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 image shows a woman who is bent over a cutting mat with large doll clothes patterns laid out on the cutting mat. Above her it says, "how to cut doll clothes sewing patterns". There's also a small pink stamp overlaid on top of the image, which says, "pin and cut" and the texts on either side of the woman say, "special thanks to the mom who reached out to me for help" (left of the image) and "I hope you get to read today's blog post" (to the right of the image).
Crafts and Hobbies, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics, Uncategorized

How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern Part 5 (How do you cut it?) #SewersOfInstagram #MakersGonnaMake

Lately we’ve been learning how to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern. I’m continuing that train of thought in today’s blog post, which reviews the cutting steps and adds a few details. When you’re getting ready to cut out your doll clothes patterns, it can be very helpful to see which garment pieces will need two identical pieces cut. For these, you can … Continue reading How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern Part 5 (How do you cut it?) #SewersOfInstagram #MakersGonnaMake

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In a quilted purple and blue frame, we see an image of a Barbie wearing a handmade felt hat and coat of matching purple felt. Behind the Barbie is Simplicity doll clothes sewing pattern number 7601 with an enlargement focusing on the hat and coat from the pattern. The ChellyWood dot com logo appears at the side of the image.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tutorials: Sewing Basics, Uncategorized

How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern Part 4 (How do you pin it to the fabric?) #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #Sewing

In the image at the very top of this blog post, we see that a garment pattern piece has been laid on one side of a swatch of felt fabric, but the image below that one, shows a garment pattern piece has been actually pinned onto the fabric swatch. How do we get from point A to point B? In other words, how is the … Continue reading How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern Part 4 (How do you pin it to the fabric?) #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #Sewing

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In front of an airport, Betty the Bus Driver (a Bumblebee DC Comics doll) drives a public transportation bus filled with people. This is part of the Chelly Wood dot com celebration of Black History Month in February of 2026.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store

Stop Motion Video with DC Super Hero Bumblebee Doll as “Betty the Bus Driver!” #StopMotion #StopMotionAnimation

  March has been an interesting month for me. My computer started slowing down in February, and then in March, I took it to the fixit shop. And then I got it back and it didn’t work. So I took it to the fixit shop again. And when I got it back, it didn’t work again. This went on for something like five trips to … Continue reading Stop Motion Video with DC Super Hero Bumblebee Doll as “Betty the Bus Driver!” #StopMotion #StopMotionAnimation

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ON a swatch of wool fabric, we see patterns for a jacket front, a jacket back, a hat top, and a hat crown. All of these are Barbie doll sewing patterns from Simplicity 7601 hat and coat set. Because the swatch of fabric is quite small, we see that the coat front has been aligned with the nap arrow facing East and west, while the coat back has its arrow facing north and south. The hat top arrow faces east-west while the hat crown's nap arrow faces north and south. The fabric is a burgundy color with black chevron-shaped print.
Crafts and Hobbies, Interviews With Crafters, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Crafts, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern Part 3 (What do the arrows mean?) #Sewcialists #Sewing

Since Monday, I’ve been revisiting some older blog posts that teach some basics for cutting out a commercial sewing pattern. Today’s blog post is part of that series. I do have good news, though… My computer is back up and running after being in the fixit shop for most of the month of March. What does this mean? It means I have a LOT of … Continue reading How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern Part 3 (What do the arrows mean?) #Sewcialists #Sewing

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In this photo, we see two pairs of scissors lying next to an uncut pattern for a doll hat's brim. One pair of scissors has a grey handle; the other pair of scissors has a purple handle.
Crafts and Hobbies, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Paper Crafts, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern PART 2 (How do you cut out the tissue paper pattern?) @ ChellyWood.com #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #ChristmasCrafts

This week’s series of blog posts will break the process of pinning and cutting a doll clothes pattern, into several carefully explained steps. These are re-posts from 2022 because I’m still living my life without a working computer. Sorry about that. Before I go on, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more … Continue reading How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern PART 2 (How do you cut out the tissue paper pattern?) @ ChellyWood.com #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #ChristmasCrafts

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In this thumbnail image, the Chelly Wood doll (really a Spin Master Liv doll that has been repainted and had its wig hair color altered to look like the real doll clothing designer, Chelly Wood) stands beside and points at the Simplicity 7601 doll clothes (Barbie sized doll clothes) pattern envelope. The words over the envelope say "simplicity 7601" and the Chelly Wood dot com logo appears to the left of the photo. The entire image is framed by a purple and turquoise blue quilt.
Crafts and Hobbies, Fan Mail, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Paper Crafts, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics, Uncategorized, Vintage Barbie

How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern PART 1 (How do you read a pattern envelope?) @ ChellyWood.com #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #ChristmasCrafts

First, I need to say that today’s post is from 2022. My computer has gone back to the repair shop, for I think the FIFTH time! I’m still without a computer, which makes it hard to blog and make videos. So I’m very sorry for all the repeats. I created this blog post when a non-sewing mom reached out to me, asking me how to … Continue reading How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern PART 1 (How do you read a pattern envelope?) @ ChellyWood.com #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #ChristmasCrafts

