Of all types of dolls, small dolls are my favorites. The kind that fit snuggly in your hand; that you can put in your pocket or carry in their own little bag. Shortly after Free Spirit was born, I was thinking about making a mini version. Meet Jenny and Carina, the first Mini Free Spirits. She stands a little over seven inches tall, and is crocheted from worsted weight yarn.
I used Fibre Crafts 'Cindy' doll as the body model; there have been some really cute crochet patterns published for this doll, a couple of them are shown above. There are still a couple in print (unfortunately, the ones above are not). So, if you are fortunate enough to have collected some of these patterns, great! If not, I have several patterns for clothing for this new doll.
As I was making this doll, I got a bit carried away with accessories. The little bed is made from a broken picture frame, wooden spools, and some twigs from the back yard. The bench and chair are from a very old pattern for clothespin furniture, that has managed to stay with me through several moves. I did have to search frantically for it after our last move :-) The coverlet and afghan are block patterns from the book "200 Crochet Blocks" worked in sportweight yarn.The patterns for the doll and clothing are located here and on the left sidebar:
Doll pattern:
Nightgown:
Underwear:
Dress and Sunsuit:
Mohair Sweater:
Below is Carina, in the dark braids, and Jenny, with the curly red hair. Carina is wearing a dress from the pattern that comes with the Cindy doll; made without any alterations :-) The Mini Free Spirit Doll pattern includes instructions for both hair styles below, plus several others that are very easy.
She works up faster than Free Spirit, and is just a lot of fun to make. I hope you enjoy her!
big...little are all tooooooo cute! Thank you beth, you are the best!!
ReplyDelete♥♥♥ I want to be a great crocheter like as you ♥♥♥♥
She is beautiful. Her accessories do the job of all great accessories and just complete her perfectly. Congratulations, and thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you doing to me??? I can barely keep up. Can you just come and live at my house and crochet away? I promise to feed you well and supply you with yarn.
ReplyDeleteKate
Barbara and Kirsteen, thank-you for your kind words :-) Kate, don't tempt me! Reconsider, as I would have to bring my husband, and he eats a LOT of peanut butter :-)
ReplyDeleteActually, this little doll should really help you out; takes about half the time to make her as it does her big sister Free Spirit, and her hair is super easy if you have mohair yarn.
Enjoy the crochet!
Beth
Oh help, I'm getting sucked into doll-making. :) Beth, they are both cute, and I haven't made a doll in years. I think that when I finish my chrysanthemum dishcloth, I'll just have to try one of your patterns. Oh, wait, I have to make a Mario Brothers bomb, first. Make that two. :)
ReplyDeleteBeth: What can I say but "how sweet it is." Love the small size. I agree that there's something about a tiny doll that is just delightful. Great work. Can't wait to get started. Love the little doll shoes. Everything is terrific.
ReplyDeleteYour friend,
Joyce
River, I got sucked into dollmaking three decades ago, and I haven't regretted a minute :-)
ReplyDeleteJoyce, the shoes are a 'cheat,' the girls borrowed them from my Madame Alexander dolls :-) Since I'm no cobbler, I ordered some this size from CR's crafts; I'll let you know how they fit.
And thank you both for your kind words. Your words warm me :-)
Beth
I still have so much to do before xmas, but then i am going to get making these, i have already sourced out cotton reels. My girls are going to love holding these in their hands.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Beth, you are a crocheting maniac!! These are so frikkin' cute. you just wanna squeeze and love 'em. Thank you for sharing your amazing crochet talent with us!!
ReplyDeleteBeth, Thanks so much for such beautiful patterns. I commented on some of your Flickr pics but I have to say the whole set is so fantastic that I would be repeating myself too much to comment on all of them.
ReplyDeleteThey are "Gorgeous" I have saved your patterns and really want to make some of the minis to go with thier FS sisters!!
Thanks again :)
Natalie, Ellen, and Maria, thank-you so much for your kind words. It is such a good feeling to have these little patterns so well received. I love making dolls, and sharing what I can so other people can enjoy as well.
