Skipper Swimsuit

As I was working on my swimsuit challenge for 2025 I had to adapt patterns for Skipper and Stacie as there are very few pattern written specifically for these dolls. I chose the swimsuit pattern from an out of print Leisure Arts leaflet 2132 Hawaiian Honeymoon Fashion Doll Wardrobe for this project and decided to stay with it for 2026.

Notes:

I used a B hook with no longer available size 5 Bernat Handicrafter thread for this project.

I had looked into purchasing more size 5 Artiste from Hobby Lobby but the color selection is a bit low at the moment. However, Creative Yarn Source does carry size 5 in more colors and I'm thinking of getting a supply. I'm discovering I have more Goldilocks projects which are too small with size 10 thread but bulky with size 3. With no color options its been a bit challenging to move to size 5. I'm hoping to correct that soon.

One of the notes I made previously was that the piece needed to be even after row 2. This became clear to me and once again I adjusted as I was off. I took a picture to remind myself of how the crotch needs to be balanced or the whole piece is off center.

After row 1 on shaping don't count slip stitches.

I generally sc around leg openings but this time I opted for hdc and the look was better to close the gaps.

Ken Pajamas

I can get a few years out of one Ken doll model but it is often hard to stock up until I'm sure I really like a model.

The dentist for instance was not my favorite Ken he was a bit smaller which meant every pattern had to be modified to fit him drastically. Last year was my final year with a hiking Ken model. Sadly when I realized he was a great fit for my patterns he was no longer available so he had a limited shelf life.

This brings us to It Takes Two Camping Ken which I was smart enough to stock up on this version so I have an additional 5 years to go. This is good because once again I have a model that seems to fit the patterns I have.

Unfortunatly, they've already discontinued the Stacie and Skipper dolls from this set which is sad because they both again fit the patterns I have so well. I'm finding it hard to find replacements for these two. I have time as I have two more years for Skipper and three for Stacie so perhaps something will be released before then.

This is actually a jumpsuit pattern found in Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls including a Complete Wedding Esemble and Trousseau. When I originally saw the pattern I thought it was PJ's so I decided to adapt the pattern using the top for my pajamas top and making pants.

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. After reading last year's notes I made each leg 19 rows from waist to bottom of the leg.

These are the smallest white butttons that come in my button sets I buy. Just an FYI note to myself for future projects. I actually did come back and check this note and picture from last year so I'm adding it back because it helped me decide which buttons to use.

Chelsea Valentine's Dress

Chelsea enters the Valentine's challenge with a pattern that can be purchased from Michelle Ratman here.

Notes:

This was made with Lizbeth size 3 Pink Ice Crochet thread and an e hook.

I changed the sc to hdc and the hdc to dc and this will require reducing the bodice section when I make this again as it is longer than I had planned.

The dc are worked between the stitches.

I would use this color again as I like the blend it makes, I would make it shorter. I have green I may try as a Spring dress for her.

Rag Doll A Dress for February

This is one of Darski's free Dora the Explorer patterns that I use for both the Rag Doll and the 16 inch baby doll. You can find it here.

I generally change to an I hook for the skirt but life happens and I did not. I have made additional notes on the pattern and here to remind myself as I will be making this for one of the 16 inch baby dolls, too.

Notes:

This was made with worsted weight 4 yarn in red, white, and light pink. I've traded off over the years using dark red or dark pink.

I use a K hook for the top portion of the dress switching to an I hook for the skirt in Row 8

The dress is joined after row 7.

In order to get this to fit both dolls I need to chain 8 for the arm holes.

Eventually these have to be reduced as the waist will be too large. It is a balance but this was made for Dora not the two dolls I use it for and the dimensions are different.

I finished the back adding a button hole loop.

Rag Doll Sleeping Bag

This is the last of the large doll sleeping bags I need for 2026.

I'm working on adapting this pattern to use with the Glitter Girl as I've never been a fan of the mummy sack sleeping bag pattern I have for her.

You can find this free pattern here.

I still use the K hook for this doll I just use fewer rows stopping when the bag covers her feet leaving room to close it.

I believe this is Red Heart Super Saver Polo Stripes Yarn.

16 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown

This is another one of Darski's free patterns found here.

Notes:

This is made with Herrschners' Worsted 8 Ligonberry.

The hat is still a work in progress made with Herrschners Baby Worsted Stripes Goldfish and an H hook. It is a blend of back and front stitches finished with a sc skip stitch 5 dc shell around.

I did 4 rows for the arms and finished with a sc chain 3 around the arms. I finished the back and neck before adding the closing chains. I then used the sc chain 3 across the neck.

Chelsea Swimsuit

Having finished all the diaper bag items for 2026 I decided to put the swimsuits in there spot to see if I can get them finished off earlier this year along with the night clothes.

