Crafting is fun for all ages and interests. This blog evolved from researching resources for friends and articles I write as a freelance writer. It is a place to share the information I discovered. Please feel free to leave comments and questions. I am always looking at new projects ideas for family and friends in areas of my own abilities and theirs. As a notice to my readers this blog does contain Amazon links and Google Adsense. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Cuddle Up Romper
I have most of Amy Carrico's doll patterns for the sizes that I make but in looking at my previous year's projects for notes I don't think I've actually made this pattern before. I made another one for this sized doll with the feet but not this one.
You can still find the pattern to purchase on Ravelry here.
I have been picking up Herrschners' baby yarn over the years because it tends to be on the cheaper side if I can get a shipping coupon and because it has more color options that many of the cheaper acrylic brands. I've made these style outfits in pinks and yellows and it was nice to be able to branch out to peach.
Notes:
This was made with Bernat Sport Baby White and Hersrschers' Baby yarn. I used the suggested E hook for all pieces.
The pant directions do work as written but it took me a couple of tries to get the legs attached correctly. For future reference pinning the toes together facing forward helps. Use markers for specific points and to show starting and end points as these can get lost.
I do need to focus on finishing more outfits for the Lots to Love 14 inch doll as the outfit count for this doll is dead last at the moment.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Lil Cutesies Swim Suit 2025
Next up on the 2025 swim suit challenge is the Lil Cutesie doll.
This was made using on of Char's patterns that can be purchased here. It has directions for both the Lil Cutesie and Lots to Love 8 inch dolls.
I used size 10 Thread Art for the main color and Artiste for the contrast. I opted to use the contrast color for the visor and shoes.
Just a note for myself the visor for the 8 inch baby doll is not the same as the Little Cutesie doll. The directions for the Lil Cutesie make a larger visor. I had to frog my first one as it was too small for the Lil Cutesie after following the wrong directions.
Notes:
I used a 1.75 mm hook for this outfit.
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.
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.
I had to play with the visor this year for some reason to get it to fit. I also failed to note previously that the second round of chains for the shoe opening is missing and has to be added to make the shoes fit.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Chelsea Cinderella
I originally purchased Sweet Silver Creations' AG Mini crochet pattern set with Chelsea in mind. I had adapted some AG mini patterns from a different designer and though these would be a good match.
I hadn't had much luck with her Kelly 6 inch patterns when I tried ages ago. I was tempted to try again as I have more experience now and access to multiple sizes of thread but while I was able to buy a single AG Mini pattern first and then buy the set, there wasn't a similiar option for the Kelly set. The Cinderella pattern is available here for purchase. She also has a complete set for the mini's here.
After making Skipper and Stacie's dresses in size 10 thread with a 1.8mm hook for Skipper and a 1.25mm for Stacie I had hoped when I reduced the thread to size 20 that I wouldn't have to go below a 1mm hook. Not the case.
Notes:
I used size 20 thread from Creative Yarn Source and after experimenting discovered the .75mm hook was the right size for the project.
I've bought a considerable amount of yarn and thread over the last couple of months to replace or stock for some of the smaller dolls but there are always holes in my inventory. I did not have light blue and I believe the contrast yarn may be their turquoise. It was that or white. I am not scheduled to order more thread from them for a few more months.
With the .75 mm hook I did not need to increase the number of rows to get the bodice to fit as I had to do for Stacie and Skipper. Like the other two dolls though I did have to decrease at the neck to get the neck to fit the doll.
For the skirt I did rows 1-14 as written. I then completed rows 21-22. This gave me the floor length the pattern required.
The headband was more challenging with the smaller thread and hook. I'd consider adding an additional row the next time I make this.
The collar is challenging as it really shouldn't be wider at the neck but adding a closer without it being wider is difficult. I think I may add a row next year and see how it looks because the snap at the neck is really difficult to use.
Monday, May 26, 2025
Barbie Red Riding Hood
I bought the three set fairy tale pattern set and only attempted the Red Riding Hood outfit last year. I had intended to make it for Barbie last year but it fit Skipper better and she went off with the outfit and I never got back to the dresses.
When I tried this previously I made it with size 3 thread. I wasn't comfortable with the fit but I went with what I had. It was one of the reasons it didn't fit Barbie well. This year when I placed my Knit Picks order for Pallete I made sure I had the yarns I needed to complete the rest of the fairy tale outfits for both Barbie and Skipper.
Notes:
As I mentioned above this outfit was made with Knit Picks Pallete yarn.
