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.

Camping Pocket Pal

I sometimes buy patterns for a specific project and they never get made. Then along comes a charity drive that needs small items to fill bags and I have the perfect set of projects.

I absolutely love this pattern which you can purchase here.

Many playsets require plastic canvas or cardboard and for perfectly good reasons.

However, it is time I don't always want to invest in a project. This little tent requires nothing but old fashioned crochet and sewing in ends. It stands up on its own and I couldn't be happier. The only additional item required was a tiny bit of stuffing for the sleeping bag pillow but this could be left out as one of my other sleeping bag patterns offers as an option.

I tested it to see if other toys might fit and the smaller Calico Critters fit tightly. If I was going to add this to their donation next year I'd use heavier yarn to make the tent bigger and test how well it stands. I know the sleeping bags I made this year for them will not fit in this tent and they couldn't possibly fit in the sleeping bag designed for this ami.

I do think as is that other small play figures would fit in nicely.

Notes:

As I mentioned on the Rabbit in a Carrot post I've been trying to use up a large stash of Sinfonia cotton that I'm slowly replacing with Cotton Fair. I needed Cotton Fair for the doll's face and the tent. Everything else helped me with my project to finish off the old stash.

This set was made with a 3mm hook.

I chose to sew eyes instead of using safety eyes as the head is rather small.

A note to self to turn sleeping bag inside out before crocheting sides together. This one is made slightly different from the others.

This is going in my binder for this charity as it has quickly become one of my favorite patterns I've made so far. I can also see stealing some of the accessory patterns for both the Calico Critters and Chelsea. Not sure I can get the tent to be big enough while still holding its shape but the fire would be a cute addition to her sleeping bag.

Barbie Ski Outfit

When I went to look for my blog project notes on this ski outfit, I could find notes for Ken and Skipper but nothing for Barbie.

This was odd since I had written notes about what needed to be done to alter the pattern for the modern Barbie and how it differed from Skipper. I might have made the outfit last minute and it never got posted one year and never came back to make it for Barbie again.

I lost a number of project pictures when I failed to back up an old computer and it died. So, if I have made this for Barbie before, which my notes indicate, I have no written evidence other than my notes on the pattern.

This was a great project to finish off a wonderful weekend. The pattern is from a House of White Birches newsprint leaflet Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls from Margaret Funk.

There is a pattern for Ken and Barbie. I use Barbie's pattern for the hat and sweater but Ken's pants work best for both dolls. Barbie's pants pattern fits Skipper quite well though.

The outfit is made with Knit Picks Palette. The sweater and pants required a 3.0mm hook and I used an E hook for her hat.

I only change colors once at the top using the same contrast color.

The pants require 20 rows to fit Barbie. I do not reduce the arms as it is impossible to get her hands through once reduced. Both pants and sleeves are finished with ss to avoid catching on Barbie's hands and feet.

I keep playing with the hat increases to get a good fit but this time I believe I was close to as written for increases. There is an extra sc row at the bottom of the hat and it is finished with ss.

Our Generation Boy Minion Inspired Outfit

This is one of Pamela Yarborough, formely Adoring Doll Clothes patterns that can be purchased here.

This has been in my pattern library for some time and this year was the time to make it for the Our Generation Boy's donation bag. While designed for the girl the pattern is generic enough to use for the boy.

Notes:

I used the suggested G hook for the boots and they fit really well. I'd use these for another project.

For the hat I went back to my notes for the doctor as the hats aren't completely different in size and used an H hook for this hat rather than the suggested G as I had with the Doctor hat.

I alternated between an H and an I hook for the outfit.

These are one of the only overall doll patterns I have that have a front and back bib. Most of my patterns have a front bib and attach to the rear waist band. I like the look of this style of double bibs.

The shirt and pants were made with an I hook. However the sleeves and legs changed to an H hook as they were to big with the I hook.

I made a note on the pattern that to make sure I am at the half way point of the waist when I start the legs or they are off center. Having made this mistake the first time through I'm noting it here and on the pattern to avoid future challenges.

I did the last row of shirt in back loops to make it easier to attach bibs only to discover this wasn't necessary so I wouldn't do it again.

I would definetly make these again for the Our Generation Boy donation as long as the Minions continue to be something kids receiving the donation would recognize. The overalls could continue to be used. I'd just go for a more nuetral shirt color.

Little Red Riding Hood Mother Finger Puppet

I'm continuing to work my way through Evgeniya Yunitskaya's no longer available Red Riding Hood Finger puppets. Having finished Mom the body of the Hunter is already complete. I'm working on him and another ami project in between some doll clothes for Aztec wishes.

These projects take longer because I make them in pieces. I originally kept them in baggies but during the back to school sales DH found me a plastic pencil box which is perfect for all those small pieces that seem to wander off and get lost. The box is much harder to lose than the small plastic sandwich bags that slip between the seat cushions.

Notes:

I used Premier Cotton Fair yarn for this project with a 2mm hook.

I liked the skin tones and dress colors but I would look for different hair color for this doll. It needs a lighter brown.

Regarding the hair row 8 establishes the bangs and long hair in the back by only crocheting on the 19 dc stitches according to the pattern. I would add rows to this to make the hair longer as mine was shorter than the picture.

There are two more patterns in this set the Hunter and of course the Wolf that I hope to complete soon.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Baylees Bikini

It was time for the Lots to Love 14 Inch doll to enter the 2026 swimsuit challenge and I chose Amy Carrico's pattern as I'd had really good luck with it last year.

This year it fought me every step of the way so next year I might try Char's pattern that I also have for this doll instead. I do not currently have a link where you can buy this pattern as it is not listed for sale on her Raverly store.

This was made with Herschnerrs baby variegated and I believe Bernat baby yarn. I needed a g hook to get the items to fit.

If I make this again I would decrease the top less.

My Life Playtime Garden Outfit

I've been using patterns from Adoring doll clothes since she begin as a blogger. However she has changed the name of her business to Pamela Yarborough Designs so you will find her patterns now listed under that business name. You can purchase this pattern here.

I've noticed I'm rotating through patterns I haven't made in a while. This last appeared for the 2021 donation and I'd like to see it more often. It's a quick, cute make.

I used three different brands of yarn for this project. The yellow is Red Heart Super Saver. The green was Bernat Super Value and the off white is a lighter weight of unknown orign that I wanted to use up.

I generally love Bernat's super value but don't buy it often because it is pricey for doll clothes. I picked up some on sale and it faded into my stash. This skein exploded when I did a center pull into a maze that I'm still untangling. I did get enough rolled that I cut it to finish off the dress.

Notes:

I used an I hook for the shirt and dress. I finished the back and top stitches with a g hook to make button hole.

The hat was made with the suggested hook and the lighter off white yarn. I needed to add rows before decreasing and then adding the brim to make it wide enough as it was not worsted weight yarn. I'd use this yarn again for the hat as it was a better fit than the previous hat I made for this project with worsted.

The shoes were made with an H hook. I used sunflower buttons for this project previously and I had wanted to try something closer to the pattern. I may go back to the sunflowers for a future project.