Notes:

This is one of Char Caywood's patterns that can be purchased here.

The main portion of the suit is made with Creative Yarn resources size 20 Omega thread I believe in French Blue. The accent is Lizbeth size 20 Wild Flower.

I need a 1.25 mm hook to get this to fit Chelsea. This pattern will also fit Stacie with size 10 thread and the same hook size when I add a few rows.

Last time I made a note to decrease crotch size to 3 stitches which sadly I did not read before making. I am going to write on pattern this time to make sure the next attempt has a smaller crotch area.

Chains for ties as written are correct.

My Life Valentine Dress

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

This was one of the patterns I found from here when she first started blogging before opening her Etsy store. I'm so glad she's kept designing and expanded her offerings to the Wellie Wisher sized dolls as well as this has allowed me to increase my donations for the Glitter Girl as well.

Notes:

Dress:

The dress is made with an I hook.

I have always struggled with working into ss in patterns. After row 1 return to the start of row 1 and complete a row of pink slip stitches in the front of the sc leaving the back of the stitch available for the next row. I finish off pink and continue on with white and row 2.

After row 2 I repeated above for second set of ss.

At the end of row 9 repeat this for the lower level pink stripe. I chose to sew the heart up higher this year. I just liked it better higher.

I looked at last year's notes and while making a pink heart for the Back to School outfit I made a red one and put it aside for this outfit so I could put the pattern away.

I made a change from last year and chose to close the back with a snap.

Sweater:

I hook

I added 2 sc rows to arms and finished them with a sc chain 3 skip on around

I added rows to the length of the sweater prior to finishing after learning from my mistake with the Back to School jacket.

I finished complete edge of sweater in process of making suggested button hole I just preffered a finished look.

I used an I hook for the shoes and hat. I'd consider an H hook for the shoes as they were larger than expected. I also chose not to turn them inside out and like the finished look better.

Our Generation Back To School

The main part of this outfit is made with Adoring Doll's Back to School outfit that can be purchased here. I alter the jacket a bit as I like the fit better but for the most part I follow the pattern as written other than needing to add some length for the jacket. The Skirt is Meesh Bridge's Rib Effect Skirt pattern that was originally a free Ravelry pattern found here. It is currently listed as unavailable but I'm adding the link hoping it will return as she has a couple other patterns I've added to the donation that have left the platform.

Notes:

I will start with the Adoring Doll pieces.

These pictures are from last year's project but I'm continuing to add them to remind myself of the shirt construction. It is slightly different than most of my other projects and some years it goes smoothly like this year and others it feels like a logic puzzle on a low energy day. These pictures are for the day I just can't remember what or why I thought doing this was a good idea.

Shirt:

I use an I hook for the shirt. The math is correct although I do find myself questioning it at times.

The back of the shirt is finished in sc adding a button hole to close the shirt.

I love the heart pattern and am using it for Adoring Doll's Valentine pattern for the other My Life Doll's Valentine outfit.

Jacket:

I used an I hook for the jacket. The one note I made on the pattern is that it needs to be longer than the pattern suggests for it to fit this doll. I had to make some adjustments after I finished it off to get it to fit this time. With my notes I shouldn't have that problem next time.

I finish the collar of the jacket differently than the pattern. tack the edges of the jacket back and this works for me.

The sleeves have multiple steps to reduction and I'm not sure I've followed these before. I've generally made my own. I followed the pattern as written and was happy with the outcome.

Boots:

I love these boots. For the Our Generation Doll they need a G hook. They are a little challenging getting on and off due to the height of the boots but I find even store boots that don't zip can require a little effort to get on and off the dolls so it is nothing unusual.

Our Generation Sleeping Bag

With this sleeping bag finished all the 18 inch doll sleeping bags are complete. I just need one for the Rag doll and then I'm on to the fashion dolls and little critters. I still need a sleep sack for the Lots to Love 14 inch baby doll.

Notes:

This is a free pattern found here. You can also find patterns for the fashion dolls there as well.

I use a K hook to make this fit the 18 inch dolls.

The yarn for this one is Red Heart stripes Baby Rainbow and I need 2 skeins to make it fit.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Bib

A few years back I started using the bib pattern I found on an Annie's doll DVD Needlecrafts Sweet Cuddles 971016 by Sandra Miller Maxfield because it fit the smaller Lots to Love 14 inch baby doll better than the free pattern I use for the 16 inch baby doll. There are other patterns with this set including one for a doll but with all the other patterns I have to explore I've haven't adapted any of them for the donation as of yet.

As I look back on my post I realized I never made any notes about this project. As always this is my last bib of the donation which is why it likely doesn't get any notes. I'm celebrating finishing but this year as I went to make this bib I realized I need reminders.

