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.
Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Makeovers, For Sale in the Store, Holiday Crafts

Here’s a crafting idea that is a little… ahem… embarrassing… #HalloweenParty #HalloweenPartyIdeas

I bought these plastic skulls thinking I would make them into dolls. Yes, you read that right. I know what you’re thinking… “What on earth? That’s crazy!” Yeah. I know. 😳 Before I go on, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more about how affiliate marketing works on my website, please go … Continue reading Here’s a crafting idea that is a little… ahem… embarrassing… #HalloweenParty #HalloweenPartyIdeas

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Thumbnail shows a blue silhouette of a cityscape in the background with a rock formation in the foreground. Between the city and the rock lies a suspension bridge, like one might see in Portland, Vancouver, or Seattle. The sun looks blackened out (or perhaps its a moon) to match the turquoise blue of the city scene. The Chelly Wood dot com logo appears in the lower right corner of the image. This blog post is about a trip taken by Chelly Wood on her retirement vacation.
Favorite Books, Sewing Chat, Uncategorized

Do you sew when you travel? And a quick look at my latest #Travel adventures! #SewingChat

Usually when I travel, I take a stash of cut-out bits and pieces of dolls’ clothes to sew. There’s almost always “down time,” no matter what the trip entails, and I use that time to sew doll clothes. On my way to the IANDS conference in Chicago at the end of August, I did some sewing on the plane, and I did a little sewing … Continue reading Do you sew when you travel? And a quick look at my latest #Travel adventures! #SewingChat

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Thumbnail image shows the front of pattern envelope Simplicity 8281, plus a close-up of Simplicity 8281's View 6 culottes, vest, and long-sleeved tee shirt. In the middle, between the pattern envelope and the close-up of a doll wearing the View 6 gouchos (culottes) vest and t-shirt, we see a bubble cut Barbie wearing the handmade outfit. Exactly as printed on the envelope cover, the gouchos / culottes and vest are sky blue, while the long-sleeved T-shirt is made of a red and white striped jersey fabric with narrow one-eighth inch wide stripes. The dolls shoes are red classic pumps.
Fabric, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

How to sew raglan sleeves by hand #VintageSewing #HandSewing

As most of my regular followers know, when it comes to making clothes for dolls, I really like to sew by hand. If I’m using a slippery or curly fabric, like satin or jersey, I definitely prefer sewing by hand. For today’s project — a raglan-sleeved Barbie shirt–I sewed it from start to finish, using a number of different hand stitches. And this blog post … Continue reading How to sew raglan sleeves by hand #VintageSewing #HandSewing

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On pink Halloween invitation paper, we see various pink and purple Halloween images, including a ghost with a broom, another ghost with a party hat, two cobwebs, a purple and pink mint candy, pink stars and a moon, with an orange bat flying up toward the moon and stars. In the center of this colorful thumbnail stands a Mattel Skipper doll, modeling handmade doll clothes that include trousers or pants and a top or vest. The text reads, "Skipper is going to a Halloween party, where there will be free sewing patterns. YAY!" The URL for ChellyWood.com is given as the location where you can learn more.
10-inch doll clothes patterns, 9-inch Dolls, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Daily Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Crafting a Spooktacular Halloween: Free Sewing Patterns for Skipper & Stacie Dolls #HalloweenParty #CraftProjects

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Incorporate creativity into your Halloween celebrations with my free sewing patterns designed for vintage 1980’s Skipper and modern Stacie dolls. This blog post will guide you through a fun and engaging party craft project that parents and children alike will enjoy. If you’re worried your guests won’t have the right dolls … Continue reading Crafting a Spooktacular Halloween: Free Sewing Patterns for Skipper & Stacie Dolls #HalloweenParty #CraftProjects

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5-inch doll clothes patterns, 6-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls

Let’s make a Strawberry Shortcake doll’s pinafore with free sewing patterns! #BlueberryMuffin #VintageToys

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Last week I gave you a new sewing pattern for making doll clothes that will fit the Strawberry Shortcake character dolls from the late 1970’s and 1980’s. To revisit last week’s tutorial video which showed how to make the teeny-tiny tights, please click here. Today’s tutorial shows you how to make … Continue reading Let’s make a Strawberry Shortcake doll’s pinafore with free sewing patterns! #BlueberryMuffin #VintageToys

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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, Creative Spark Online Learning, Holiday Crafts, Tips for Beginners

I’m going to design a new class… What are your thoughts? #SewingLesson #DIY

I’m ready to start planning my next class, for C&T Publishing’s Creative Spark online learning platform. In the comments, please let me know what type of course you’d like me to teach next. Here are some thoughts I’ve had: How to design your own doll dresses How to design your own doll shirts and blouses How to design your own skirts How to make a … Continue reading I’m going to design a new class… What are your thoughts? #SewingLesson #DIY

