Author: Chelly Wood

I am a school librarian with an English degree plus a library science endorsement, and I like to write. I've also designed commercial doll clothes patterns, and I make stop-motion videos with dolls. My literary agent is Elizabeth Kracht of Kimberley Cameron and Associates.
The thumbnail image shows a purple patch sewn onto a turquoise cloth. The words "doll clothes sewing chat" are written in the center of the purple patch. Floating in a circle around the patch are graphics of various sewing notions, from scissors, to a tape measure, to bobbins, to thread, and more. This feature on Chelly Wood dot com, is an open discussion about a sewing concept. The article will begin with a definition of the sewing concept, and then a discussion question will follow. This is a great place for people to ask questions about and/or give advice on sewing concepts related to making doll clothes.
Crafts and Hobbies, Fabric, History and Research, Holiday Crafts, LOL Surprise Dolls

What are you working on, in terms of craft projects? Please comment! #CraftProjects #SewingProjects

Today’s blog post asks you — yes YOU — to answer the question, “What are you working on?” Please scroll down to the comments section to tell me what projects have recently inspired you. Be sure to check in with my Black History Month segment as well. You’ll find it just before you get to the cross-stitch graphic. In a nutshell, here’s what I’m busy … Continue reading What are you working on, in terms of craft projects? Please comment! #CraftProjects #SewingProjects

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The thumbnail, framed by a turquoise blue and purple quilt, shows the front of the envelope for Simplicity 5861, a vintage doll clothes pattern for Skipper, from 1964. The text in this thumbnail reads, "Vintage Skipper Simplicity 5861" and under this, we see the Chelly Wood dot com logo.
History and Research, Holiday Crafts, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Stacie Patterns, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Skipper

Altering a shirt from Simplicity 5861 to make Mary McLeod Bethune’s students’ blouses #BlackHistoryMonth #SewWithMe

This month, as part of my celebration of Black History Month, I’ve been delving into the clothing worn by Mary McLeod Bethune and her students, in the photo at the top of today’s blog post. You can learn more about Mary McLeod Bethune by clicking on the links I’ve provided whenever her name appears in this post. Today’s blog post will discuss how I made … Continue reading Altering a shirt from Simplicity 5861 to make Mary McLeod Bethune’s students’ blouses #BlackHistoryMonth #SewWithMe

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Eveeryday Hero! Betty the bus driver poses for her photo. She's a real person, but here, she's represented by the Bumblebee DC superhero doll dressed in Trans Dev uniform for driving her bus. Beside her is a red, yellow, and green book entitled Black History Month.
DC Super Hero Girls Dolls, History and Research, Holiday Crafts

Betty the Bus Driver — an Everyday Hero Making History at Chicago’s Midway Airport #BlackHistoryMonth #Chicago

If you’ve been following my blog posts, you know that February is Black History Month, and on Fridays, I’m featuring everyday people who are making history in the things they do each and every day, as they go through their lives. Today I’m going to feature a lady named Betty, who drives a bus that takes passengers to and from Midway Airport in Chicago to … Continue reading Betty the Bus Driver — an Everyday Hero Making History at Chicago’s Midway Airport #BlackHistoryMonth #Chicago

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In a very clean, spartan bedroom, two African American dolls of about the same height and measurements model the same handmade pajamas: a white tank top or sleeveless cotton top decorated with pink ribbons and pink lace in a vertical strip down the front of the shirt, and a pair of Valentine's Day pajama pants with both an elastic waist and a snap-front fly. These are baggy, low rise pajama pants made of light pink cotton with black and bright pink tiny hearts printed on them. The dolls are (left) Petite Barbie and (right) African American Skipper.
10-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Daily Patterns, History and Research, Holiday Crafts, Petite Barbie Patterns, Skipper Patterns

Sew Skipper or Petite Barbie some pajama pants while learning about Wangarĩ Maathai for #BlackHistoryMonth #SewingProject

  Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, let’s make some heart-printed pajama pants for your 10 inch dolls, shall we? Today’s tutorial video will show you how to make the pajama pants I’m showing on my Petite Barbie and my African American Skipper dolls. And be sure to scroll down … Continue reading Sew Skipper or Petite Barbie some pajama pants while learning about Wangarĩ Maathai for #BlackHistoryMonth #SewingProject

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Free fourteen inch doll patterns! A Kendall Wellie Wishers doll appears to be walking left, wearing a swingy summer smock made of red fabric with white hearts. Under the smock, shorts peek out from beneath the hem. Her shoes are made of white felt. Visit ChellyWood.com for free sewing patterns to make these doll clothes for your Wellie Wisher or other 14 to 15 inch dolls.
13-inch doll clothes patterns, 14-inch doll clothes patterns, 15-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Daily Patterns, History and Research, Holiday Crafts, Wellie Wishers Patterns

Make a Valentine’s Day smock and shorts for Wellie Wishers w/today’s free doll clothes patterns! #BlackHistoryMonth #ValentinesDay

