My Life Cinderella

Since I donate two My Life dolls each year I try to keep the donations balanced. Some years I will do different princess dresses and this one will go to the Our Generation Doll. However, this year I'm hoping in the final push I can get more princess outfits done for all three of the 18 inch girl dolls. I'm hoping to get a start on the Our Generation Boy Doll's Prince outfit soon.

You can purchase this pattern here.

Notes:

I used an I hook for the dress and an H hook for the overskirt.

To make adding the overskirt easier I crochet row 9 of the skirt in the back rows allowing me to add the overskirt in the front rows of row 9 later.

I used a G hook to sc around the overskirt and for the sleeve edging.

I used an H hook for the headband and the suggested g for the choker.

The shoes are from the school uniform pattern which can be purchased here. This is my standard shoe pattern when there is no shoe pattern and buckle shoes won't work.

Lil Cutesies Drop Waist Dress

This is a new pattern I was gifted for the 2026 donation. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

This was made with size 10 thread and a 2mm thread hook. The pink was Thread Art, the white Aunt Lydia's and the striped Herrschners.

I added a ss row to the bottom of the skirt to try to get it to stop curling and this seemed to help. I love the look of the pleats but mine curled.

My first attempt at the bonnet was a problem because I missed the note in row 9 where it reminds you to mark the neck opening and no longer work in these stitches. I make this note to remind myself the next time as once I followed this direction the bonnet worked up nicely.

There are directions for adding some decorative buttons to the dress and shoes. I opted not to add these as they were less practical for play time.

The panties and shoes worked up easily and could be added to another thread outfit that needed them.

Ken Pilgrim

This is an old free Ken pattern that can be found here. I used the boots from Annie's Fashion Doll Crochet Club's Old World Santa and Mrs. Claus FC43-01 but I'd go back to the original shoes and socks version next year.

I wanted to play with this outfit as the original was hard to get on and off. Some changes worked not as much and still others need some thinking.

Notes:

I used an e hook for everything but the hat.

I used worsted weight grey and black for this project likely Red Heart Super Saver. The white was Bernat Baby. The grey finished off a left over ball which is always a proud moment in my doll project.

The original project joins the jacket making it challenging to get on and off. I changed the coat to be closed in the front with snaps and this adjusted how the collar was made. I'd add a belt to this outfit next time like the one the Our Generation Boy has for his Pilgrim suit.

The pants start with an elastic waist and therefore could be made with a lighter weight yarn. They look and feel heavy with the worsted. I'd think of using a lighter weight next time and adjusting stitch count to match the fiber.

I wanted to try Santa's boots but I'd go back to the old pattern for the shoes and stockings.

Still playing with the hat as the brim is wider than I wanted but the width of the opening had to be wider for this Ken's head to fit. A work in progress.

16 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit 2

This is the last of the regular doll swimsuits I need to make for 2026. I'm going to experiment and see if I can adapt the Calico Critter Mom pattern to fit the Sister but I consider the Calico swimsuits to be bonuses to the challenge. They were not on my radar when I started this challenge for the year.

This was made using a no longer available 18 inch doll pattern from Stephanie Dygerty.

I am pleased to say the pink is from a ball of yarn in my this yarn really must go pile and I'm thrilled to say only a small amount is left. I do try to attack the left overs over the course of the donation projects.

Notes: I need a K hook to get this to fit the 16 Inch Baby Doll. I used a g hook for the trim.

Since I wanted to use more pink, I did not change to the contrast color for the brim.

I chain 40 for the swimsuit ties.

Calico Critter Sister Shell Dress

This has become one of my more frequently used free Calico Critters crochet patterns and you can find it here. It has directions for Mom and Sister.

Notes:

Taking my notes from last year's project I used a 1.5mm hook for the top and a 1.25mm hook for the skirt.

The dress uses size 10 thread and this is from Hobby Lobby's artiste thread sample box.

I was able to complete everything but the snap while waiting my turn for an appointment Saturday. I added the snap when I came home.

Calico Critter Mom Swimsuit

I've been writing for a bit about this free pattern that you can find here.

I wasn't sure I could make it work and it took a bit of work but Mom has entered the 2026 swimsuit challenge for the donation.

Still thinking about fiber and hook for the smaller sister Critter but it is a start. I'm mostly through the last 16 inch Baby doll's suit so that just leaves me to see if this can be adapted for the sister.

Notes:

The pattern is written in UK terms and calls for 4 ply wool. As with several patterns I've used recently I worked my way down. I started with Unforgettable Yarn which was clearly too heavy. I decided to try Cotton Fair that I've been using for my ami projects and while a little bulkier than I'd have liked it did the trick. I will be moving to thread for the sister.

The pattern starts with 24 stitches I'd reduce this to 21 as I had to reduce the first row by 3 to get the shaped area to work.

I skipped row 2 as it made the top too wide to fit under the arms. I am considering doing a flat strip across for the sister and seeing how it works.