Notes:

I use an f hook for this bib.

The main portion is white worsted 4. The trim is Baby Bernat Sport yarn. It is too heavy with worsted 4.

Lastly, since I keep forgetting this the ties go on the inside of the neck not the outside. The ties are in the neck area not the shoulders. The pictures don't make this clear so I am making a note for myself to add the ties on the inner section of the bib. I use 40 chains for the ties.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown

I've adapted the 10 inch baby doll Nightgown from Darski's free Sweetly pattern found here for the Lots to Love 14 inch baby doll.

I made this one while watching the Olympic Figure Skating team competition. I like simple patterns when I'm watching something that requires more of my attention.

Notes:

I use a G hook to get this to fit the larger doll.

This nightgown was made with Bernat Big Baby Sport Tiny Tulips.

I didn't count rows for length but I do crochet until it is about ankle length.

I make a number of these nightgowns so I do play with how I finish them. I chose a shell pattern for the bottom of this one. Sc skip 5dc around.

The ties are 40 sc each. I finished the back before adding the ties. I didn't do anything special with the collar this time.

I finished the arms with a row of sc followed by a row of sc chain 3 skip one sc around.

My Life Hearts and Flowers

Since these donations won't be delivered until Christmas of 2026 my making the holiday outfits late is not as much of an issue as it might otherwise be if I was gifting them. I do like including them and so expect to see more Valentine's and then some Easter themed outfits all likely past the holiday for 2026 but not for 2027 when the child will have the toy.

This was made using two patterns. Darksi's free Heart and Flowers pattern was used for everything but the shoes. You can find that pattern here. Adoring Doll's Valentine Dress pattern was used for the shoes and it can be purchased here.

Notes:

I use a K hook for the first 4 rows of this dress as with my odd guage it is the only way I can get the dress to slide on and off. I use an I hook for the rest of the this pattern. including the shoes. The one exception is the flower which I use a g hook to make.

The dress is primarily made with worsted 4 pink, white and rose. The mesh including the shawl uses Bernat Baby white sport.

I did not join after finishing the opening chains but waited until I worked into the back loops of the stitches for the first row. Oddly I've missed this step every time I've made this dress and this was the first time I did not need to reduce the top of the bodice to get it to stay up. This did require me to sew the opening created by not joining the chain closed after I'd finished but it was a minor issue.

Reminder to join all rows other than the first as I found it impossible to work into back stitch of first row while it was joined. I have made this dress so many times but for some reason I missed this one this year so when I make a mistake I add a note.

I added two pink skirt rows this year as I found the skirt was short. Not sure I've always done this but trying to get better about documenting my changes.

Return to Row 1 and start Row 10 to complete the skirt portion of the dress. I didn't read this note from last year and paniced when I needed the reduction row but I added it and all was well.

I use a different strategy for the flower and the rose joining. I changed the design to have the dress tie at the neck and use the flower to attach the tie at the front so it covers the attachment. This just works for me.

I've never made any notes regarding the mesh/pepulum but I clearly have changed the directions over the years and haven't noticed so I'll document my changes here. I followed the first as written. Row 1 work as written. Row 2-3 I did tr ch1 tr around. Row 4 as written. It is important I don't forget to change to the baby yarn as the mesh is heavy with the worsted 4.

Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll Valentine's Day Dress

I added another doll to my Valentine's outfit challenge with this dress for the Lots to Love 10 inch Baby Doll.

This is one of Char's patterns for the Lots to Love Baby Steps Doll that can be purchased here. Unlike the Christmas doll this one was made in a halter dress style. The challenge with this is the dolls are not the same. With the Christmas dress the differences are covered because there is a back and arms to support the dress. With this you see the dress is a bit large in the halter area.

Understanding this now I think I'd think about a rectanglur bodice and I'd work the straps differently. I love the skirt and the cape, so I want this to work for the 10 inch baby doll for other projects. I'm on the fence about the sandals. I like the ones from the Christmas project better. Again it is likely different shaped feet but these are harder to keep on than the Christmas ones.

I tried reducing hook size but it was a Goldilock's challenge. It was going to be too big or too small. I think a little redesign could make this work.

I used size 10 thread and a c hook for everything but the sandals. As with the Christmas shoes they required a 1.8mm thread hook to get them close to fitting.

I followed the directions for the panties but did sc around the leg holes.

My Life Sleeping Bag 2

This one was primarily made in January during the Patriots playoff game against Texas. I finished it the Tuesday afterwards and started one for the Broncos. I find it is best to have something easy to workon whether watching football with DH or at appointments when I'm waiting.

Notes:

This was made with Red Heart Stripes Parrot. I use a great deal of Super Saver for my doll projects. It comes in lots of colors and it is on the affordable end of yarn for my projects.

