Glitter Girl Nightgown

I discovered this You Tube pattern last year while searching for a nightgown pattern for the Glitter Girl doll.

I am always grateful for those who make free patterns. I believe when offering a free pattern the format is in the designer's hands.

If you struggle as I do to follow video patterns while crocheting I suggest taking notes and creating your own pattern. I am not free to share it here I don't own the design but I can share the technique.

This year I went back and fixed some things I missed when I wrote my notes from last year. If you love video patterns this clearly doesn't apply.

One challenge I had this year was the puff stitch. I realized the puff stitch wasn't quite right thus the picture below as a reminder of the pattern I want versus the pattern I created on my first attempt this year.

Notes:

I use size 4 Herrschners Baby Worsted 8 Baby Stripes Hydrangea for this outfit with an f hook.

Do not pull any stitches off hook until number of yarn overs complete for puff stitch then yarn over all stitches for puff.

I had done a different stitch a while back that creates a puffier stitch and this was not what was needed here. One of the reasons for the second picture is a reminder of the flatter puffs.

For this doll I do 25 rows to get to the length I wish.

Dog Finger Puppet

I started on my finger puppets for Kits for Kids.

I actually have a crochet pattern binder for puppet patterns I've acquired over the years and I went there first.

This is a pattern from the defunct Crochet Pattern Central. While they generally were a place that just listed patterns, they did have a few like this one that were hosted on the site. With some help I did find the pattern but no promises how long it stays available if you are interested so I suggest downloading and saving it. You can find the pattern here.

As I went to save a copy for myself I found the designer's name credited at the bottom as Yvonne Boucher. The pattern was written in 2006.

It has been a bit since I've made ami's or puppets so I started with the directions as written and they were big for my adult hands so I did change hook size for the puppet.

Notes:

This was made with the same Caron Pounder I made the mouse with previously. I want to say this is Taupe. I stocked up on shades of brown for some previous doll projects and clearly it was meant to be for this project.

As I mentioned above I started with the suggested G hook but the tube was huge. I made this guy and have started the cow with an e hook. To get them any smaller I'd have to change yarn weight to be able to use a smaller hook.

There is an interesting technique for making eyes with pretied knots I've never tried before but will be using from now on when I can't use safety eyes.

Since the dog has a sewn on muzzle I did use a saftey eye for his nose but with the open inside safety eyes are viable for puppets. The eyes have to be sewn or use eyes that can be sewn. I love learning new useful skills on a project and I've already used it for the cow's nose.

As I've mentioned previously these posts are all preposted. My deadline is April 15 and this guy was finished one month ahead of the deadline.

Mouse and Cookie

I heard about another program associated with Aztec Wishes being organized for this year, Kits for Kids when I did the drop off last year. I likely am not going to finish a huge number of projects for 2026 but I am going to get done what I can before the April deadline. I will also get a better idea of what works when I participate in the packing in May for 2027.

I have been hyper focused on the doll donation and finally decided to reach out to find out more about this project and deadlines this month. The deadline is tight for this year but there are some of the smaller items from the Aztec Wishes donation that were put aside to help with this project and I will finish what I can before the deadline.

I've always been a huge fan of combining toys and books. I've made the combo of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book and Ami a few times now. However, with my focus on dolls and lots of other life stuff happening I haven't made any amis in some time. This was a great project to get myself back into the game. I've since started on finger puppets.

Notes:

This pattern has disappeared several times but I do have a link for the moment here.

I used the suggested e hook with worsted 4 acrylic I had on hand. I did use Herrschner's 3 weight for the chips on the cookie as it was the closest color I could find.

At some point in my last round of Ami adventures I stocked up on pink noses because when I went to look I had a gallon storage bag full. I had used thread to sew the last mouse nose as I couldn't find the safety noses. Clearly I wasn't planning on running out again.