There is a gap between the arm holes and the top's cluster stitches. I stitched them to the arm holes as I liked the look better than having them be free standing. Generally ties are added to the clusters to tie the top in the back but this has arm holes. This is why I'm thinking of leaving them off for the Sister pattern.

I took a flat picture of the Critter as a reminder that these are made as hip huggers. There is no hole opening for the tail it rests on the back. Without giving away pattern secrets this is a unique way of making pants which I hadn't tried previously.

Glitter Girl Mermaid

I've had my eye on this pattern on Ravelry for a while but then it fell off my radar until I went to look for a pattern link and realized I'd never purchased it and if I wanted to include the outfit in this year's donation now would be a good time to buy it. You can purchase the Wellie Wisher pattern here.

The pattern calls for sock yarn but I had a suspicion from a few other mermaid outfits I'd made that I might be able to get the Red Heart Unforgettable yarn to work. I believe this is Gossamer. There is some thought this yarn may be discontinued so I'm trying to stock up and look into a Michael's Loops and Threads substitute.

Notes:

There is no note on the pattern itself but the designer wrote a note on her Ravelry pattern site that one could crochet over an elastic rather than using a tie at the waist of the tail. I chose the elastic as this yarn can fray and the fewer lose ties the better.

I needed a G hook throughout the project.

The length is long likely do to the change in fiber and hook so when I make this again I would make sure I closed it at the bottom of the doll's feet. These fins are formed differently than any others I've made to date and I wasn't ready to alter the pattern until I understood where it was headed.

Having finished it once shortening the rows would not be an issue.

Again it could be the fiber or the hook size but I played a little to get the ties lined up. I also would work more on the lace look of the original top. As a first try it works but I think there is always room for improvement.

Barbie Cinderella

I keep trying to work in my themes for the year and so we add another to the Cinderella category with Barbie's dress.

You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

This outfit is made with Knit Picks Palette Yarn. I use a D hook for the top and an e hook for the skirt. The pattern joins from the beginning I join the in round 12 and add a snap to close as it makes the dress easier to get on and off for little hands. I've played with the trim in the front so there is no gap.

As for Skipper I haven't decided which Cinderella pattern to use yet. Her adapted Chelsea dress looked good last year.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Spring Petal Dress

I loved the look of this pattern but the dress and items looked heavier than what I expected from most baby doll patterns of this size. The pattern called for cotton fingering yarn and while I didn't have any of the brand suggested I tried various brands until I started up my acrylic ladder to full worsted with a G hook to get it to fit my doll.

Now this is the challenge of buying outfits designed for one doll and hoping they will fit your doll. This is designed for the AG Caring for Baby doll and you can purchase the pattern here.

One of the advantages of working with so many different dolls is I am used to having to adapt patterns and I rather liked the textured feel of this outfit and I wanted to add it to the donation bag.

Notes:

This was made with a ball of worsted from my let's finish off pile. It has to be Red Heart or Caron.

The dress required a G hook.

The bloomers started the waist with an H hook and switched to an e once the waist was created.

I was concerned the G would make the shoes large but the fit as written and didn't fall off.

I took an extra picture of the hat because I really liked the flower. I think mine might be more 3-D than the designers but I still really liked it and I'm always needing flowers to add to doll clothes were the designer has one on the outfit and then a link to go somewhere else that may or may not still be current. This one would work for a couple of outfits that I have been struggling with what to add.

It is odd that I went through the entire range of yarn trying to get this outfit to fit as I'm going through a similiar issue with a winter outfit for the Our Generation Boy. I once again started with my fingering yarn and am working my way up to worsted weight. We will see if that project comes to a finish.

Calico Critter Brother Swim Trunks

Well the Critter Men are ready for the beach. I have a pattern I've never tried for Mom which might fit the sister if I can get it to work. We shall see. I've never tried the designer's pattern but a free pattern is always worth a shot.

Notes:

You can find the free pattern for the Dad and Brother swim trunks here.

This pattern contains directions for both Dad and brother with the designer directing you clearly to the differences.

I used size 10 thread.

I used a 1.25mm hook for Dad and Brother.

Lesson learned after making Dad's was a reminder not to join after the first row.

I only do one leg row after joining to keep them as swim shorts and not pants.

To finish Brother's shorts and make them accept a snap at the back I needed to finish around the top and the back edge.

With this swimsuit finished I have one more 16 inch baby doll and the experiments to see if the Calico women will have swimsuits for 2026.

Calico Critter Mom Morning Glory Dress

I made this free pattern found here for the first time last year. The skirt was fuller this year and that is something I will work on the next time I make it.

Notes:

The dress is made with Aunt Lydia's size 3 and the flower size 10 white.

The flower is from an accessories pattern that comes with some of On A Calico Day's patterns.

