A bit different than a raglan, this circular yoke is more akin to Fair Isle or Norwegian patterned winter sweaters. Knit from the top down with two rounds of increases (K2, M1 across, ending with K2) several rows apart in the yoke for this size (Blythe, Pure Neemo S). The sleeves are picked up onto stitch holders while the body is finished below the bust. Then the sleeves are picked up on 3 dp needles and knit in the round down to the sleeve hem. For larger dolls, you may need an additional round of increases. I make 3 YO, K2tog buttonholes for back closure on rows 3, 7, an 11. 

I love the detail of hand smocking and included it on this dress; a dainty crochet collar finishes it off. the The dress can be seen in my etsy store.

New OOAK dolls from Ppinkydolls. Both Miko, but Miko with the pink wig is slightly shorter as the leg piece from the knee to ankle is shorter. Perhaps a Pure Neemo S, while the other is a Pure Neemo M?  The artist used a newer version of neck ball joint for Miko with the blue hair, so she has a wider range of motion (and supposedly is safer for the doll?)... she can drop her chin practically down to her chest and can look higher up to the sky.Even without the longer legs, Miko blue would be a tad taller just because her head sits higher on her neck.  

 

What's on your plate this morning? I'm having hard boiled eggs with dots of Pepper Plant, diced tomato, with a bit of chives sprinkled on top..

The perfect hard-boiled egg is made as follows:

Put 2 -4 eggs in a small pan; cover with water.  Bring to a boil. Set timer to 1 minute. When the timer goes off, turn off the heat under the pan. Cover with lid. Set timer to 16 minutes.   Perfect eggs every time..... Put pan under cold water; peel eggs quickly for warm eggs....

Blue and White Smocked Dress, shown on Pure Neemo S doll

The making of the perfect dress for Blythe, Pure Neemo S..... note the little crocheted lace bit at the neckline.... Love that detail!!!
:)

I found this wonderful vintage blue/white striped fabric... it's been sitting around in my sewing room awhile waiting for the perfect project. This is it!


I got out my vintage Pleating machine, and tested pleating on a scrap...

:
Then found my old English Smocking Instructions that I used way back in the 1980's for teaching Smocking classes:

And, because I love doll dresses with hand knit tops, I tracked down a pattern for a circular yoke, which I will not show here because I modified it so drastically!! But the top was knit from the top down, with sleeves being put on stitch holders, then later picked up and knit in the round... Perfect for how I like to knit!

Pleats gathered, and surface embroidery completed.... this will be the skirt for the dress.

The bodice is knitted flat, the sleeves knitted in the round... I added yo,K2tog buttonholes in the back... Did I mention that I hate, hate, hate sewing on snaps, and detest velcro?? I will use both when absolutely necessary.... but it isn't necessary here!

Oh, what the hay! This is the pattern that I started with.... and can be found on etsy. 

The doll body is Pure Neemo S..... which means that the dress will fit my new Ppinkydoll, Miko.... also, Blythe.

Taaa-Daaa! 

Blythe, Soom imda 2.2, RealPuki Dresses

Still sewing for Blythe, but sewing for ball jointed dolls is more challenging for me in that they come in all shapes and sizes, just like us! This means that while dresses may appear to be "alike", often there are adjustments to the sizing and the stitches in order to get the perfect fit for each doll. In the case of these dresses, however, Blythe and Soom imda 2.2 can wear the same size. Blythe is shown wearing a matching Wrap on her head. I designed this as a shawl/headwrap. When worn on the shoulders it hugs the body due to the short row shaping.

Sewing the dress for realpuki meant that a hat must be added. Most realpukis dislike wigs, but love their hats!

Handknit bodice with button closure in the back. Skirt is attached to the bodice. I love the double ruffle with the "scooped" gather in front! The underskirt is made with subtle print chiffon and is trimmed with antique lace dating to approximately 1900. These can be seen in more detail in my etsy shop:
www.ssmartraggs.etsy.com

 Knitting for tiny ball jointed dolls is like eating popcorn! These little dresses, rompers and hats each takes less than 25 yards of sock weight yarn and about 45 minutes to knit.  My Romper pattern is an adaptation of a Strawberry Shortcake romper designed by Polly... RealPuki would swim in a SSC outfit!! The dress is a further adaptation. The hat is my own design.
Polly's pattern can be found on Ravelry, or on her website.

 RealPuki Soso from Fairyland.... a day at the beach.. she quickly got rid of her dress, but kept on her hat rather than risk sunburn on her bald head!

Happy Spring! Dress and Romper pinwheel!

 I have already listed some of these in my etsy shop... love the surprise of orange that shows up in this ball of yarn!

PukiPuki.... Cupid
This tiny bjd reminds me of my sister; you knew she was in a high level of concentration because her tongue was sticking out!