ReplyDeleteI know about trying to get stuff done for Christmas! I realize that I still have a few things left to make, so I better get with it :-)
If you do make a Mini, please post a picture on the Free Spirit Photostream...they are sisters, you know!
Beth
Your dolls are so adorable!
ReplyDeleteJust want to add my thanks for your generosity in sharing these little lovelies with us. I made the big sister and am working on her clothes to give as gifts to a friend's grandchildren but she is so cute I don't want her mangled. So, I will just make a few and save them until they are older. By then I can have both done with whole wardrobes.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, this sounds lovely :-) I'd love to have you share your creations on the Free Spirit flickr site, which is here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/groups/freespiritamidolls/
And I'm delighted you have enjoyed making the dolls :-)
Beth
Beth, I so love your dolls, ofcourse you already know this LOL. I cannot tell you how many times I have picked up my girl and admired her! I am just over the moon with her.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about getting back to you so late about the book I used to inspire me. It's called Best Loved Nursery Rhymes Illustrated by Teddy Williams. It is out of print but you can still find it on Amazon. The art is just gorgeous!
I am adding you to my favorite blogs to peek at and I hope that is okay!?
((((((((( Hugs N Love )))))))
Xoxoxxx Ree
Hi Ree!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet to see your comments here :-) I'm so glad that you are happy with Neko. And, I'm delighted and flattered that you would add byhookbyhand to your blog. And thank-you for the book information. I love to look at books and pictures; they are an endless source of inspiration.
Have a lovely day!
Beth
Hi Beth, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful patterns for little dolls. Yes you're right, I love those little dolls too that fits into your hand. I always have one in the car and collected at home displayed. I have two little girls 6 and 8 yrs. old that love to play with dolls. I myself didn't have one when I was little. I came from the Phils. and very poor, I used to twist a towel and use it as a doll. I taught myself to crochet and knit. Now I am so happy I can have more dolls and want to make a lot extras to send to the Philippines for the little girls. You are number one list of my favorite site. Again "Thank You so much".
ReplyDeleteI love the idea that you are making some of these dolls for little girls in the Philippines. Thank-you for sharing this with me :-)
ReplyDeleteBeth
Hi Bet, i love your dolls, they are so sweet. i'm making a free spirit doll but i can't find any pearl cotton in size 8, i have lots of size 10 thread and can find size 5 at a local craft store. any help would be great. thanks ~Anne~
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, One of our members (Yahoo's 'Thread Animals' - Miniature Crocheted Teddy Bears) gave us your link. I have to tell you that your blog is Delightful! And that you are SO generous in sharing your patterns! I know that many will be making up your wonderful dolls, clothing and other patterns as companions for their 2" and 3" teddies.
ReplyDeleteThank you for furthering this Art Form!
rkr4cds
Hi Anne, you could try using the size 10 cotton and try using a size smaller hook (size 10 hook instead of size 9). What I try to do with the eye white is for it not to show above the eye...that gives a sort of pop-eyed look that I did not want. If your eyelids cover this, it may not make any difference. I'd give it a try with the size 10 and see how you like it.
ReplyDeleteI buy my size 8 perle cotton online, 'cuz I cannot find it in the stores around here either! Herschnerrs is a good source for this.
And rkr4cds, thank-you for your kind words :-) I hope you enjoy making one of these fun dolls.
I just came across these wonderful patterns for the kittens, puppies and dolls. Thank you so much for sharing these items for free. I hope to be making some of these after the holidays to give to some local charities. These items are so cute and look like fun to make and give. Again thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletethanks Beth for the help, i'll try the size 10 with a smaller hook for now,i'll order some online in order to make more dolls. this one is a Christmas present for a little girl that my friend just adopted from china and it's her first Christmas.(she's four years old) and i know she'll love to have a special doll and wardrobe it play with. thanks again ~Anne~
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your patterns. They are just beautiful and I can't wait to make some of these dolls!