I did keep the color choices I made from my previous Skipper project. The original pattern uses red for the dress and the hood. I wanted a dress that might be more useful when not being used with the cape so when the bodice was completed with white I changed to blue for the skirt.
I needed an E hook for the bodice and used a D hook for the skirt. I changed the directions to not join until the bodice was finished as I found it was hard to get the dress on and off without leaving the bodice open and using a snap to close rather than having it be a complete slide on and off dress.
Note to self because I don't join the bodice when I go back to make the straps the first row should be done as written and finished off. Since it isn't joined I need to start from the same side. I didn't do that with this and had finished off the edges before I realized my mistake. In order to have the right side showing it needs to be started again rather than returned.
I needed a G hook to get the hood and chained 31 for the ties as I found them too short to tie as written. The rest worked as written.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
16 Inch Baby Doll Sun Dress
I've been working on adapting some of Sweet Silver Creations' 18 inch doll patterns to fit some of the larger donation dolls. You may have seen this outfit for the Rag doll along with one of the 18 inch dolls being donated. I decided to try adapting it for the 16 inch Baby Doll to give me a wider range of clothing.
You can purchase the pattern here.
Notes:
I found this pattern to be a bit large for the Rag Doll with an H hook so I went down to a G hook for the baby doll and found it to be a better fit. I did need to add rows for length to get it to cover the white cloth legs.
This was made with Bernat Baby Sport yarn and I believe Herrschnerrs baby yarn for the contrast.
The shoes were made with the contrast yarn from my favorite free pattern set Peachy Keen found here. With the lighter yarn I needed an I hook to get the shoes to fit. I used a J hook the last time for this weight of yarn and I think I'd continue with that as these are a little tighter than I'd like for small hands getting on and off.
The hat was small with an H hook so I redid with an I hook until the last 3 rows changing back to the H hook for fit. I'd almost consider doing the brim rows with the g hook as they are a bit big with the H.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Swim Suit
Where possible I do try to give myself some variety in patterns. I have tended to use the same swim suit pattern for the Lots to Love 8 inch Baby Doll and the Lil Cutesies Doll but I remembered I had this free pattern from Amy Carrico Fun in the Sun, you can find here, and decided to try it out this year.
Notes:
I didn't have the suggested yarn but I decided to try Herrschners 2-ply Baby Yarn in what I believe is Dress Up. I didn't start with a full skein and I had plenty left over so it requires a limited amount of yarn for the project.
The pattern calls for a B hook and I found this worked well even with the change of yarn.
I followed the pattern as written. The one change I'd make for future projects is I'd make the ties for the top longer. It will make tying the top easier for little hands.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Lil Cutesies Sailor Dress
I've been playing around a bit this year with altering patterns for one doll to fit a different sized doll. I've done this in the past using patterns made for the 5 inch Baby dolls to make clothes for the Lots to Love 8 inch and Lil Cutesies dolls, especially for holiday outfits. I have several 8 inch baby doll dressed for the holidays for my own personal decorations. As I revisted the AG mini patterns for the fashion dolls I wondered about trying some of the designers 5 inch doll patterns for the slightly larger baby dolls.
I've been making the sailor dress for the larger dolls quite a bit this year so being familiar with the general pattern it seemed like a good starting point. You can purchase the 5 inch Sailor Doll pattern here. As I was searching through my doll binders I realized I actually already had the pattern as it also appeared in one of the Crochet Calendars along with the Sailor Boy for anyone who might have the calendars and want to check to see if they already have the pattern.
Notes:
I had thought I might be able to use size 3 thread for the outfit but I ended up with Bernat Baby Sport for the White with an I hook. It was a little roomy for the Lots to Love 8 inch doll so I think I'd try an H hook for that doll. I'd also use a smaller hook for both dolls for the hat. I have navy on order in sport worsted so I used a heavier navy for the trim but I did skip the shoes this time around. Hopefully the navy will have arrived before I try this for the Lots to Love 8 inch doll.
There is a diaper pattern for this outfit but I couldn't get it to transfer well to the larger doll. At some point if I do decide on diapers for these dolls I think I will have to downsize one of the patterns I currently use for the larger dolls, perhaps in thread.
Unlike the larger dolls, this pattern does have sleeves. I did try them but increasing this pattern to a larger doll the sleeves, like the diaper didn't work well so I left the dress like the original 18 inch pattern, sleeveless. It also makes it slightly easier for small hands to get on and off as tight long sleeves can be hard to get on and off these dolls.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Barbie Bella Dress
I picked up three fashion doll fairy tale outfits from Mel Garcia Tello last year and only ended up making the Red Riding Hood outfit for Skipper. This year with a fairy tale theme forming across the doll donation I decided it would be good to tackle the set. You can purchase this outfit here on Ravelry.
