Chelsea Nightgown

I've been working steadily to get these project themes finished across all doll categories where I have the patterns to meet them. I found an American Girl mini pattern that I previously adapted for Stacie and Skipper back in June. I never thought it would take until October to get to making Chelsea's nightgown.

I bought a complete pattern set for the AG mini's as some of the ones I wanted were not offered as individual patterns. However this pattern can be purchased alone and is available here.

Notes:

I needed size 20 crochet thread in two colors and a .75mm thread crochet hook to get this to fit Chelsea.

I chose not to add the arms or the top trim based on notes from my previous projects. I've not had great luck with crochet fashion doll shoes so I chose not to make the slippers.

For this project I followed rows 1-10 as written with the thread and hook changes. When I make this again I'd go to row 11 to make it a bit longer. I then skipped to row 16 and completed from there.

The counts for rows 3-5 are off and I've adjusted them to make the outfit fit.

The neck closes with a tie and I chain 40 before adding.

Our Generation Boy Sleeping Bag

I finished the crocheting part of this at an appointment last Friday. I did the final finishes at home. These do make great travel and wait projects. I do try to do the pillow section as it requires stuffing at home and get the bag section started but after that it is a great calming waiting project. This was finished over two appointments.

You can find the free pattern at Suzies Stuff Blog here.

I've been working harder on the join after creating the pillow section. This is the only challenge I have with the pattern as it sets the form for the whole project. Something has changed in what I'm doing as I hadn't had a problem in previous years so I'm taking it more slowly. Testing the doll to make sure it fits before adding the rest of the rows. I also think I may have added an additional sc row after joining before starting the dc shell rows. I will keep working on this as this previously had not been an issue and clearly the pattern hasn't changed in all these years.

Notes:

This was made with Red Heart Ombre Cocoa with a K hook.

I don't count rows once past the pillow. I continue to measure it against the doll closing when it is easily past the feet with room to sc closed with a little space at the bottom.

Our Generation Boy Swim Trunks

This is an Adoring Doll pattern that can be purchased here. I have the set that includes the boy, girl and the Wellie Wisher doll patterns. You can buy the individual pattern that I've linked or it is sold as a set.

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. Again a note to self for next year actually count. I did the color change a row early and it will work but it is better with the additional row.

This is why I actually write these notes for myself. Sadly when I'm rushed I don't always read them. I did this the last time I made them and something told me I'd done it before but I read the pattern directions not my notes and I didn't follow the notes which also allows you to tighten the trunks if they are a little loose.

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.

I mentioned in a previous post about a hat I made for the 16 inch Baby doll from a Linmary Knits pattern that you'd be seeing it again for the Our Generation Boy as I'd made a mistake and it was too large for the baby doll. When possible I try not to waste items that could be used by another doll if it is just a matter of size. When I saw this I thought it would make a great sun hat for his swim trunks. I never thought when I made the hat in July it would take me until October to get the trunks finished but they are done in the same donation year so that is a blessing.

16 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown 2

I've been on a push since I got back to crocheting again to finish off the nightgowns, swim suits, and sleeping bags for all the dolls involved with those projects. With this one finished another set of dolls is complete for nightgowns.

I do not have a link to this Darski pattern.

Notes:

I used a G hook and Herrschners Worsted Weight Yarn for the nightgown and hat.

The hat is still a work in progress but I am trying to get it to a point where I like it enough to write it down to use again rather than starting each time fresh. It is primarily started with magic circle sc and then uses increases to expand the top of the head. When it is ready to expand down I start a pattern of 3 back post dc and 3 front post sc for some texture and I find it helps get the hat on and keep it on the head.

I'm currently adapting a mini-AG pattern that I used earlier in the year for Skipper and Stacie to make Chelsea's nightgown.

Chelsea Sleeping Bag

There are certain projects I try to make each year for the donation. A few years back I added sleeping bags and snuggle sacks for the respective doll types. I also have some targeted specific clothing items I try to make for certain dolls. For a variety of reasons I've fallen behind and need to get caught up on these items and you will likely start to see more of them posted in the coming weeks.

I finally finished this one Tuesday.

I received an email from the school and it looks like the drop off date for the donations is the first couple of weeks of December. I am hoping to be done with 2025 donations before Thanksgiving so I can get everything boxed and ready to go, leaving me the time to enjoy the holiday and start on the 2026 donations.

I am working on two sleeping bags a Barbie family member and an 18 inch doll and currently a nightgown for the second 16 inch baby doll. It gives my brain a little rest between repetive projects.

I've been using Suzie's Stuff's sleeping bag patterns for all the non-baby dolls except for the Glitter Girl.

This is her Teanie Tiny pattern for Beanie Babies found here. Her sleeping bag patterns can be done in sc or in a pattern that provides texture. I generally make the larger dolls with the shells and Chelsea with sc. This year I finally changed the color of her bag and decided to try the shells. I like the shells. I might even try a patterned yarn like I do with the larger dolls next year. This was scrap yarn I was hoping to finish off so a good choice for the project.

Notes:

I used an I hook for this project.

As I mentioned with the previous sleeping bag project the first join is critical to attach correctly or the opening is too small.

I was and am continuing to work on the boy Our Generation Sleeping Bag. I will be starting Stacie's sleeping bag also using this pattern.

Once the top is established I continue the length until the feet are fully covered and then follow the closing instructions.

Rag Doll Sleeping Bag

I've been making this free 18 inch doll sleeping bag pattern found here for some time now.

