Stacie Sleeping Bag

While this is posting towards the end of May I'm writing it the first weekend of May on a wet rainy Sunday.

Wet rainy days are great days for bargain hunting which honestly is the only way this doll charity stays functioning.

I looked at my Amazon doll wishlist today to find the 16 inch Baby dolls on sale and stocked up.

I've been struggling to decide what to do about restocking the Glitter Girl dolls as my reserve is low and nothing was speaking to me. The prices have been high and price is important if you want to reach more kids. However, today they had one doll that fit the style of doll I wanted and was about 1/2 the price of the other dolls in the category. I was also able to replace my current model which sadly is out of date and will not accurately model for the current dolls. I hadn't realized that until I went looking for a new doll.

On to the current project. As I post this at the beginning of May I now only have two more sleeping bags to make before the doll donations. Both are Chelsea dolls and going to two different donations. This is a huge weight after last year discovering I had forgotten them in the fall.

Stacie is now the only fashion doll that uses the free Beanie Sleeping Bag pattern found here rather than a combo of the fashion doll and Beanie shells. Her bent arms make the wider sleeping bag a better choice. I experimented during Kits for Kids with using a Calico Critter pattern for Chelsea and I will use that for the next two Chelsea sleeping bags I need.

Notes:

This was made with Herrschners Baby Worsted Stripes a 4 weight yarn. Note to self do not use anything bulkier than Herrschners for Stacie's sleeping bag.

I use the suggested I hook.

Once the pillow and pattern are established I stop counting rows and close when the sleeping bag easily ends over the doll's feet.

Chelsea Nightgown

I decided to start with the smallest of dolls to get back to my nightgown challenge. This pattern is actually an AG mini pattern but I found a series of them that adapt well not only for Chelsea but for Stacey and Skipper with some alterations. Since my pattern supply for Barbie's sisters is low I like when I can find patterns that work across the doll range.

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

I bought one pattern first to see if it would work for the Chelsea with minimal effort and when I realized it would work I went back and bought her pattern set available here because I already use many of these patterns for the 18 inch doll. I hope to get to more of them this year.

Notes:

To make this work for Chelsea I use size 20 thread and a .75mm thread crochet hook.

For my own reference the pink was Omega from Creative Yarn Resources. The contrast was Lizbeth Wildflowers.

Since I do try to check my notes before starting these projects each year I would suggest going with a lighter color for the primary. I made this in a pale pink last year and liked it better. I thought going with a bolder color would work but rather prefer the pale.

I've made alterations on my paper copy of the stich counts which after row 2 don't account for the row increases in the following stitch count. If I have to reprint at any point it will be important to remember that there are changes to rows 3 and 4.

Sweet Silver has a process of stopping for her arm holes. I always continue as this has never worked for me. Therefore when completing row 5 I need to look at the directions for row 6 and chain 4 for the arm holes or Chelsea can't move her arms. I thought I needed to increase hook size only to realize I hadn't read my own notes.

Skirt

Row 1 was changed to a dc in 2 followed by 2dc around. As written the skirt was too large for Chelsea.

Last year I finished the skirt at row 10 and left a note to continue to row 11.

So now the skirt directions are to follow rows 1-11 then skip to row 16.

Rows 17-18 are done in contrast color.

I do not add upper trim.

The nightgown closes with ties. I chain 40 for the ties and follow directions for ties.

I finished the back in sc before adding ties.

I've never had good luck with crocheting shoes for the fashion dolls so no slippers for Chelsea.

Ken Farmer

This is one of Shirley Jean Wright's free fashion doll patterns that can be found with the help of the Wayback machine here. Sadly the machine doesn't always save pictures just text.

I made this pattern for the donation a few years back and clearly it was a different Ken because I had to play with the pattern to get it to fit the It Takes Two Camping Ken I'm currently donating.

Notes:

This note was added to my pattern copy but I'm placing it here because I often read these notes before even grabbing the pattern to start. The shirt is a tougher fit for this doll. I'd suggest starting with the shirt, getting it to fit and then deciding if the waist for the overalls should be wider. I didn't do that for this project but I would do it next time as I plan on continuing with this doll for the donation for a while.

Overalls:

I used a D hook with Red Heart Super Saver Light Periwinkle for this project. I ordered a three pack from Amazon after completing the project because I can't get the color locally and they are a great pants color for the boy and girl dolls along with other projects. Lately I've picked up great shades only to have them never appear locally again.