The one part of making ami's I don't love is sewing the pieces together so when possible I adjust. I split the body like I'm making pants for a doll and worked the directions for the mouse legs top down instead of feet up. I would do this again to avoid sewing the legs on. This left the head, ears and the arms to sew.

I used a D hook with pink and followed the ear directions to make an inner ear. I then made a second ear with the main color and the e hook and crocheted them together for the ear. I know fabric is popular with ami's but I've never had luck with it for ears, etc.

Operation Christmas Child 8 Inch Baby Doll Snuggle Sack

After I finished scrambling to complete last year's donation I joined a few online groups and started to think about how I could blend what I was already doing for Aztec Wishes with what I wanted to offer for Operation Christmas Child.

One of the suggestions for the younger girls is a baby doll and I have a supply of Lots to Love 8 inch dolls for my Aztec Wishes donation so this seemed like a start for a younger girl box. I have experience with dressing the doll so it will be a matter of what I can fit into the box.

For my own notes this year while shopping for Operation Christmas Child at Hobby Lobby I found dipaer bag kits that would work for the smaller baby dolls for Aztec Wishes. There are lots of accessories and I removed one bottle for this donation. There are additional bottles for the bag going to Aztec Wishes so the one missing bottle shouldn't be an issue but it does solve my issue of finding a bottle for this size doll that has no liquid.

This is a free pattern found here.

Notes:

This was made with Herrschnerrs Worsted 8 Baby Stripes Sweetie Pie.

I need an F hook to fit this doll.

A reminder traditional worsted is too large. I had just brought home so very pretty striped yarn and wasn't thinking when I started this only to realize it wasn't going to work. I frogged it and pulled out the Baby Stripes and had no issue.

This is the last of the snuggle sacks I need for 2026. I'm hoping to add a bassinet to the shoebox donation after I finish the ones I need for Aztec Wishes.

Barbie Swimsuit

I had forgotten when making Skipper's swimsuit that I'd actually purchased some size 5 Omega thread from Creative Yarn source during last year's donation as I dived into some of Annie's pattern club fashion doll patterns and found size 5 worked was needed to complete some of the patterns. I found my stash while looking for the last of the size 5 Bernat Handicrafter I'd purchased for some holiday potholders a few years ago.

Notes:

This size 5 is slightly heavier than the Bernat. I had considered increasing my hook size as Skipper's suit was tight on Barbie. However, the b hook was fine with the Omega thread.

The package says azul for my own efforts in needing to reorder I believe this is deep blue on Creative Yarn's website.

I did finish the sides of the suit for this outfit. I also did both a hdc, followed by a sc border around the legs as the gap was significant without the borders.

This is the crotch from Skipper's suit but I leave it here in case I have questions and start with Barbie instead of Skipper next year. This is one of the few outfits I make that starts this way and the first one of the year can throw me. The legs need to be balanced evenly on both sides of the crotch or the suit doesn't work. I needed to rework Skipper's but Barbie's was a one and done. I think the picture helps.

For my own look back next year this was preposted and finished March 5.

16 Inch Baby Doll Herrschners Nightgown

I generally use Darski's nightgown pattern for both of the donated 16 inch baby dolls. However, over the years I've made it a policy where possible to recycle projects that don't work for one doll by trying to make it work for another in the donation.

My first attempt at the Herrschners Playtime and Pajamas 18 inch Doll Ensemble was clearly not going to work for any of the dolls at the arm hole stage. However, this was my second attempt using Herrschners Cheerful DK Yarn which has the feel of Carron Simply Soft in a DK weight.

I have bought various styles of Herrschners yarns for my stash as they work well for different baby doll projects. I'm not sure I've worked with the DK as I wasn't prepared for the Simply Soft experience. I find it a bit slippery to work with but it did the job for this outfit.

Notes:

I used Parakeet and I believe White Daisy Herrschners DK Cheerful yarn for this project with a D hook. I think the magenta or lemony would be good choices for the future but I had the green in my stash so green it was.