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How would you spend a dollar at the five and dime? Today's "do a pick" game thumbnail image shows a little pink scoop neck playsuit for vintage Barbie with a white belt. This was part of the Barbie Fashion Pak sets from a 1961 Barbie catalog brochure. Click on the thumbnail to join the game!
Do a Pick! Game, Doll Play Videos, Vintage Barbie

Let’s Do a Pick — Buy a Barbie Fashion Pak at the local five and dime store in 1963! #DoApick #vintageToys

Today’s “Do a Pick” game features the following: The skirt with pumps The shorts with summer top The scoop neck playsuit I’m really sorry for the sound quality. My computer is back at the fixit shop, so I was recording on my laptop, which doesn’t work great… What’s the story behind this game? When I was a kid, whenever it was playtime with dolls, we … Continue reading Let’s Do a Pick — Buy a Barbie Fashion Pak at the local five and dime store in 1963! #DoApick #vintageToys

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An African American Creatable World doll models a handmade African print cotton outfit, including a shirt with a short skirt. The shirt is sleeveless, but running down the front of the shirt is red lace trim with a black quarter-inch wide ribbon running down the center of the lace trim, sort of like a button-front placket (but it doesn’t actually have any buttons). The African print fabric of the skirt matches the the fabric under the lace trim of the shirt. This African print cotton fabric is multicolor, incorporating red, blue, yellow, green, and black. The skirt is a simple elastic-waist style with a bit of flare. It extends to just above the doll’s knees. The doll’s shoes are lovely shiny red Mary Janes with teeny-tiny buckles. The text reads, "Free sewing Pattern!"
10-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Creatable World Dolls, Daily Patterns, DC Super Hero Girls Dolls, Petite Barbie Patterns, Skipper Patterns, Tutorials: Sewing for Dolls, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Free patterns for a sleeveless shirt and easy-to-sew skirt for 10 inch dolls at ChellyWood.com #SewingPattern #Sewcialists

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s free doll clothes sewing pattern can be used to make an adorable little sleeveless shirt with a lace-and-ribbon decorative front and a skirt that either coordinates with the shirt or matches its fabric. And if you’ve been following my daily blog posts, you’ll recognize these projects from earlier blog posts. … Continue reading Free patterns for a sleeveless shirt and easy-to-sew skirt for 10 inch dolls at ChellyWood.com #SewingPattern #Sewcialists

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This thumbnail reads, "World of Love Dolls" and includes an image of a dress form mannequin with a purple tape measure draped over its shoulder. On the dress form mannequin it says, "Tape Measure Tuesday." Beside the dress form mannequin stands a World of Love Soul doll (originally made by Hasbro) in a pink handmade one-piece bathing suit. Click on this thumbnail for the World of Love doll's sewing measurements.
Doll Measurements, Tape Measure Tuesday, World of Love Doll Patterns

Tape Measure Tuesday: What are the sewing measurements for Hasbro’s World of Love dolls? #TinyThings #TapeMeasureTuesday

I didn’t own the World of Love dolls when I was a kid, but my cousin Virginia did. And the doll pictured above — her name is Soul — was the one doll I envied most! Today, as an adult doll collector, I own all of the Hasbro World of Love dolls, and I have their carrying case as well. The down side to these … Continue reading Tape Measure Tuesday: What are the sewing measurements for Hasbro’s World of Love dolls? #TinyThings #TapeMeasureTuesday

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McCall's 6260 vintage Barbie patterns: view A shows a ponytail Barbie wearing a pink gingham dress with lace skirt overlaid and a matching pair of pink gingham panties (shown below the doll on a silver graphic line); View B shows a silver evening gown (strapless) with matching stole and a pink ribbon tied at the waist; View C shows a pink swing coat with very large pockets and lots of buttons; View D shows an orange Kimono style bath robe with white trim and a white belt tied at the waist; View E shows a pair of high-waisted black pants with a little bolero style pink top over the top of them; View F shows a blue bikini with tiny pink polka dots.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

Learning to sew with vintage McCall’s 6260 Barbie patterns #MeMadeMonday #SewRetro

Today’s blog post is a collection of lessons I’ve learned while sewing McCall’s 6260 doll clothes patterns. As with other blog posts on my Vintage Pattern page, I’ll be adding to this list of lessons as I create different outfits using this pattern. Before I go on, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To … Continue reading Learning to sew with vintage McCall’s 6260 Barbie patterns #MeMadeMonday #SewRetro

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A background of plaid includes lines of dark green, black, Kelly green, and a very thin line of peach or tan. In the center is a large medallion in a peach or tan color. The medallion has been watercolor painted with Kelly green seahorses, their tails whipping into tight swirls. Beneath the center floral motif of the medallion, two seashells are depicted with swirling lines. This Celtic shield reminds us of the central animal and artistic figures in the Witham Shield, which is designed with swirling animals that have been interpreted as swans. The Chelly Wood dot com logo appears at the bottom of the swatch of plaid fabric.
Crafts and Hobbies, Fabric, Favorite Books, For Sale in the Store, History and Research, Links, Paper Crafts, Sewing and Fashion History, Tutorials: Crafts, Yarn and Embroidery

