Barbie Pilgrim

Over the years I've acquired quite the doll library but only in the last few years have I truly commited to seeing what actually can be utilized for this donation.

This pattern comes from Crochet World's 1984 Special Issue No.2 Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 Inch Fashion Dolls. What intrigued me when I saw this on a used pattern site was the mention of the Pilgrim outfits. Ken's is designed for display. However, when I saw Barbie's I had hopes this might work.

Notes:

The pattern calls for sport yarn. This is one of those terms that can make you crazy in old patterns for a number of reasons. Even in 1984 there were a number of references to sport yarn that meant different things. However, today we have so many different types of yarn referrred to as sport that the word is sometimes less than helpful.

The outfit shown in the picture looked like the yarn was lighter so I started with heavier thread, moved on to fingering and found myself at DK. Even then while the dress was a bit bulky, the way the waist was formed made the dress too small for my current model. To manage this I decided to fall back to crocheting over an elastic for the waist ensuring that the waist would fit.

As a note for future projects I'd start with the elastic waist and fingering yarn. The Premier Basix DK was bulkier than I liked but it was the only yarn that was even close to fitting at the waist.

The suggested D hook worked for the yarn portion of the project. I used a 1.8 mm thread hook for the thread sections with the exception of the bonnet which I used a 2.0mm.

I changed the cuffs by joining and then sc to the dress.

Bonnet needed added neck rows to get it to fit this Barbie's hair so I continued to crochet until it fit the face of the doll. The bonnet is supposed to have 3 rows bend back over the bonnet. I sc first row into back rows and sc next two rows as written. This just makes it easier to get the thread to fold evenly. I added ties to the bonnet with I believe 30 chains. If this was being displayed the like of ties would likely not be an issue but since it is designed for play it needs to be tied down.

I have a third Pilgrim pattern for Barbie from Shady Line that I last made before this donation started. I may pull that out and see which pieces work best. I do like the bonnet and apron from this pattern. The collars would have worked better if the dress worked better.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stacie Swimsuit

I'm making some real progress with my yearly challenges. I have one more nightgown to make for the Rag doll and those will be complete for the 2026 donation year. I have a considerable number of swimsuits to finish as I pushed through the nightgowns at one point neglecting to alternate with swimsuits.

This is one of Char Caywood's Chelsea patterns that can be purchased here that I've adapted to use for Stacie.

Notes:

I use size 10 crochet thread and a 1.25mm thread hook to get this to fit Stacie.

I need to repeat rows 4 and 5 twice in the front panel before starting row six to get the length required for this outfit. I have previously only repeated it once but the top felt low to me and I decided to go an extra set and I liked it better.

I chain 40 for the ties. It is always a too short too long thing for me with ties but this seems to be the happy medium for me.

The main color is Herrschners Best Crochet Thread size 10 Dusty Pink. The last few years I've been exploring different brands to get more color options for my doll projects. This is a softer thread but I've had good luck with it for my doll clothes. The contrast is from the sample sized box of size 10 I bought from Hobby Lobby for these types of projects.

Chelsea Critter Empire Dress

I discovered last year that Char Caywood's Calico Critter Mom Empire dress does fit Chelsea and Stacie with some minor adaptations. I have limited patterns for Barbie's sisters so I'm always thrilled to find something unexpected. You can purchase the pattern here.

This is made with size 10 thread.

The White is Aunt Lydias and the multi-colored is from a box of Artiste Thread smaller sample sized cones that I buy for these smaller doll projects. I love the color blends that they don't seem to sell as individual larger sized cones and they provide great options for small projects and trims. I love being able to reach into the box and come out with different options for the doll projects.

Notes:

This was made with a 1.25 mm hook.

Chelsea needs more length than the Calico Mom so I repeat row 6 until it reaches her knees before doing rows 7 and 8. A new note for this year is to remember to turn after joining the added rows to continue the pattern texture.

I finished the back and added a snap to close. Last year I finished around the neck. I would do that for future projects.

Ken Ski Outfit

This is from another House of White Birches newsprint leaflet Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls from Margaret Funk. I've made this set previously but it didn't make it into the 2025 donation.

Notes:

This was made with Knit Picks Palette Fingering Yarn Rainforest Heather and Custard.

I took advantage of their summer sale to stock up on Palette for my doll projects as my color selection was running low. Until my next order arrives I'm lacking in pant colors.

I've been experimenting with the different sized hooks available to me through my Tulip purchases to see if I can get better fits for some of the doll projects.

