My Life Kalia Party Dress

This is a wonderful pattern for the 18 inch dolls that works up quickly. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

I made this for the first time last year and I made it a little longer by adding more rows. I must say I like both options. The longer version smooths out the dress a bit but I like this look too.

This was made with Red Heart Super Saver Turqua. The trim was same brand white.

For future planning this took about 3/4 of a skein to complete without adding any additional rows. I had previously used the remains of a Caron Pounder that had been rolled into balls. This is just a heads up when I go to make this again to be sure I have enough of one color on hand.

The dress changes hook sizes as you work it. I started with an I and changed to an H.

This year I needed a 150 chains to get the tie to be long enough. Previously I wrote I did the suggested 100. I couldn't get it to tie this year.

I took the suggestion of starting with an H hook for the shoes and changing to a G where the hook change is suggested. I chose not to add a strap to button the shoe. I sewed the strap down and then sewed the button to the strap.

The shoes directions are listed as shoe one and two as the straps need to be on opposite sides to have the buttons on the outside of the shoes.

The flower button is from the buttons I bought over the years from JoAnn's before they went out of business. I keep pulling from my stash for these projects.

Kits for Kids Little Red Riding Hood Finger Puppet

Back in 2021 I was finishing up a fairy tale phase of ami's and puppets for a family member and I purchased a series of finger puppet patterns that I downloaded and never printed.

The designer is no longer selling in the US but I actually remembered to look for the patterns when I came across her Ravelry listing for the Red Riding Hood pattern here. This link is for my own purposes to keep checking to see if she does begin listing patterns for sale at some point in the future.

Clearly this is not a traditional Red Riding Hood but I do love her red hat. I also loved the idea that it gives the child more freedom to tell more stories beyond Red Riding Hood.

These patterns are incredibly detailed in their directions. The reason I hadn't printed them previously is the number of printed pages. DH took them to be double sided printed for me. I love level of detail. The pictures were specific and helpful for creating the puppet pieces and assembling them once created.

As with many patterns written outside the US the yarn used is not readily available in the US. I chose to use Premier Cotton Fair. I've been picking up more colors for my finger puppets and ami's as Herrschner's has shipping offers.

I had previously used Creative Yarns Sinfonia Cotton but I was looking to try something new. Like many cotton yarns it will split. I had the same challenge with Sinfonia. However, I really like the color selections and I have enough for the first two puppet series I want to make.

I have found working with the small tight stitches can be hard on my hands so this puppet was made in sections. I started with the finger section and kept moving forward. I took a picture of the hair as it took me a few tries to feel comfortable with how it worked out. I'm hoping the picure will help me when I make this again. I suspect Goldilocks may have a similar wig.

Since the head is attached to the finger section of the puppet and stuffed I felt comfortable using safety eyes although not suggested by the pattern.

I have several more finger puppets to make to finish the set. I will continue to make them in sections between Aztec Wishes doll outfits. I plan to start on Grandma next.

Glitter Girl Emry Dress

I made this dress last year for the Glitter Girl and it was a little shorter. I'd return to that length again next time. I think there was a mistake in row counting as I went to add the finishing trim and I believe there are extra cable rows.

This is one of Little Abbee's patterns that can be purchased here. I like it so much I want to get the 18" doll pattern.

The shoes are from an Adoring Doll pattern that can be purchasedhere.

Notes:

I used Knit Picks Palette yarn and I can get almost two dresses from this pattern from one skein. I had to open up a second skein as I finished this year's dress.

This is a note for myself as I don't order Knit Picks as regurally as some of my other yarns. I'm hoping to get some additional Palette yarn at their summer yarn sale. I use this for the Glitter Girl and some Barbie family outfits.

I used an E hook for the dress and shoes.

I marked all chains for this patterns as I found them harder to find when I went back to crochet into them the following row. I had previously marked the button holes but that was not an issue this time.

Adding the buttons before starting the skirt worked for me. The mistake I made regarding the cables was related to moving between this project and another. My counter lost the count.

Chelsea Mermaid

It didn't seem fair to leave Chelsea out of the Barbie family mermaid costume party for the donation but I knew after making Stacie's costume it was going to be more challenging for Chelsea.

I wasn't thrilled with the top I made for Stacie but after flipping through the AG 6" doll pattern set I purchased from Sweet Silver Creations here I realized the Jasmine top would work for my Chelsea mermaid. I would adapt this for Stacie the next time I make her a mermaid outfit.

I'd adapted the free Barbie mermaid pattern to fit Stacie so I was hoping with size 20 thread I could make it work for Chelsea as well. You can find that pattern here.

