Our Generation School Uniform

Not to late to add a back to school outfit for the donation.

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

I'be been using this shoe pattern for several of my outfits that need a shoe without a strap for years. I couldn't find any blog notes about this project but I do know I'd made it for one of my nieces years ago. I confirmed it when I found notes on my printed pattern regarding the repeats for the skirt.

Notes:

I follow my traditional method for splitting for arm holes rather than the pattern suggestion. I've never had an issue with her other patterns making this change and it saves sewing in more ends.

The top section and the skirt are created separately and joined at the end.

The arms are premade and set into the arm holes. I crocheted into the back loops of the arm hole and recreated the arms that way. I had better success with one arm than the other but this is something I can work on as I've never had great success setting the arms in after I've made them.

I had a note I should use an f hook for the shoes, I'd go back to the previous note that suggests an e hook.

This picture is a reminder about setting the skirt after crocheting it. I crocheted around the bottom of the skirt with sc and then finished the top of the skirt sc around the inner sides of the skirt before completely sewing the skirt closed.

I then pinned the skirt to the top. I found I couldn't completely join the top to the skirt and be able to get the outfit on and off easily thus the picture below.

The headband worked as written.

Our Generation Patriotic Swimsuit

I was looking through the flash drive of patterns I bought from Pamela Yarbororough Designs to find swimsuits I hadn't made previously for the donation and found this one.

I have decided I like this top and bottom best. I'd consider rotating the hat, sarong, and color options from the other patterns but this may be my go to starting pattern for the 18 inch dolls for a bit.

You can purchase the pattern here.

I used an H hook for the top and bottoms and an F hook for the accessories. I finally mastered the ss technique she uses while making the headband. I'd use it for future projects.

I'd consider experimenting with an I hook for the top. This top is joined and needs to slide on and off. It is a bit snug for the Our Generation Doll once you add the ss. An I hook might help make it easier to take on and off. I'd just have to check to make sure it doesn't gape open at the front.

The 18 inch doll swimsuits are done for 2026. I am going to experiment with something for the Calico Critters. No promises it will work. I still need two for the 16 inch Baby Dolls and then I will be done with this category for the year.

Our Generation Purple Dress

I am fortunate to have a rather large collection of crochet patterns for the 18 inch dolls so I don't have to repeat every pattern every year to get a decent wardrobe for the three female 18 inch dolls I set out to dress each year. I have some favorites and must do's for each donation round but others surprise me that they haven't been seen for a bit.

This is one of Adoring Doll's patterns that can be purchased here.

My schedule this year of rotating through the dolls on a regular basis has led me to dig deeper into my 18 inch doll binders and it is fun to see patterns that haven't been out in a while. This one was made for the My Life doll back in 2021. After looking at my notes and with a weird mistake to start the skirt I made a few changes for the Our Generation Doll.

For my own notes for future years, I've started to make many of the larger doll patterns especially in sections. In this case I started with the skirt, made the shirt, and jacket later and finished off with the accessories. This allowed me to start this project in between finishing off last weeks smaller doll projects.

Notes:

Shirt:

I started the project with the pink shirt and the suggested H hook. I followed my directions from last project not to join which requires 3 buttons instead of 1.

Skirt:

The skirt was made with an I which changes to an H hook as the pattern suggests just with different hooks.

I mistakenly started with the Red Heart Super Saver Amethyst yarn. It is supposed to be white at the top with a bottom trim of purple.

I made it that way for the My Life doll previously but I wasn't crazy about the long patch of white against the purple.

The white wedged between purple just worked better for me and I'd do that again for future projects.

I started with purple changing to white in row 5 and then changed back to purple as the directions suggested.

Jacket:

I used the suggested H hook for the jacket.

On my copy there is no line space between row 2 and 3 and I kept trying to use row 3's stitch count and figuring I'd made a mistake. I circled the correct count but an extra note here hopefully will remind me not to make this mistake.

I followed the jacket directions as written. This is one of the easier jacket patterns for me. My only suggestion for the future is to ss around the arm openings as this helps keep the fingers from catching.

Shoes/Socks

The shoes and socks required all three colors and a G hook. I made both shoes first, finished them off and then added the socks.

Scarf/Headband:

I made these after finishing the jacket and I just circled a note on the pattern to remind myself that neither are made in purple. I was half way through a very pretty purple scarf when I saw the picture and realized I had just continued on with the jacket colors without thinking.

I used Red Heart Super Saver Turqua for both items.

They both require a g hook.

Our Generation Wisteria

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

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

Underskirt:

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

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

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

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

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

Overskirt:

I used a 4.5 mm hook for the overskirt.

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

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

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

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

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

Our Generation Clam Diggers, Top, and Kerchief

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

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

Our Generation Elspeth

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

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

Notes:

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

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

Our Generation Dovetailed

This is a fairly standard donation pattern for the Our Generation Doll. It is one of Darski's free patterns you can find here.>

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

This grey photographs lighter than the actual color. I was confused when I looked up the previous post as it also looked like a lighter grey and I don't have much light grey in my stash. This is Red Heart Super Saver Dusty Grey and it is the color I'd want again for this dress. I recently ordered some light grey for some other projects and I think it would be too light. The Red Heart Super Saver Gray Heather I use for another of Darski's patterns is too dark for this outfit although based on other pictures I have used it previously.

Notes:

I start the skirt by crocheting around a hair band with an I hook.

The increases need to be made on the side of the skirt. I start the overdress with a K hook switching to a J hook when I change to pink.

The back is finished and I add three button holes. Darski and I differ in that I do not let the buttons go below the grey line.

I used a H hook for the hat working as written.

I'm still struggling to make shoes without the strap that stay on the feet. I used an f hook for these and they still aren't quite right but I'm trying.