Ancient Celtic artwork inspired my fabric designs… What do you think? #CelticArt #StPatricksDayFabric

  Did you know that Wood, my last name, is Scottish? When my aunt Bertha visited Scotland, she was surprised by how many Scottish people shared our last name. In fact, the Wood clan has its own registered plaid! (It’s a little different from the plaid I designed, which you’ll see later in this blog post.) Like many people, I’ve done my DNA analysis, and … Continue reading Ancient Celtic artwork inspired my fabric designs… What do you think? #CelticArt #StPatricksDayFabric

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This photo shows an Ever After High doll wearing black plastic shoes, a green and white plaid mini skirt, and a white sleeveless tank top. Her yellow-blond hair is done up in a messy bun. The watermark reminds us to go to ChellyWood.com for free printable doll clothes sewing patterns.
10-inch doll clothes patterns, Ever After High Doll Clothes Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Let’s make a St. Patrick’s Day outfit for Ever After High dolls w/free patterns @ ChellyWood.com #StPaddysDay #EverAfterHighDoll

For your free pattern and tutorial videos, please scroll down to the second set of bullets. Today I’m sharing a pattern that has appeared on this website before, but as many of you know, with my computer in the fixit shop, I’m reposting St. Patrick’s Day themed posts from years gone by, to pass the time until I get my computer back. Before I go … Continue reading Let’s make a St. Patrick’s Day outfit for Ever After High dolls w/free patterns @ ChellyWood.com #StPaddysDay #EverAfterHighDoll

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On a purple frame, the Disney princess Merida doll is photographed wearing a green plaid short-skirted dress with bloomers. The words "free pattern" appear at an angle to the doll's right (the viewer's left) and under these words is the Chelly Wood dot com logo. You can find free PDF sewing patterns for making this dress and these doll bloomers at ChellyWood.com (a website for free printable PDF sewing patterns to fit dolls of many shapes and all different sizes).
10-inch doll clothes patterns, Daily Patterns, Disney Princess Dolls, Holiday Crafts

Free Printable PDF Sewing Patterns for Disney Doll St. Patrick’s Day Dress With Bloomers @ ChellyWood.com #StPatricksDay #DollClothesPatterns

As my regular followers know, I’m down-and-out in Idaho without a functioning computer. So I’m re-posting older blog posts. With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, I thought it might be fun to revisit some of my old posts that deal with making St. Patrick’s Day-themed doll clothes. And now for my necessary disclaimer: as an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn … Continue reading Free Printable PDF Sewing Patterns for Disney Doll St. Patrick’s Day Dress With Bloomers @ ChellyWood.com #StPatricksDay #DollClothesPatterns

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With a tiny quilt framing it, we see an image of the McCall's 5462 doll clothes pattern on the right and an image of a Barbie doll modeling the shirt from view B in the McCall's Barbie clothes pattern on the left. An arrow points from the pattern to the doll's shirt.
Interviews With Crafters, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Uncategorized

How to sew a boatneck top, using McCall’s Barbie pattern 5462 #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns

If you’ve only recently started to sew doll clothes, you may feel a little challenged by projects that use a boatneck. According to Webster’s online dictionary, a boatneck top has “a wide neckline that extends toward the tips of the shoulders.” And as my computer is still in the fixit shop, today’s blog post is a repeat. That’s why it may look familiar to you. … Continue reading How to sew a boatneck top, using McCall’s Barbie pattern 5462 #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns

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The image shows a Made-to-Move Barbie with blond hair and tan skin bent over and peering into a full-to-overflowing wheelbarrow full of harvested vegetables, flowers, and leaves. Behind Barbie is a pair of hay bales stacked on top of each other. MTM barbie wears a handmade dress and apron. The dress is made of sunflower-designed cotton Fabric and its wide skirt (which comes down to just below Barbie's knees) is trimmed in yellow rickrack. On the grass in the foreground, there are a smattering of orange and gold fall leaves. Behind Barbie is a garden scene with a bridge that crosses a still lake. Some of the foliage around the lake is turning yellow, to indicate that autumn is at hand. The image has a watermark: ChellyWood.com, a website where one can find numerous free printable sewing patterns to fit Barbie and many other dolls of different shapes and sizes.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, Daily Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Sunflower harvest dress and apron patterns #SewingLove #DollClothes

For your free patterns and tutorial videos, please scroll down to the second set of bullets. If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I’m “out of the office” for the time being, while my computer is being repaired. So today’s blog post is a re-post of one of my most popular doll clothes outfits from 2021. Before I go on,  I need to … Continue reading Sunflower harvest dress and apron patterns #SewingLove #DollClothes

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