This was the first time in a very long time I got a bad skein.

Almost every brand has joins but these joins fell apart. The yarn also had a streak of brown that ran through the yarn making it look dirty. I cut out and rejoined around it but it was disappointing as I use striped yarn for many of these donation projects. I just pulled a pair from my stash that I had purchased from Joann's ages ago and that set is clean. Hopefully this is not going to be a new issue.

This is made with a free pattern you can find here. There are patterns for several sizes of dolls available there.

I need a K hook to get this pattern to fit the My Life and Our Generation Dolls.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Sweet Baby Mine

With this Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby doll outfit I move from Christmas to Valentine's Day for the doll donation. The beauty of the Valentine's projects is most are able to be worn more through out the year. Some pieces can even be split and worn with other outfits as they don't scream Christmas.

The main portion of this outfit is made with Darski's free Sweet Baby Mine pattern found here. I used the dress, cape, and headband found in the much larger set.

The shoes, and undies I made using Amy Carrico's Spring Dress pattern which is listed as being sold on Ravelry here. Her patterns show up and disappear between Etsy and Ravelry so I make no promises. I've bought just about every baby doll pattern she has available for the sizes I donate because I love her designs. They just aren't always easy to locate.

Notes:

The dress is made with Walmart's Mainstays Pink Blend. I picked up more of this because I do like it for this outfit and at some point it will be discontinued. I believe the pink is the same Pretty and Pink.

I use an I hook for the dress thus ignoring the directions after row 5 to change hook sizes.

The directions are changed to join the dress after row 5.

To get to this length I add rows trying it on until I like the length.

I follow the directions for the cape and headband as written except I join the headband sewing the flower over the join.

Amy Carrico's pattern requires baby sport weight yarn and I used pink and white baby bernat sport and an e hook for the panties and the shoes.

I followed the shoes as written.

The panties require working to 32 sc to get it wide enough to fit the doll. I then add some rows to get it to fit over the diaper.

16 Inch Baby Doll Summer Christmas Dress

This is the last of the Christmas outfits I need for 2026 and I think I have enough of this yarn for next year's outfits.

The dress for this outfit is the Summer Dress pattern from the out of print newsprint House of White Birches Baby Doll Fashions to Crochet. The hat and shoes are from two different free pattern sets. The shoes can be found here and the hat here.

Notes:

To get this to fit the 16 inch baby doll with this yarn I used an e hook for the entire dress not changing to a D for the skirt as it would have been too tight.

As I mentioned in the post about the other 16 inch baby doll Christmas dress this is a sport weight metallic yarn of unknown origin. It is lighter than my baby weight sport yarns.

I repeat row 5 once thus changing the row numbers all the way down. I add skirt rows to get to the length I want. This time I added a sc trim to the top and arms. I used a sc skip 1 5 dc in the next for the bottom trim.

I need a J hook for the shoes with sport weight yarn. I used a G and f hooks for the hat.

Calico Critter Brother Christmas Overalls

With this Christmas outfit complete I need just one more for the 16 inch baby doll and all will leave with something to wear for Christmas.

This is a pattern set available for purchase here that has a pattern for the sister and brother Calico Critters.

Notes:

These are made with size 20 crochet thread and a 1mm thread hook.

I reversed the colors I used for Dad and having added the trim like I did with Dad chose not to use the buttons.

The pants legs are finished with a round of sc green and followed by a ss row.

16 Inch Baby Doll I Feel Pretty Christmas Dress

The two 16 Inch Baby dolls are some of the last Christmas outfits I need for the 2026 donation. I don't have specific Christmas patterns but I decided to take some classic patterns and use them for this project. This is Darski's free I Feel Pretty pattern found here. The shoes are another of her free patterns found here.

Notes:

The green yarn is a sport weight metallic yarn that was given to me a while back and I don't remember where it came from sadly. I tried using it on Darski's Green Christmas Dress for the 18 inch doll a few years back and it proved to be too light and ended up making an outfit for the Glitter Girl. I've not seen anything online similiar to this yarn.

The red is old Red Heart Sport and the white Bernat sport baby yarn.

I used an H hook for the dress. There is a correction for row 5 that requires a start of 9 dc not 8.

I did the first white contrast row where suggested, but after seeing the look of the red chose to add the additional length rows I need for this doll and end with the contrasting red color at the bottom.

Regarding the panties a note to self legs are formed in row 7. The red yarn was not great for making waist tie so I left it off.

Hat requires a G and F hook. I need 50 chains for hat to tie.

I used sc trim for neck. The arms had a sc to clean them up and then a sc chain 3 for decorative purposes.

With sport yarn the shoes need a J hook to fit.