I had previously done 17 rows for the legs, I increased to 18 this year and would consider 19 for a future project.

As I mentioned this Ken is a different build then the previous doll so he needed a longer bib so I had to add a row to the bib.

Shirt:

The shirt has never really been an issue for this project until this year. The shirt is made as one piece not buttons or snaps required. However this requires that it can be slid on and off the doll.

My first attempt using previous directions was too small. I then thought about not joining it but that looked terrible.

After various attempts I decided to change to using an e hook until row 5 when the armholes are created switching back to the D hook I originally used for this project.

Note to self that the projects stops joining at row 5 as this is when both the armholes and the collar begin to form. Without this the shirt will not pull on and off.

The sleeves were huge as written so I did a decrease round of sc which also finished off the arms to make for a better fit. I then did 3 rounds of DC finishing with a ss around the edges to keep them from fraying. Hat:

I have yet to get her hat directions to work as written and each time I've made the hat it has been different. This year's hat was made with Hobby Lobby sport yarn.

Our Generation Wisteria

Still on my stroll through Darski's pattern library. This free pattern can be found here. The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creation's Sailor pattern and can be purchased here.

I love the concept of this outfit but I struggled a little with the execution.

Underskirt:

I used the 4.5/7mm hoook for this project with the exception of the shoes.

First I'd reduce the width of the skirt for the underdress. I had to make the overdress much wider to come close to accomadating the width of the skirt.

I would consider keeping it at the original 60 stitches rather than expanding it to 70.

I reduced the underskirt to 20 rows but I would trust my instincts and keep it to the top of the feet likely closer to 18 rows next time.

The tie pictures look more complicated than necessary. I did a simple tie in the back.

Overskirt:

I used a 4.5 mm hook for the overskirt.

The top feels large but it is reduced with a pull tie that allows the dress to come on and off.

For this outfit I had to increase the skirt count to 75 to fit over the larger skirt. This might not be as much of an issue with a smaller skirt.

I used Sweet Silver Creation's shoe pattern with a G hook.

There is an overall set included with this pattern that I'd like to finish for the donation.

I do need to pivot and start getting back to the night clothes, swimsuits, and some general clothes for the other dolls. I'd also like to work on some of the other patterns I have for the 18 inch dolls. I won't be abadoning my quest to work through more of her patterns but I do need to broaden my donations for a bit.

Skipper Sleeping Bag

As I mentioned on Ken's sleeping bag post I lost track of some of the accessory projects last year and ended up scrambling to finish them in the fall.

I looked back at Skipper's sleeping bag post and it hit on Halloween last year. Since I prepost it might have been earlier but still I like getting these projects in the donation bags early in the year. Having them waiting in the fall wasn't going to work for me this year.

It is the first weekend of May as I prepost and Skipper's bag is ready to go. This leaves me with Stacie, and two Chelseas to finish the donation year.

This bag is made using a combination of two free patterns from Suzie's Stuff Blog. The first is her Fashion Doll Sleeping bag found here. The texture comes from her Beanie Bag Sleeping Bag found here.

I use the fashion doll pattern to establish the pillow and width of the pattern. The shells come from the beanie pattern. I find sc the entire sleeping bag to be a rather tiresome project. The shells make it work up faster for me. I also like the textured look.

Notes:

This was made with Red Heart Ombre Violet. I'd use this again for Skipper if I had it on hand.

I need an I hook to get this to fit Skipper.

Once the pattern is established I stop counting rows and follow the pattern until it covers the doll's feet and then I close the bottom of the bag.

My Life Mommy's Little Girl

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

I did try making Darski's shoe pattern from Youthful memories but even with increasing hook size and adding a few stitches to the starting chain I found them to be too small. I was hopeful as her baby doll shoe pattern is the only one that will fit the 16 inch donation doll. Therefore, it was back to Sweet Silver Creations's Sailor pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I don't get to Hobby Lobby often so I do pick up a few skeins of I Love this Yarn when I'm there, especially if I can find some unusual colors.

For my reference the dress is made with I Love this Yarn Print 494 Instant Classic. I would like to buy more of this as I have several projects including this one for next year where this color blend would be wonderful.

The other two colors are Red Heart Super Saver Safron and Real Teal.

Dress:

As mentioned this was made with I Love this Yarn Print 494 Instant Classic and an I hook. I did not add the additional trims Darski used as I liked the look without them.

I used three buttons for the dress.