I had hoped I had both colors in Knit Picks Palette but ended up using Bernat Baby Sport which is a heavier yarn for the contrast on the top and bottom. I'd like to make this outfit for Skipper and am looking into getting the two colors I need from Knit Picks prior to making.
Notes:
The bodice required a C hook and I used a D hook for the skirt. I'd consider using a C hook for both in the future.
Note to self do not add closing snap until finishing upper part of dress. I did use a snap rather than velcro. I've never liked velcro and yarn. I needed a mini button for the top.
Friday, May 16, 2025
Calico Critters Sister Sleeping Bag for 2026 Donation
I've mentioned on several occasions that I take the sleeping bags and baby doll snuggle sacks as my travel projects. I move on to doll blankets if there is time before the donation is due. If I finish a project I try to set up the next project so it is ready for the next time I know I'm going to be some place where I know there is a chance I'll be sitting and waiting. Most of the time I remember what the next project is but this time I got it stuck in my head that I needed one more Calico Critters sleeping bag for the sister despite the fact I'd finished the family requirements for 2025.
This was a last minute project out so I grabbed supplies and had the project almost complete when I got home and realized the project was a duplicate. It was almost done and I wasn't going to frog it at this point so I decided I'd set up a separate holding section for the 2026 Calico Critters and I even started a 2026 donation page on my blog so I don't forget and continue to make even more duplicates.
With this explained these are quite simple projects if you don't mind crochet thread for anyone's Calico Critter families. The free pattern provides pattern adjustments for the adult and children critters. You can find the free pattern here.
Notes:
I used a 1mm hook and size 10 crochet thread for this project. I've been working through my supply of variegated thread for these sleeping bag projects.
I've been making this notes as I go along that less stuffing is better on the pillow. Also reminding myself that while the directions are clear on crocheting one end of the pillow the other end must be sewn shut.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Rag Doll I Feel Pretty
Over the years I've adapted a number of different types of patterns to fit the Rag Doll. I'm not sure I've ever tried this dress for the Rag Doll although I've made it for the 16 inch Baby Dolls on several occasions.
This is Darski's Free I Feel Pretty Pattern found here.
Notes:
Unless I can find a replacement I'm likely done with the Rag Doll but just for my own notes I made this outfit with an H hook but I'd likely try a G hook as it is a bit roomy for this doll.
The outfit is made with Herrschners Worsted Baby Stripes and Worsted 4 solid colors.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Stacie Cinderella
For some time now I've struggled to get a wardrobe made for Stacie.
Thanks to being able to adapt other doll patterns this year, I think for the first year she will leave with an adequate donation wardrobe.
I can generatlly get Barbie's clothes sized for Skipper and there are a surpising number of patterns out there for Chelsea but until I really stepped in to adapting other patterns for Stacie she's been rather neglected.
Many of the older pattern sets I have for this size fashion doll don't fit well for the modern version and the ones that do are a bit dated and not in a historical sense. I don't mind sending older styles with the doll but for some reasons some of the older patterns I have for this size doll didn't fit well even on the pictures of the models. So, I'm thrilled to find new options.
This is Sweet Silver Creations AG Mini Cinderella pattern that can be purchased here
Notes:
While this pattern wasn't designed for a fashion doll the changes are fairly simple.
I used size 10 royal blue Aunt Lydia's and light blue of unknown variety for this project with a 1.25mm thread crochet hook.
To get the bodice to the correct length I needed to repeat row 11 to row 17 and then move to what was row 12.
For the skirt to be floor length Row 21 was continued to row 24 before going back and completing row 22. This is actually more rows than required for Skipper who is taller. I can only suspect it has to do with smaller hook size.
I had slightly better luck with the overskirt counting the total number of stitches required and splitting them for the row placing half on either side of middle stich in front row. It still required a little fudging to get it to work but not the complete redo I did for Skipper's. Hopefully by the time I make this for Chelsea I'll have mastered the math.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Glitter Girl Swimsuit
Another doll checked off my list of swimsuits for 2025. This is a Wellie Wisher pattern that fits the Glitter Girl and can be purchased here.
Notes:
I used an e hook and size 3 thread for this project. The main color is thread art and the contrast is Lizbeth. For my own notes I can find Lizbeth at Handy Hands these days.
