Throwback Thursday -

I realized early in my crochet pattern designing that I wanted to focus on something I rarely saw - Barbie patterns using larger yarn. The patterns that have been developed by thread crocheters are simply fantastic. If you have not seen any, I suggest you google it. My absolute favorite is Scarlett O'Hara's Green Curtain dress. (Okay, I admit. I am a HUGE Gone With the Wind fan. Sue me.)

I don't own this photo! I found it here.

I thought I would give thread crocheting a try. How hard could it be using the same stitches as normal crochet? Well...apparently MUCH harder than I anticipated. What really bothered me was the smallness of the hook and the slippage of the thread. It was hard to control. I continued to mess up. My hand and wrist was hurting. And I just couldn't take it. I knew after that first try that without some serious intervention I would never be a thread crocheter. So I stuck with what I knew.

A size G hook and Red Heart.

Who needed the end product to be super soft and not itchy? I was absolutely sure that plastic Barbie would have no issue with a scratchy dress. So, I began designing patterns. The first ones were a little horrible. Even my first purses...Well, they could use some updating.

I suggest keeping tuned for that!

Anyway, here is my first Throwback Thursday photo.

My first Barbie purse design

It isn't TOO bad, but it could use some work. You can find it on my blog by searching Barbie Purse with Flap or clicking here.

Make it Monday - A Pillowy Project

Make it Monday was a very popular event in 2014, so I decided to bring it back. It fits SO well with the weekly theme idea I am presenting for 2015 here at Dande Creations. Not only does it provide a central concept, but it provides me with multiple ways to craft in the coming year. I am very much looking forward to it. And I hope you are too.

I announced yesterday that the weekly theme is Barbie. I am sorry for those of you who have boys! I know I tend to create curly, girly, and frilly things here at Dande Creations. I am working to expand my patterns to more types of things. I promise!

To start our week, I am providing a new free pattern to my blog and my pattern stores. The first of many that I plan on releasing in 2015. Like all of my other Barbie patterns, I have not tested them on other 12 inch fashion dolls. I am pretty sure they will not fit on any Monster High dolls. What they do fit on is the belly button Barbies and the old fashioned Barbies. If there is any change or restrictions to the pattern, it will be presented at the start in the notes.

Thankfully, there is NO need to measure Barbie or worry about which one this pattern will fit. It is not even for "dressing" her. It is for her bedroom.

It's..............a pillow!

Yep! In the coming weeks, a full bedroom suite pattern book will be released with this pillow pattern, the pillow slip/case, some accent pillows, a ruffle blanket, and more. I will also include a post with a description of some of the ways to create cheap Barbie beds without having to purchase a set from the store.

*Note* In the future, this pattern will be posted on an individual page that can be accessed by the right navigation panel under the Free Patterns section.

Now, on to the pattern.


Materials
Size G hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
Fiberfil
Small amount of yarn
Stitch marker (optional)

Abbreviation List
st = stitch
sts = stitches
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch

Notes
This is in U.S. terminology.

Pattern

Pillow

(make 2)

Ch 11

Row 1: In 2^nd st, sc. Sc across, ch 1, turn (10)

Row 2-7: sc in each st, ch 1, turn (10)

Fasten off

Finishing

Holding two together, sc in each st. Each corner receives (sc, ch 1, sc). When close to finishing, fill with fiberfil. Finish sc. Sl st to beginning sc. Weave in ends. 

Barbies Everywhere

You may have noticed that a good portion of what I craft involves Barbie and her entourage. I grew up loving Barbie. She represented a different world - one that was always happy. As an imaginative child, it catered to that part of me. So as I grew up, Barbie became a continued part of my life through my nieces. When I started this blog and started designing crochet patterns for Barbie, I knew that I was going to continue that tradition.

Each year, I tend to make my nieces a Barbie something for Christmas. That is, until they get too old for them. My heart about broke this Christmas when I told my 10 year old niece that I didn't make her a Barbie dress, but if she wanted one I would. She turned to me and said "Naw, I am getting too old." According to my sister, she only plays every once in a while. That allure and illusion only lasts so long.