Capelet:

I had trouble establishing the shape of the cape. When I finally didn't get it to be too large it doesn't create the circle that the pattern intends. It still works. Note to self that the sc are only in the dc not the chains otherwise the cape is huge.

The dc ch 1 does not skip a stitch between.

Straw Hat:

I followed the directions for the hat as written.

Purse:

The purse is a work in progress. The directions for the bottom of the purse were very detailed the top was more vague and something I need to work on.

My Life Youthful Memories

This is one of Darki's outfits I've made a few times as it is a bright cheerful spring/summer look and it makes me smile when I'm crocheting it.

You can find the free pattern here. In all the years I've made this I've been missing pages for this pattern that include the rest of the directions for the purse and a pattern for the shoes. I realized that as I decided to try the purse again and realized I couldn't finish it without the remaining directions.

I'd already used Silver Creation's Sailor Doll shoe pattern which can be purchased here because I like the straps to hold on to the foot. However, I would like to try these slip ons at some point to see how well they fit. I'm about half way through another one of her sets so it would be a good time to try the shoes.

Notes:

The pink is Red Heart Super Saver Shocking Pink, the white likely also Red Heart. I've used up lots of white these last few weeks I am pretty sure I don't have anything left but Red Heart in worsted white.

Jacket:

The directions suggest a H hook and I am torn as to which hook I used the H or the I. I thought I'd used the H but I had to switch hooks several times to get the shirt to fit and didn't write it on the pattern so my suggestion would be to start with the H and check the fit.

I finished the front edges of the shirt with sc edge and then for fun alternated front post and back post dc around the nect to get to the other front panel to finish off the second side. I like the textured look. I made a note to add 3 arm rows to the jacket.

Skirt:

I need to buy some 1/4" elastic as the 1/8" has not been working for me lately. The elastic I sewed together for this project broke as there isn't a great deal of room to sew it together at the end seams for the amount of pressure a larger doll exerts on the smaller elastic. I haven't had problems using it for Barbie. Thankfully, I do have elastic hair bands that do work well for these projects so I went with a hairband.

I used an I hook for the skirt.

Shirt:

I struggled with getting the top of the shirt to fit the doll and ended up with a K hook. I would start reducing hook size after the arm holes are formed as it is bulky at the bottom but it needs the larger hook to even close at the top.

I included pictures for the hat and the purse because I refer to these posts every time I come back to a project and the accessories can be hard to see in the general picture.

I used an H hook for the hat and purse. In order to make the trim for the hat I needed the K hook. I chained the suggested yarn together and tied it around the hat. With the actual complete directions for the purse this time I was able to complete the purse. I still may not be reading the directions completely correctly but I ended up reducing the flap to get it to fit her final directions for the button hole. I completed it and I like the look which I have never done before so I'm calling it a win.

My Life Chef

This is the last item from Darski's free Howdy Neighbor pattern found here. The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creations' Sailor pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I take better more detailed notes some years than others. I made this several years back and my notes were not as helpful as I would have liked.

I used an I hook for this hat. I'd go bigger next time for a fuller hat. I tried this twice and it is smaller than the two hats I made before which leads me to believe I may have used a larger hook.

I made these shorts top down crocheting over elastic sewn together. I decreased until I got to the stitch count Darski listed for her legs after splitting. I did not do a chain 3 for the crotch but joined at the split. I did a ss to hem the shorts so they were less likely to get caught while taking on and off.

The previous notes don't mention and issue with the count for the shirt being a challenge for splitting the arms and having them even. To get them to be even I did the first arm as written and then counted the stitches from the end for the second sleeve and put a marker where the join should be made to split the sleeve. This was the only way the sleeves were close in size.

The apron is made using the suggested hook size. Mark both sides where the ties will be added to make sure they will be even on both sides. I chose to sc rather than ss as I prefer the look. Darski's notes explain this but in order for the apron to slide over the head with out tying behind the neck there is a gap that hangs behind the neck. If you decrease the stitches it will not fit over the doll's head. The only way to fix this would be to finish off one side and start the other so you could tie the apron at the waist and neck. I've not tried this but it would fix the large gap.

I used a G hook for the shoes.

I know this is Red Heart White but I have a note that the last time I made this the pink was Red Heart Super Saver Shocking Pink and the colors look like a match.

I added this picture to my notes to remind me to use Adoring Doll's Back to school heart motif. I find it next to impossible to make good hearts. That pattern is one of the few that works for me. I fiddled with this one several times. It would have been easier to pull the other pattern. I will do that next time.

