

Reminder there is an extra row added to the bottom when you finish the back and sides so consider that before adding more rows for length. I had to work around this as I had added additional rows for length and didn't have room for another row when I was finishing the edges.

I added a row around the collar as it seemed a bit tight.

The sleeves are finished with ss.

Scarf:

I changed the count to 100 as I find it to short otherwise. I finally noted this on the pattern after making the first attempt too short.

This is made with left over Mainstays Pink Blend that I used for the baby doll's Valentine outfits.

The shoes are made from Sweet Silver Creations Sailor Pattern that has been my got to shoe pattern for years. I'm not sure if it has been working with so much thread recently but I've gone from making these shoes with an I hook to a G hook for this pair as they've been a bit large. You can purchase the pattern here.

My Life Claret

This is clearly not Claret but Big Twist Purple. Where practical this year I'm continuing my quest to use stash yarn for projects where possible. I still need to buy certain weights and colors of yarns when I run out but where possible I'm trying to substitute with yarns on hand. A note to myself I think this pattern would also work up well in shades of green. I don't always include this dress in my donation projects but it is one that I should use more often.

Notes:

Claret is the second pattern in Darski's free Harriet pattern set found here.

I used an I hook for this dress I finished the back with a row of hdc before adding button row as I've found the Big Twist to be a slightly lighter yarn and in this case the dress even with the I hook was a little tight in the back for buttons. With the additional hdc it fit fine and allowed the buttons to be used.

I'm currently working on the Harriet outfit from this pattern for the other My Life doll.

Chelsea Block Dress

A while back I started picking up 6 inch doll patterns from Petite Doll Designs for the Chelsea Doll. It wasn't until someone posted about the patterns in an American Girl Doll forum I asked if these would fit Chelsea not making the connection since the designer's name hadn't been posted. Sure enough I never realized I'd been buying American Girl mini patterns not actual Chelsea patterns but they work.

With some adaptations I can also get them to work for Stacie which is awesome since I have so few patterns to fit her. I discovered that when I made the coat following the directions as written and Stacie had a coat and I never got back to making one for Chelsea. Learning from that mistake I started with the adaptations I learned from previous mistakes and not only finished this outfit but have started on Stacie's outfit for next week.

You can purchase the pattern for this project here.

Notes:

I used size 20 crochet thread and a 1.25 mm hook for this project.

Since I didn't understand the directions for the armholes I chained 1 skipped 10 stitches for each armhole and continued the directions as written. I had to fudge the skipped and continued stitches on the pattern to come out even but it worked since I was not clear on how the arms were supposed to be created as written.

I sc around the armholes to finish when the dress was done to make them cleaner using decreases to fix some areas that were in need of shaping after the pattern change.

I changed the last row to follow the pattern of 4 rather than increasing. I tried the increase but it made the dress too bulky for Chelsea. In the future I might just try the 4 rows it is a bit longer than I had hoped.

The directions call for a close tie but I used the directions to finish the back and neck and used a snap to close the top of the outfit.

I followed the hat pattern as written.

I tried the shoes but opted not to make as they were just too big and bulky even with the smaller thread. I've found crochet fashion doll shoes a tough task.

Calico Critters Mom Morning Glory Dress

Happy St. Patrick's Day! It is much easier to find free and paid patterns for the Mom Calico Critters. This is a free pattern found here. That being said most of the dress patterns are variations on a theme as it is hard to fit something to a toy this small.

Notes:

The pattern calls for fingering yarn I used size 3 Thread Art's Lilac Crochet Thread. I am moving more to thread with some of these smaller projects. Fingering yarn is a subjectiver term and I sometimes have yarn that will work and sometimes it isn't a fit. I decided to start with crochet thread and only move to yarn if I couldn't make it work with thread.

I needed a 1.5mm hook to get the dress to fit the Critter.

I chose not to use the elastic with the headband. I also found the count off for the critter I was using. I crocheted a chain long enough to fit the animal's head and then used hdc for the headband.

16 Inch Baby Doll Snuggle Sack

With this I celebrate the completion of another category of doll projects for the 2025 donation. All the baby doll snuggle sacks are now complete.

I was able to complete this one while sitting in a meeting of crochet friendly people in mid February. I find it much easier to concentrate with a crochet hook in my hands if it is a simple project that doesn't require serious focus. The snuggle sacks, sleeping bags, and doll blankets have filled this mission for me over the years.

Notes:

You can find the free pattern for this snuggle sack here. There are also free patterns for smaller sizes and sleeping bags on the site as well.

This was made with Red Heart Ombres Deep Teal. This didn't stripe as well as some of their other ombre colors I've used for this project. Not sure I'd go with this blend again although I would use it for one of the sleeping bags.

Calico Critter Brother Overalls

I believe I've mentioned it before but there aren't many patterns for the male Calico Critters. Many crochet patterns seem to be overalls likely because it is easier to keep the pants up with the straps from the overalls?