I'd previously used a C hook for the pants. This time I used a 3.0mm hook with a wider elastic band as the previous elastic was prone to not staying together. I'd stick with this hook size for future projects.

The sweater used the same 3.0mm hook as the pants. I make two major changes to the sweater. I do one large stripe rather than two small as I found the stripe was lost doing a single row. I also do not decrease the arms at the bottom as I found Ken's hands weren't going through the sleeve. I do ss the sleeves and the pant bottoms to decrease the catching that happens as the outfit is taken on and off.

I had made a note previously about using an e hook for the hat. This Ken has suprisingly wide molded hair and the bigger hook makes the hat fit over his hard head.

Barbie Poncho and Pants

I started picking up Michelle Ratman's patterns for Barbie and the 18 inch dolls a few years ago.

You can purchase the poncho pattern here.

The pants are made using Ken's pants from the Ski outfit pattern found in the out of print House of White Birches Crochet Wardrobe for 11.5 inch Fashion Dolls.

For my own notes this is page 33 and ends on 47. For some reason I was left trying to figure out which pants I had used two years ago. This narrows the hunt down.

Notes:

Poncho:

I've opted to use acrylic for over cotton for her patterns.

I had Unforgettable Gossamer left over from Mermaid projects and I decided to try it out on a poncho for Barbie. I am planning on using the left over Unforgettable Candied I have from making the Lil Cutesies mermaid for a poncho for Skipper.

I used and e hook for the poncho.

My one mistake was not counting each side of the chain 3 points and I ended up pulling out rows which can be a bit challenging with this yarn when I realized the poncho was not even. Once I counted from each side every row it worked out well.

My goal is to continue to use this yarn for the mermaid outfits so there should be enough to continue with ponchos as well. I do like the way the colors work together.

Pants:

The pants require crocheting around an elastic the distance of Barbie's waist for the first row. I recently bought wider elastic as the 1/8 was splitting apart with my hand sewing. While it takes slightly longer to make sure the yarn covers the elastic completely, the wider elastic works better.

This was made with Knit Picks Palette yarn and this year I used a 3.0mm Tulip Etimo rather than my Bates Bamboo C hook as I'm trying to give them a little bit of a break after having broke one of my B hooks and not being able to replace it.

I needed 20 rows to make the legs long enough for Barbie and I finished the legs with a row of ss to help keep the feet from catching in the yarn.

Stacie Nightgown

I like to mix up my patterns from time to time. Last year I used the same pattern for Stacie's nightgown that I used for Chelsea. This year I decided to try the pattern from the out of print Annie's Fashion Doll Sister and Me 87D21.

I finished the first four rows of the sister pattern and could not figure out where the pattern was going in row five. I tried several times and finally after putting way too much time into a doll nightgown decided I needed another path.

There is a pattern for Barbie's nightgown and it was written by a different designer. I decided to take a look and see if I might be able to adapt Barbie's pattern reducing the number of stitches to Stacie's original pattern and see what happened.

Notes:

This was made with size 10 thread and a 1.25mm crochet thread hook.

After finishing first four rows it took me two tries to work the math for adjusting Barbie's row 3 to be Stacie's row 5. Sadly I didn't write the changes so I'm putting notes here for myself to remind me where to start.

I believe I started with 7 sc chained 5 skipped 7 and then crocheted across the front until I had 14 stitches left. These number aren't exact. I originally started with different numbers these are the numbers I think I changed to but I am guessing. I realized I needed to changed my first effort after trying it on and realizing the dress didn't fit well. I suggest trying that again.

The rest of the Barbie directions aren't stitch count specific so I was able to continue the pattern with the starting count I had for Stacie. I continued the pattern until I was with in the length of the last two Barbie finishing sc rows. I wanted to finish the pattern as written and I had an idea of the length required for the two sc rows.

The big draw back for both these patterns is there is no picture of either nightgown. They both have a picture of the nightgown under the robe set that didn't seem a style I wanted to add to my donation. If I had a picture of the little sister outfit I might have been able to understand where the directions were headed. I'd also have loved a picture of Barbie's nightgown.

I used a chain trim rather than ribbon. I've not had great luck with ribbon and small hands so I've tried to use other methods where possible.

Barbie's pattern has trim for the neck and arms that helped tighten the loose parts of the nightgown that I was hoping to adjust.

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.

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.

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.

Chelsea Sleeping Bag

I settled on the free Calico Critter pattern found here for Chelsea after experimenting with it for the Kits for Kids donation.