Like the 18 inch doll I used an f hoook for this project. I did not need to add any rows for length.

It was closed with an added button hole in the back.

The pattern for this outfit is an out of print Herrschners Playtime and Pajamas 18" Doll Ensemble Crochet pattern which may originally have been part of a kit. I'm pretty sure I picked it up as a used pattern and not as a kit.

I chose not to add the headband as I was getting close on yarn and didn't have more in my stash.

Stacie Valentine Shirt and Pants

I've been experimenting with a free Barbie Valentine Heart sweater pattern and so far Ken and Stacie now have Valentine outfits.

Notes:

The shirt is a free Barbie pattern available here.

I decided to revamp my efforts after the first shirt went to Ken.

Knowing I had a range of dolls this could fit depending on outcome I went smallest first.

I started with a 1.25 mm thread hook and size 10 crochet thread in red and white.

This time I chose not to join with the girls bent arms the more room I have to get the shirts on and off the better and there is no real added benefit to closing it other than I needed fewer snaps. The designer joins and ties at the top.

I haven't finished with this pattern and still have some work to do on the arms which I realized after I'd finished them off. I chose not to add the trim after trying it and not liking it. It may look better when the directions are followed for the arms.

I used the top white trim to decrease the neckline for a better fit. There is off the shoulders and then there is topless.

The bottom trim worked fine adjusting for the fact it wasn't joined.

I made these pants the way I make most of my pants. I measured elastic for the waist and did sc around the waist. I then did I believe 2 or maybe 3 rows of dc before splitting with a chain 3 for the legs. There are 14 rows of dc for the pants. I finished the pants with a row of ss as I find this helps the pants keep from catching and fraying.

The pants are also size 10 crochet thread and a 1.25mm crochet thread hook.

I am hopeful that Mattel continues to produce the Stacie line. I still have a few left in my donation stash but I'm finding Stacie and Skipper harder to find. I like having a variety of dolls other than Barbie to send off.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Valentine Dress

This is one of Char Caywood's patterns that fits both the Lots to Love 8 inch Baby Doll and the Little Cutesies dolls. She includes directions for both in her pattern that you can purchase here. She also has color suggestions.

I made this outfit 3 years ago and coming back to it found I needed some hook adjustments. My tension changes over time so I try to note stuff for future projects.

Notes: I continued with the 1.75 mm hook and size 10 cotton for the dress.

For some reason I remember having to reduce the panties so I tried a 1.5mm hook and they fit better this time with no adjustments needed.

I'd made a note previously about the shoes being too small with a 1.25mm hook but this time that was the ideal size. The 1.5mm shoe was falling off.

Hat:

I tried the directions for the Lil Cutesies hat first and thought I just made the wrong hat as it was huge. I started again with the directions for this doll and still found it large so I made some changes.

I used a 1.25mm hook for the hat and stopped at row 9.

I crocheted in front loops for trim.

This year I used ties instead of snaps for closure. Think I'll go back to snaps but it seemed like an idea to try pattern as written for once. This created problem in finishing collar.

I'm hoping to get this finished for the Lil Cutesies doll as well.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Snuggle Sack

I'm still working my way through the sleeping bags and snuggle sacks for the dolls. I'm hoping to finish them by Spring and move on to the baby doll bassinets. Up next is the Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll.

You can find the free pattern here.

I am done with the snuggle sacks for Aztec Wishes for 2026. I am hoping to add one for an 8 inch baby doll to an Operation Shoebox project for this year. I'm also hoping to make some Chelsea clothes for a second box.

Notes:

This was made using a J hook.

The yarn is Red Heart Super Saver Stripes Favorite Stripe.

Rag Doll Swim Suit

Another swim suit completed for my 2026 challenge. This is actually a free Dora the Explorer Doll crochet pattern you can find here.

Notes:

I used a J hook for the suit and an I hook for the skirt. I did not add the extra row this year.