Notes:

Both patterns required size 20 crochet thread to fit Chelsea.

The green is mint Omega from Creative yarn source. Most of my solid color size 20 comes from them as they have a decent color selection and the cones are larger than Lizbeth.

The main color is Lizbeth 20 Springtime.

I started the tale with a 1.0mm tale changing to a 1.25mm when I realized it was a bit tight. I'd start with the 1.25mm next time. With the smaller stitches and hook I found it more challenging than the previous tales to find the stitches from the previous rows.

After leaving the tale on while I worked on the other pieces it bothered me that it was sliding a little so I added a sc row in the contrast mint and the sliding stopped while still being easy for a child to put on and take off.

The top pattern is not a Chelsea pattern but an American Girl mini pattern so it needs to be adjusted for Chelsea. Even with size 20 thread I needed a .75mm hook to keep the top from falling off her shoulders. The original pattern calls for metalic thread which matches the theme of that outfit. I went with mint to stick with the ocean effect I was trying to create.

Even with the smaller hook the top was still a little loose. I corrected this with the trim sc 2 and the sc tog across the top and bottom. This made the top fit nicely.

I decided on the mint headband with no trim. It likely should have been the main color covered by the mint but I started with mint. When I was thinking about adding the msin color I was concerned the base was not large enough. I'd try the 1.25mm hook for the headband next time.

Lil Cutesies Swimsuit

I've been alternating week by week to finish off the swimsuits and the sleep wear. Up next is the Little Cutesies' swimsuit.

This outfit was made using one of Char Caywood's patterns that can be purchased here. The pattern includes directions for the Lil Cutesie doll and the Lots to Love 8 inch baby doll.

I use the swimsuit, visor, and sandals from this pattern. I do not include the coverup.

Notes:

This was made with Aunt Lydia size 10 a version of yellow and an unnamed multicolored. I suspect they aren't making it any longer as I looked at a couple of colors online and either there were colors that weren't in this thread or they didn't have all the colors in this thread.

I made a note last time I wish I had read before starting this time there are two visor patterns and the one for the Lil Cutesies is larger due to head size. Choose the Lil Cutesie visor pattern to start future projects. I noted it on the pattern as well this time so that should help.

I used a 1.75 mm hook.

In Row 16 of the bottoms part B I use hdc not sc.

Ruffle I hdc in row 17 not 16. For my own notes row 17 is worked around the complete doll in the back loops. This is the row the ruffle will be added to around the doll.

I do a sc around the legs.

The back is finished with sc as part of the chain process. I mention this because I had forgotten from making this last year. I usually will finish a back even when not in the pattern.

I chained 50 for the ties.

I noticed there is fluff from a previous project that I cleaned off before putting the outfit in the bag to be put in the Lil Cutesies sorting bag.

Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll Sweetly

I was concerned about the availability of the Lots to Love 10" Baby Dolls after discovering the 8" dolls are no longer available.

I've struggled with the 10 inch dolls even longer often resorting to school supply sites to find them. I was pleasantly suprised to find them online this year not only at Amazon, but Walmart and Michaels. I stocked up as nothing is promised but I thought I'd put that out there for anyone else looking for the smaller baby dolls. Michaels' website says they are only available online.

This dress set was made using Darski's free Sweetly pattern found here. There are several patterns included and I use most of them for the donation.

Notes:

This outfit was made with Bernat Big Ball Sport yarn in Pink and Baby Baby.

From my previous notes I read the panties were long which resulted in needing a longer skirt for the dress to cover them so I started with the panties. I'd previously had trouble with the crotch but this time there was no problem. I just find these are long to fit over the tummy and then create the split for the legs. Followed as written they do create panties, but the skirt as written is still too short.

Having made the panties I decided to finish the other accessories before making the dress. Although, to be fair I redid one bootie and the bonnet on finishing the dress.

These adjustments to the booties work great, but you actually have to follow the complete directions or they fall off. I made the first one as written the second one I skipped rwo 7 and the bootie refused to stay on the doll's foot. I remade it after finishing the dress.

E hook

Complete row 1-3 of the booties.

Row 4: sc in back loops around

Row 5: sc evenly

Row 6: sc reducing 6 times at toe

Row 7: HDC evenly

Follow directions for 8-9

My notes say the bonnet fits as written and I have no idea how. So I'm revising my notes for this year. The bonnet as written is currently sitting on the Lots to Love 14 inch Doll for when I make this outfit for that doll's donation.

I used an E hook for the bonnet.

There was a good deal of adding and pulling out so I don't have a complete answer but I added rows after row 8 until the bonnet was big enough. Then I finished with row 9.