Our Generation Boy Sleeping Bag

I try to post only one sleeping item per week regardless of how many I finished.

This was actually my New Year's Eve project. I started it at an appointment the day before. Worked on it during a game night on New Year's Eve and finished it up New Year's Day. I started the next one and worked it until I reached the shell section for my next appointment as it is easier to travel when the project is at this point then starting from the pillow section on the road.

I am working to fufill my promise of having these finished early in the donation cycle.

This is made using Suzies Stuff free pattern found here.

In years past I've made it a goal to use up yarn in my stash where possible. This year it is less of a goal and more of a need as I can't indulge my yarn buying habit. I had used this same skein of Red Heart Ombre Cocoa last October to make the boy's sleeping bag. Not sure there is enough for another 18 Inch doll but it might work for Ken.

I need a K hook for this project.

Lil Cutesies Nightgown

It was almost November before I finished the Lil Cutesie nightgown for the 2025 donation. It feels amazing to be preposting about it in January!

This is the only one of the baby dolls I don't use Darski's Sweetly pattern for the nightgown. For what ever reason her free BBL pattern fits the Lil Cutesie doll better. You can find that pattern here.

Notes:

I read last year's notes that suggested an E hook rather than an f and this worked out well. I would suggest following the directions for additional increase stitches. I fear I missed a couple of these. I would not the next time I make this.

I work at avoiding repeating colors when possible but not a fan of the Ice Cream Lemon Meringue for this project. I've used it for some of the 16 inch dresses and liked it but not a great fit for this smaller project. I had been tempted to repeat Tutti Frutti and I'd go back to that for next year. It was a fun look.

This pattern has directions until row 8 and then make it as long as you want. I stopped a row before the length I wanted and did a sc skip a stitch 5 dc in the next stitch shell to finish the bottom. When complete I finished the back before chaining 30 for the neck closure. This year as I was going across the neck I'd alternated back stitch and front stitch hdc for a little different neck finish rather than the sc chain 3 I've done in previous years.

I also decreased and finished the arms with sc and then added an additional row of sc chain 3 skip one around for a better arm fit and a little decoration.

Calico Critters Dad Christmas Overalls

Sadly I don't have many patterns for the male critters. I did discover one after the donation last year that I haven't tried but the overalls are my tried and true for the boys.

This is a On A Calico Day pattern that can be purchased here. It includes a pattern for Mom and Dad.

Notes:

I used size 20 thread and a 1mm hook to get these to fit.

There are several options for the pants. I can never get the full length legs to fit so mine are always the shorter legs and I choose not to add the cuff. This time I added a red trim to give it a holiday feel using sc around the top and surface stitching the bottom of the pants using a chain 1 between stitches.

I looked at adding buttons to this set of overalls but found with the contrasting colors it was too much.

Ken Christmas Caroler

I was able to track down links for the out of print free Ken Caroler pattern. Page 1, 2

While I'd made Barbie previously I'd never made Ken. The original pattern gives Ken a Christmas green coat and hat. It is a festive outfit but having already made a Santa outfit for Ken I was hoping for a more winter look that he could use to carol with Barbie but also might work for other winter play fun. Therefore I chose blue and black as my primary colors with some red highlights.

As I was cleaning my yarn stash I found a crate of Red Heart sport yarn and I am going to be putting it to use for projects like this one this year. I'm also hoping to replace the colors I finish off with Hobby Lobby's sport as it has a similiar weight.

Notes:

I used the suggested e hook for this project.

All the yarn except the hat was Red Heart Sport. I learned from making holiday yoga skeleton hats using Ken's holiday patterns that I need worsted 4 yarn so the hat is made with Red Heart Super Saver Black and an e hook.

The first thing that surprised me as I started this project is the coat is not a traditional coat but more of a tunic that attaches a cape to it.

As with Barbie in order to give the arms room to fit into the holes I did not join the first three rows and then used a snap to close the opening.

I followed the directions as written except I crabbed stitched around the hat edges and surfaced stitched the red trim around the hat.

I also followed the same directions for the book that I used with Barbie sewing the book together.

Having found the original pattern link I went back to look to see if I'd lost the directions for Ken's pants but I couldn't find any. I'm still playing with my directions because I don't love the crotch but this is what I did for this pair of pants.

Cut an elastic to fit Ken's waist.

Sc around elastic 24 stitches

Dc around for 3 rows

Split for legs dc in 12 stitches chain 3 and join

10 rows of 15 stitches

sc around

ss around

I'm thinking about trying the next pair of pants I make without the chain 3 to see if they sit better.

Finally I couldn't resist a picture of the two of them together caroling. I never know how the toys are distributed but I do like to think of the Barbie's heading out together.