When I began designing for Barbie, I noticed that a lot of the patterns that were available involved super small crochet needles and size 10 crochet thread. If you have ever worked with that, you would know how incredibly frustrating and hard it is to use. I am in complete awe with people who are able to crochet vast and elaborate Barbie dresses out of that. It is most definitely worth 100+ dollars for one dress.

For me, I knew I would never be able to do that. And if I couldn't, there had to be others who wouldn't enjoy that process either. So, I began using normal worsted weight yarn to create Barbie patterns. My goal was to just make Barbie dresses, but it has expanded beyond that. I began a mission to get Barbies the represented the ones I grew up with.

Ken and Barbie
Skipper and Kevin
Todd and Stacie
Tommy and Kelly

What I found out was that around 2010, the Mattel company had changed the height and dimensions of most of these dolls. So while I was able to find each of those older size Barbies (except Stacie), I am now in the process of updating my set of dolls to include old and new. The changes have created a little issue with the size of my clothes that may or may not fit on the new dolls.

Not to fear, each of my patterns include a list of which type of doll it fits. The older patterns will be revised to include that and updated each time I find the right doll.

Barbie Patterns Coming in 2015

• Bedroom Suite - including a mattress, pillow, blanket, and accent pillows (This may be for each of them. It is undecided at this time)
• A Christmas set - including a tutorial on creating a Christmas tree using an old artificial tree which will be free on my blog
• An Easter Dress set - For Barbie, Skipper, and Stacie
• Outfit Ebooks

There is also some discussion on creating a physical book with a good portion of my crochet patterns for sale in the future. All exciting news!

Master List of Barbie Patterns

In this list, I will put the link to all the patterns for that particular size dolls. I know that there are new names and sizes for almost all these dolls. I am working to update my collection and my patterns to match those sizes. A majority of the Barbie patterns have been worked with the changes in mind (old barbie and belly button barbie).

Please note that some areas are left blank. I have plans to add more patterns over time. 

Barbie

1. Barbie Easter Basket and Eggs
2. Barbie Hand Purse
3. Barbie One Shoulder Dress
4. Barbie Sweater Dress
5. Barbie Tea Length Ball Gown
6. Barbie Mini Ball Gown
7. Barbie Ball Gown
8. 
   

Skipper

1. Skipper Jacket for Winter
2. Skipper Winter Set

Stacie

1. Stacie Ballerina Dress
2. Stacie Fashionable Dress
3. Stacie Night Gown
4. Stacie Ball Gown

Chelsea/Kelly

Ken

Kevin

Todd

Tommy

Another Scrappy Project - Stacie Granny Square Blanket

In the early hours of the night, I was freezing and decided to start a project. What started out as a blanket set for Barbie, Skipper, and Stacie ended up with just one...for Stacie...because it's granny square. LOL! I started with white and yellow yarn to create small, one row granny squares. I chose a G hook to make them as small as my hands could handle.

I will admit readily that I have never accomplished a granny square project the last thirteen years of crocheting. I will also readily admit that I may not ever do one again after I attached 15 small granny squares and weaved in the ends. LOL! That was so much work for just a tiny little blanket. It looks entirely cute, but geez...so...much....work.

The size is 5 x 3 with two rows of granny around it.

Before the edging.

Finished with edging.

As you can see, the Stacie doll I am using is one of the modern Stacies. She is taller than the older dolls. So using this method will fit any Stacie doll, past and present. Middle of the night project does equal less than optimal pictures, but you get the idea.

Holiday Craft Update - Photo Heavy

If you are like me, you are busy crafting your little fingers off to finish the presents before Christmas. I would love to say in the second week of December that all my gifts and cards are made and packaged neatly for gift giving, but alas, I cannot. My list, fortunately, is not that long; however, I still have a lot of last minute crafting and packaging to do. Along with that, I have tons of cookies to make for a family get together where we plan on sharing cocoa, cookies, and caroling much to the joy of my little nieces.

Why am I writing this then instead of crafting my little fingers off? Well besides the fact that my wrists need a break, I wanted to share some of the things I have accomplished as gifts. I am lucky to know that most of my family members do not know about this blog much less frequent it. So, below you will see some photos of the gifts and how I have them packaged with a small description.