I used a 1.5mm hook for the dress, a 1.25mm for the headband and a 1mm for the flower. Someone posted on a fb crochet site that they couldn't understand why people needed more than a couple of crochet hooks as she never used more than one size. I needed three thread hooks to complete one project. It really comes down to what you make.

I did not join the first row of the skirt as this pattern starts with the skirt to give the bunny a bit more tail room. I started joining in row 2.

16 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit

With this swimsuit complete I have one more to make for the 16 inch baby doll and then what ever else I can complete for the Calico Critters to finish out the 2026 swimsuit challenge.

This was made using a no longer available 18 inch doll pattern from Stephanie Dygerty.

Notes:

This was a great chance to use up an orphan yarn for the yellow. Not sure what brand this is but the white is Red Heart Super Saver.

I need a K hook to get this to fit the baby doll.

The only part of the swimsuit I have to play with is the top row. I always have to make sure the points are centered. I added a reverse crochet to finish the hat.

I use 40 chains for the ties.

Our Generation School Uniform

Not to late to add a back to school outfit for the donation.

This is one of Sweet Silver Creation's patterns that can be purchased here.

I'be been using this shoe pattern for several of my outfits that need a shoe without a strap for years. I couldn't find any blog notes about this project but I do know I'd made it for one of my nieces years ago. I confirmed it when I found notes on my printed pattern regarding the repeats for the skirt.

Notes:

I follow my traditional method for splitting for arm holes rather than the pattern suggestion. I've never had an issue with her other patterns making this change and it saves sewing in more ends.

The top section and the skirt are created separately and joined at the end.

The arms are premade and set into the arm holes. I crocheted into the back loops of the arm hole and recreated the arms that way. I had better success with one arm than the other but this is something I can work on as I've never had great success setting the arms in after I've made them.

I had a note I should use an f hook for the shoes, I'd go back to the previous note that suggests an e hook.

This picture is a reminder about setting the skirt after crocheting it. I crocheted around the bottom of the skirt with sc and then finished the top of the skirt sc around the inner sides of the skirt before completely sewing the skirt closed.

I then pinned the skirt to the top. I found I couldn't completely join the top to the skirt and be able to get the outfit on and off easily thus the picture below.

The headband worked as written.

16 Inch Baby Doll I Feel Pretty

Rotating through the baby dolls weekly seems to be creating a more balanced wardrobe among the dolls.

Next up is the I Feel Pretty Dress for the 16 Inch Baby doll.

You can find the free dress pattern here and the shoe pattern here.

Notes:

This was made with Herrschners Baby Worsted Stripes Pastel Rainbow and Worsted Peachy.

The dress and panties used an H hook. The hat used a g and f hook. The shoes need a J hook with the Herrschner's yarn.

Row 5 of the dress first dc is 9 not 8.

I add 3 rows for length for this doll.

The legs are formed in row 7 of the panties.

The hat uses a G and an f hook and I use 50 chains for the ties.

I've been using a snap to close this outfit after finishing the back rather than buttons.

Chelsea Sun Dress

Last year I picked up a collection of AG mini crochet patterns from Sweet Silver Creations that follow many of her full sized American Girl patterns. This one is only sold in the set not as an individual pattern. You can purchase the set here.

I've been slowly working to adapt these patterns to fit the Chelsea doll.

Notes:

I used size 20 thread and a .75mm hook for this project.

There are several additional accessories I didn't include. I've yet to find a crochet shoe pattern that fits the Barbie dolls well. I've made this hat for the 18 inch dolls and if you are going to display the dolls I suspect it would work but it doesn't stay on easily. The purse is a bit large for Chelsea and I really had no desire to try it in size 20 with a .75mm hook.

That said I do like this pattern and would use it again. It is a quick dress for Chelsea. The dress closes with a snap and the front buttons are mini buttons I picked up a while back. It might be time to consider a new batch as my color selection is a bit limited.

Calico Critter Dad Swim Trunks

I've had this in the Critter folder for a bit and never made it until I was going through my Critter folder and realized this wasn't a pants pattern but supposed to be swim trunks. I needed to shorten them to make them look less like pants and more like swim trunks to meet my swim challenge.

You can find the free pattern here.

This pattern has directions for the Dad and Brother. I hope to get back to the Brother soon.

So I will remember this pattern does not join until the legs are formed.

I followed the upper portion of the trunks as written. I decreased the leg rows to one additional leg row to keep them at short length rather than pants.

The designer does include directions for a tail hole and the back closes with a snap.

Calico Critter Mom V-Stitch Sundress

Every so often as I'm looking at patterns on Ravelry I find one from a designer I missed. This is designed for the sister and baby. However, I found I had to change the sister pattern to fit the Mom as it was huge on the Mom. I'm planning to adjust it to fit the sister.

You can find this free pattern here.

Notes:

I used a 1mm hook and size 10 crochet thread for this project.

I started this project twice learning from my first mistake. I try to make my doll clothes easy to put on and off. The pattern suggests joining the project from the first row. I did this and almost lost the bunny tail as I was working on the top section of the bodice. This made me rethink the project and I frogged my first attempt.