I used 40 chains for ties so this requires chaining 43.

I used the suggested G hook for the dress I'd consider an F for my next attempt as this felt roomy.

In the past I believe I reduced around the arms when adding trim and I did not do that this time. I would do that for future outfits.

I finish the back adding a button hole and later a buttton not following the written directions.

Stacie Penny Brite Dress

Over the years I've kept my eyes out for patterns that might fit Barbie's sisters with or without minor adjustments. There just aren't lots of patterns written specifically for Chelsea, Stacie, and Skipper. However, if you keep an eye out you do see outfits that may work.

One of the first things I learned as I started hunting for doll patterns years ago is height is only midly helpful when looking for doll patterns. Sure when I'm looking for Stacie I don't want a doll that is 18" tall. However, there are a range of 8-9 inch dolls that don't come close to fitting a smaller Barbie type doll. They are shorter but oh so much bigger.

I had seen a few Penny Brite crochet patterns and her body frame looked like it might adapt to a smaller Barbie type doll. She is shorter than Stacie but as I worked through the pattern I realized they have close physical types. Any issues I found were likely more my gauge issues than size issues.

A big thank you to my DH as this was part of a batch of patterns I found in my Easter basket.

Notes:

You can purchase the Penny Brite pattern here.

The pattern suggests a 1.9mm hook and I used a 1.8mm hook. I'd experiment with a slightly smaller hook perhaps going down to the 1.5 although it might be tight at that point.

The dress has a tie at the neck and a snap in the back so despite it being a little loose adding the snap did bring the back together. I did finish the back before adding the snap.

The doll is an inch shorter so I had to add rows to the dress before adding the scalloped final row.

I did make one shoe to see if they'd work but the feet of Stacie and Penny seem to be different. I didn't like the look of the shoe and decided not to add them to the outfit.

Lil Cutesies Mermaid

I have favorites over on Ravelry sorted by doll size or other categories. I generally keep them in those folders after I've purchased or downloaded the free patterns for a couple of reasons.

I go to the folders sometimes to get ideas about what to make next. Sometimes it reminds me of a pattern I already have either free or purchased.

In this case as I opened the small baby doll folder was I surprised to find I had stored a ravelry page of a Lil Cutesies Mermaid available to purchase that I had not yet bought. Since Mermaids have been on my radar I decided to add the pattern to my stash. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

This project is made using Red Heart Unforgettable Candied Yarn and a J hook.

The pattern for the tail was easy to follow and I finished that without challenges.

I had a bit more of a challenge with the top. For my notes I would chain 15 not 20 based on how I decided to put the top together. 22 stitches required me to reduce the arms. Row 2 says turn. I missed this the first time and it forces you to start with a long chain but then begin working a short piece sideways with the chain hanging.

The directions were not clear but as the picture demonstrates below I chose to use the chains as armholes to keep the top on the doll. There were no clear directions for this but it worked for me.

The outfit slid down in the second picture a reason not to rush when trying to get blog pictures taken.

I tried making the headband as written and then decided to be kind to myself. I chained the distance I needed around for the headband and closed it finishing off ends. I then made the star and used the ends of the star to cover up where the headband had been joined.

I repeat what I said after making Skipper's mermaid costume. I love the colors of this yarn I hate how this yarn works. It is really hard to pull out and when you are trying to adapt and change items it is frustrating. It also has a tendency to shed and the fiber shedding is hard to remove before you crochet it into the piece.

Operation Christmas Child Chelsea Sleeping Bag

With this sleeping bag complete I am done with sleeping bags for 2026. I will likely start sometime in the fall prepping for Kits for Kids and Chelsea will need a sleeping bag but since I generally start with the baby sleep sacks it could be a while after that before I get to sleeping bags again.

I was pleased to discover the Calico Critter free sleeping bag pattern works for Chelsea if I make it longer and use a bigger thread crochet hook. This makes it less bulky. For two of the places I donate Chelsea Operation Shoebox and Kits for Kids space is premium. So, when I can make something that accomplishes the same task but takes up less room it is a win.

You can find the free pattern here.

Notes:

I need a 1.5mm thread hook for this project and follow the adult critter instructions with the exception of the length of the sleeping bag.

I believe this is Aunt Lydia's Size 10 Blacklight

Skipper Mermaid

I bought some Red Heart Unforgettable Gossamer for a different doll project but it turned out to be too dark. I eventually found the color suggested in the pattern and will be trying that soon. However, that left me with a supply of yarn to use. While this was not the right fit for my other project I really liked the color stripes for Skipper.

