We post a lot of sewing and knitting plans on Raising American Girls.  Well here’s something for those Mom’s feeling a little more adventurous, or those Dad’s looking for a way to get themselves integrated in to this unknown doll world his daughter lives in

I think this 18 Inch Doll Sled plan from the Wood Workers Workshop is absolutely adorable!!  I somehow don’t see me tackling this project – and to be honest I think my husband would most probably lose his mind during the attempt – but I wish one of our readers would!  If you do please, please send us photos and let us know if it is as cute as it looks.

Sarah (better known as stephenswodadancer on YouTube) shares how to repaint your doll’s pale lips.

I love watching her videos, they’re very informative and interesting, and she always thinks of things to do with her dolls before anyone else!

Click here to view Sarah’s video tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNyP9oqMCZU&feature=related

American Girl Fan is starting a summer photo gallery and you can send her photos of your American Girl enjoying her summer and join in the fun.  Check out the rules here - we would love to see some of your photos in the final gallery!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY7ofc7c9iM&feature=PlayList&p=27FFD1E16AD10772&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1

Last week we posted a crochet pattern and got lots of requests for links to more free 18 inch doll knitting patterns – especially from all of our Facebook fans.

This one is From Lois’ Hands.  A knitting pattern for a gorgeous sweater that will fit your 18 Inch doll (like the American Girl ® doll).

Emily Rose just celebrated her 12th birthday.  Now that she is getting older one of the things I miss is having a “theme birthday party”.  Don’t get me wrong we still have a great time on Emily’s birthday.  But long gone are the days of slaving over creating a “Blue’s Clue’s cupcake cake” or spending hours piecing together princess goodie bags.  Themed parties are so much fun.  One of our @Home founder’s members wrote a great guest post on creating an American Girl Doll ® party for your favorite American girl just a few weeks ago.  In browsing the web this week we uncovered another party planning post specifically with the American Girl Doll theme.  Purple Trail Party ideas has a great post you can read here.  My favorite idea is to blow up a paper doll image of your doll and post her on the wall for the girls to decorate with clothes and accessories.  Why not add to the challenge and give the girls a specific period in history to adhere to?  Or you could turn the concept in to a craft activity by having the girl’s make paper dolls themselves.

An American Girl Doll ® party is such a fun idea for a theme.  What would you do at your doll party?

I am not a knitter at this time but I’d like to be!  My Mum showed me how to knit at an early age and I remember spending many quiet hours in a chair in the corner watching the chaos of a four child family from safely behind my needles.  But alas – I have forgotten everything my Mother taught me.  However, this knitting pattern that we found at GreenStyle Mom may lure me back.  This is an amazing crocheted poncho that is made to fit your American Girl Doll.  I love the pattern and I love the colors but best of all it looks like I could actually complete it even though I am a beginning knitter – it’s small (only needs to fit the doll) and looks relatively uncomplicated.  Best of all GreenStyle Mom generously provides a free pattern and detailed directions.  You can find them here.