What I realized this year is there is a specific way to join the top of the sleeping bag or it is too tight for the 18 inch doll to slide easily in and out. This is the second year the Rag Doll has inherited a sleeping bag made with a K hook instead of an I because the opening was too small for the larger doll.

I recently had to frog a large section of another one when I realized I was headed in the same direction with one made for the Our Generation Boy. I think I've identified how to verify it is joined correctly but I've also decided not to continue with the pattern until I've tried it on because it isn't worth having to pull it all out again.

16 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown

This was another one of my September projects that never got posted. Nightgowns/wear are one of my yearly challenges for the dolls. I try to see how many outfits I can complete for different dolls in each category before the deadline. When I have options I will use different patterns when not I repeat as needed.

This is one of Darski's patterns that I sadly don't have a link for but it is a simple nightgown that ties in the back. I've used this for years for the 16 inch baby dolls. I still need to make one more and its on my to do list before the donation is due. I did make a mistake with this one as it didn't get a hat. There is no pattern but I generally do work something up. I will make sure the next one has one.

I stocked up a while back on Herrschners worsted and baby yarn for doll projects. This is made with Herrschners worsted weight and a g hook based on last year's notes. I will write on the pattern any additional notes I have when I make the second one for this year's donation and add them to that project page.

My Life Rivulets

I finished three projects in September and while I got the pictures taken and they are in the correct donation bags I never wrote up the projects. I consider this process to be important because I go back to these posts each year to see what I completed and looking for notes on the completion.

What I noted as I was getting this post ready is in my rush to just get the pictures taken and printed for the donation I listed the wrong pattern. This makes it hard to trace my notes for future patterns leading me back to why I try really hard to go back and post projects even after the fact because it reminds me what I did and how.

I had a push going on through the summer to alternate between Darksi's free 18 inch doll patterns and Adoring Doll's paid patterns. They each add variety to the donation and different fun for my crochet life. I misidentified this as Darski's Madison pattern in my picture save but it is actually her Rivulets free pattern that you can find here.

Notes:

As with last year I went with Caron Super Saver for this outfit. I've been working on finishing off a skein and as per last year's notes the thicker yarn works better to create this outfit. I used Bernat Baby for the shawl and trim.

Follow length as written when adding trim. I added additional rows thinking it was short and the trim doesn't work as well.

I used the suggested I hook for everthing but the top trim. I used a g hook for the trim on the top as it tended to poof with the larger hook and the lighter yarn. I might use a g hook for the trim on the bottom next time as well as it got a bit bulky with the I hook.

Don't increase beyond four dc between the post stitches as the skirt gets to be huge. The last row is all dc before adding trim. I missed this and the trim sits better from dc row.

The bottom trim rows need to adjust for reduced number of increases.

After finishing the dress directions I finished the back and top of the dress with the primary color yarn before adding the white trim. This made for a cleaner back and made adding the trim easier. It also makes the arm holes look cleaner when completed.

Be careful not to split yarn changing from chains to dc for arm holes. The white yarn is soft but it needs to stay strong for the arm holes.

I need to do a V stitch in the end stitch of each end for each row of the shawl, not in the chain stitch. I struggled with this last year and caught the direction this year.

Our Generation Boy Basketball Uniform

This has been a challenging year for getting crochet time but I still believe we will have an amazing donation. I'm starting to focus on finishing the targeted projects for the individual dolls. This could be one of the last items just for fun that will be made for the donation as the deadline is fast approaching and I still have lots of must makes to complete before then.

Since I added the boy Our Generation doll I've had to seek some of the more generic girl patterns to convert for the boy doll. Adoring Doll Clothes has sports patterns that have worked well for the boy. This is her Basketball pattern that can be purchased 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:

I needed an I hook.

I kept this note from the previous year's post as I found it helped me complete this year's project.

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:

Last year I used a g hook and I wrote it worked well for the Our Generation. I found the shoes were a little harder to get on and off so next year I'd suggest an H hook for the Our Generation. If I was doing this for the My Life Girls I'd use an I.

16 Inch Baby Doll Linmary Knits Dress, Hat and Shoes

This is the final outfit I need from this free Linmary crochet pattern found here. The shoe pattern is from a different free set found here.

For this round with the 16 Inch baby doll I went with Baby Bernat Sport Yellow and Blue.

Notes:

As I continue to remind myself this pattern uses British crochet terms so as an American I need to translate the terms or the dress will have a very odd look.

These were my notes from the previous dress but oddly I had to make some changes to get something to fit.

Dress:

I used a G hook for the bodice and skirt. I added 5 additional rows and an additional contrast row to the bodice for length prior to adding the skirt. To help myself keep track I have notes on the pattern regarding the repeats as they are not written out and with multiple repeats and row changes for each repeat I lose track. I finished the neck and the arm holes decreasing both as I found them a bit big this time.

For dress 2 I went with an f hook as I found the g was just to big. Sometimes my guage does change.

Hat:

I used an e hook to the contrast rows and changed to a g hook at the contrast rows until the end. As with the dress I wrote out the repeats on the sheet to keep track of which row repeated each time.

I had to stick with the e hook for the entire hat as the second one I made is going to be a sun hat for the Our Generation Boy's Swim Suit set.

Shoes:

I've started experimenting using this pattern with the matching lighter weight yarn as I don't often have worsted weight in the same shades. To get the shoes to fit I need a J hook with Bernat Baby Sport weight yarn.

