Here’s my free, printable sewing pattern for a retro swimsuit. As you can see by the heading, you could potentially make the bikini top into a bra; similarly, you could make the shorts/bikini bottom into underpants.

I haven’t created a bra and panties set with this pattern yet, but I’m anxious to do so!

I’m currently working on the capris (along with a turtleneck in Audrey Hepburn’s style), but I don’t have a picture of the finished capris yet.

So in the coming days, I’ll post my tutorials for the retro swimsuit. One tutorial video will show you how to make the bikini top; the other will show how to make the bottoms.

Some of you may also be anxious to learn who won my handmade ninja costume. Just as this pattern is posting on Wednesday morning (it posts automatically), I’m probably getting out of bed and having my ritual cup of coffee. As the day goes on, I’ll check for comments and emails to make sure I record the name of every person who entered the contest.

Then I’ll draw a name and notify the winner. Once the winner responds, with their permission, I’ll post an announcement here, on ChellyWood.com, proclaiming the winner’s first name only. (Most people like a little anonymity online, for obvious reasons.) So if you’re wondering whether or not you’ve won, be sure to check your emails and look at the comment section on the ninja contest page throughout the day today.

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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!