I had the opportunity to participate this year in Operation Christmas Child. Shoeboxes are filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items for children for Christmas. The boxes are sent all around the world to many different places to bless the children and share the gospel.

Our women’s bible study got together and filled 53 boxes this year. Many of us made handmade gifts as well as store-bought goodies to fill the boxes. I crocheted two teddy bear dolls. Here is my girly bear with a skirt that I crocheted. The skirt crochet pattern for this doll is found here.

Next photo is of my bare bear doll. These bare or PJ bears are fun and quick to crochet.They make some cute teddy bear dolls for children.

If you recognize this teddy bear doll, it is the Mother Bear seamless pattern. I crochet my bears a little different without joining and in the round. Full details with photos can be found here. I also crocheted both of these bear’s bodies in back loops only (BLO) except for the head. I crochet through both loops for the head and decrease one stitch on either side of the head for the last 3 rounds. I also go 15 rounds for the head as it shapes better for me.

Our women’s group had so much fun crafting, shopping, and packing the shoeboxes. I hope we do it again next year as I want to make more things to fill my boxes.