No changes to the shoes.

My Life Kalia Party Dress

I wanted to get two My Life outfits completed this week so I went to my Adoring Doll pattern binder and this was item two for the week. You can purchase the pattern here.

According to my blog searches this is the first time I've made this pattern for the donation.

This was another orphan skein that I pulled in my must use pile. The yarn is fine it just had gotten buried and I am determined to use stuff I've bought and have it leave with this year's donation.

Notes:

Dress:

I started the dress with an I hook instead of an H switching to the H hook when the pattern called to change.

To get the length I wanted I needed to add two rows before doing the white finishing trim. I also chose to finish the neck and arms in white. It just made for a cleaner trim. I closed this with a button. I finished the complete back the pattern just adds a button hole. I just find it a cleaner finish.

I used the suggested G hook and number of chains for the tie.

Shoes

I used an I hook for these shoes. I think I'd try an H hook the next time as these were a bit large. I used a G hook for the strap and add a seried of chains that I connected to the strap to connect the button. A variation from the pattern but it worked for me. These shoes are different from the Robbie Lynn button shoes. I wanted to try them but having made both if I wanted button shoes I'd go back to the Robbie Lynn shoes.

Barbie Cocktail Dress

I'm continuing to work through Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls including a Complete Wedding Esemble and Trousseau. I promised myself I was going to use these older patterns I had bought that would work for the donation.

Notes:

This was made with Herrschners Size 10 Crochet Thread. I have been using their house brand yarns for the doll project for years. This was my first time using their thread. I love getting different colors, especially when the cost is cheaper and I have a shipping coupon.

I checked several times to make sure this was marked as size 10 but this was clearly not size 10 thread as it was far too thick. I've found between brands there is a range of thickness but this was about half way between 10 and 3. It worked out for this pattern and I if the other colors I bought hold true this could be the answer to some pattern issues I've had that fall between 10 and 3. Size 10 is just too light no matter which hook I use and size 3 is too heavy. This middle size would be perfect for several of my patterns if this isn't just a fluke.

I used a 1.25mm thread hook for this outfit.

As many of these patterns seem similiar this pattern starts on page 20.

This pattern calls for 2 snaps. I placed one at the top and one at the waist the second to last row before starting the skirt.

My Life Robbie Lynn Spring Dress

This is one of Adoring Doll's patterns that can be purchased here.

I love this pattern because its simple but I find it to be adorable. The sweater adds a nice touch to the fairly simple dress.

Notes:

I pulled a crate of yarn out of my yarn storage and made a promise to myself I would find ways to use up these orphan skeins. Some have labels others not. The blue from this is a unlabeled worsted weight yarn. I only used about half for the project but it was a start on my commitment to use up yarns I have that have been living here far too long.

I used an I hook for the sweater and the top of the dress. The skirt was made using an H hook. The shoes required an I hook.

Looking back at my previous notes made creating the shoes much easier as there are directions for making a right and left shoe as the buttons are on the outside of each shoe. However, I found it just easier to look at the shoe, decide where the button needed to be for that shoe and create the buckle for that shoe based on the directions. I found I almost made two of one shoe just following the directions. The visual was a big help.

Ken Pajamas

I started to look for a pajamas pattern for Ken not remembering I'd made him pants and a robe in 2022. The pattern came from Crochet World's Fashion Doll Showcase #1.

What I actually wanted was a more traditional pajamas pattern though not just a robe and pants. I thought I'd found that my pajamas pattern flipping through Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls including a Complete Wedding Esemble and Trousseau. I didn't look that closely at the time to realize it wasn't a pajamas pattern but actually a jumpsuit that reminded me of a costume from the Six Million Dollar Man. With that in mind the top still worked for my project if I didn't make it a onsie. Not finding lots of other options I decided to go this route.

Notes:

I used a D hook and Baby Bernat Sport Blue yarn for the top and followed most of the pattern as written through row 10 where I stopped before joining to make the jumpsuit. The one major difference I made was to use sc for the collar as it was way to large with the suggested dc. The sleeves worked as written.

I made the pants the way I make most of Ken's pants. I measured and sewed a piece of elastic big enough for his waist and crocheted around it with a C hook and the same yarn as the top. When I reached the crotch I split the paints by chaining 4 in the middle and joining thus creating two legs of equal stitches. I crocheted one leg until it was long enough I believe it was 19 rows. I ended it and completed the second leg.

These are the smallest white butttons that come in my button sets I buy. I bought some mini buttons for the Barbie outfits and they work with the thread and fingering yarns. However, they are not big enough to work with the baby yarn. I had to remove and add the larger buttons. Just an FYI note to myself for future projects.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Baylees Bikini

This is an Amy Carrico pattern which does not look like it is available for purchase any longer. I keep checking back as her patterns do pop up on either Etsy or Ravelry from time to time but no luck this year.

Having finished the swimsuit for the Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby doll I'm one outfit closer to finishing the challenge. It was the perfect swimsuit weather. I often end up making these in the winter dreaming of the warm weather but this was made in the middle of a hot humid heat wave and I wanted to be at the beach.

My previous notes indicated I needed to go up in yarn and hook size but this year I stayed with the directions for both but had to play with the waist a bit as it was a bit larger than I needed.

Notes:

This is Bernat Baby Sport Ombre I believe Baby Baby but not having the label not sure.

I used the suggested e hook for this outfit. I did not have time for the towel and I did start the sandals only to remember why I don't make her sandals. I can never get them to fit right. It is a cute outfit without either and some year I may get around to making the towel to add.

