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 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.

Our Generation Green Christmas Dress

I found I still have one skein left of Bernat's Happy Holidays green glitter yarn and decided it was time to pull out Darski's free Green Christmas pattern found here.

Notes:

I realize I've never really made notes for this dress just a few casual comments along the way. For my own sanity here goes.

I used an I hook for the dress and a G for the trim and finishing the back.

I no longer have metalic white so I used basic white worsted. When I run out of metallic green I'm considering making it without the metallic yarn. I tried using a substitute I was given but it was too light weight for the project a few years back and the Glitter Girl ended up with an outfit from it.

This is a personal note for me chain one between each surface crochet stitch. No idea why but this works for me. In the past I've actually lazy daisy stitched the trim this time using the chain one I was able to make it work. I used fpsc technique for the ss as there are no sc and this has confused me for years.

I would actually consider using Bernat baby for the trim next time as the worsted is heavy with the chains. It looks fine for the surface crochet.

Our Generation Dress with Ribbed Waist

While this is a new to me pattern this year I suspect it will become a staple for the 18 inch doll donation for years to come. I have one more to make for the other My Life doll and I will be done for the 2025 donation. You can find the free pattern here.

This was another attack on the yarn stash I found hidden in my donation pile. I still have a ways to go to finish off the skein but I will be targeting this during the donation year. For the final My Life doll outfit I want to try some Herschnerrs Worsted 4 as I don't often have Caron Simply Soft in my stash and I'd like to know if this would work as well as the Caron has done. No yarn is specified but the Caron worked well for both dolls.

The shoes are made from Sweet Silver Creation's Sailor Dress Pattern that can be purchased here. I use a G hook for the Our Generation Dolls. I went with traditional worsted weight acrylic as I wasn't thrilled with how the shoes worked up with the last outfit using Caron Simply Soft.

Notes:

I used an I hook for this project with an H to finish the back.

I didn't have the problems with row 1 I had previously but it may have to do with making the dress so soon after the first one. I'll leave my previous note as a reminder the stitch count is correct don't count the V in the V stitches.

I use a snap to close the dress in the back.

I add trim for finishing the arms.

Most Commonly Used Crochet Doll Patterns for Donation Project

I had a request recently for help finding doll patterns and I realized it would be helpful to have a spot to refer people to and that I could start and update as time went forward.

This is my first go at this based on my current pattern useage for the donation. If I find stuff that is useful I will add it but I as I wrote this up I realize I've evolved from using primarily free stuff to using more paid designer patterns both current and those out of print titles I've had to search out on the used market.

Barbie:

Just be aware with Barbie and family that the sizes change. I will buy new models and donate the old ones when I run out of a supply of a specific doll to donate because I have to adapt the patterns I have to fit each model. One Barbie pattern does not fit all Barbies. I change the patterns each time I adopt a new model. So if you are picking up patterns if possible having a model close to the one you are trying to dress is incredibly helpful.

Clothing:

Mermaid here

With adjustments works for Barbie and Skipper.

Accessories:

Suzies Stuff Sleeping Bag

This will fit all but Chelsea and Stacie if you adjust for height. The teanie beanie is a better option for Chelsea and the beanie fits Stacie better . Pattern here.

Chelsea:

Clothing:

Simply Bluetiful here

Summer Play Set This is not a Chelsea pattern. I have adapted it to fit for the donation project.

The original pattern can be found here. My blog with notes can be found here.

Accessories:

Sleeping Bag from Suzie's Stuff here

Paid Patterns:

Char's Patterns

Mel Garcio Tello Fairy Tale Themed Patterns

Michelle Ratman

This was one of the few designers I found making simple Barbie crochet outfits that were designed for play not display when I was looking to add something simple last year. These are basic designs but they were quick additions to my donation project.

Petite Creative Designs

Stacie:

Clothing:

Polka Dot Skirt and Top Pattern here my changes here

Accessories:

Suzie's Beanie Sleeping Bag Pattern found here

Skipper:

Clothing:

Simply Bluetiful here

Out of Print Patterns that are worth searching and paying for if you can find them

Margarent Funk's Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2" Fashion Dolls(Including a complete Wedding Ensemble and Trousseau.)It was published in 1982. No designer fashions here but if you are looking for patterns to build a child's wardrobe this is worth finding.

I've been collecting Annie's Fashion Doll Club Patterns for years and finally aquired a binder that I still don't think is complete but... My focus has always been on items that a child will play with rather than display.

Annie's Fashion Doll Quick and Easy book number 87D20

There's a whole series Annie's produced separate from their Fashion Doll Club and I've been collecting them over the years. However, this is one I keep returnning to when I go to create a wardrobe. The others are beautiful but often more of a time investment.

Baby Dolls:

Previous blog post on Lots to Love 8 inch and Lil Cutesies Patterns here. Clothing:

Darski's Free Pattern List on Crochetville covers multiple sizes of baby dolls

Dresses: Anabelle Linmary Knits here

Hookfully for larger doll here

Hooks and Knives here

Larger Doll Diaper Pattern here

Accessories:

Dolly Moses Basket here My adjustments for 16 inch doll here.