Tea Length Barbie Dresses

I was able to make 3 of these for my nieces this year. All of whom are avid Barbie lovers. It is the first thing in my house that gets fought over.

If you are looking for this pattern, you can find it at the following links:

     

Remember December Deals is going on at Ravelry. 35% off without a coupon code!

Christmas Cards

The following are the cards I have made thus far.

Lastly, the sleds I blogged about previously. These are such fun to make. 

This one is slightly different than the one I blogged about. It has longer sticks as the runners and a small cross bar.

I look forward to sharing more with you. My list is slowly dwindling, but I still have a long way to go.

What have you been working on?

Sarah

INTRODUCING: A New Spring Pattern - Barbie One Shoulder Dress

Okay! I told you I am attempting to get my Spring Barbie Line ready and published so I can start on the summer, fall, and winter versions!  Well, I am introducing a new addition to the Spring Line.

The One Shoulder Dress

.

Short version

Back of medium

Medium

Here are the links to the published patterns! Available to purchase now. I will also crochet custom colors in this dress for sell in my Etsy shop!

Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/barbie-one-shoulder-dress
Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/toy/barbie-one-shoulder-dress
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186211763/pattern-barbie-one-shoulder-dress

Have a great day!

Sarah

Re-Release: Ball Gown for Barbie

Like previously mentioned, the two new patterns came from a decision to re-release and update my patterns. Want to see the pictures of the Ball Gown?

The newest pattern is available at all my stores!

What do you think? Aren't they just cute?!?

Sarah

New Patterns: Barbie Mini Ball Gown and Tea Length Ball Gown

For the last two days, my fingers have been crocheting like crazy. I have this insane notion that I need to revise and re-release my old patterns in the new format with new photos. This requires me to re-crochet the items to re-photograph. What was my first pattern choice for this, you ask?

Well, it was the Barbie Ball Gown. It was a floor length dress with alternating colors every two rows.

............................

Yeah, that is a lot of work! (rolls eyes)

I am not sure how I decided to make every two rows another color on a dress that had many stitches and went to the floor, even if it was just for Barbie.

So, for two days I have been selecting colors of yarn that I felt would photograph well. I stayed up later and began working first thing in the morning. With sore hands and wrists, I want to show you the newest patterns in my pattern stores and Etsy.

Barbie Tea Length Ball Gown

(armholes and halter)

Barbie Mini Ball Gown

(armholes and halter)

These two patterns are modifications to a previous pattern as mentioned but include two finishes: armholes and halter. I personally began falling in love with the way this dress falls and the halter option! If you are interested in purchasing, you can find it at Ravelry, Craftsy, and Etsy.

Have a wonderful day!

Sarah

Share It Saturday: Announcing New Free Pattern

A new event has popped up on my blog: Share it Saturday. I plan on sharing some of the newest things each week and can be anything from a pattern of mine to a new item found somewhere else. Please comment and share with me! I would love to see something you have been working on.

First week of Share it is a new free pattern here at Dande Creations!

Another free pattern from my Spring Barbie Collection. You can find it at any of my stores except Etsy; however, it is also available here on my blog. Want to see what it is?

Barbie Hand Bag

This cute little pattern will help you bust your scraps and provide entertainment for your little one and a new accessory for Barbie!

You can find it here.

I would love to see the finished item if you make it!

Sarah

Announcing: New Free Pattern

Would you like to crochet a cute little Easter basket and eggs to go in your little girl's basket this year? Well, I have developed the pattern. And, I am making it free for all my viewers and fans. Here's a quick look at the pattern:

You can find the pattern by click here.

It is also available in my Craftsy and Ravelry stores!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any issues or comment.

Enjoy!

Sarah

INTRODUCING: Barbie Sweater Dress

Today I am introducing one of my Spring Barbie Collection patterns. It will be available to purchase in all shops by the end of the day.

Barbie Sweater Dress

The inspiration of this pattern came from a pair of fingerless mittens I saw with a ribbing. It reminded me of the bottom cuff of a sweater! So, I developed the pattern to fit Barbie.

Want to see the pictures? Of course you do!

Look how cute! This cute dress will be available for purchase in my Etsy store soon. I have one available now; however, I do accept custom orders.

Looking forward to releasing new patterns,

Sarah