For my second attempt I chose not to join until making the skirt which includes a pattern trick for leaving a tail hole. This works better to slide the dress on and off with the top open until closed by a snap. I stopped damaging Mom's cotton tail.

Just a note by not joining I need an extra starting chain of 29 not 28.

I repeated Round 2 once for the skirt to get it to the same length as pictured for the sister Critter.

The headband only required 30 chains. Over the years I've collected a number of On A Calico Day's crochet patterns. They come with embellishment patterns. This is where I found the flower for the headband.

My Life Cat Short Set

I was hoping to get this posted Friday but decided to put it up on Saturday and keep pushing to complete my projects for the donation. It seems impossible but that deadline is now approaching rather than far off in the distant future.

This is one of Pamela Yarborough's patterns that can be purchased here.

I've been following her patterns long enough that my copy is from her origins of posting free patterns to her website to give her a following to start selling her patterns.

As with many of my doll projects this year this is another pattern that has been sitting in my doll binder for years until I came up with a more balanced approach for rotating through making clothes for all of the dolls rather than randomly picking which doll I felt like working on today. This has actually helped me to reach more deeply into all my doll folders and try some patterns I've not used in years or like this one, never tried.

Note:

This is made with Red Heart Super Saver Amethyst and White. The Pink and Grey are Herrschners. The black is sport yarn left over from the ami's.

I started with the hat and the shoes making them between other doll projects so they wouldn't need to be made after the outfit.

The hat was made using an H hook and I left a note on the pattern to try an I hook the next time.

The shoes were made with an H hook.

The top fits but it is snug with the suggested H hook. With anything that has to slide on and off the doll I like a little room so I'd use an I hook the next time for the shirt. A reminder to myself to pull the yarn up from the bottom for the ss.

I used the suggested F hook for the cat face and that was the right choice.

The shorts are snug with an H hook but my concern is getting them to stay up if I move to an I hook.

Our Generation Patriotic Swimsuit

I was looking through the flash drive of patterns I bought from Pamela Yarbororough Designs to find swimsuits I hadn't made previously for the donation and found this one.

I have decided I like this top and bottom best. I'd consider rotating the hat, sarong, and color options from the other patterns but this may be my go to starting pattern for the 18 inch dolls for a bit.

You can purchase the pattern here.

I used an H hook for the top and bottoms and an F hook for the accessories. I finally mastered the ss technique she uses while making the headband. I'd use it for future projects.

I'd consider experimenting with an I hook for the top. This top is joined and needs to slide on and off. It is a bit snug for the Our Generation Doll once you add the ss. An I hook might help make it easier to take on and off. I'd just have to check to make sure it doesn't gape open at the front.

The 18 inch doll swimsuits are done for 2026. I am going to experiment with something for the Calico Critters. No promises it will work. I still need two for the 16 inch Baby Dolls and then I will be done with this category for the year.

16 Inch Baby Doll Linmary Dress

This one took me much longer than I expected as I kept making unexpected changes.

The dress set is a free Linmary Knits crochet pattern found here. The shoes are from one of Darski's sets found here. Notes:

I've made a number of notes on hook size over the years. This year with the exception of the shoes, everything required an e hook. I used an J hook for the shoes.

This pattern uses UK crochet terms and I have notes all over my pattern to remind myself not to use US crochet stitches as it is a whole different outfit.

Dress:

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

I do not crochet in the back stitches for the bodice. I tried it this year and frogged it as it was not a good look.

Hat:

I had to stick with the e hook for the entire hat. I tried the notes I had on the pattern but the hat was huge. I believe this is how the Our Generation Boy ended up with a sun hat last year for his swim trunks.

Little Red Riding Hood Wolf Finger Puppet

Having finished the wolf I am pleased to announce the Little Red Riding Hood finger puppets are complete for Kits for Kids. If I can hold off on the temptation to start more tiny projects I want to finish the rest of the swimsuits opening up a spot in my weekly projects for the projects without taking out a regular doll project.

This pattern is from Evgeniya Yunitskaya's no longer available Red Riding Hood Finger puppets.

Notes:

I used Cotton Faire cotton for this project and a my Tulip Etimo sized 2 crochet hook. The pattern worked up pretty well.

The one main change I'd make in the future is a more traditional oval snout. I understand the idea the designer was going for with this pattern but it is really hard to make it work and lots of work for a simple finger puppet. An oval snout attached to the head would work better and be more efficient with my time.

For my own notes I never crocheted smaller than 6sc into a magic circle as I found it looked terrible and made attaching pieces more challenging later.

I attached the arms, then the head and then the white front piece.

The scarf needed to be longer but perhaps not quite this long.

Rag Doll I Feel Pretty

I've been alternating between the Rag Doll and the Glitter Girl doll weekly until I finish off the swimsuits to try to keep their donations equal. In the past one or the other always feels like it has been neglected.