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today I’m showing you how to make a summer play suit which uses a smock-style A-line top over a pair of shorts with two back pockets. The shorts pattern has existed on my website for a number of years, so you may already have downloaded this pattern, but the smock style … Continue reading Make a Valentine’s Day smock and shorts for Wellie Wishers w/today’s free doll clothes patterns! #BlackHistoryMonth #ValentinesDay

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A GI Joe Action Figure from Hasbro is seen in his "whitey Tighty" undershorts, standing next to a dress form mannequin that says "tape measure Tuesday" on the body of the mannequin. Above this, the text reads, "GI Joe Action Figures" and below the dress form mannequin, it says "with doll clothing designer Chelly Wood" (using the Chelly Wood dot com logo). Click on this thumbnail to go to the Infographic that offers free sewing measurements for GI Joe action figures.
Doll Measurements, GI Joe, History and Research, Tape Measure Tuesday

Tape Measure Tuesday: What are GI Joe Action Figures’ Sewing Measurements? #TapeMeasureTuesday #GIjoe

Scroll down for clarifications to each measurement and to read my research article for Black History Month. Please note: when you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include Amazon, Etsy, and the eBay Partner Network. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To … Continue reading Tape Measure Tuesday: What are GI Joe Action Figures’ Sewing Measurements? #TapeMeasureTuesday #GIjoe

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The Chelly Wood doll stands beside the Simplicity 4510 vintage Barbie pattern envelope. The Chelly Wood doll looks like she's holding up the envelope. The Chelly Wood doll wears a red and white gingham shirt with matching hair scarf, and a pair of black pants with black flats. The image has a quilted frame.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

Making a Skirt Like Mary McLeod Bethune’s with Simplicity 4510 #MeMadeMonday #BlackHistory

Last Monday we learned that Mary McLeod Bethune was “a pioneering American educator and civil rights leader” (Library of Congress) associated with African American leadership in education, women’s suffrage, and the founding of the United Negro College Fund. An impressive resume, if ever there was one. If you’d like to learn more about Mary McLeod Bethune, please go back to read last Monday’s blog post … Continue reading Making a Skirt Like Mary McLeod Bethune’s with Simplicity 4510 #MeMadeMonday #BlackHistory

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We are making history! A book entitled "Black History Month" rests beside a circle of hands bumping fists. Each fist is a different flesh tone, from pale to dark brown. This thumbnail is for an article about how we, in real time, are making history happen all around us. The article can be found at Chelly Wood dot com, as part of her Black History Month celebration in February of 2026.
Holiday Crafts, Uncategorized

We are the history makers… #BlackHistoryMonth #History

We are the history makers… As you know, February is Black History Month, and in celebration, I’m writing articles that research various famous Black Americans or persons of African ancestry, while also posting my usual doll-clothes-sewing related blog posts. However on Fridays this month, I want to feature everyday people of African heritage. Why? Because we are the makers of history — you and I … Continue reading We are the history makers… #BlackHistoryMonth #History

Chelly Wood6 Comments
A modern African American Skipper doll models a handmade pair of flannel short-shorts decorated with tiny pink and black hearts under a handmade white sleeveless shirt that has pink lace and a ribbon running down the front of the top. Under the doll, it says, "Free printable PDF sewing patterns at Chelly Wood dot com." This is part of the Valentine's Day and Black History Month celebrations in February at chellywood.com, a website that offers free printable PDF sewing patterns for dolls of many shapes and all different sizes.
10-inch doll clothes patterns, 8-inch doll clothes patterns, 9-inch Dolls, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Daily Patterns, Holiday Crafts, Petite Barbie Patterns, Sewing and Fashion History, Skipper Patterns, Stacie Patterns, Tutorials: Sewing for Dolls, Vintage Skipper, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Valentine’s Day Pajama Shorts for Skipper and the Story of Charlotta Bass #ValentinesDay #BlackHistory

  Scroll down to the fourth set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. As you know, February is Black History Month, so in addition to today’s free sewing pattern for a pair of Valentine’s Day shorts to fit Barbie’s little sisters, Skipper and Stacie (and a number of other 8 inch to 10 inch dolls), I’m going to celebrate the life of Charlotta … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Pajama Shorts for Skipper and the Story of Charlotta Bass #ValentinesDay #BlackHistory

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Various sewing and crafting notions like thread, a tape measure, scissors, and a writing utensil swirl around the words "Sewing Vocab" in a thumbnail frame. This is the default thumbnail for the sewing picture dictionary (or sewing glossary with pictures) on ChellyWood.com, a website that offers free printable PDF sewing patterns for making doll clothes to fit dolls of many shapes and all different sizes.
Crafts and Hobbies, Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures, History and Research, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners

Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What is a bow, in sewing terms? #BlackHistory #SewingVocabulary

DEFINITION: Made of ribbon or fabric folded back and forth upon itself and sometimes tied to create loops with extensions hanging below a knot, a bow is a decorative element added to garments & accessories for its aesthetic value. This is my own definition. Of course you can google this term to find other definitions as well. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying … Continue reading Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What is a bow, in sewing terms? #BlackHistory #SewingVocabulary

