doll – Organizing Threads

December 13, 2015December 13, 2015

Chrissy

My granddaughter loves dolls, and probably has more than she can accurately count. She decided she wanted an “American Girl,” but she is, of course, Canadian though she lives in California. So her Mom made a deal with her: if she sold some of her current toys she could use the money to buy a Maplelea doll. (A good deal, what with the low loonie!)

I picked up the parcel from the post office.

Consequently, Mina ordered (and Grandma received – it was shipped to my house) a Maplelea friend. Mina decided her name should be Chrissy Burkard Gehiere Bacon, because of Aunt Chrissy and “I likes bacon.” But when Uncle Simon complained that she didn’t name her doll after him, she added “Uncle Simmie” to the end!

After I picked the doll up from the post office Mina allowed me to unbox her. Definitely a pretty doll, but not dressed for winter. So I found some suitable yarn and made her an outfit. I think she is pretty well off now. (Mitt pattern follows)

Chrissy’s Mitts

Start at fingertips and worked in the round toward wrist. I used Caron’s Simply Soft with 4mm crochet hook. If using different yarn and hook adjust accordingly.

Chain 5

Round 1: Sc in second chain from hook, and in next 2 chains, 3 sc in end, working up the opposite side, sc in next 2 chains, 2 sc in beginning chain. (12 stitches)

Round 2 – 6: Sc in each stitch (12 stitches); chain 3

Round 7- 9: Sc in each stitch, including the 3 chains (15 stitches)

Round 10: Sc, one decrease, 5 sc, one decrease, 5 sc to end. Join.

Thumb:

Row 1: Joint yarn. Sc in each chain and in the body of the mitt. join

Row 2: Sc in each stitch, end. Use end to close the thumb.

(These mitts are not very easy to put on due to the style of the doll’s hands.)

September 11, 2014September 11, 2014

Barbie

Mina has been asking for a Barbie doll lately and her mother has been resisting. Mina has many dolls already!

Gramma has a box of Barbies at her house. They are mostly dolls I bought very cheaply at Value Village back in the days when I was running a community centre. One evening, while on FaceTime I showed them to Mina. Of course, she wants them!

In order to stay as close as possible to her mother’s good side, I decided to give one doll to Mina, Skipper – this doll was her favourite when I showed them to her. Her Uncle Simon and Auntie Chrissie will be carrying it to California for her birthday.

I did a little research online and found that this model was created in 1967. She is in pretty good shape for such an old girl, wouldn’t you say?

http://barbielistholland.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/1964-2014-skipper-roberts-50-years/

Another special doll in my box is the one I bought myself. My parents didn’t have money for buying toys so I saved hard and finally had the $3.50 or so that she cost back in about 1967 or 8. I believe she is a “vintage standard” model – http://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/Vintage-Standard-Barbie-Doll.html.

Here is Barbie wearing the crocheted dress I made for her a number of years ago:

August 1, 2013August 11, 2013

Lalaloopsy Fashions

Here are the first two outfits, a crocheted dress with crinoline under-skirt and a short/shirt set:

August 6 New outfits: pajamas, sweater and socks, bloomers and shoes:

A new top to go with the bloomers

I have blue shorts/pants in the works yet; hope to get them done before I head to California on August 14.

July 27, 2013July 27, 2013

Introducing: Pickles B.T.L.

Mina has discovered the joy of dressing and undressing her dolls and no longer needs a lot of help from her Mom. Trina asked if I could make some clothes for her buddies. I do enjoy making doll clothes, but I really want to have a model when I do it. I want to know the finished item will fit properly.

As well, today there was a birthday party for my great-nieces, and I needed to get a gift. Because Mina loves her Lalaloopsie buddies so much I thought maybe the twins would also like them.

The Target store just opened across the expressway from my house so I went over at opening, 8:00 o’clock this morning. They had a few Lalaloopsies, but nothing I really liked. I decided to bite the bullet and go to Fairway Road to ToysRUs. They weren’t open that early. But Walmart was. As a practice I avoid Walmart (dislike of some of their business practices) but today I went. I found what I was looking for:

Why Pickles B.T.L.? Because she has rollerskates, just like my favourite little girl:

Mina's rollerskates — Mina’s rollerskates

And for Maya and Makayla I found soft dolls (I can’t quite understand the love of these hard plastic, heavy-headed dolls myself) Ember Flicker Flame and Mittens Fluff’nStuff.

So now I can begin making doll clothes. I have crocheted a shrug and shoes which will be mailed to California on Monday. I am working on a dress. So more posts will be coming.

June 17, 2012August 5, 2012

Itty Bitty outfits

Mina is really too little to dress and undress with the itty bitty babies, but I like to make outfits anyway. One day she will enjoy them more. The original outfits Marjorie and I made are here: here and here.

I made the sundress on a visit to California last summer, and the purple pj’s this past winter. Right now the girl virtually lives in a bathing suit, so I made one for the babies, in aqua, similar to the girl’s. Mina with the babies at Christmas (2011):