I like that this works as a summer outfit if the child bores of the chef motif.

Our Generation Clam Diggers, Top, and Kerchief

With the wonders of preposting this was the last item I finished in April. Spring is flying quickly by it seems.

This is one of two items found in Darski's free Summertime pattern found here.

Notes:

I've written numerous times about not liking to make my pants legs first but these clam diggers were a compromise. The picture is deceiving the legs are just past knee length but I wanted to get the kerchief in the shot and taking it from a higher angle meant the pants look like they meet the shoes which is not the case.

I would go back to my original plan of top down and work the legs with decreases next time. I keep convincing myself I will come to love her style but these pants are completely fudged to make them fit.

I chose not to add ties to the top. I tacked the ends to the inside of the shirt as the ties didn't work for me.

I used the suggested hooks for this project. Regarding the kerchief, I'd just make a triangle next time. I understood where she was going with the design but her numbers didn't quite work for me. I like the kerchief and I'd make one again for a summer outfit like this one but I'd go with a different design.

The shoes are my go to shoe pattern from Silver Creation's Sailor pattern that can be purchased here.

Ken Sleeping Bag

I'd taken a break from Aztec Wishes doll clothes to make the deadline for Kits for Kids. When I came back I wanted to work on some larger doll clothes to give my hands a rest.

I haven't given up on that goal but I also realized I can't abandon the accessories or I'll be scrambling in the fall to finish off items that got forgotten. Looking back at last year's projects this sleeping bag was posted early November. Not something I wish to repeat.

The only sleeping bags remaining are the Barbie ones. With this I still need Skipper, Stacie and 2 Chelsea as I will need one for the Shoebox donation, too.

This is a free fashion doll sleeping bag pattern found here. I like the texture from the beanie bag pattern also on the same site found here so I combine the patterns.

Notes:

The yarn for this bag is Red Heart Super Saver Stripes Latte Stripes.

I use an I hook for the sleeping bag and once the pillow is made I stop counting rows. I continue to crochet until I can close the bag over the doll's feet with a little room at the bottom.

My Life Birthstone

Again still not out of April but moving deeper into May as I prepost. Not a bad challenge to have as summer approaches and more things take up time.

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

The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creation's Sailor pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

I'll start with the pants. Unless I'm making footed pj's for the baby dolls for the most part I just make pants from the top down regardless of what the pattern says. There have been a few exceptions where the pants required something specific but when possible I don't. I find creating the legs and joining to be a frustrating process. I'm sure it technically is better but I've finally decided a finished wearable pair of doll pants is better than an unfished technically correct pair.

So with that in mind I followed Darski's directions for the upper part of the outfit but went my own way with the pants. I buy hair elastics and sc over them. I then dc until I split for legs by chaining 3 and dividing the legs evenly. I then decrease the legs as they can be wide. I generally finish with a ss "seam" as this tends to keep the stitches from catching as the pants are taken on and off.

This is Red Heart Super Saver Blue Wave and I only got two skeins of it when I stumbled upon it at Walmart. I liked it because it was between Royal and Navy and I knew I'd have projects that would work with this yarn. Sadly when I went to look for more it looks like they are no longer making this color.

It takes almost a full skein of Super Saver to finish this outfit along with additional white for trim.

Sweater:

I used an H hook for the sweater as suggested.

The sweater seemed short so I added some rows for length which meant adding rows to the cape to get the length pictured in the pattern.

This is a nice top and I would add it to the rotation with the cape for future donations.

Cape:

I used an extended dc rather than the hdc that Darski suggested. I tried the hdc and it didn't work for me.

As stated above I needed to add rows to the cape to cover the rows I added to the sweater to get it to fit.

Hat:

The hat was a happy mistake. I thought about pulling it out and starting again but I liked the way it looked despite it not being the match to the pattern picture.

Shoes:

This is my standard strap shoe pattern but having read my notes from the Madison project I did use a g hook and the fit was better.

Our Generation Elspeth

Still not quite to the end of April yet but edging closer as I prepost my projects.

This is another of Darski's free patterns that can be found here. The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creations School Girl pattern which can be purchased here.

Notes:

The main yarn for this dress was Red Heart Super Saver Saffron. The pattern called for an I hook but the dress is slightly larger than I'd like but having played with these patterns lately I suspect the H hook would be too small to get the dress to close for me.