Our Generation Let The Sunshine In

I have one more Kits for Kids project preposted but with this preposting the delivery date for that project is tomorrow. With some challenges I'm having retruning to a project with larger hooks seemed like a good idea.

This project seems to pop up in my to do list every other year or so. Thankfully with binders of patterns I do have plenty to make. I chose this one because it is fairly simple to make and requires basic colors that were in my stash.

That didn't stop me from stocking up on Red Heart Super Saver Navy from my local Walmart as that can be a tough color to find. I can find the lighter blues but Navy is hit or miss for me.

Let the Sunshine In is part of Darski's free Weatherby set found here. The shoes are from my favorite shoe pattern from Sweet Silver Creation's Sailor Pattern and that can be purchased here.

Notes:

All three colors are Red Heart Super Saver. For my own notes the Navy is Soft Navy.

I used a K hook on the dress for the bodice and an I hook for the skirt. I used a K hook for the Bolero jacket.

I went with the suggested hook size for the hat.

This dress ties to close around neck in back and I added chains. This was a bad idea. Use suggested chain length for ties.

Found a previous note to try a G hook for these shoes with the Our Generation Doll and they fit well.

This is the first year I've added white trim to the Bolero jacket arms and I would continue to do this as I liked the look.

These pictures are from my 2022 project and instead of taking new pics each year I keep the old ones to remind myself of what the Bolero jacket looks like prior to full assembly as some years it makes more sense than others and rather than take new pics each year of the process I just post the old to my latest project as that is generally where I turn the next time I make the project.

Our Generation Nightgown

Every year I try to get to patterns I've either never used or infrequently used for the donation. I don't believe I've ever used this Herrschners' Playtime and Pajamas 18 Inch Doll Ensemble pattern. I believe it was likely part of a kit but I found it as a second hand pattern and then never made it.

Years ago when I tried some of their doll kits I found the patterns ran small for me so I went into this one with an experimental attitude. The original pattern called for size 2 afghan yarn and a C hook. I used a mixture of Premier Basix size 3 petal pink and Herschnerrs worsted 4 for this project. When I make it again I'd look for Premier Basix in colors closer to the original as I think it was a good fit for size.

I needed an f hook for this project.

The outfit is closed with a snap.

I'm currently experimenting to see if my second try with this pattern can be rescued for one of the other dolls as it was too small for the Our Generation. The first try was too small for any of my donations.

I would make my own headband pattern next time, but I was playing yarn chicken with the pink and didn't want to lose. It needs to be wider. I did like the flower.

Our Generation Back To School

The main part of this outfit is made with Adoring Doll's Back to School outfit that can be purchased here. I alter the jacket a bit as I like the fit better but for the most part I follow the pattern as written other than needing to add some length for the jacket. The Skirt is Meesh Bridge's Rib Effect Skirt pattern that was originally a free Ravelry pattern found here. It is currently listed as unavailable but I'm adding the link hoping it will return as she has a couple other patterns I've added to the donation that have left the platform.

Notes:

I will start with the Adoring Doll pieces.

These pictures are from last year's project but I'm continuing to add them to remind myself of the shirt construction. It is slightly different than most of my other projects and some years it goes smoothly like this year and others it feels like a logic puzzle on a low energy day. These pictures are for the day I just can't remember what or why I thought doing this was a good idea.

Shirt:

I use an I hook for the shirt. The math is correct although I do find myself questioning it at times.

The back of the shirt is finished in sc adding a button hole to close the shirt.

I love the heart pattern and am using it for Adoring Doll's Valentine pattern for the other My Life Doll's Valentine outfit.

Jacket:

I used an I hook for the jacket. The one note I made on the pattern is that it needs to be longer than the pattern suggests for it to fit this doll. I had to make some adjustments after I finished it off to get it to fit this time. With my notes I shouldn't have that problem next time.

I finish the collar of the jacket differently than the pattern. tack the edges of the jacket back and this works for me.

The sleeves have multiple steps to reduction and I'm not sure I've followed these before. I've generally made my own. I followed the pattern as written and was happy with the outcome.

Boots:

I love these boots. For the Our Generation Doll they need a G hook. They are a little challenging getting on and off due to the height of the boots but I find even store boots that don't zip can require a little effort to get on and off the dolls so it is nothing unusual.

Our Generation Sleeping Bag

With this sleeping bag finished all the 18 inch doll sleeping bags are complete. I just need one for the Rag doll and then I'm on to the fashion dolls and little critters. I still need a sleep sack for the Lots to Love 14 inch baby doll.

Notes:

This is a free pattern found here. You can also find patterns for the fashion dolls there as well.

I use a K hook to make this fit the 18 inch dolls.

The yarn for this one is Red Heart stripes Baby Rainbow and I need 2 skeins to make it fit.

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 Pilgrim

One of the advantages of making the clothes a year in advance of the donation is not having to worry about making clothes out of the holiday season. While it is more fun to make the outfits during the intended season I'm generally finishing up the previous year's donation in November and rarely get the Pilgrim outfits done prior to Thanksgiving. However, if I wait too long, I often forget to make them. So the girl's outfit is done. I need to get started on the boy's.

This project is a combination of a free Darski We Gather Pattern found here and Adoring Doll's Pilgrim Girl pattern that can be purchased here. She has a combo pattern that includes the boy and girl which is what I purchased if you are interested.

Notes:

The dress was made with an I hook using Darski's We Gather Pattern. All other accessories including the bonnet this year were made from Adoring Doll's pattern.

I used an I hook at last year's suggestion for the shoes and it was a better fit. I followed the directions on hook size for all other items. I'd go with a smaller hook size for the collar next year. I also added a stitch on the bonnet in the back to pull up the bottom of the bonnet as it was too long in the back.