This has been adapted from one of Darski's free baby doll patterns I Feel Pretty found here.

Notes:

Last year I made a note that the H hook I'd used was too large. This year I tried the suggested size 7 hook and it was still a bit roomy. I'd try a g hook next time.

I used Herrschners size 4 Herrschners Baby Worsted 8 Baby Stripes Hydrangea and I believe Worsted 8 Eggplant as the contrast color.

The arms were reduced sc around and finished with a sc chain 3 row. I also sc along the bottom row and then also did a sc chain 3 row around. This helped the skirt keep from turning up. I used a button to close the dress.

I hope to make this dress for both the 16 inch baby dolls including the accessories that don't quite work for this doll.

My Life Swimsuit 2

I've been using Pamela Yarborough's patterns for years and finally decided to invest in her flash drive of patterns for her 18 and 14.5 inch dolls since there were some I'd just not had the chance to buy and the flash drive while an investment gave them to me at the old prices not the current prices. Having some birthday money I made the jump. You can find her flash drive sale options here.

If you are interested in this pattern it can be purchased here.

I'm coming close to finishing the swimsuit challenge for 2026. I only have the Our Generation Doll and the two 16 inch baby dolls to go. I found a free pattern for the Calico Critter female I'm going to experiment with to see if I can get it to fit the Mom or sister. I'm not counting that one as it is iffy on getting it to work.

For future reference I much prefer this swimsuit than the first one I made. The one piece top is a much better project than the two triangles. I found the panties fit better as well. I love the sarong and the hat. I would consider adding the sarong to other swimsuits.

Notes:

I used an H hook for the swim top, bottoms and hat. I used the suggested G for the sandals. One of my projects for the off season is to find a sandal pattern I can use like I use Sweet Silver Creations other shoe patterns. Sandals have less connection with doll feet to keep them on so I've always found them challenging to make and keep them on but it is clear I need to find a pattern that works better for me.

The white is Red Heart I suspect the pink yarn is either Red Heart or Caron Pounder. I've been working on using up left over balls of yarn and this pink was left from previous doll projects.

I don't have much experience with sarongs so I was thrilled that the designer took a picture from the back and front as this helped me to realize I was going in the right direction.

I added 2 additional rows to the hat as it was too small. These rows continued the DC 5 2dc pattern. I continued this DC 5 2DC on the brim.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Capri Set

I've got an extensive collection of Amy Carrico's baby doll patterns that I've collected over the years. I loved the feeted outfits she makes and she has some of the only shoe patterns that seem to stay on the baby dolls.

I stumbled upon this one which is available for purchase on Ravelry here while finding a purchase link for another pattern. Every so often I find a pattern that I don't have of hers and this was one.

I'm always looking for something different for the Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby doll as many of my patterns are variations on a theme. The sweater and the hat reminded me of infant sets my Mom used to make years ago. Different techniques as hers were knitted but similiar style.

Notes:

I used the suggested e hook for all of the items. The pink I believe is a Herrschner's Baby sport yarn and the white is Baby Bernat Sport.

For my own notes I tried adding some cute buttons but I'd need larger button holes thus the smaller than normal buttons from my stash.

The hat fit as written without any challenges.

Other than perhaps making larger button holes the sweater also worked as written.

The T-strap on the shoe was a litle fudgey. I might leave this off next time. There is a picture of the shoes without the additional T.

The pants for some reason were the challenge. I tried going up hook size, adding stitches and nothing was working until I decided to add elastic and go back to my fall back style of pants. I crocheted over the elastic and then split with a chain 3 at the crotch for the legs. I reduced stitches to make the upper section and then the legs a more reasonable width as covering the elastic can create more stitches when you use a thinner yarn.

Part of the challenge for this doll is the velcro diaper and this brand of yarn. When the pants were too tight the yarn attached to the velcro. The elastic waist allowed me to get the pants on and off without challenge. I try where possible to make these outfits little hands friendly.

I really like the sweater and could see using it with other patterns. It works up quickly and is a nice addition to the donation. This hat fits suprisingly well. I sometimes find the hats are my Goldilocks problem too big or too small. These shoes are a variation on her standard shoes and other than the t-strap they are my favorite for this doll.

Glitter Girl Kennedy Dress

When I made this dress last I suggested ordering some grey Herrschners Worsted for this outfit as I didn't have anything quite the right fit for the dress. Clearly I took my advice as I had grey in my stash when I pulled this pattern out last week.

I've enjoyed the patterns from this designer for the Wellie Wisher doll that I bought three more patterns, two that match Wellie Wisher patterns for the larger 18 inch dolls.

You can purchase this pattern here.

This pattern does not come with shoes so I used the shoes from Pamela Yarborough's Butterfly Dress that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I used an F hook and a snap for the dress instead of a button this go around.

The dress was slightly short this time so I believe I added an additional six rows to make it this length.

