Barbie Christmas Caroler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I finished back with sc around the straps.

I chose to use Bernat Baby for the trim.

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

The upper trim is ss chain 3 ss across.

The neck is sc

The cape is trimmed with crab stitch.

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

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

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