Barbie Christmas Caroler

This is an old out of print pattern that was always free. Page 1 is available here. Page 2 here.

My suggestion is if you are interested in this pattern save it and print it as the last time I tried finding it I couldn't locate it. This time I almost missed it. I'm still trying to locate a link for Ken's companion pattern.

I found these patterns over 20 years ago when I was looking for Barbie patterns for my nieces. I started thinking about them again when Barbie made it back into my doll rotation for the donation. With the addition of a Christmas challenge both Barbie and Ken have benefited from the older patterns. If all goes well Ken will be leaving with a Santa and a Caroler pattern. After all Barbie isn't going to go caroling by herself.

I didn't take as many notes in the past so I am getting more dilegent about documenting my work for future projects: Notes:

I used Hobby Lobby's Sport Yarn for the dress and Bernat Big Baby for the trim. I haven't used a great deal of their sport yarn but it is incredibly soft. The one challenge with yarn, especially soft yarn and Barbie are her hands that can be claw like when putting on clothes. Other than that I really liked this and will be looking to get more for other patterns from this designer that I haven't visited in a bit.

I had a note on the pattern from the original time I made this not to join until finishing the first 3 rows. That worked for me and I added a snap to close. It is really hard to get the arms through the arm holes without the extra space.

I'm using the same technique for Ken's tunic like coat for his caroler outfit. I joined after row 3 and continued as written. Again to make it easier to get the arms in and out of the dress for the straps I chained 6. Without this the arms are just don't fit through the holes.

I finished back with sc around the straps.

I chose to use Bernat Baby for the trim.

The bottom of the skirt is done with surface crochet remembering to sc between stitches. This is not a formal stitch instruction but the only way it works for me.

The upper trim is ss chain 3 ss across.

The neck is sc

The cape is trimmed with crab stitch.

Note for the future do not decrease on dress sleeves. As noted Barbie's hands catch on yarn so a little width makes it easier to get clothes on and off. I added a 2dc trim around the end of the sleeve to widen the sleeve and this helped a little.

I ss to one side of the book and chain the length of the side of the book on each side as this gives Barbie handles to hold the book. I sew the white pages to the black music cover.

I included this picture as a reminder that this hat only fits hair through the hole first. I put the tail through first and then pull it up on to head. It haven't been able to get it to fit any other way. I've thought about experimenting with leaving it open instead of joining as it would be easier for a child to get on and off.

16 Inch Baby Doll Snuggle Sack

With this second 16 inch Baby Doll Sleep Sack complete I only have one more to make for the Lots to Love 14 inch Baby doll. Next up however is a sleeping bag for the Our Generation Boy doll. I finished all the Sleeping Sacks easily enough but never got to the sleeping bags last year. I am determined not to be making sleeping bags in the fall next year.

Notes:

You can find the free pattern here along with sleeping bags for both the fashion dolls and the 18 inch dolls.

I use a J hook to get this to fit the 16 inch baby dolls.

This one is made with Red Heart Ombres Jazzy.

As I tend to use these and the sleeping bags as traveling projects a reminder to myself to start and get to row 7 before taking this project out once established this is a very relaxing project that requires minimal monitoring. The earlier rows require more attention which can make it less useful for my needs.

I do not count rows once the pattern is established but determine it is time for the final row which is a trim row when I've tried it on and it is big enough.

16 Inch Baby Doll Bib 2

With the completion of this bib the diaper bag crocheted items for the 16 inch baby dolls are complete for 2026. I still need a bib for the Lots to Love 14 Inch baby doll.

This bib pattern is part of a larger free crochet feeding kit pattern found here.

I add the Melissa and Doug Feeding Kit to the three largest baby dolls I donate every year. The one challenge I've found is the bib is designed for their doll not the dolls I donate so I still continue to crochet bibs and diapers to add to the diaper bags each year in addition to sending the feeding kits. I no longer need to crochet bottles and feeding items.

Notes:

After finishing this bib I'm making a note to use lighter yarn for the trims and ties. Worsted is great for the bib but the ties are a bit bulky when done with worsted.

I hook

To get this bib to fit the larger doll I've made the following adjustments:

Start with a chain 16

Continue pattern for 20 rows

Row 21 do row 11 neck shaping

Chain 40 stitches for ties

I always add this reminder but I did pull the pattern and put it in my to do binder because I will forget if I don't set it up for success.

Reminder to myself for future years, this bib is a bit large even without adjustments for the Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby doll. Needlecrafts Shop's Sweet Cuddles 971016 leaflet is a better fit and I should pull it out to use for the smaller doll.

Lots to Love 10 inch Baby Doll Nightgown

I realized I forgot to add a link last year. This is made using Darski's free pattern set Sweetly found here.

