Spring is in the air, and the weather’s starting to warm up a bit. Is it too soon to post patterns for my retro swimsuit for fashion dolls like Barbie®, the Queens of Africa™, Momoko™, and similar-sized dolls?

I hope not!

This is a preview of what’s to come. I’ll be posting patterns and tutorials for this–what I like to call–my “retro swimsuit” for fashion dolls, later this week.

Of course, tomorrow is the last day to sign up to win my handmade ninja costume. If you still haven’t heard about this sweepstakes giveaway, have a look at the video below and sign up to win on this page. Since the contest is coming to a close, tomorrow’s post will be about the ninja costume. Then I’ll post patterns for the retro swimsuit for fashion dolls, followed by tutorials for the retro swimsuit.

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If you’re searching for something different, have a look at the Gallery Page. That’s the easiest way to search through all of my patterns to find what you want. Each image on the Gallery Page takes you to links for patterns and tutorials.

Need help printing my patterns? This link will take you to a tutorial showing you how to download my free, printable patterns.

Please note: you must enlarge my patterns to fit a full-sized piece of American computer paper (8.5 x 11 inches or 216 x 279 mm) without margins, before printing. These designs use a 1/4 inch seam (standard for fashion doll sewing projects).

If you’re wondering why I make patterns and videos without charging a fee, please visit the “Chelly’s Books” page, and that should explain my general motivations. It’s always friendly and kind to show your appreciation for my free patterns and tutorials by liking them on Facebook, pinning them on Pinterest, and/or tweeting about them (yes, you have my permission). You’re also welcome to add any of my YouTube channel’s videos to your playlists.

In case you haven’t heard, I’ve also designed commercial patterns for Lammily LLC. They have some new dolls in their line, including a new male doll, so you might want to visit the Lammily website to see what they’ve got going on.

I also have a series of tutorials for the beginning sewists on my YouTube channel. It includes video tutorials showing you how to do a basic straight stitch when sewing by hand, how to gather fabric, how to use the whipstitch to hem a garment, how to sew on snaps, and even how to design your own doll clothes patterns, just like I do!