The shoes required an E hook to fit.

Little Red Riding Hood Hunter Finger Puppet

With the Hunter completed I only have to finish the wolf for this set to be finished.

This pattern is from Evgeniya Yunitskaya's no longer available Red Riding Hood Finger puppets.

Notes:



If my memory serves me the original hunter had an axe. This one had a weird looking gun and I chose not to make it for multiple reasons.

There are lots of controversies over weapons and donations and why risk it. Secondly, looking at the picture, even if I wasn't worried about it being rejected for a weapon, it kind of looks like a musical instrument more than a weapon. This hunter will have left set his weapon down before appearing in the puppet theater.

I used Cotton Faire cotton for this project and a my Tulip Etimo sized 2 crochet hook.

The hat and the vest proved to be the most troubling challenges of the puppet. I ended up doing the first row of each flaps in the front row of the stitch to get it to fold.

I'm not sure if it was where I attached my arms that was the challenge but I couldn't get the vest to fit as written so I just made it top down as I'd make something for one of my dolls. I started with the original count but decreased to keep it from gaping in the back. I also added to chain stitches for the arms as I found the vest tight around the arms. I crocheted around the outside of the vest and fpdc around the collar. This seemed to help the fit.

The bottom of the vest is sewn together to keep it from falling off and getting lost.

My Life Cinderella

Sweet Silver Creations was one of the very first doll designers I started collecting crochet patterns way back over 15 years ago even before this donation began.

Her shoes are still my go to for all my 18 inch doll creations. However, every so often I find myself longing to go back to the princess days and hers are always the first patterns I turn to as they are beautiful to make and something I can reasonably finish without neglecting all my other projects.

With the practice I've had from working on the ami projects I worked this larger outfit across a couple of weeks of other doll projects rather than trying to finish it all at once. I'd finish a set portion, put it aside and come back. When I finished the skirt and then the trims I finally decided it was time to finish and completed all the smaller accessories so I could add it to my finished items.

You can purchase the Cinderella pattern here. Her princess patterns do not have shoes so I use the shoes from her School Uniform pattern which can be purchased here. That pattern is also on my list of items to get back into the rotation this year. I want to attack some patterns I've not used in a bit, patterns I've never made, and new ones I've found.

Notes:

I used an H hook for the Cinderella dress and Royal and Light Blue Red Heart Super Saver. I needed a Jumbo of Royal as her princess patterns eat quite a bit of yarn. The light blue was primarily trim so far less was needed.

There was a note from previous projects that I stopped at row 20. This year I needed to add rows for length but did not write down the number.

I find myself scanning the pattern for where the item will join for my own records this will be end of row 2 skirt. Also a reminder to keep turning after joining.

I followed the School Uniform shoe pattern as written using an f hook.

My Life Swimsuit

I am quite hopeful that before the end of September all of the swimsuits will be finished for the dolls. I have one more My Life, an Our Generation, and two 16 inch baby dolls to go if my count is correct.

Since I make swimsuits every year when possible I try to work through my pattern collections to keep the challenge engaging.

This is one of Pamela Yarbrough's patterns that can be purchased here.

This has been my year to pull out patterns that I haven't tried and my copy actually goes back to when she was first starting out posting free patterns on her blog. I use her patterns for the 18 inch and the 14 inch Glitter girl doll so I finally invested in the flash drive for both sized dolls that she sells on Etsy. I've already printed three patterns and there are more to go.

It is also such a relief to be able to easily find patterns when I misplace one. I've gotten so much better about putting patterns back in their binder when I'm finished but every so often one goes missing and I can sometimes find it from where I purchased it but sometimes it is gone. This gets me the patterns I never purchased and the security of quickly finding the ones I lose.

Notes:

If I choose to go back to this one I would use an H instead of an I hook for the top. The trim with a G hook worked.

I used an H hook for the panties but then needed to chain 3 to join on each side to get them to fit around the waist. I crocheted them closed rather than sewing. I added the trim after that row. I'd consider using a smaller hook for the crotch rows as it is a bit bulky.

I followed the shoe pattern as written.

There is a pattern for a cover up but I chose not to include it.

Stacie Critter Empire Dress

This is a Calico Critter pattern available for purchase here that I adapt for Chelsea and Stacie.

Notes:

This version was made with Hobby Lobby's size 10 hand died samples and a 1.8 mm hook. For my own notes it takes almost an entire one of these small cones for a Stacie sized dress in this pattern.

In order to get this to fit the larger doll I continued with row 6 until the outfit reached Stacie's knees. I then finished rows 7-8.

I finished the back and neck before adding a snap to close.

Next up for the fashion dolls will be Chelsea.

Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll Sweetly Pants, Top, Shoes

This was made using Darski's free Sweetly pattern set for the Lots to Love 10 inch baby doll found here.

Notes:

I'm continuing my quest to finish off my skein of Lion Brand Baby Soft Dusty Lilac and I added Baby Bernat Baby Baby for the contrast.