I do add a finishing row around the outer arms.

This is the first year I didn't have an issue with the pattern not joining right away. It could be that I've made notes every year to remind myself but it seemed to flow more easily this year.

Our Generation Nightgown

Every year I try to get to patterns I've either never used or infrequently used for the donation. I don't believe I've ever used this Herrschners' Playtime and Pajamas 18 Inch Doll Ensemble pattern. I believe it was likely part of a kit but I found it as a second hand pattern and then never made it.

Years ago when I tried some of their doll kits I found the patterns ran small for me so I went into this one with an experimental attitude. The original pattern called for size 2 afghan yarn and a C hook. I used a mixture of Premier Basix size 3 petal pink and Herschnerrs worsted 4 for this project. When I make it again I'd look for Premier Basix in colors closer to the original as I think it was a good fit for size.

I needed an f hook for this project.

The outfit is closed with a snap.

I'm currently experimenting to see if my second try with this pattern can be rescued for one of the other dolls as it was too small for the Our Generation. The first try was too small for any of my donations.

I would make my own headband pattern next time, but I was playing yarn chicken with the pink and didn't want to lose. It needs to be wider. I did like the flower.

Ken Valentine Tank Top and Pants

I stumbled across a free Barbie heart Valentine's sweater pattern but my first attempt was clearly going to be too large for Barbie so I turned it into a tank top for Ken and then made him a pair of pants to make it a set. You can find the pattern here.

I haven't given up on this for Barbie I just need to find the right fiber. It suggested fingering weight yarn so I tried size 3 thread and a D hook which was suggested. This clearly was too big. I'd make this in the future for Ken as a fun Ken and Barbie set but I am considering if I want to join as with Barbie's bent arms it makes getting clothes on and off more challenging.

I did not use the white finishes for Ken as I went with a tank top rather than the Barbie sweater.

The pants are my standard go to of measuring and sewing a piece of elastic together waist size for the doll. I then single crochet around the elastic for the first row. The rest of the rows are in dc. When I reach the crotch I split with a chain 4 reducing I believe to 15 dc per leg.

Glitter Girl Valentine Sweetheart

Thanks to Adoring Doll's patterns I've been able to add more outfits for the Glitter Girl over the years. You can purchase her Valentine pattern here.

Notes:

I've gotten better over the years about taking notes on my projects to make future projects easier since I reuse many patterns for future donations. I did OK with last year's notes on this project but there were improvements to include this year.

I use the suggested e hook for the dress and I moved to a D hook for the shoes this year.

The reminder to not forget the skip in row 10 was helpful so I'll include it in this year's notes as well.

I continue for two rows in pattern after row 17 for length.

Last year I felt the hearts and bow were bulky so this year I used size 3 thread and an e hook and I liked the outcome better.

I also noted the hair tie needed to be longer, I didn't count but think it was close to 120.

Lastly, I made this in the darker grey suggested in the project picture last year and I'd return to that for next year. I went with what I had on hand, but I am sure dark grey will return to the stash before the 2027 donation.

2025

Glitter Girl Sleeping Bag

For years I've used Adoring Doll's camping set sleeping bag for this donation.

I've just never been a fan of the mummy sack sleeping bags. My brothers had the down ones for deep winter camping and of course it was all I had available when I needed a sleeping bag and I found them horribly confining.

Last year after finishing the mummy sack I promised myself I'd look into adapting the free 18 inch sleeping bag pattern for the smaller doll and here we are with a new sleeping bag.

Notes:

This was made adapting a free 18 inch doll pattern found here.

The only change I needed to make was to use a G hoook. After establishing the pattern I don't count rows I measure length against the doll before closing the bottom and that is what I did for the smaller Glitter Girl.

This was made with Red Heart Super Saver Bonbon print and required slightly over one skein to finish. I leave this as a note as it is significantly less than the other dolls but still not a single skein project unless it is a jumbo skein.

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.