ReplyDeleteAnne,
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm making a Chinese outfit for my latest Mini Free Spirit...I used the nightgown pattern to make a tunic, and had it open in front instead of the back. I made pants using the underwear pattern and simply lengthened them. The main color is dark royal blue, and I trimmed the tunic and pants with lt blue, peach, and gold.
I'm sure the size 10 cotton for the eyewhites will work out for you.
I'm delighted you both like the patterns :-)
Beth
Your patterns are wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing them with us. Your dogs are superb as well. Would you ever consider making a Mini Pin one? I have a min pin little girl named Xena and wish I could crochet a version of her but I am not talented enough to make a pattern.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for sharing your talents with us!
Heather
Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteI'm looking at pictures right now of Min Pins on Google, and I bet you could make a Min Pin by modifying the German Shepherd pattern. The coloring looks about the same...I would make the nose a little narrower (work one round of 6sc, two rounds of 9sc, one round of 12 sc and see how this looks), perk the ears down (a lot of the pictures I see show this), and give it just a hint of a tail. And there is your Min Pin :-)
Beth
Hello Beth,
ReplyDeleteFinally, a beautiful crochet doll in the right size for the dollhouse my daughter got last Christmas!
May I know the dimensions of the tiny spool you used for her neck? I don't think it's readily available where I am, so I'm thinking of finding a substitute.
Thanks again for sharing this really cute pattern.
Hi Joie,
ReplyDeleteThe spool I used for stabilizing the neck is 3/8" by 1/2". What you could probably do is buy a 3/8" diameter dowel rod and cut off about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch and use that instead, They usually sell in 36 inch lengths, so you could make LOTS of dolls :-) I like the spool because of the lip around the top and bottom, but this isn't really necessary.
How fun for the Mini to have a home to move in to :-)
Hope this helps,
Beth
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteThanks for suggesting the dowel--I'll try that with my next Mini. For the one I just made for my daughter, I used the plastic cap of a wide-tip marker, and it seems to work fine, for now.
If you have time to see it, I wrote about it on my site (no need to comment or register) at
http://loopymom.multiply.com/journal/item/14/Annie_the_Free_Spirit_Mini_Doll_Crochet
I'll try to put a picture of it on your Free Spirit doll flickr site. (My first effort didn't turn out as I expected, though, I think in part also because of the difference in materials. But I loved making it and my daughter likes it, that's more important).
You're so right about making the wig caps---it IS the best part.
Where do you get your doll eyes? They aren't sold here where I live.
Incredible Joie, I think she turned out great! Especially if she pleases your little girl. Please consider posting a picture on the Free Spirit flickr photo site.
ReplyDeleteI cannot get eyes around here either. I buy them on the internet. I buy clear eyes to paint myself from CR's Crafts. Eyes that are already painted you can also get from CR's Crafts and also a place in Indiana that will accept money orders. Check out my 'Links I Love' for links to both of these sites. Suncatcher Eyes are also very nice, but a little pricey.
Great work!
Beth
Oh my! Theese dolls, bears, pups and kittens are SO precious and so fantastic! I cant find the words to describe how cute they are.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I cant open the pattern files for some strange reason. I wanted to try and crochet a cavalier, as I have one myself.
ANd I DO love the doll with the name Carina, as it is my name too.
Take care
Carina in Sweden
Hello Carina, it is a lovely name :-)
ReplyDeleteI just spot checked several of the patterns and had no trouble opening them. Please try again, and if it still does not work for you, email me at:
dollmaker46203 (at) gmail.com and I will email the patterns you'd like to make.
Have a lovely day!
Beth
This Doll is so cute
ReplyDeleteThank you Tish :-)
ReplyDeleteBeth
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteSeveral months back I found your Better Bear pattern and it is a favorite of mine! So I was thrilled to see all your doll making and patterns that I discovered this week. I want to thank you for your patterns. I plan to make your Tiny Turtle for some turtle loving friends. Then I want to crochet your Tiny Free Spirit doll. Thanks again for so generously sharing your time and talents with us.