I do a row of sc around the legs to finish them as they have a rather raw edge when completed as written.
For no particular reason I left the visor out of this year's donation. I believe it comes from late night crocheting.
Monday, May 12, 2025
Ken A Nip in the Air
I found a binder of the Annie's Fashion Doll Collection patterns I'd been hunting for and promised myself I'd start working on the patterns that fit the donation this year. I've started and its been an interesting journey so far. This is the first Ken pattern I've worked on and there were some interesting challenges.
Hook sizes and fiber are always a starting place with older projects as what is listed isn't always available. In this case the older hook sizes have to be translated to modern mm thread hook sizes. A size 7 for instance isn't as helpful as it might have been when these projects were written.
One challenge I've found recently has been finding shades of thread for these projects. In this case I needed size 5 dark grey thread for Ken's pants. Grey is a challenging color at best but dark grey is even harder. My options for size 5 thread were limited to begin with but my amazing husband stumbled upon size 5 Pearl thread in the embrodiery section of Michael's. I had no idea if it would work but I had him bring home 7 skeins as I knew I'd need a significant amount to finish the pants with the smaller sized options.
Notes:
Trousers:
To my very happy surprise the thread made gauge and was easy to use with a crochet hook once I rolled it into a ball. I used a b hook for these pants. I'd consider going slightly smaller as the waist ended up larger than was helpful despite making guage. I would sew the belt shut and add the buckle after the fact next time. The pants should fit snugger than mine but I suspect they still can slide on and off. There is a snap on the pants to close them and I'd keep that but the two snaps are bulky and don't sit well together.
I needed 5 skeins of the size 5 Pearl thread to complete the pants for future reference.
I will need to reduce the wasit size the next time I make these pants either through using a smaller hook or reducing stitches.
I only needed 46 of the original 56 rows of the pants for this doll.
Sweater:
I believe this was made with size 10 Thread Art. I used a 1.8mm thread crochet hook. The original sweater, hat and mittens were made with red but it had a real Christmas feel to it. I wanted an outfit that would last through the fall and winter season as I don't tend to make many donation outfits for Ken.
I followed the body of the sweater as written. In the future I would make the sweater a little longer so it tucks better into the pants. I did have to change the arms as I found the arms as written to be huge.
Arms to row 21
Skip to row 27 completing 27-28
Skip to 34 completing 35-35
Skip to 38 completing 38-29
Repeat 39 to row 42
Mittens:
This was a different style of mittens than I've made before but they worked using a size 1.5mm hook.
Hat:
The hat was also made with 1.8mm thread hook with size 10 thread I used for the sweater and mittens. The white is Aunt Lydia's size 10.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Calico Critters Brother Sleeping Bag
I finished this travel project back in April and was sure it had been posted but after checking my blog it wasn't there. To keep my records straight here is the brother's sleeping bag for 2025. As it turned out this was the last one I needed for the 2025 donation. Another project type finished!!!
This is a free pattern available here.
Notes:
I used a 1mm hook and size 10 crochet thread for this project.
My consistant notes for this project is don't overstuff the pillow and remember that the top of the pillow is crocheted but the bottom must be sewn shut to the sleeping bag to keep the stuffing from falling out.
I've made the decision to start with the 18 inch dolls as the next travel project. Their sleeping bags take the longest to finish so getting them out of the way would be a good choice.
I was able to secure another Milk Bunny family set for the 2026 donation but only one set. Not sure if I'm going to need new models after that to match the donation Critters as they are all slightly different in how stuff fits.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
16 Inch Baby Doll I Feel Pretty
I've been rotating through the different sized dolls to try to keep a balance in the donation bags. There are two My Life Dolls and two of the JC 16 inch Baby dolls personally each year so they require more outfits. There is an additional donation through Crochetville members of other dolls and clothing items but that doesn't change the need to provide an extra set of outfits for each of these two dolls.
The main portion of this outfit is from Darski's I Feel Pretty free pattern found here. The shoes are from her free Peachy Keen pattern found here.
Notes:
The dress was made with an H hook using Herrschners Worsted 8 Baby Stripes Yarn Sweetie Pie. The contrast colors for the dress were Herrschners Worsted 8 Jade and Ligonberry.
The hat was made with the Ligonberry and a g and f hook. I took last year's suggestion and used 25 chains for the ties and that worked well.
Not shown in the picture are the panties which also used an H hook. Note to self that leg directions do mean divide for leg while not specifically stated. Also tie requires two strands of yarn so best to plan for that.