While I love the look of this yarn it is a bit unforgiving. I find it can be hard to frog and this was challenging as I had to experiment with hook size to figure out what would work with this yarn and Skipper.

The suggested hook size for this yarn is J and that did work with my other doll project despite not being a good color fit. I had previously used an E hook with the Caron Simply soft. Thankfully, I was able to save most of my experiments but I did lose some of the chains as they knotted and wouldn't release when I needed to start again with a smaller hook.

You can find the free Mermaid pattern here.

Notes:

I dug out my new Tulip Etimo 2.5mm hook for this project.

Some of my old Bates Bamboo hooks are starting to wear out. I broke a B hook not long ago and decided not only did I need to replace my smaller ergonomic hooks but I wanted to have some of the in between sizes so I could experiment not only with changing fiber but fine adjustments in hook size. Sometimes I do find myself needing something just a little bigger or smaller than what I have on hand.

I started with a 2.0 and jumped to the 2.5mm to get the fit I wanted. I didn't have that option with my Bates Bamboo hooks.

As with my Stacie Mermaid I chose not to make this a pull on top as this yarn was not going to accomadate that kind of stress. I added an additional row to the bottom which let me connect my finished sides without having to do each side stop and do the other. This allowed me more space to add the snaps.

I followed the directions for the tail and fin adjusting for length as this yarn is a bit thinner than the Caron so I had to play a bit more with rows to get it long enough.

Skipper Nightgown

I'm continuing on with my quest to send the dolls out with nightgowns this year.

This was an AG Mini pattern I found from Sweet Silver Creations last year and was able to adapt for Chelsea, Stacie, and Skipper. You can purchase the pattern here.

Notes:

This outfit was made using Hobby Lobby's Artiste size 10 Orchid thread and their size 10 multi-colored thread.

Skipper requires a 1.8mm crochet thread hook to adapt this pattern to fit.

I do not add arms to any of the dolls for this nightgown pattern as it makes it much harder to take on and off.

There are several places for contrast color trims, I only use the trim on the bottom of the outfit. The nightgown closes with ties and I used the contrast color for the ties.

Operation Christmas Child Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Moses Basket

As I've been researching what to put in my shoebox this year one of the suggestions was an 8 inch baby doll. I decided to dedicate the last of my stash after this year to the shoeboxes as I can't get this doll any longer. There is plenty of room in the basket to store other items being shipped in the box.

This is Annie Potter Presents Sweet Baby Doll Layette for the Moses Basket and Darski's BBL free pattern for the blanket. I have been chasing Annie's Potter's pattern sites for years and I stop now. This is a wonderful pattern set that I rely on for the baby doll beds but I have no idea who has control over her patterns and I won't risk spam sites to try to help people find her patterns any longer. Darski's free BBL pattern is found here.

I've been using up some Premier Puzzle yarn I bought a while back so most of these are going to be the same color until I finish off my supply. The blanket for this is different as it was made with Herrschners' size 3 baby yarn in Thistle.



Notes:

The basket requires a H hook and the blanket a g.

With this one done I need still need three. I will need one for the Aztec Lots to Love 8" Baby doll, the Lil Cutesies doll and the Lots to Love 10 inch baby doll.

My Life Madison Maxi Dress

I looked at my notes from the last time I made this in 2021 and I can't help but think I posted it in a batch of projects because my notes don't really reflect much that helped me when I went to make this project again. I'll try to do better this time.

I previously wrote this was a fairly quick project to make and I'm not sure if I had this project mixed up with another I had made. It is not a difficult project but I made it over a few days while working on other projects as it is more time consuming.

Notes:

Without revealing too much about the designer's secrets this dress is made in two pieces and it requires assembling the top to the bottom and then sewing the back together to get the fit. This in no way is a "quick" make as I noted previously.

The texture of the skirt is beautiful and while I was nervous about how the attachment of top to bottom to would work it was far easier than I expected. I really didn't have any memory of how I made this previously. That's why I make these notes.

Again revealing no secrets but reassuring myself not to panic when I make this again. I also remind myself to set aside time for this project and not to try to complete it all at once. I found it easier to complete in stages and then assemble.

I used an I for the bodice and a G for the skirt portions of the dress.

This is the end of what was either a Caron Pounder or a large Red Heart that I've made several projects from for this donation season. I was playing yarn chicken to finish the last shoe but I have a tiny bit left.

I used the suggested H hook for the headband but had to add rows to get it to fit the head. The flower covers the seam.

The small flowers were made with a C hook and the large flowers with an E hook. I made the suggestion for an E hook after making this in 2021 and if was a good choice.

I needed an I hook to get these shoes to fit.