Bonnet:

I used an e hook for the bonnet and added rows to make it long enough. It was a little wider than I'd hoped this year so I'd decrease before the face rows next time if it is loose.

I'd place the ties further out. They are too close to tie make them effective.

Shirt:

The shirt was made with a G hook and I followed directions as written.

Pants:

I've been playing with my own top down pants for this outfit for a while now.

Chain 44 and join.

HDC in each chain and join for a total of 8 rows.

Chain 3 ss into 22nd stitch and start first leg.

I didn't record number of legs for rows but I did decrease last row with sc around.

Last row made with sc chain 3 around.

Shoes:

I've been playing with her bootie pattern to make Mary Jane shoes to give the doll a variety of shoes.

Rag Doll Summer Dress

At the beginning of this donation cycle I thought this would be the final year for the Rag Doll. The current model has different hair from this model but it is still nice to have a rag doll in the mix. The company I order them from had two more left so I will be keeping the Rag dolls on for a few more rounds.

Notes:

This dress is made adapting the baby doll summer dress from Margaret Funk's House of White Birches Baby Doll Fashions to Crochet that I use for the two 16 inch baby dolls.

For this outfit I chose Lion Brand's Ice Cream Yarn in Watermelon. It makes for a cheerful dress.

In the past I've added an additional sc row before starting the changed directions for the 16 inch baby doll that I've documented several times. I missed that this year and the dress is lighter at the top. I'd likely go back to the additional row next year.

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

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

My Life Kinley Casual Pant Set

I've made an effort to print patterns that got purchased and for various reasons never got printed so I don't end up buying them again. I almost thought about buying this one before finding it in had been purchased and printing it out.

You can purchase the pattern here.

I honestly thought the challenge for this pattern was going to be the pants. I find stripes for smaller projects like doll clothing or ami's can be challenging as the stripes need to stay even. These worked up really well and I got a little over confident going into the cardigan, thus the reminder pictures for future projects down below.

Notes:

I used an I hook for everything but the shoes and the necklace. I'd consider an H for the cardigan next time if it would work as the holes are large with an I but not sure how the fit would be. The necklace was made with the suggested f hook and the shoes with an H hook.

Shirt:

I rather like this shirt and followed the directions other than hook size as written. My only thought for future projects is I might add a few rows before bottom trim. I found it rode up a bit. Since I wasn't sure how the whole outfit went together as I was making it I went as written. I consider a couple of rows to make it longer for the next project.

Pants:

The pants worked as written. My only reminder to self is to watch the row count and to start row counter for second leg at 12 as first row for leg 2 is 13.

Shoes:

These are cute summer shoes but I'm not sure for my purposes I'd make these again. They were more challenging to make and sadly they don't stay on as well as most of the other shoes I make. I see these getting lost quickly.

Necklace:

I ended up with a button from my collection after failing tassling making a few times. I like the button look and I had to make the necklace longer to be able to take it on and off the doll. This made the button even more practical.

This brings me to the cardigan.

I have no idea why this was so hard for my brain to understand but I don't trust that if I come back to this in a year or more I will remember so I took some pictures.

The basic back was pretty straight forward but for the life of me I could not understand how the arms and sides panels were formed. Without giving the pattern away but reminding myself follow the directions as written they are correct. There are side seems and gaps for arm holes involved.

I did adapt the pattern to make longer sleeves. I did three rows of dc chain one around the arm holes before adding the sc trim.

Skipper Ski Outfit

As with Barbie and Ken this ski pattern comes from the out of print House of White Birches leaflet Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls.

With minimal adaptations, Barbie's outfit fits Skipper pretty well.

Notes:

I follow Barbie's pattern for Skipper which for my own notes starts on page 32 and skips to left column of 47.

This requires a 2.5mm hook for everthing but the hat which like the other two requires an E hook. Knit Picks's Palette is my go to yarn for all three ski outfits.

Barbie's pants pattern is too small for Barbie but fits well for Skipper as long as I keep the total rows to 18.

I finish the arm and leg holes with ss as this helps with the hands and feet catching on the yarn.

I would consider making the arms slightly larger around the elbow bend as Skipper's bend is sharper than Barbie's and it makes getting the sweater on and off a bit more challenging.

Lil Cutesies Overalls

This is another pattern I purchased here for the Lil Cutesies doll and never got around to making.

You may wonder why purchase and without a specific project in mind. Well the annual donation stays fresher when I rotate projects around keeping me from becoming bored.

I've also learned to buy before pattern designers disappear. If you find a designer that speaks your crochet language and designs for the dolls you need acquiring those patterns over time can be a great strategy for developing a rotation of outfits.

When you notice a designer start moving platforms you sometimes move them to the top of the aquisition pile even if you don't get to all the patterns at once. My hope is if the designer gets enough business perhaps they will keep designing.