There seem to be more sewing options for males. I have picked up some holiday sets and recently bought some sewn outfits on Etsy for holiday decorations for my own Critters. However, for the donation it appears for the most part the boys will be heading out with a much more limited selection of outfits.

This pattern can be purchased here. Like the father overalls pattern there is a pattern for the male and female character at this size. At some point I hope to get back to making the sister version to add to her donation.

Notes:

Like the Dad pattern, I switched to size 20 thread and used a 1mm hook for this pattern.

I chose not to go with the cuffed pants.

One challenge I'm finding is the small buttons I bought for Barbie are a little big for the brother/sister animals. Not sure if I can find something smaller but I will be looking for something useful as a smaller alternative to what I have. Since they are sewn on and not functioning as a button I'm hopeful I can find something that works.

St. Patick's Day Ornaments Part 2

This is the last set of St. Patrick's day ornaments for my friend's business but I'm hoping to get some Easter ones made. Perhaps some bunnies and eggs. Sloth's are a particular favorite animal which is why I adapted a Halloween pattern I had into a St. Patrick's ornament. You can purchase the Halloween pattern here.

I generally prefer ami's with round heads, especially when you want to add things like hats but I had this pattern with a flat head, it was already fairly small so taking it to ornament size didn't disort the pattern so I decided to go with it rather than finding something new. Sloths were a must for this project.

This is made with Sinfonia Cotton yarn I picked up at Creative Yarn source when I was making lots of Ami's a while back. It was a great choice for this project. At some point I'd like to find a rounder Sloth for a different kind of project but this was well received and didn't actually make it to the tree.

Recently someone was kind enough to share a box of old crochet patterns that had been gifted to them. I chose this one because of the multiple holiday themed items included which I thought would make cute ornaments. For those of you interested the leaflet is from Annie's Attic Crochet Backpack Buddies 872853 by Michelle Wilcox. She has long been a favorite designer. There are some great ideas here for future tree decorations.

The original Halloween sloth pattern had a pumpkin between his legs. In order to make it work I really needed to replace the pumpkin with another item and the pot of gold seemed like a great idea. I wasn't as happy with the Orble pattern I used previously so after searching I settled on this free pattern you can find here.

Why the extra pot ornament you may ask? Well this is what happens when you mix and match patterns reducing to fit a tree ornament. I thought I reduced enough but I ended up needing to make the pot in thread to make it fit the sloth. Now I had another pot of gold for the tree. Hopefully it fosters luck on the business.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Dress, Shorts, Hairband, and Booties

After succesfully converting this pattern to thread from the suggested 4 ply yarn I have had to reorder some baby doll friendly colors for my doll projects. When I first started using thread for doll clothes Aunt Lydia's was my major provider for thread. However, the selection of colors and sizes has sadly become more limited over the years and I've found myself having to expand my search to different vendors to get more colors and thread sizes.

For my own records since I sometimes lose the labels for the threads and have to do some detective work to hunt down the brand so I can reorder, this is size 10 Apricot from Thread Art. I am almost done with my last cone of this color. I have just about enough for some trim but not enough for even a small doll project.

I plan on experimenting with more of Petite Doll's smaller doll designs in thread as I find mine are a bit bulky in thread. I like the lighter look and feel in size 10 thread.

Notes:

As mentioned this is one of Petite Doll's designs available for purchase here.

I previously made and posted about making this for the Lil Cutesies doll. While slightly different in size I've found most patterns can accomadate both dolls.

I do not use the tie directions for this doll I join all rows. I added a row at the top before making arm holes as it seemed a bit short for this doll as written.

While the stitch count works on the dress moving to thread the pants did not and I had to move to a chain of 64 to get the pants to fit. I eventually reduced it to 62 as I progressed making each leg count 31.

I liked the ch 3 trim on the shorts legs last time so I didn't even attemp the picot.

The booties worked as written.

Still struggling with headband. I ended up using hdc and following directions with this stitch rather than dc as it was rather large with dc.

My Life Skirt, Sweater, Hat and Poncho

I almost always ask for patterns when I get requests for gifts and this was a recent Valentine's present. You can purchase the pattern here.

While I love dress patterns I always appreciate finding separates that can be mixed and matched. The sweater and skirt are likely to appear again. I have other poncho patterns that I would likely go back to instead. This one didn't quite fit as well as some of my other poncho patterns for this doll.

Each year I try to limit the amount of special yarn I purchase for doll patterns. I have a rather large stash of yarn and I've been trying to work from the stash when possible only replacing certain key weights and colors and allowing myself a few special yarn projects each year. This project called for Hobby Lobby cotton. I rarely work with cotton yarn for doll clothes so I don't have this in stock. At some point it would be interesting to see if it changes some of the bulky issues I had with the outfit.

Notes:

I used an I hook for this pattern.