Geneva
Geneva, thank-you for your good words; I'm delighted you have enjoyed making the 'better' bear :-) It is a fun pattern to scale either up or down.
ReplyDeleteBeth
This doll is adorable and you are amazing!! I will be making one for my daughter and thank you again for the pattern.
ReplyDeleteSara
Thanks, Sara :-) Enjoy the crochet!
ReplyDeleteBeth
Hi, Beth!! I'm somewhat new to crochet. I decided to try my hand at making one of the Mini Free Spirit Dolls. She was sooo easy for me (yay!), and I'm deciding what clothes to make for her. But I'm having a problem with the pantaloons pattern. Maybe it's just something in the lingo that I don't understand yet, but I can't figure out how it turns into two legholes in row 6! Ha! Do you have any advice? It seems like this should be so easy...
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteFor the pantaloons, when you get to round 6 you will see that it says to skip the next 20 dc...join in the next dc and work in the remaining dc and chain stitches. Leave those first 20 dc unworked for now.
This is the beginning of the first leg of the pantaloons. You complete the rest of the instructions for this leg, then go back, join your thread to the first unworked dc in round 5, and complete rounds 6 through 8 for the second leg.
I hope this is clear. If not, let me know and we'll have another crack at it :-)
Great that you enjoyed making the mini!
Beth
Hi, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talent. I myself create my own crochet patterns as well.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that in the background of the mini you have several Cindy doll crochet patterns...I've been looking for those...very hard to find. You think it's possible for you to share some of those patterns not just with me but with all your fans...I really would appreciate it. Thanks.
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteYou might try a Google search on the names of these patterns (Victorian Darlings and Little Darling Wardrobe), also try Amazon.com; they oftentimes have out-of-print leaflets. I also have a lot of patterns for the Mini Free Spirit that will fit Cindy...they are free on this site.
Unfortunately, sharing the pattern books would be a copyright infringement, and I don't want to go there.
Good hunting!
Beth
Thanks. I really appreciate your concern and understanding.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information on where I could find them.
I will be attempting to make own cloth doll mini doll inspired by you...as soon as I have the finished doll I will send you the pics.
One more thing...I would like to have pdf links on my own blog of my crochet or cloth doll patterns...how can I go about doing that?
Hi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI can tell you how I am doing it, but their are probably other ways to do this. What I did was create a website (this is different from a blog), using Google Sites. I put all of my PDF files on the web site (it is free), then copy the link from the web site on my blog. For whatever reason, you cannot put PDF's on Google blogs.
To get to Google Sites, go to the Google home page and at the top select 'more.' It will open a pull down menu, and at the bottom of this menu will be the selection 'even more' and select this. This will bring up a rather busy page; on the right column under "Communicate, Show, and Share" is an entry called 'Sites.' Select this, and here is where you can create a website to host your PDF's.
Google steps you through the creation of the site, and as I recall it was pretty easy (well, it had to be for me to be able to do it!).
Have a crack at it and see if it gets you where you want to be. Good luck!
Beth
Thank you so much...you have very helpful.
ReplyDeleteGuess what Beth? I did it...I created a mini cloth doll. It took me all part of yesterday and all night. But I did It. It's actually 4am right now. As soon as I make her clothes and dress her I'll send you the pics. This doll was inspired by you so I named her Beth. Thanks Again.
Carolyn
Great news, Carolyn! Sounds like the excitement of creation kept you up late :-) I'd love to see your doll, even without clothes, and I'm touched that you named her after me. Thank-you so much.
ReplyDeleteBeth
Hi Beth, I know your waiting to see what the mini cloth doll looks like. She's actually 8" tall. I will be sending pics of her real soon...by the way the one I named after you looks a little like you...and I even made another one to resemble me. I've decided to make a collection of these mini cloth dolls and name them Blossoms'.