I made these for years but with the need for multiple strands I stopped. However if you are just making a few for family the pattern is amazing.

Feeding Kit I only use the bib these days but it is a cute free kit. Pattern found here.

Suzie's Stuff Small Doll SLeep Sack I use this with 8, 10 and Lil Cutesies with minor modifications for size. Pattern found here.

Suzie's Stuff Larger Doll Sleep Sack I use with 14 and 16 inch baby dolls with modifications pattern found here.

Paid Patterns:

Amy Carrico currently on Ravelry she sometimes is hard to find but I lover her baby doll patterns and I think I have everything she's done in the sizes I donate.

Char Patterns here.

Petite Doll Designs

I have many of her patterns for multiple sizes of baby dolls. I just have to remember to translate from UK to US terms

Out of Print Patterns/Leaflets/Books worth finding to build basic wardrobe

1981 House of White Birches newsprint leaflet Baby Doll Fashions to Crochet by Margaret Funk it pops up from time to time not always expensive as it is all black and white newsprint. I've found some great baby doll stuff to add to the donation here.

Glitter Girl/Wellie Wisher:

ABC Knitting Patterns

All sizes of dolls mixed together most are thread. Despite site name their are lots of crochet patterns.

Paid:

Adoring Dolls

Char Patterns

Little Bitty Boutique

Petite Creative Designs

18 Inch Dolls:

Clothing:

ABC Knitting

Multiple sized doll crochet patterns despite site name. Most are thread.

Darski's Free Pattern List on Crochetville has extensive list of patterns

Dresses: American Girl Little Flamenco Dress This is one of the most popular patterns for our donation found here.

Dress for Dolly here

Dress with Ribbed Waist here

Pearly Dress here Princess Look

Tops:

Mock Turtleneck Sweater here

Bottoms: Ribbed Effect Skirt here

Sets:

Teddy Bear Top and SKirt pattern here modifications here

Night Wear:

Bluebell Nightgown here

Outer Wear: Coat and Hat here

Accessories:

Suzies Stuff Sleeping Bag Pattern here

Paid Patterns:

18 Inch Dolls:

Adoring Dolls wide variety of affordable patterns along with frequent sales

Maggie Crochet's Abby, Allie and Annie pattern set. She has many for the 18 inch doll but this is my got to pant set and I've made many of the other items several times. Here

Michelle Ratman

Discovered this designer last year. The designs are pretty easy to follow and very affordable.

Sweet Silver Creations

Our Generation Bathing Suit

With this finished swim suit I am down to 2 to finish my yearly challenge. I need one more for the 16 Inch Baby Doll and one more for the My Life doll and all dolls will leave with a suit in their donation bag.

This pattern is one of Darski's free patterns found in her Weatherby set here.

Notes:

I used a K hook for the first 2 rows of the bathing suit as I couldn't get it to slide over hips with smaller hooks. I went back to an I hook after that and the bathing suit fit fine. For similiar issues I used a K hook for cover and the visor.

I added a row of dc front post stitches to the visor prior to adding the suggested front post stitches as it added some bulk to the visor and made it less floppy.

I've made this outfit a couple of times now for the Our Generation doll and next year I think I'd like to try one of the other bathing suit patterns and see if I can find one that fits without being quite as bulky as this one.

Our Generation Howdy Neighbor Madison

Guage is always an interesting adventure for me. I can follow the directions I've used for years with a doll and some years it just changes. Last year I wrote down the changes for the Madison pattern to fit the My Life doll and I followed them using a ball of yarn I believe I was using last year when I made the doll for the My Life donation in 2022. However, this year the dress was a better fit for the Our Generation doll. No real loss since I generally have more outfits for the two My Life Dolls than the Our Generation Doll, but I always find it strange to see what works and what doesn't from year to year.

Notes:

I used a J hook for the bodice as it was tight with an I hook. After the joining round I returned to the I hook.

I finished the back in green rather than the white trim. It just worked better for me. I also used a snap to close the back rather than buttons.

Row Changes:

Row 3: It says sc 19 I believe this should read 9 to match the stitch count. This is why I love designers that give you a stitch count. It is so much easier to figure out what they intended when I make a mistake or when there is a mistake in the pattern.

Row 11: There was no stitch count for row 10 so I could be off, however, based on what I did in row 10 to reach the stitch count in row 11 I dc in 5 3dce in next 11 times to get a count of 55.

To get the length I wanted on the dress I added rows.

I went from 12-16 to 12-20.

Trim:

I did not finish the back in white and I adjusted the top trip. I did not ss I crocheted 5 sc across back. I chained 8 instead of 5 for the strap, it was too tight with 5. Then I continued pattern as written making these changes for the other side of the dress.

Since this works up quick I may try it later for the My Life dolls with an I hook to see if I can get a better fit with a different colored yarn.