The white trim is Baby Bernat Sport the hat Red Heart Super Saver. The Green is also Red Heart Spring Green left over from the Madison and Rivulet outfits. I used an f hook for the shoes but I'd go with an e next time as this yarn is heavier than the grey yarn I used for the last shoes and they were big.

My Life Arabella

As I'm writing this we are finally heading into the last week of April. My preposts are starting to catch up as my projects are a little more involved and take a bit longer to finish.

This is one of Darski's free patterns that can be found here. The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creation's School Uniform pattern that can be purchased here.

I needed a break from some of my smaller hook work and decided a stroll through Darski's patterns would be a good break. I had not made the Arabella pattern before. Some of Darksi's patterns work up easily for me and others feel like we are not communicating clearly. This sadly was the latter. I kept on and finished it. I took pictures in case I want to tackle it again at some point but I don't see this becoming a regular pattern.

I started with an I hook for the top section of the dress but it was huge. Thinking this was my problem I used an H hook as the top section is worked from the waist up. Then however the top was still too large in the bodice and the waist too small. This was a sign I was going to be making lots of changes.

I went back to the I hook for the dress and started reducing stitches once I was sure I had the waist wide enough for the doll. I didn't record all the reductions but I did finally get the top not to be off the shoulder.

The dress skirt was not an issue at all and worked up as written. I lenghtened the chains for the white trim at the neck in order to get the trim to weave through. It was short as written.

I used the suggested H hook for the bonnet. I likely should have used an I. The bonnet was not what I'd hoped for based on the pattern pictures. I had to add chains to the red trim to get it to fit and it was narrow so I added a row.

One of the reasons this dress has been on my radar for so long is the Spenser jacket. It gives the dress a historical feel.

It starts as a shrug working into a jacket and I found it was hard to fit. I pulled out the front panels a couple of times as they needed to be moved so the arms weren't trapped. There are pictures but the places I needed more help were the areas that had no pictures and the directions seemed a little mysterious for me. I have come back to projects after working on something else and suddenly they make sense which is why I took so many pictures because I haven't given up hope that this might make more sense with another try.

The shoes thankfully were easy with a size g hook.

The yarn for this was Big Twist I believe Teal. The Green and White were both Red Heart Super Saver. I'm glad I stuck with it and it does give another historical piece to the donation.

My Life Harriet

It feels odd to be preposting in May in the middle of April but I'm glad I have enough projects finished to be ahead instead of behind. Life can get busy and it is easy to stop posting and focus on what needs to be done outside of my preparations for donations.

This was made using the free Harriet pattern from Darski's Harriet set found here.

The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creations School Uniform Pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

This was made with Red Heart Super Saver Heather Grey and left over Big Twist unspecified grey. I haven't bought any Big Twist since Joann closed but I have been trying to find ways to use up the stock pile I purchased prior to them closing. The scarf is made with Walmart's Mainstay's Pink Blend. I use this particular Mainstay yarn for a couple of projects because I like the color blend.

Skirt:

The skirt was made with the Red Heart Heather gray. I crochet over a pony tail elastic with an H hook and complete the pattern as written. The increases are made in the back not the sides as with the Dovetailed pattern.

Sweater:

I use an I hook for the sweater. For some reason I had to play with the collar a few times as it wasn't sitting correctly.

Scarf:

I chain 100 and then mark the end stitches as the pattern is different for these and extend the count for the middle stitches to account for the longer chain. I used an I hook for the scarf.

Shoes:

I've discovered I need an E hook to get these shoes to fit.

My Life Claret

This is the second pattern in Darski's free Harriet pattern set found here

Notes:

My local Walmart did finally have Red Heart Claret so I decided to try it out. This feels more maroon than claret but each year I do try to get there.

This is a really quick and easy formal gown for the 18 inch dolls.

I use an I hook for the dress and follow the directions as written other than I added a few extra rows to get the length I wanted for the gown this year.

I've been experimenting with the trim that Darski calls the Flimmery bits. I've tried soley on the top as she suggests but I prefer front armpit to back armpit.

The shoes are from Sweet Silver Creations School Uniform that can be purchased here. I moved to an e hook for the pattern and they fit mcuh better.

The back gives directions for button formation as you are creating the dress and I almost started additional button holes after finishing the dress as this is something almost every dress does after completion. I rather liked this method as it was neat and clean.

Working on the Harriet pattern from this set for my next outfit.