ReplyDeleteI have a question...I make doll clothes sewing patterns...when I scan the patterns they seem to be smaller than the desired actual size and I would like to convert them into pdf files... Do you think it's because of my printer or is it something else. I'm asking you because I see that you also have sewing patterns in pdf files. I'm wishing you can help me with this problem. Thanks
Carolyn
I got the dolls up naked...you can view them on my blog that's in it's baby stages @ http://innerworldvisions.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteI've been to your site, and left a note; your dolls are wonderful! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with your wonderful pattern, and any of your other creative endeavors.
I had problems getting the sizing right when I scanned my patterns as well. In my case it was a problem with the scanner and Adobe Acrobat reader. A couple of things I can suggest are, set your scanner to full size when you scan, and when you read it with Acrobat, set the scaling to NONE. Also, on your pattern you might want to put a mark one inch long as a gauge mark for others when they print out your pattern.
It did take a bit of hair pulling to figure out just what wasn't working right. Do you have a local Geek you can ask? Luckily, my husband is very (very!) into computers, and that helped.
Good luck, and thank you so much for sharing the lovely dolls you've created!
Beth
Hehehe! Love the pattern :)
ReplyDeleteDo you think it is possible for a ten year old to crochet this doll? Well I did! I made it with thread. It is super small! 3 inches I think :)
But I didn't exactly follow the pattern I made some revisions.. Thanks for the inspiration and for posting it! God Bless You!
Jolie fille, that is SO awesome! Your doll must be the most petite, sweet, darling little treat :-) You rock!
ReplyDeleteBeth
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI love your patterns, thank you so much for sharing them! I made a mini free spirit side-to-side bodice dress for my BJD (a pukifee) and with just a little adjustment, it fit perfectly! She looks adorable, and I loved making it! I go to doll meets, and people have asked if I could make and sell them dresses for their dolls if they can't crochet. Am I allowed to do that? I don't want to infringe or anything. Sorry if this is rude!
thank you again,
Sjaan
Hi Sjann!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed making the little dress for your Pukifee (I'd love to have one myself!!). It is fine by me to make dresses from this pattern and sell them. I only ask two things; please give me designer credit for the dress design, and please do not sell the pattern itself. Otherwise, it is all okay :-)
Have a great day!
Beth
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I think I will buy some tags at staples and write "pattern designed by"and your name and website on them (plus a price) so that if I sell any, people will know it was your design and visit your site! If that is alright of course. I hope you get a PukiFee someday, they are great dolls and are a lot of fun to crochet for!
All the best,
Sjaan
Hi Sjaan,
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great :-) Good luck!
Beth
Si jolie, ces mini-poupées dont tu nous offres les explications ! Merci ! Très bonne journée à toi.
ReplyDeleteLucie,
ReplyDeleteMerci !
Beth
Beth
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for offering your patterns free for us all to enjoy making and love the little people when we've finished!
Unfortunately I am unable to open ANY of the links on your site so I can view the patterns! Every time I click on a pattern link a dialog box comes up asking me what I want to do with the document (Open, Save or Save As). No matter which one I choose nothing opens or saves! Can you please check that your links are working? I don't know what else to do if I can't open them this end. Thanks so much for reading this and I hope I can start making Mini Free Spirit and her clothes very soon!
Kind regards
Ashlea (England) x
Hi Ashlea,
DeleteI'm not sure what is wrong; I have successfully opened and saved several of the patterns, including the mini free spirit on this page. Do you have Adobe Acrobat Reader or Libre Office on your computer? You do need one of these in order to download the patterns. They are both free.
If it still does not work, email me at: dollmaker46203 [@] gmail.com and I will email you the PDF's that you would like.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Beth
Ashlea,
DeleteI just tried the blog site with Windows 7 (I use a Linux operating system), and the download/open process looked completely different. However, I was able to save the file, but had to look in the download folder to find it.
When asked if you want to save or open the file, choose save. At the top of your computer screen you should have a toolbar menu that includes 'tools.' If you don't, hit your 'alt' button and the toolbar should show up. Click on 'tools', and choose 'view downloads' on the drop down menu that should appear. You should then be able to see your file.
