Bobbie Sox and Polka Dots reminds me of growing up in a time of hot pink and turquoise, polka dots and pearl necklaces, and going shopping with my Grama every Friday morning. Malls were unheard of, and you always looked your best to go Uptown.

I vividly remember full-skirted dresses with scratchy crinoline underneath to make them “pouffy,” circle skirts with poodles and other animals/ things decorating them (mine was a hand-me-down from my cousin and featured cats -- though, like Dodie, I would have much preferred Spots), and saddle shoes (which I hated!) Grama dressed carefully, “putting on her face,” doing her nails, and topping it all off with a smart hat.

We caught the bus at the corner, started at the City Building to pay bills, then worked our way down the street, stopping in at all sorts of stores on the way. The outing always ended with Coke and donuts at Corner Kresgee’s -- the one with the donut machine in the window so that you could watch your snack being made.

This pattern set is sized for 18” stuffed bodied dolls such as American Girls™, Götz, Springfield, Battat, Mme. Alexander playdolls, etc. Worked in size 10 crochet cotton, Bobbie Sox and Polka Dots includes two outfits: “Dodie’s Dalmatians” and “Shopping With Grama.” Instructions are included for Dodie’s Spotted Skirt, Blouse w/Attached Petticoat (which doubles as Robin’s “Shopping With Grama” dress), Crinoline Half Slip, Neck Scarf, Headband, Pearl Necklace and Bracelet, Pocketbook, and even a leash for Dodie’s Dalmatian friend!

Please note: “Shopping With Grama,” whch was the 2nd Prize Winner in the Crochet Pattern-A-Day Calendar for 2010, was always intended to be part of this pattern set. However, it will also still be available separately.

Bobbie Sox and Polka Dots is available as an electronic download, but if you prefer, a printed version is available exclusively from http://www.treasuredheirloomscrochet.com/poodleskirts.html.