With this one complete I just need one more for my Shoebox donation and I can move on to the small baby doll bassinets. It feels good to get these finished, especially with two additional donations that require sleeping options.

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.

The identification for this thread sources seems to have fallen out of the cone so I don't know which brand or color this is but I suspect it is Hobby Lobby.

A note to myself is that unlike the previous pattern I was using where it was obvious the bag was long enough I got the feeling this one was too long and stopped. It does fit but I like a little extra foot room to make it easier to get on and off. Next time I'd ignore my fear and go longer. The thread is tighter than the yarn ones I make and a little extra room is worth it.

This was a great travel project over two appointments. This post is being preposted to the end of the month but as I write this I'm starting the last Chelsea sleeping bag I need as I have an appointment this week where I suspect I can get some rows completed.

Stacie Mermaid

I mentioned working on adapting the free Barbie pattern in thread for Stacie and I decided I couldn't wait for my other planned projects. She jumped the line and I was pleased to find with some work the pattern worked for her as well as Skipper and Ken.

I adapted this free Barbie pattern found here.

With some experimentation I landed on a size B hook and size 10 thread.

This is from a set of really small multi-colored Hobby Lobby almost samples that I've picked up over the years for small doll projects and trims.

This required a little more than I'd anticipated as I lost some thread experimenting with the project. For my own notes this was color HD0007.

I'd consider Aunt Lydia's size 10 ocean when I make this again for Stacie. It comes in a much larger cone and I won't have to worry about running out of thread.

Crop Top:

I tried a number of experiments making the top and learned some valuable lessons.

First while I join the top for Barbie and Skipper without any issues moving to thread it become too hard to make this work for Stacie so I didn't join the top and added to snaps to close the top in the back. This was not a huge challenge once I accepted this change was needed.

The second change was needing to add some weight or thickness to the top as going down to size 20 thread didn't fit and not fixing the gaps with size 10 made the arm holes and the snap closing impossible.

To manage this I did row 1 as written.

Row 2:

I dc in the first three and between the first three stitches giving me a start of 6 stitches. Then I chained 3 for the armhole before skipping 6 stitches. The original directions had no chains but I found this made the arms tight and hard to work around. I worked a total of 18 with dc and working between dc stitches. Then I chained 3 skipped 6 stiches for second arm. Like the first side I finished by creating 6 stitches by dc in each dc and between dc.

I followed rows 3-4 as written adapting to new stitch count without joining.

I finished the back edges and added two snaps to close.

Tail:

I wasn't sure how wide the tail had to be to fit Stacie's hips with thread so like all the other stuff I experimented. I made a note to increase to 23 stitches but I suspect going to the directions to 24 would be fine

Width was more my focus than length so unlike Ken and Skipper I failed to note which row I stopped on but I know I was past row 28 before I stopped and moved to row 33.

Fin:

I followed the note I made on Ken's project and stuck to reducing to 10 stitches for the tail. I think for Stacie I might go to 8 as I think it might have joined together better.

Both row 7's are joined. I keep trying to look at the picture to figure it out and there are actually directions.

Ken Merman

I know Mermaid themed dolls can be popular but one reason I avoid buying them to donate is they are some what limiting.

If you tire of the water theme most of them don't have removable tails so the Mermaid doll isn't likely to be easily moved into another play environment.

This isn't an issue for those who buy multiple dolls but for kids where this may not be an option, I try to go for dolls that can be adapted to different pretend options.

I found a pattern for Barbie a few years back and adapted it to Skipper last year. After seeing a Ken Merman doll I decided to try the tail on Ken to see if the pattern would work for him as well and it was a decent fit.

You can find the free pattern here.

Notes:

This is made with Caron Simply Soft Oceana Paints. I don't use lots of Caron Simply Soft with dolls as it tends to split and catch on doll fingers, etc. but this has worked out for the mermaid projects. The original pattern has a solid main color with a multi-color trim but I like this for the whole outfit.

I used an e hook for Ken as I did previously for Barbie and Skipper.

Ken being taller required a longer tail than the notes I wrote for Skipper so I crocheted to row 29 before skipping to the finishing row of 33.

I missed a note I made regarding Barbie's fin so I added it to the pattern now and I'm noting it here to make sure Skipper's fin's are not reduced below 10 stitches as I wrote on Barbie's post they came out better that way.

I'm currently experimenting with thread to see if this will work for Stacie. I will get back to making one for Skipper as I have the notes from last year on making the adjustments for this pattern using the Caron Simply soft that will fit her.