It feels good to get some items finished for the project. There are many wonderful positive things going on outside of doll world but this donation is near and dear to me and I want to make sure I don't neglect it.

Our Generation Halloween Sweater and Pants

When possible I love including holiday outfits in the doll donations.

It is even better when I find free patterns that help me save on the cost of doing so as the costs have only gone up recently so finding free stuff makes this work.

This Halloween Sweater pattern can be found here.You may want to browse around the blog while you are there as I've found several free patterns I'll be exploring over time as she is a creative designer.

I made this with the suggested F hook and I used orange worsted I had on hand.I've been trying to use up yarn where ever possible rather than adding to my stash.

I found this was a little big on the My Life doll but fit the Our Generation doll. I'd go with a lighter yarn for the My Life doll to see if it fit better. I'd also decrease the rows before the bottom trim if making it for the Our Generation doll again as it was a bit long.

That being said I have plans to make this sweater for the Our Generation doll again without the picture as a regular sweater. The fit is good and it was an easy project to add to the donation. While the Halloween theme drew me to the pattern I think I'd be more likely to make it again as a solid color sweater.

The pants are based on a Maggie's Crochet Abby, Allie and Annie pattern that I've made so many times I've kind of adapted it to making it without a pattern.

My Life Doll Cardigan, Skirt, and Hat

This project filled a couple of my goals. First I used up crochet thread that has been living in my stash for far too long on the skirt. Secondly, I attempted two patterns that I've had on my to do list for a while and never quite gotten around to making. The cardigan yarn was gifted to me by a kind woman from the Ravelry Charity Knitting group who sent me a box of Herrschner's yarn. The cardigan was a perfect use for the sport yarn.

The Seashell Summer skirt pattern is one of ABC Knitting's free crochet doll patterns you can find here. It was a great chance to use up more Aunt Lydia's size 3 thread. I used a size D hook for the first 5 rows to establish the waist. I then switched to the suggested C hook to finish the skirt. The D made it easier to get the outfit on and off. After that the C hook made the skirt shape better than the D which I tried first. I added a few extra rows to make it slightly longer.

As I mentioned in the Irish Lass post Crochet World used to have online bonus patterns. The Cardigan and Hat pattern were part of the August 2011 bonus patterns. You can find the free pattern here. I was quite pleased to find that using the sport Herrschner yarn and a G hook my guage matched the required pattern guage without any adaptations. I used Bernat Baby Sport yarn as the contrasting yarn for this project. It is a little lighter than the purple yarn but because I used it for trim it wasn't an issue.

The Cardigan has a unique texture to it and it was created using a technique I'd not used before. It wasn't complicated but it I ended up using markers to count out increase and decrease changes as it was hard to do a count once the stitches were made. By marking the beginnings and end of a section it was easier to count when I'd get distracted and lose count of where I was in a section.

The hat uses the same stitch technique as the cardigan. I had more trouble getting the shaping on the hat than I expected but I was pleased with the finished product.

Our Generation Elizabeth Skirt and Summer Jacket

While I repeat many patterns each year for the donation I like the challenge of trying new patterns each year. This is a free pattern set found at ABC Knitting here. Don't let the name confuse you this site has free crochet and knitting patterns. I am not much of a knitter so you can guarantee when I make doll clothes they are crochet.

As you may have come to expect if you read this blog I played with this pattern just a little bit. The pattern called for size 3 thread. I'm not a huge fan of working with crochet thread so I wanted to see if I could make it with baby yarn. It was a bit bulky for the My Life Doll but it fit the Our Generation Doll. I did make the skirt and the jacket longer as they were both short on the Springfield Doll I was using to size the outfit. However, when it was finished it looked a little boxy. I tried in on the Our Generation Doll and I liked the fit better, thus another Our Generation outfit completed for the donation.

Notes for myself: I used Red Heart Comfort Sport and Bernat Baby for this project with a C hook.

18 Inch Doll Ribbed Effect Skirt and Mock Turtleneck Sweater

I'm continuing to work on making separates for the 18 inch doll donation. I plan on getting to more costume or themed outfits later, but I wanted to make sure I had a supply of basics made first. I've gone back to using my Old Springfield doll to fit the clothes for the Walmart My Life doll as it saves wear and tear on the doll only using it for the final picture. Sadly this isn't an option with the Our Generation Doll, those outfits have to be fitted as I make them or they will be too small.

For those of you who like to crochet 18 inch doll clothes both of these are free patterns. You can find the skirt here and the sweater here.

Notes:

For this doll the skirt worked up per the pattern. There is no predetermined length so I didn't need to add rows I just stopped when I liked the length. I did add to 2 rows before the ribbing on the sweater to give it some extra length. It just suited the look I wanted. This is designed to be a sleeveless sweater so I finished off the sleeve by sc crocheting around the sleeve ends and then sc chain 3 sk around to finish off the sleeve. It just gave it a pretty finish.