One note to self this does look better in darker colors. I went with baby yarn on hand but looking at previous project the darker pink looked better.

Barbie Miss Freedom

Having finished Ken's outfit I moved on to Barbie's.

My favorite part of this outfit and the one thing I'd love to come back to again is the skirt. To revisit this outfit I would like better accessories for it as it is a good bit of effort and I wasn't as pleased with the outcome as I'd hoped.

The only item other than the skirt that did not require a 1.25mm hook was the hat which again was the 1.8mm.

Skirt:

The skirt was a somewhat challenging fit at the waist. I did the first two rows switching to a 1.8 mm hook for the rest of the skirt. Once past the initial waist area a B hook was far to large but the skirt would not have fit without starting with the larger hook to establish a wider waist.

This outfit was made with size 10 crochet thread.

Bib:

I'd actually try adapting Ken's bib to Barbie if I made this again. The mock turtleneck looks nice but it doesn't connect well in the back and makes for a bulky join.

Jacket:

This version of the jacket does add the arms as you go but I had to play with the stitches a bit avoid sewing the arms together at the end.

Ken Mr. Freedom

One of the advantages to working on a holiday donation a year in advance is when you miss a holiday deadline you still are ahead of the calendar. I started working on the Independence Day outfits for Ken and Barbie in June but life happens and I finished both up over the weekend.

A while back I had received as gifts patterns from Judys Dolls and Patterns. Her patterns were more complicated than many I had tried but I loved the various styles and themes. Sadly when I went back to link this pattern I found her Etsy page was gone. Now that I had started to work on her patterns I was hoping to purchase more.

In case she does make a return to the Internet this was her Mr. and Miss Freedom pattern that gives holiday outfits for Ken and Barbie sized fashion dolls. One of the reasons I had hoped she was still online is I did find a missing row 8 in Ken's trousers pattern which left me clueless as to how to proceed with a different style of pants than I normally make so I reverted back to my traditional split for the legs as I couldn't figure what had happened in row 8 that possibly made the count in row 9 real.

Notes:

Trousers:

Size 10 thread and 1.25mm hook

I followed rows 1-7 and did my own split for the legs. After doing so I only needed 23 rows for each leg. This could be do to change of pattern of the Ken I made this for either is possible.

Bib:

The jacket was listed next but I thought I'd have a better chance figuring hook size if I made the bib and vest first and this worked out better for me.

I used a 1.25 mm hook and did pattern as written.

Vest:

1.25mm hook

I used a button and avoided snap or bead. I tried the bead but since this wasn't a display doll glue wasn't an option and sewing ruined the look. A small button worked better.

Hat:

The hat was tight and I ended up with a 1.8mm hook

Jacket:

I found the jacket for both dolls a bit tricky to get the front lapels to work correctly.

The pattern calls for the sleeves to be made and sewn in but I've never had luck with this option so I opted to match the stitch count and crochet them on.

Barbie Nightgown

I still have to go back and finish Chelsea's nightgown from the AG mini pattern but I wanted to explore my Barbie binders to find something for Barbie. I hit this one first, although I suspect there are more in the collection. I rather liked this one and decided to make it the next nightgown for the challenge.

I returned to my out of print newsprint House of White Birches Crochet Wardrobe for 11.5 inch Fashion Dolls. There are a couple of options for night wear for Barbie. I chose the negligee pattern.

The original pattern uses size 10 thread with a starting chain of 60. I suspected this wasn't going to work but I try to see where these older patterns are going because they can surprise me.

Sure enough this was huge. Even reducing to size 20 thread it was still enormous. That's when it was time to use some crochet math to decrease the pattern and save my size 20 thread for other projects.

I started with a 50 percent decrease but it was not to be an easy math day. Decreasing that much made it too small. However a 75 percent decrease with some rounding and a few adjustments made for the fit I needed.

Notes:

I used size 10 thread and a 1.25mm hook for this outfit.

Chain 45 After making the math changes to rows 1 and 2 the only additional adjustments were to the row counts as they were now smaller than the original pattern. However the basic pattern worked with the reduced counts.

There is a 3 stitch cluster between each sc set. The cluster being 3 sc in one stitch.

Row 1: sc 6 cluster sc 11 cluster sc 7 cluster sc 11 cluster sc 6 total 53 stitches

Row 2: sc 7 chain 8 skip 14 sc 11 chain 8 skip 14 7 sc

Follow rest of instructions as written with understanding stitch count will differ.

Also as a note to myself clearest way to know you've made a mistake is clusters should not be stacked on top of each other they should alternate rows. If this pattern is not occuring you have made a mistake. I noticed this a couple of times and was able to go back and fix before I'd gone too far.

One mistake I did make is not counting total number of rows it took to complete for the length of this doll. The pattern calls for 40 but I don't have an accurate count. I worked on this between other projects as the repitition can be a bit dull at times. I also like to give my hands a break from the smaller hooks.

16 Inch Baby Doll Shell Stitch Dress, Cap and Shoes

This is the Shell Stitch dress for the second of the JC 16 inch baby dolls to be donated this year.

Notes:

This is the Shell Stitch Dress and the Cap pattern from House of White Birches black and white newsprint leaflet Baby Doll Fashions to Crochet. It was published in 1981 for anyone who might wish to find a copy. The shoes are my favorite free doll pattern found here.