I finished the back of the dress and used a button for this outfit.
I did discover I can make shoes with this yarn if I go up to a J hook.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Chelsea Swim Suit
The weather this spring has been rather wet and cold. When it does warm up its been humid. What better way to change the attitude than to think of swim suit weather and so I begin my annual swim suit doll donation project.
Notes:
This is one of Char's patterns that can be purchased here.
With some adjustments this pattern will also fit Stacie so I hope to get her swim suit completed for this year as well.
I used size 20 Creative Yarn Resources I believe bright yellow and Lizbeth Tropical Punch for this project. I decided it was time to change up the colors I used for this project.
For my own records the Lizbeth came from Handy Hands as my variegated supply is getting low and I'm going to need to restock in the not too distant future.
This outfit was made using a 1.25mm thread crochet hook.
A note for future projects, I need to reduce the initial stiches for the crotch as it does not sit well between Chelsea's legs at the current width.
Monday, May 5, 2025
Skipper Cinderella
A while back I accidently bought an AG mini crochet pattern thinking it was for Chelsea.
Since then I've been exploring what other AG Mini patterns that might work for Barbie's sisters for the donation as I don't have lots of ready to make patterns for them.
In my search I discovered that Sweet Silver Creations has adapted her 18 inch doll pattern collection to the AG mini size. I have loved her patterns for my 18 inch doll donations so it seemed like a good idea to try out one of her smaller doll patterns to see if they'd work for the Barbie line.
This is her AG Mini Cinderella pattern that can be purchased here.
I decided to experiment to see how it would fit as written with the top to determine which doll I'd start with and how I would need to think about adapting it to fit some of the other dolls in the line. When it said size 10 and a size 7 thread hook I was thinking Chelsea was likely not going to fit but my goal was to try the pattern as written as see where I ended up.
Notes:
I used a 1.8mm hook with size 10 crochet thread. I believe this is Aunt Lydia's size 10 Dark Royal thread. I thought I'd be playing fiber chicken as I was originally thinking a smaller doll and only pulled out a partial cone but I had some left over. For my own sanity I would suggest having a mostly full cone before starting with one on the sidelines in case of mistakes.
When an outfit has armholes I try the outfit on for size after completing the armholes. It was clear from the beginning that this would not fit Chelsea but I had wondered if Stacie would be an option but Skipper was the winner. I'm still hoping to try this outfit with a smaller hook for Stacie before moving down to size 20 thread, which I plan to try for Chlesea.
I had to repeat row 11 of the bodice to row 21 to get the length I needed as she clearly is longer than the 6 inch American Girl Mini doll. This makes row 12 row 22. I didn't record the skirt additions but I believe it was an additional 6 rows to get it to floor length. I kept trying it on as I went and I'd do this when I make it again.
I changed the overskirt as I believe I likely do with her larger 18 inch doll Cinderella. I also needed to play with the sleeves. One sleeve trim seemed to go as written the other seemed to have more stitches so I played with it a bit.
The collar and headband worked as written.
I've since ordered her complete AG Mini doll crochet pattern set. Some of them will work better for this project than others but not all of the ones I wanted were sold as individual patterns and I've learned I will eventually go back and try stuff I never thought I'd do at some point.
Friday, May 2, 2025
Calico Critter Sister Sleeping Bag
I'm continuing my sleeping bag projects for the dolls. I have one more to finish for the brother and the Calico Critters sleeping bags will be finished for 2025. I'm thinking of moving on to the larger dolls so I don't leave them to the last minute once I get the brother done.
Notes:
This is a free pattern that gives patterns for the parents and children Critters. The adjustments are minor and its easy to work between the directions to make both. You can find the free pattern here.
I used a 1mm hook and size 10 crochet thread for this project.
I headed my previous notes and used less stuffing for the pillow and it worked better. The top of the pillow is closed by crochet, the bottom will need to be sewn closed.
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Stacie Critter Empire Dress
I've been having so much fun adapting patterns to fit Chelsea and Stacie. This one Calico Critters pattern has outfited 3 different donation dolls and I couldn't be happier. You can purchase the Calico Critters pattern here.
Notes:
I used a size 1.8mm hook and size 10 thread for this project.
In order to get this to fit the larger doll I continued with row 6 until the outfit reached Stacie's knees. I then finished rows 7-8.
I finished the back and neck before adding a snap to close. I also chose to finish the arm holes. I find this makes the hands less likely to snag.