Notes:

To get this to fit the Lots to Love 10 inch Baby doll I used an F hook and Baby Bernat Sport yarn. Reading my previous notes I remembered to return to the baby yarn for this project.

I followed rows 1-17 then completed rows 33-37.

I finished the back and then did the ties as suggested making mine 30 chains.

I finished the arms and added a sc chain 3. I did not attempt longer arms as this sometimes can make it more challenging to get the outfit on and off.

I believe I used Darski's BBL for the Lil Cutesies doll but I will be back with the Sweetly pattern for the Lots to Love 14 inch Doll.

Our Generation Green Christmas Dress

I found I still have one skein left of Bernat's Happy Holidays green glitter yarn and decided it was time to pull out Darski's free Green Christmas pattern found here.

Notes:

I realize I've never really made notes for this dress just a few casual comments along the way. For my own sanity here goes.

I used an I hook for the dress and a G for the trim and finishing the back.

I no longer have metalic white so I used basic white worsted. When I run out of metallic green I'm considering making it without the metallic yarn. I tried using a substitute I was given but it was too light weight for the project a few years back and the Glitter Girl ended up with an outfit from it.

This is a personal note for me chain one between each surface crochet stitch. No idea why but this works for me. In the past I've actually lazy daisy stitched the trim this time using the chain one I was able to make it work. I used fpsc technique for the ss as there are no sc and this has confused me for years.

I would actually consider using Bernat baby for the trim next time as the worsted is heavy with the chains. It looks fine for the surface crochet.

My Life Gingerbread Dress

This is another Adoring Doll pattern which you can purchase here. I believe I received both Gingerbread patterns as a set from my husband as a gift.

Notes:

Since I had both Gingerbread patterns I decided to make both of them for the two My Life donation dolls.

The patterns are similiar but different. If I make these for next year's donation I would use the first pattern's hat for both dolls. I had to take out the decreases on this hat pattern and it was still a little tight getting it over the hair.

Since hair ranges on the available dolls each year I try not to make anything too hard to get on and off. The first hat would work better for both outfits. That being said as someone who rarely enjoys repeating items I liked that this was a different take on the theme. The boots were different from the shoes and the dress works up well.

I used an I hook for everything but the trims. The face and bow were made with a g hook.

The brown is Red Heart Super Saver Caffe Latte. I finished off a huge ball of it after making the first outfit and it almost completed the dress. I've been trying to buy the Jumbo's when I can find them as they last longer for my doll projects. I was lucky to get a matching color as I didn't write down the color of the ball I had left. Thankfully if not the same as the unamed ball it was close enough that it allowed me to finish the project. The red and white are both likely Red Heart as I keep buying them when I run out but the browns seem harder to find and match.

I've been adding in the other yearly projects around the Christmas themed projects but promised myself no Valentine's outfits until every doll has at least one Christmas outfit to leave with for the donation.

16 Inch Baby Doll Snuggle Sack

This was actually my Christmas Day project. I started it as a travel project and finished it Christmas night.

I had forgotten that unlike the sleeping bags this pattern takes until about row 7 until you have a easy pattern to follow while having a conversation or not having the brain power to concentrate which is what I try to establish for a travel project.

The rows prior to that aren't hard but the stitches used change and you have to be more mindful which can be more challenging when you are looking for something to keep your hands busy but not require a great deal of focus.

With that in mind I finished the second snuggle sack for the 16 inch baby dolls to row 7 and left it for my next appointment.

Notes:

This is a free pattern found here. There are two sizes of the snuggle sack and various sleeping bags I use for this project.

To make this fit the 16 inch baby doll I use a J hook.

This version was made with Red Heart Ombre Violet yarn that was left over from a previous project. It felt like it was a little lighter than some of the other Red Heart Striped Yarns I've used for the sleeping bags.

Once passed the establishing rows I don't count rows for the snuggle sacks. I keep trying them on until they fit and then do the final row.

16 Inch Baby Doll Diaper 4

This is the final diaper I need for the 2026 16 inch Baby Doll donation! There are so many distractions and honestly fun crochet projects that I like to get these projects completed early and in their donation bags so they don't get left out and have me scrambling when I do inventory in the fall.

They are simple enough to do but I try to make two for each of the dolls to allow the child to have a diaper on and have one in the diaper bag for "changing" the baby. While not hard the items can be a bit dull. My experience with my adult nieces was the plastic disposable ones didn't last long and finding replacements wasn't an easy task. These are pretty hardy and can be used until lost.

Notes:

These are made with a free pattern available here.

I use worsted 4 yarn and a J hook. The diapers are closed with snaps. Buttons might work if you wanted a substitute.

16 Inch Baby Doll Wipes 2

With these complete I am done with baby wipes for the 16 inch baby doll for 2026!