Geez, I hope this works. And if you are running Windows XP or Windows 8 it is undoubtedly different than this. This is what worked with Windows 7.
Beth
Hello! Thank you for sharing this pattern. I have been using to to make my very first doll. It's the perfect size! I'm not the greatest at details yet, meaning lots of alterations have been made, most on accident or in response to supplies. But your basic shapes and techniques have been very enlightening for me! I especially like the idea of making "wig" for the hair, to style it independently of the head!
ReplyDeleteShe will be a gift to a friend, but I was wondering how you might feel about me selling similar dolls to friends in the future. I would credit pattern and/or inspiration to you. thank you!
You may sell dolls made from my patterns, all I ask for is designer credit on the hang tag :-) Thank you for asking, and good luck!
DeleteBeth
I love your dolls..... Hope to crochet them by myselves one day ;)
DeleteEllen Kuppens from Holland
What are you wonderful creative people doing to me. I've just started to crochet. I have four projects on the go and then I see all your lovely dolls and I've just found out I'm going to be a great Auntie. Question is do I stop what I'm doing and hopefully beable to crochet these beautiful pieces. Thank-you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! I love her and thanks for sharing the patterns with us. :O) HAPPY 2014
ReplyDeleteWow, adorable! This will be perfect in a woodland scene. You have the free spirit then the tiny one as a fairy or an elf or something.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how I have never found your site in all of my searching for projects!! thank you for the ability to use your patterns and pictures for inspiration
ReplyDeleteI love these dolls. Too bad I only have grandsons. I am going to make them anyway, in case a grand daughter ever comes along. Thank you for such a lovely pattern.
ReplyDeleteEven though I have no children, I still love making dolls :-) I hope you enjoy making these.
DeleteWarmly,
Beth
I cannot believe I only just found you!! I used to make dolls when I was a kid - and still love them. Wanted to make something special for a friend who is retiring, so I'm working on a mini free spirit - my first one!
ReplyDeleteLove the styling of all the dolls and finding the instructions to be excellent.
Thank you!
I am delighted you've found this blog; it has been a joy to share my love of dollmaking.
DeleteEnjoy!
Warmly,
Beth
Hi Beth! I've been a fan of your blog for a while now (just love what you come up with!). My nieces are getting a doll house for Christmas, and I am making them some dolls from your Mini Spirits dolls. I have made a mother and father from worsted weight yarn, and a little brother and sister from DK yarn, but they had a crib and I wanted to make a baby. So I made up a baby pattern to go with your Mini Spirits dolls. I was wondering if you would be okay (since it's based off your big doll pattern) if I posted it to Ravelry then linked back to your blog and the Mini Spirts pattern so that others could make a baby if they wanted to. Thank you. My emal is: ashesonfire@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAshley, thank you so much for asking; I would be delighted for you to add a baby to the family of Free Spirits :-)
DeleteIt is good to hear from you; have a lovely weekend!
Warmly,
Beth
Bonjour je voulais savoir comment adapter les modèles de vêtements de free mini spirit pour laine fine Light 3 et crochet 3.00 Merci j'adore cette poupée...
ReplyDeleteÉtant donné que j’ai utilisé coton crochet taille 10, votre choix travaillerait à un calibre supérieur, donc vous auriez besoin de points de moins pour faire les vêtements. Tout d’abord, vous pourriez vouloir faire une nuance de jauge avec taille 10 et votre fils de taille 3, pour voir à quel point grande différence il est. En utilisant cette information, ajuster le nombre de points que vous faites pour le corsage, en particulier la ligne d’encolure, emmanchures et tour de taille. Une fois que vous avez cela, vous serez en mesure de faire n’importe quelle tenue souhaitée.
DeleteIl peut être un peu de tâtonnement pour faire les choses, mais n’abandonnez pas !
chaleureusement,
Beth