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Thumbnail shows a blond haired African American Barbie modeling a handmade pair of pink bell bottom pants or trousers with an elastic waist and a pink and grey and white tee shirt with short sleeves and vertical stripes. The text says, "Free Patterns" and offers the website Chelly Wood dot com as the location to find those free doll clothes patterns for your Curvy Barbie dolls.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Curvy Barbie, Daily Patterns, History and Research, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Sew Bell Bottom Pants for Curvy Barbie and Discover the Fascinating World of Black People with Blond Hair #BlackHistoryMonth #Crafts

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. During the month of February, which is Black History Month here in the United States (where I live), I’m featuring black or African American looking dolls in all of my doll clothes pattern pages. Also, I’m going to offer little bits of history related to famous African Americans, famous people of … Continue reading Sew Bell Bottom Pants for Curvy Barbie and Discover the Fascinating World of Black People with Blond Hair #BlackHistoryMonth #Crafts

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A quilted frame surrounds an image of Vogue Craft 9985 (featuring the Victorian bridal dress for a Barbie and a tuxedo for Ken) beside the Chelly Wood doll who points to the pattern. This pattern is for a wedding dress and tux for Barbie and Ken, in a Victorian era style. It's Vogue Craft 9985 from the late 1800's to early 1900s in history, although the pattern is copyrighted 1998.
History and Research, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie, World of Love Doll Patterns

A Victorian Barbie pattern for Mary McLeod Bethune #BlackHistoryMonth #SewVintage

I stumbled across this photo of Mary McLeod Bethune online and was utterly mesmerized by it! I mean, just look at the variety of clothing ensembles these young ladies (and Ms. McLeod Bethune) are wearing! Not only does this photo record the early years of an American icon, Mary McLeod Bethune, but it’s a plethora of fashion history, all in one photo! Before I go … Continue reading A Victorian Barbie pattern for Mary McLeod Bethune #BlackHistoryMonth #SewVintage

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Free Patterns! Disney princess toddler doll (Disney Animators) models a handmade A-line dress made of ladybug print fabric. This is a sleeveless summer dress with matching felt shoes. Free patterns at Chelly Wood dot com.
13-inch doll clothes patterns, 14-inch doll clothes patterns, 15-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Daily Patterns, Disney Princess Dolls, Doll Shoes

Free, easy-to-sew dress patterns for Disney Princess Toddler dolls (13 inches tall) @ ChellyWood.com #EasySewingPattern #fortheloveofsewing

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s pattern is identical to the one I posted for Baby Alive on December 4th, so if this dress looks familiar, that’s why. And your free patterns will include the pattern for the little felt shoes you see my doll wearing. Since we’re only two weeks away from Valentine’s Day, I … Continue reading Free, easy-to-sew dress patterns for Disney Princess Toddler dolls (13 inches tall) @ ChellyWood.com #EasySewingPattern #fortheloveofsewing

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The thumbnail image shows a purple patch sewn onto a turquoise cloth. The words "doll clothes sewing chat" are written in the center of the purple patch. Floating in a circle around the patch are graphics of various sewing notions, from scissors, to a tape measure, to bobbins, to thread, and more. This feature on Chelly Wood dot com, is an open discussion about a sewing concept. The article will begin with a definition of the sewing concept, and then a discussion question will follow. This is a great place for people to ask questions about and/or give advice on sewing concepts related to making doll clothes.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store

Here’s a quick preview for February’s upcoming sewing projects #SewingProjects #BlackHistoryMonth

I’m going to keep today’s blog post brief, but I do want you to let me know if there are events or people related to Black History Month that you’d like my blog posts to feature. Please feel free to leave those requests in the comments! I’ll spend this weekend doing my research, and as the video says, I’ll be posting facts about famous African … Continue reading Here’s a quick preview for February’s upcoming sewing projects #SewingProjects #BlackHistoryMonth

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Free Patterns for 12 inch Baby Alive doll clothes. Image shows two Baby Alive dolls; one wears a simple A-line dress; the other wears a flannel pajama in the A-line dress style, with lace around the bottom of it. An arrow pointing to these images says, "Free Sewing Patterns!" Please click on this thumbnail to access a gallery of free doll clothes patterns that have been designed to fit the 12 inch Baby Alive baby dolls.
12-inch doll clothes patterns, Baby Alive, Baby Doll Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Free Doll Clothes Sewing Patterns for 12-inch Baby Alive Dolls (Gallery) #BabyDolls #Sewing

Please click on the doll clothes you would like to make. If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, I’m creating a series of classes in doll clothing design techniques, so you can design your own doll clothes for your dolls, using simple techniques, household tools, and your amazing imagination! Click on this link to learn more about my paid courses on the Creative Spark Online Learning platform. If you … Continue reading Free Doll Clothes Sewing Patterns for 12-inch Baby Alive Dolls (Gallery) #BabyDolls #Sewing

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