This is made with an old out of print diaper bag pattern from Crochet n'play. I've been using a g hook I might consider an h hook as this one seemed larger than usual.

One more diaper and a bib and the second diaper bag set of crocheted items will be complete.

Calico Critter Sister Dress

Mother and daughter have now entered the Christmas doll outfits for 2026. Sister is sporting a free shell stitched dress pattern that can be found here. The pattern includes directions for Mother and Sister.

I hope to include non-Christmas outfits for both using this pattern for the 2026 donation.

Notes:

One of the reasons for documenting these projects each year is to remember what worked and learn from the challenges. Last year I used a 1.25mm hook for Sister's dress and while it fit it was tight and it was challenging to fit the tail through the back opening. This was corrected this year with a 1.5mm thread hook.

This was made with size 10 crochet thread. This color has been discontinued.

Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll Christmas Dress

I had been considering what pattern to use for the Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll's Christmas outfit. I saw a pattern for a Baby Steps doll and loved it for this challenge. I'd found previous patterns with patterns for both the 10 inch baby doll and the Baby Steps so I knew they were compatible with some adaptations.

You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

When I've purchased patterns listing the Baby Steps doll there have been separate directions for the baby doll as this one is more of a toddler doll. Thankfully I'm used to adapting patterns to meet my needs.

The pattern calls for size 10 crochet thread and a size 5 thread hook. This always throws me as numbered thread hooks don't transfer the way a G hook would on most patterns. I started with my closest guess but it was rather small and I ended up moving up to a C hook for everything but the shoes. I needed a 1.8mm thread hook for the shoes. They were huge with a C hook.

Note for dress I always struggle with working into ss, around, behind so where possible I try to give myself an opening. Round 2 of the dress requires ss but round 3 requires working behind ss. TO make this easier I worked the ss into the front loops of stitches of the previous row leaving the back stitch open for round 3.

I added rows 13-14 to red before adding white shell edging for length.

The panties fit as written with no adaptations needed other than hook size.

The designer suggests multiple options for trims and colors and I'd like to add at least one more dress from this pattern to the donation this year.

I love that it requires no snaps or buttons.

Lil Cutesies Sleep Sack

I had targeted the one of the 16 Inch Baby Dolls to be the next travel sleep sack projects. However, I was cleaning up and found a collapsed skein of striped Red Heart yarn and while rolling it decided why not just use it and another sleep sack was finished for the 2026 donation.

As I said December was a busy, productive month for getting stuff done for the next donation year.

You can find the free pattern here.

Notes:

I need a G hook to get this to finish the Lil Cutesies doll.

I want to make one more of the small sleep sacks to put in an Operation Shoebox donation with one of the Lots to Love 8 Inch dolls next year. It should fit in with the bassinet I make for the doll. If it doesn't I have another sack ready for 2027.

16 Inch Baby Doll Diaper 3

Each year I donate two 16 inch baby dolls. This requires duplicate sets for the crocheted diaper bag items. Each of the baby dolls gets two diapers. The first doll's diaper bag items are complete for 2026 and I've started on set 2.

I am loving the Christmas projects but I learned from last year that it is important to get these other projects completed as well. Therefore on Sunday after completing a section of another Christmas doll outfit I decided it was time to make another diaper for the diaper bag.

This is my go to free pattern found here.

I used a J hook for the diaper and they are closed with snaps.

Calico Critter Mom Christmas Dress

The Calico Critters have entered the Christmas project with a dress for Mom made with Char Caywood's Empire Dress pattern available for purchase here.

Notes:

This was made with size 10 Aunt Lydia's thread. The variegated is no longer available.

I need a b hook to get this to fit the bunny.

I chose not to add trim to the neck as I have in the past as the Christmas colors would have been a bit overwhelming. I did reduce the arms this time decreasing around and then doing a row of sc on each arm.

I closed the back with a snap.

I'm thinking of adding a dress for my own holiday decorations.

My Life Gingerbread Outfit

I'm continuing with my Christmas themed projects for the 2026 doll donation. This is one of Adoring Doll's patterns available for purchase here.

Notes:

I used an I hook for most of this project. I'd consider using a J hook for the Vest as it proved to be a little small around the arms when joined. I used an H for the bow. I used a G for the buttons.

The white and red yarn are Red Heart Super Saver. The brown is either Red Heart or Caron Pounder Yarn. I didn't have a label for it and it was rolled into a ball after a previous project.

This suit is similiar to the Elf suit I made for the Our Generation Boy. The one note I'd make for myself is before starting the split for legs make sure to be at the back center. I had been doing this while doing other things and found my first leg was well off center and the leg needed to be frogged and redone.

I'm hoping to make the Gingerbread Dress for the other My Life Doll's Christmas outfit.