As I mentioned earlier I used acrylic worsted I'd be inclined to see how it works up with the suggested cotton yarn.

16 Inch Baby Doll Snuggle Sack

These snuggle sacks worked up quickly this year. I finished this one at the beginning of February but just got around to posting it now. This free pattern was a great find as they are easy to make and add a nice accessory for the baby dolls.

You can find the free pattern for the larger baby dolls here. There is a pattern there I use for the smaller baby dolls along with patterns for sleeping bags I use for the other dolls.

Notes:

I use a J hook for the sleeping bag.

I follow the pattern but keep measuring the doll for length as this pattern was not designed with this doll in mind. As the length gets close I add the final finish row.

This was made with Red Heart Super Saver Color Block Iris Bouquet. I rather like this yarn for this project. Colors tend not to last forever but I would buy this again for these types of projects.

16 Inch Baby Doll A-Line Dress Part 2

With the 18 inch dolls I have enough patterns that I don't have to revist each pattern to make enough outfits to send each doll off with a decent wardrobe. I do send some out because I like the outfit or its a quick add but often they leave with very different wardrobes. However, for the 16 inch Baby dolls I have fewer patterns to outfit the two dolls and most patterns are repeated once proven to be succesful.

The A-Line dress was a new addition this year as I continue to explore the out of print Margaret Funk's Baby Doll Fashions to Crochet to adapt them to the dolls I donate. I liked the first outfit I made but I made a note that trying it with lighter baby yarn would be a better fit and I do believe I will keep with that option when I make this next year.

Notes:

I used Baby Bernat Sport yarn with an I hook for this outfit. As with the previous outfit to fit this doll it requires additional rows to cover the white leg coverings.

The back is closed with a snap.

Darski's free Peachy Keen pattern is my go to shoe pattern and you can find that here.

St. Patrick's Day Ornaments

Friends have a holiday tree in their place of business that they keep decorated for various holidays. I've been trying to make ornaments to add to the holiday cheer. I made hearts last month based on the pattern from one of the doll sweaters. This month I'm working on some St. Patrick's Day ornaments. This was my first set I delivered Saturday.

The first shamrock was made converting a no longer available free shamrock potholder pattern. Since I didn't want it potholder size and I wanted it to be a bit more dainty for the tree I went to size 10 thread and a B hook. The original pattern was from Pricilla's Crochet.

The second was made from a no longer Orble pattern. I used an e hook and chose to crochet a gold "mound" rather than the suggested gold coins since it was hanging from a tree and I was concerned the coins would fall out and be lost.

Rag Doll Summer Dress

I bought these blond haird Rag Dolls from Factory Direct for several years for the donation after someone sent me one they had dressed for the donation and I took on the challenge of trying to dress one. The last time I ordered my replacement dolls they came in a version that I had replaced when I found these. The hair is thinner and a bright orange/yellow color. I tried finding a replacement for this doll but I it is not meant to be. If my inventory is correct the Rag Dolls I ordered will see me through 2026 as I don't wish to waste what I ordered. However, I've already started working on adding the Calico Critters this year which will eventually replace the Rag Dolls in the donation rotation.

Notes:

This is an adaptation of the baby doll summer dress from Margaret Funk's House of White Birches Baby Doll Fashions to Crochet.

I need to add an additional sc row before starting the changed directions for the 16 inch baby doll that I've documented several times.

I started with an E hook and repeated row 5 once. Thus rows 3-6 follow the original directions for 3-5 moving each row directions down one. For the original row 6 now row 7 that starts the skirt I moved to a D hook to decrease the skirt size as it is too large with the E hook.

The top is slightly large for this doll so I finish the top and the arm holes with a sc 4 decrease around. It isn't even but it does help make the outfit fit better.

This was made with Lion Brand Ice Cream Cookies and Cream Yarn.

Calico Critter Dad Overalls

I've been trying to rotate through the Calico family to make sure everyone leaves with something to wear beyond what clothing was in the box. As is ususal with most crochet doll patterns it is easier to find patterns for the girls than the boys.

This is one of On a Calico Day's Patterns that can be purchased here. It includes an outfit for Mom and Dad. For those interested her patterns do frequently have sales.

Notes:

I looked up my notes from making patterns from this designer previously and I realized despite making gauge my clothes were rather large when I made them previously. I had not made this outfit but after starting with the suggested hook size and thread I checked my notes and realized I needed to adjust for a better fit.

These are made with size 20 thread and a 1mm hook. These notes are just for my purposes. You may find the pattern as written works for your toys.

There are two options for the legs, one has cuffs the other does not, I chose the straight legs pattern.

Even with the smaller hook and thread I found for the full length leg I followed the capri directions for the Dad. The pants were at the bottom of the leg at that row count.

I had bought a bunch of micro buttons for Barbie patterns a few years back. I still thankfully have a significant supply. I'm sorry to see Joann's go as it was a major supplier for my doll project.