Dress:

I used the suggested D hook for this project with Bernat Baby Sport Baby Baby yarn.

Rows 2-4 teach you a pattern for increases for this outfit. The original pattern keeps this going through row 8 I need to go to row 10 before doing the original row 9 to create the arms to have enough length in the bodice.

The shell pattern for this dress is 2dc ch1 2dc. I tried this and the dress was huge. Not at all as pictured. I pulled it out and tried a shell dc ch1 dc and had a better fit.

To cover the white onesie this doll is constructed with I needed to add rows to the skirt. The skirt ends at row 23. I went to row 29 which when you change the row counts becomes row 30 for the whole pattern.

I finished the back up to the neck before doing the trim this allowed for a cleaner back and made putting the snaps on easier. I also did the trim for the arms.

The original dress has a higher waist which I tried when making this outfit for this doll but I found it was harder to fit with the doll's construction so I lengthened the bodice. It is a different look than the original but I rather like it for this doll.

Cap:

The cap is another pattern in this book that I decided needed a rework if I wanted it to fit this doll. The original has dc increases around twice and I found the hat was unshapable afterwards. For my own records this is the cap pattern on page 46. There are directions for multiple dolls.

I used a G hook and used a magic circle and 12 DC. From there I increased by an additional stitch each row until row 9. Row 9 I did a DC 1 decrease 1 around to make a tight fit. Row 10 I turned and dc in the back loops so cap would turn upwards and did one more dc row in this direction and finished off.

Shoes:

I've been trying the shoes with lighter yarn this year and it seems to be working out OK. They still look better with the worsted 4 yarn but they look odd when the shoes tend not to match. I need a J hook with the lighter yarn to get them to fit.

Rag Doll Swim Suit

I've been trying to work through the bathing suit challenge for the donation on a weekly basis as time allows. This is a free Dora the Explorer pattern, Oceanside, found here that I've adapted for the Rag Doll.

Notes:

I used a J hook for the suit and this year went with a g hook for the skirt as I find it gets a bit big. I chose not to add an additional row. Not sure if I will go back to the double row next year. I kind of like both.

I continue to add the backside picture to remind myself this pattern doesn't join right away but it still works out fine. The first few times I made this it had been a year and I'd forgotten. I'm sure the first time I don't add this note I won't remember.

Glitter Girl Emry Dress

As I was looking the link up for this pattern I just discovered it exists for the 18 inch doll so I have to check my pattern list because I'd like to have both. You can purchase the Wellie Wisher pattern that fits the Glitter Girl doll here.

I am going to try to make this pattern twice. I liked this pattern a little longer without the skirt but I'd also like to try it with the skirt in a different color to add to my donation supply for this doll.

Notes:

I used Knit Picks Pallete and an E hook for this dress.

To get the shirt dress look I added an additional 2 sets of the 2 row repeat pattern. This required 5 matching colored buttons and fudging a little as to where the button holes fit.

I marked all chains for this patterns as I found them harder to find when I went back to crochet into them the following row. I also did this with the button holes until I added the buttons as I wanted to make sure the button holes lined up. Once the button holes were attached they seem easier to find. However, prior to that I was losing them.

Our Generation Sleeping Bag

After finishing off the Calico Critter family's sleeping bags I decided to jump to the larger dolls as those bags take a longer time. I finished off this one last week after several appointments brought me close to the edge. I finished it off at home as I need to make sure it fits the doll before closing the end. Measurements are wonderful but I like to see it fit before finishing it off. I started another large doll one and already have the pillow section completed.

This is a wonderful free pattern that can be found here. She has multiple sizes of sleeping bags and also has free patterns for the baby doll sleep sacks I use for the donation on her site as well.

Notes:

This was made with Red Heart Super Saver Deep Teal Ombre with a K hook.

With this one complete I have one more for the Our Generation Boy, 2 My Life Dolls, and the Rag Doll to complete with this pattern. The Glitter Girl uses a different pattern from Adoring Dolls.

Skipper Nightgown

Like Stacie's nightgown this too is made from an AG Mini pattern that can be purchased here. I bought the set so I'm slowly working on adapting the patterns that will work for the donation to the Barbie's sisters.

Notes:

I made some additional changes for Skipper after making this for Stacie.

As with the previous AG Mini adaptation I needed size 10 crochet thread and a 1.8mm hook to get this outfit to fit Skipper.

The bent arm issue still makes this hard to get on and off of Skipper with the style of the arms so I left them off.

After adding the trim to the bodice for Stacie I decided not to use if for Skipper and I wouldn't use it for the future outfits. I am still planning on using this for Chelsea this year and will likely be back to this for future donation years.

I added notes to fix the count that increases with each row where I just winged it with Stacie's outfit. I will have this for future attempts.

The bottom trims worked better with the additional notes I added for myself. I was able to get both trims in contrast rather than just one.

Lastly just as a note to myself this closes with tie no need for a snap. I did finish the back before adding the ties and collar.

Rag Doll Linmary Dress

I had started this in yellow but realized it was too big and I hadn't used back loops for the bodice. After having completed this outfit with the back loops I'm not pulling out the other project, I'm going to pick up where I left off and use it for the other 16 inch baby doll. I can see why the pattern works in back loops to add texture but for the amount of effort required the outcome hardly seems worth the effort and the contrast colors don't work as well.

Notes:

The bodice of the dress required an e hook for this doll and a g for the skirt. I likely could have tried an f with the slightly heavier Bernat Baby Softee Baby Yarn, mint that was the primary color for the dress. The contrast is Big Ball Baby Bernat Sport white.