My habit has been to buy a pattern from a designer and test the style to see if we speak the same crochet language. Some people find this odd but there are some designers I rarely have issues reading and understand what they are thinking when they write a pattern and others that I surrender and move on to something more productive. Now I do make changes that I document frequently. These are usually do to my own personal guage issues, available yarn, etc. However, I generally find myself looking at a shirt for instance at the end of a session making a shirt rather than a new piece of modern art.

I've chased a few designers across platforms to acquire their doll libraries as I don't have unlimited doll funds. While I'd love to acquire everything they've designed for the dolls I donate it can take time. However, when I do have the chance to stock up I do and then we have binders of doll patterns I dive into to find the neglected/lost patterns I've acquired. Some years I have more time than others for the hunt. This year has been a good year for the neglected pattern catalog.

Notes:

I always need to remind myself when starting these patterns that these are written in UK not US crochet terms. The first bootie could have fit on of the American Girl dolls. In my own defense I was highly distracted at the time and once the bottom of the foot was done realized my mistake.

I used a 2.5mm hook for the outfit.

The White Yarn is Bernat Big Ball Sport Baby. The purple is Lion Brand Baby Soft Dusty Lilac. The flower is a unknown baby yarn brand of purple. I've been trying to attack orphan skeins in my stash. Over the years I've picked up different brands of baby yarns for the donation when they've been on sale to try. It might just be a bad skein but this was was thready at times. It had a hard time holding it together. I'd been going to use my Bernat Baby lavender but wanted to see if I could use this one up.

Shirt:

I only needed 4 rows for the sleeves before it became too long.

For my own notes the pattern suggests closing the shirt with ties. I used a snap. I find the ties get caught.

Overalls:

I would work fewer rows prior to splitting for legs as the overalls are a little long.

The straps required 31 chains in order to make it easy for a child to slide the overalls on and off.

The suggestion is snaps covered by buttons but this seemed overally complicated to me.

There is no flower pattern. I just copied the one I used for the Red Dress I posted about earlier in the week.

Our Generation Boy Swim Trunks

These swim trunks are made using a pattern from from Pamela Yarborough's Swim Suit Set which can be purchased here. The set includes trunks for the boy and suits for the 18 and 14.5" dolls. This pattern can also be purchased alone here.

A note for myself is that all three patterns are stored together as they are printed double sided. I went looking for the boy's trunks and panicked when I couldn't find them. I'm going to make a note on top pattern that all three are located in one set as to not panic myself next year.

Notes:

I am determined to use up some of my project ends so some of you may recognize the green from previous projects. I do like the light blue I've used in previous years but I am need to eliminate some of my endless left over yarn balls and this was a good place to start.

An I hook is pretty standard for her patterns and it is no different for the swim trunks.

The Our Generation Boy requires a starting chain of 46 which makes the legs increase to 23.

The color change for the leg is marked for the 2nd leg not the first so the change is Row 11 stays main color, row 12 contrast, end with row 13 main. Thanks to last year's notes I didn't make the mistake of not counting for the changes.

However, having changed colors I did make the mistake of not starting with the contrast color and had to start the top of the trunks over having started with the main color not the contrast color.

The original pattern calls for a piece of yarn to be tied for the trunks as if it is a tie. I decided to crochet a tie and thread it through the fpdc as it seems each year the trunks are a little loose and it allows me to tighten them just a little with the pull ties.

With these swim trunks down I still need swimsuits for the female 18 inch dolls and the larger baby dolls.

I finally took the plunge and purchased Pamela Yarborough's flash drive of doll patterns. I have several I'm missing and decided I want to be able to easily retrieve patterns I misplace. I ordered it last Friday so we will see how it works when it arrives.

Our Generation Red Flower Dress

This has been the year to use neglected patterns. This is another one of Pamela Yarborough's patterns that can be purchased here. It's been in my binder of her patterns for a bit but I've never made it. I do think rotating the dolls weekly has opened more options than working on one doll for a period of time before moving on to another as something usually arises and shortens the time for one doll to be dressed. This way the rotation continues around time reductions.

Notes:

The yarn for this project is Red Heart. The red is Cherry and I'd like to see at some point if I could locate a brighter red. I thought that was Cherry but this is darker than I anticipated.

Dress:

I used an I hook for the dress.

After row 1, I sc in back stitch to allow myself to play with red trim that is added at end. What I forgot is it needs to be added now not at end to make this technique work. I've added a note to my pattern and here as a reminder for the next time I approach the project. I am not a fan of surface stitch and this is one way to avoid it if I do it correctly.

The flowers for the dress and headband were made with the suggested 3.0mm hook. I found they were smaller than I liked. I'd try them with either an E or F hook next time.

I found the length was fine as is with no additional length rows.

Shoes:

The Our Generation Doll was fine with a G hook and the directions as written.

Headband:

I used a G hook for the headband. I had to add rows to fit it around the Our Generation head. I wouldn't increase the hook size as the width would be too wide.