I hope to get one more outfit from this pattern for the other 16 inch Baby doll, the yellow one I mentioned and then it can go back into the large baby doll pattern binder until next season.

Ken Swim Trunks

There are certain patterns, like the 16 inch Baby Doll shoes that I repeat constantly because they are the best pattern for the job. There are other patterns I repeat because despite the huge supply I have it takes time to go through my options and then figure out what it will take to complete the new option.

I've been making Ken's swimming trunks from an old Crochet world pattern for years. It wasn't so much a favorite as it was something I knew. This year as I started to use the Leisure Arts out of print Honeymoon Wardrobe leaflet 2132 for Barbie and Skipper's swimsuits it seemed a practical idea just to look at Ken's pattern for a change.

The Crochet World pattern is fancier. The waist is ribbed and it has stripes. It also is made with thread and depending on the Ken model of the year it has been a bit challenging to make gauge. It is a good bit of effort for a swim trunks. I'd rather save the detail work and time for something that looks worthy of the effort.

Crochet World 2009 pattern

Notes:

This was made with Baby Bernat Big Ball Sport yarn and a size B hook.

Having looked at the previous pattern I would decrease the waist line before splitting for the legs. The narrower legs look better. There is a short set pattern in this leaflet I may add as well and I'd likely do the same for that pattern as well. This is a 1991 pattern and the doll featured in the pictures has bigger legs than the modern Ken doll I'm using. Just something to keep in mind as I work through more of these patterns.

The only adjustments I made for this outfit were yarn and hook size. The fingering yarn I had was too small and I needed a B hook not the suggested 2.10mm hook. My 2.0 was too small.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Petite Dress Hat and Booties

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

I believe this is the first time I've made this in the suggested colors. I found some Bernat Baby Big Sport in blue and added it to my stash since the last donation round and it seemed like it would be fun to follow the suggested colors since I had the yarn on hand.

Notes:

Dress:

To get this to fit the Lots to Love 14 inch Baby Doll I needed two hook sizes for the dress. I used a G hook for the upper white bodice section of the dress and an H hook for the skirt. Both sections were made with Big Baby Bernat Sport yarn.

A note for myself I cleared the counter and started from 0 for the 6 repeat rows. I hadn't tried this before but it just made less math to track. I reset the counter when the six repeat row were complete. I did the same thing for the hat repeats.

I often change the number of chain ties as they seem short but 50 was correct for this dress.

Hat:

I realized I hadn't listed hook size for the hat the last time I made this so the hat needs a G hook.

The pattern was worked as written.

Booties:

I still struggle just a bit with the booties. I used a G hook for the booties and chose not to use the tie but instead to bend the tops down. I consider using a smaller hook for the contrast color in the future.

16 Inch Baby Doll Dress, Hat, and Shoes

I love it when a pattern free or paid fits multiple sizes of my doll donations. I previously made this for the Lots to Love 14 inch Doll and I need one more for the other 16 inch baby doll and I think I'm also going to dry to get the dress to fit the Rag Doll.

You can find the free pattern here for the dress and hat. The shoes are my go to free pattern found here.

Notes:

This pattern is written in British crochet terms which I have translated to American terms on my copy just to keep from forgetting. I do need to add a note to myself about working in back loops as this is the second dress of the year and still no back loops. Two more to go so we shall see.

I used Bernat Baby Big Ball Sport in White and Lavender. I know with so many stores closing yarn is harder to find but I still find this quite a bit at Walmart in the odd colors like Lavendar and Yellow. Online I sometimes only find white and pink.

Dress:

I used a G hook for the bodice and skirt. I added 5 additional rows and an additional contrast row to the bodice for length prior to adding the skirt. To help myself keep track I have notes on the pattern regarding the repeats as they are not written out and with multiple repeats and row changes for each repeat I lose track. I finished the neck and the arm holes decreasing both as I found them a bit big this time.

Hat:

I used an e hook to the contrast rows and changed to a g hook at the contrast rows until the end. As with the dress I wrote out the repeats on the sheet to keep track of which row repeated each time.

Shoes:

I've started experimenting using this pattern with the matching lighter weight yarn as I don't often have worsted weight in the same shades. To get the shoes to fit I need a J hook with Bernat Baby Sport weight yarn.

Stacie Nightgown

This is another one of the AG mini patterns I'm adapting for the Barbie dolls. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

In order to get this pattern to fit Stacie I needed a 1.25mm hook and size 10 crochet thread.

I chose yellow and a Thread Art variegated yellow for this outfit.

The pattern includes arms, I chose to leave them off for Stacie as getting the outfit on and off would be rather hard with her bent arm and the opening created for the neckline.

I also did not include the bunny slippers. I find shoe patterns for the fashion dolls to be challenging when written for the doll. Trying to tackle them for a pattern not written for the doll seems not worth the challenge at this point.

16 Inch Baby Doll Shell Stitch Dress

While I've revisted old favorites this year I've been pleased to venture into new territory for the JC 16 Inch Baby Doll this year. It keeps it interesting to try new things each year.

This outfit is mostly from the Shell Stitch pattern and cap pattern found in the out of print House of White Birches black and white newsprint leaflet Baby Doll Fashions to Crochet. It was published in 1981 for anyone who might wish to find a copy.

One thing I've learned with making clothes for baby dolls is the size of the doll is only a starting point when looking at patterns as the pattern rarely tells you more than the length of the doll. This is actually a pattern for an 18 inch baby doll but I had to add to the pattern to get it to fit this doll likely because it is a padded baby doll. I tried it on the Lots to Love 14 inch doll and because it is so chubby it might actually work for the original pattern I changed but not for the changes I needed to make for this doll.

The shoes for this pattern are my go to free pattern you can find here..

Notes:.

Dress:

I used the suggested D hook for this project with Bernat Baby Sport Baby Baby yarn.

Rows 2-4 teach you a pattern for increases for this outfit. The original pattern keeps this going through row 8 I need to go to row 10 before doing the original row 9 to create the arms to have enough length in the bodice..

The shell pattern for this dress is 2dc ch1 2dc. I tried this and the dress was huge. Not at all as pictured. I pulled it out and tried a shell dc ch1 dc and had a better fit.

To cover the white onesie this doll is constructed with I needed to add rows to the skirt. The skirt ends at row 23. I went to row 29 which when you change the row counts becomes row 30 for the whole pattern.

I finished the back up to the neck before doing the trim this allowed for a cleaner back and made putting the snaps on easier. I also did the trim for the arms.

The original dress has a higher waist which I tried when making this outfit for this doll but I found it was harder to fit with the doll's construction so I lengthened the bodice. It is a different look than the original but I rather like it for this doll.

Cap:

The cap is another pattern in this book that I decided needed a rework if I wanted it to fit this doll. The original has dc increases around twice and I found the hat was unshapable afterwards. For my own records this is the cap pattern on page 46. There are directions for multiple dolls.

I used a G hook and used a magic circle and 12 DC. From there I increased by an additional stitch each row until row 9. Row 9 I did a DC 1 decrease 1 around to make a tight fit. Row 10 I turned and dc in the back loops so cap would turn upwards and did one more dc row in this direction and finished off.

Shoes:

I've been trying the shoes with lighter yarn this year and it seems to be working out OK. They still look better with the worsted 4 yarn but they look odd when the shoes tend not to match. I need a J hook with the lighter yarn to get them to fit.

Skipper Swimsuit

As I mentioned in my post about Barbie's swimsuit I was on a hunt for a different swimsuit pattern and settled on one from an out of print Leisure Arts Leaflet 2132 Hawaiian Honeymoon.

Skipper was fortunate to benefit from all my attempts at making this for Barbie as I believe my final attempt for her will be the template for future swimsuit projects for these two dolls.

Notes:

For this project I used size 5 Bernat Cotton thread which has sadly been discontinued. For my own notes Hobby Lobby Artiste has a limited number of colors which will also work for this project when my current supply runs out.

I used a size B crochet hook for this project. I tried it on Barbie when I was done to see if it would work for next year and it will work for her as well.

For myself I will add the note I put in Barbie's project about making sure the crotch is even on both sides to avoid having a lopsided project.

Barbie Sweetheart Dress

I promise myself each donation year that I will try to use some of my older patterns that are appropriate for the donation. This is another offering from the out of print leaflet Leisure Arts Hawaiian Honeymoon Wardrobe 2132.

Notes:

This is made with size 10 crochet although I'm not sure of the brand. I needed my 2mm Tulip Etimo hook to make guage. However, I would consider using the suggested 1.8mm in the future.

I measured the suggested 3 inches for skirt length but this is much longer than the skirt in the picture. Not a huge issue for me as I try to avoid short skirts for my donation projects.

Skipper Bella Dress

I took the lessons I learned from making Barbie's version of this dress into making Skipper's dress.

Notes:

This was made using a Mel Garcia Tello pattern I purchased here.

This time I waited until I had the Knit Picks Pallete yarn in both colors to complete the outfit. While I was able to complete Barbie's outfit with yarn on hand having the same fiber made for a better fit.

I did read my notes on the Barbie outfit before starting so I used a C hook for the whole outfit. I need to try this on Barbie to see if it fits as well as I expect it will when I make this for next year.

I also followed my note about waiting to add snap until contrast yarn was added to the bodice. I also waited to finish the back until adding the contrast. When both were completed I added the closing snap.

Note to self I need to order more mini buttons. This was my last yellow one.

Barbie Prairie Rose

I've been collecting Annie's Fashion Doll Crochet Club Patterns from second hand sites for years as I missed out buying them new. However, finding an actual binder of the pattern renewed my interest in focusing on using the patterns for the donation. If I was going to invest in finding a collection of the patterns I needed to commit to using as many as would work for this type of donation.

One of the ones I pulled out and put in my to do pile for this Spring was Pretty in Pink FC30-02 which has 2 different patterns that I hope to complete. As you may guess from the title of the blog this is the Prairie Rose pattern. The second is called English Tea Rose.

Notes:

A reminder to myself to read the pattern completely before beginning.

I'm constantly adapting patterns because often the older Barbie patterns don't fit the modern Barbies. They can be too big or too small depending on the year Barbie I happen to purchase for the donation. I generally can tell if there are arm holes or if not when the bodice is complete and you can see even without arm holes if the fit will work.

I generally start with the suggested fiber and try for gauge. In this case it was size 10 thread with a B hook. I tried the dress on Barbie and Skipper and the back wouldn't close on either doll. Not having size 5 in pink I tried size 3 but it was incredibly bulky. That's when a note on the pattern caught my eye right and left plackets. I googled the word as I was not familiar with it and then I had my answer to closing the back. These were panels for the back of the dress to close it so I could use the size 10 thread and the B hook.

I chose to use thread instead of ribbon for the ties. When I make this again I would reduce the number of rows for the apron as it is slightly long as written.

The dress fits Skipper rather well and I'm thinking of making it without the accessories as I don't think they would fit her as well as the dress alone does.

Barbie Swimsuit

I don't have a favorite swimsuit pattern for Barbie and Skipper so I decided it was time to keep looking through my binders to find another option. I looked at my records and the last time I used this leaflet was before I started this donation so its good to see it getting used again.

Notes:

This pattern comes from Leisure Arts out of print Leaflet 2132 Hawaiian Honeymoon Fashion Doll Wardrobe published in 1991 for those who might be trying to find a copy. I'm not sure how I've overlooked this one but I'm thinking of coming back and trying some of the other patterns for Barbie, Ken, and Skipper.

I originally tried this with fingering yarn but it didn't fit well at all. I moved to size 3 cotton thread thinking it might hold the shape better and it did but it is still a bit bulky. A note for future projects since I'd make this again for both Barbie and Skipper that Size 5 thread with a B hook will work for both dolls.

This picture is a note for myself to remember the crotch needs to be balanced or the swimsuit top will be off center and the legs will fit awkwardly in the suit. It is one of the more unique ways I've seen an outfit started and it took me a bit to realize why it was off but I left myself this reminder for future projects.

I finished the sides, back of suit in addition to the directions for finishing the legs. It just gave the suit a more finished look.

16 Inch Baby Doll I Feel Pretty 2

This is the last of the I Feel Pretty Outfits I need for the 2025 donation. You can find the free dress pattern here and the shoe pattern here.

I chose Herrschners Worsted 8 Celebration Easter Yarn for the second JCA 16 inch baby doll outfit. The contrast yarns were also Herrschenrs Worsted 8 Posty and another unknown shade as I don't have the wrapper but it is in my Herrschners box.

Notes:

The hook sized varied on this project. I used an H for the dress. The hat required a G and F hook. I needed 25 chains for the hat. I followed the directions I wrote for the previous outfit and had no trouble finding the directions to split the legs for the panties this time around. It also requires an H hook.

Using the lighter Herrschners yarn I've found a J hook will allow the shoes to fit. I add an extra row to finish the shoes.

I finished the back and for this outfit chose to close the back with a snap rather than a button.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Dress, Hat, and Booties

I've been trying to keep track of which dolls have been falling behind on filling their donation bags and I noticed the Lots to Love 14 inch Doll needed some attention.

Notes:

This outfit is made using a free Linmary Knits pattern found here for the dress and hat and what is becoming my go to bootie pattern for this doll from an Amy Carrico pattern Spring Set which I believe can still be purchased on Ravelry here.

This doll requires an E hook for the bodice and a G for the skirt. The main color for this outfit was Bernat Softee Baby Soft Red. I don't believe I've used this yarn often. It is a 3 weight yarn but has the feel of Caron Simply Soft. The contrast color is Bernat Big Baby Sport Yarn yellow.

I need to adapt this pattern just a little bit as the Lots to Love doll is a pretty chubby baby doll.

One note to myself that I always forget and already have forgotten as I've begun a second outfit for the larger baby doll the bodice should be done in back loops. I still have two more outfits to complete after these two so a chance to redeem myself.

After reading my notes from my last project I chose not to join until I reached the waist as this makes getting the dress on and off easier. I closed with a snap.

WHat was not in my previous notes was I needed 6 additional rows followed by two contrast rows for bodice length before starting wasit after completing original bodice pattern. In the past I've done this as one solid bodice color. I like the contrast split. I would consider splitting the rows more evenly between the contrast colors as I reached the waist before completing another set of directions. It would be more balanced if I split the two sections evenly.

The directions for the hat should also be followed in back rows until you reach the shell rows which I clearly did not do. For this doll I would stick to the e hook for the entire hat not switching to the g hook as suggested. The hat is a little large.

The booties fit as written with the same yarn I used for the main project and an e hook.

Skipper Red Riding Hood

I failed to include the link for Mel Garcia Tello's pattern to purchase in my previous post about making this for Barbie so I'm starting with it so I don't forget to include it. The pattern can be purchased here.

I've been so pleased to find so many of Barbie's outfits either fit or with minimal changes can be made to fit Skipper since there are limited patterns for Barbie's sisters available to crochet.

Notes:

I didn't need to make many changes from Barbie to Skipper for the outfit to fit but I did fix the mistake I made on the Barbie dress section.

I used the same Knit Picks Pallete colors for both Barbie and Skipper. Skipper's Bodice is smaller so I used a D hook for the bodice and a C hook for the skirt. While making Barbie's dress I had made the decision not to join the dress until I reached the skirt closing the top with a snap.

This did require me to go back to my notes about the straps I made for Barbie. The pattern for the straps comes after the bodice is written and there are two rows. You can do them without finishing off if the top is joined. However since I made rows I needed to stop after the first row finish off and start row 2 from where row 1 started. I actually read my notes this time and the straps look much better with this change.

After making Barbie's hood I tried it on Skipper and found it fit well so I used a G hook for Skipper's hood as well. I had experimented with the suggested smaller hook but it was too small for both dolls.

Skipper's bent arm is a bit challenging when anything covers her arm. I did find the hood didn't sit as well on it as I'd have liked but overall I'm pleased with her latest outfit.