Chelly Wood4 Comments
Thumbnail featuring a Strawberry Shortcake doll beside a dress form labeled “Tape Measure Tuesday.” The thumbnail includes text: “With doll clothing designer, Chelly Wood,” accompanied by the Chelly Wood dot com logo. The image is bordered by bright turquoise blue rulers against a purple background with tiny polka dots. Clicking this thumbnail leads to an infographic detailing sewing measurements for vintage Strawberry Shortcake dolls made by Kenner in the 1970’s.
5-inch doll clothes patterns, 6-inch doll clothes patterns, Doll Measurements, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls, Tape Measure Tuesday

What are the sewing measurements for a Strawberry Shortcake doll? #StrawberryShortcake #TapeMeasureTuesday

Scroll down for clarifications to each measurement. 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 learn more about how my website uses affiliate marketing, please … Continue reading What are the sewing measurements for a Strawberry Shortcake doll? #StrawberryShortcake #TapeMeasureTuesday

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The image shows a quilted frame around the Chelly Wood doll (really a re-painted Spin Master Liv doll that looks like the doll clothing designer, Chelly Wood), and a thought bubble displays that she is having red and white striped jersey fabric thoughts.
Creative Spark Online Learning, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Vintage Barbie

How do you stop obsessing about a project? #SewingProjects #VintageBarbie

  My brain has been stuck on the idea that I need to sew the red and white striped T-shirt from my Simplicity 8281 vintage doll clothes pattern for not just months, but YEARS now. Of course I have other, more important projects underway. And now it’s time for my disclaimer statement: many of my links are affiliate marketing links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I … Continue reading How do you stop obsessing about a project? #SewingProjects #VintageBarbie

Chelly Wood7 Comments
An apron is a simple Christmas gift to make. You can usually whip one up in a couple of hours. On ChellyWood.com, the doll clothing designer, Chelly Wood, offers advice for making aprons for the whole family for Christmas. This image shows a quilted background with the photo of Simplicity Apron pattern 2691, showing an apron with a pocket and contrasting colors of fabric, along with a quilt-look table runner and a placemat pattern. Visit ChellyWood.com to join the chat.
Crafts and Hobbies, Holiday Crafts, Links, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

How to Sew Apron Ties — Aprons make great gifts for the whole family! #HolidaySewing #ChristmasGiftIdeas

Maybe you’ve been thinking about sewing an apron for each of your family members as Christmas gifts, or even to use at Thanksgiving, when the whole family is visiting. It’s definitely not too early to start planning your holiday sewing projects! And honestly, aprons don’t take long to make. Before I go on, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As an Amazon affiliate, … Continue reading How to Sew Apron Ties — Aprons make great gifts for the whole family! #HolidaySewing #ChristmasGiftIdeas

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A tiny little Strawberry Shortcake doll stands in profile next to the words "Free tights pattern!" The chellywood.com logo appears on this thumbnail as well. Click on the image to get your free sewing patterns for making these tights (green and white striped tights) for a vintage Strawberry Shortcake doll from the 1970's.
5-inch doll clothes patterns, 6-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls

Free sewing patterns for Strawberry Shortcake’s striped green tights! #StrawberryShortcake #Miniatures

  Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Of all the items of clothing for the tiny vintage Kenner Strawberry Shortcake dolls, the things kids tended to lose most were the itty bitty shoes and the little green striped tights. A replacement pair can cost between $10 and $30 on eBay… Egad! So today’s blog post gives you … Continue reading Free sewing patterns for Strawberry Shortcake’s striped green tights! #StrawberryShortcake #Miniatures

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On the left side of the image, over a turquoise blue background, the text reads, "ChellyWood.com... free sewing patterns for a seventeen inch monster doll." On the right side of the image, over the lilac background, stands a Freak du Chic 17" Monster High Gooliope doll modeling a yellow felt sleeveless shirt and a pair of dark blue denim jeans.
17-inch doll clothes patterns, Daily Patterns, Monster High Doll Clothes Patterns

Free printable PDF sewing patterns for the BIG 17 inch Monster High dolls #MonsterHigh #MHdoll

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Yes, this sleeveless top and jeans pattern set has been available on my website before, but in the past, it wasn’t available as a PDF (easy-to-print) sewing pattern. Rather, my patterns only existed here as a JPG image that you could click on and download. If you’re wishing the pattern was … Continue reading Free printable PDF sewing patterns for the BIG 17 inch Monster High dolls #MonsterHigh #MHdoll

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A black and white photo of a pair of sewing scissors with spools of thread lying on a work surface. Text says simply "Thread" with the Chelly Wood dot com logo beneath it. Thumbnail colors are turquoise blue and white with the name Chelly Wood in lilac / purple. Click this thumbnail to read an article about thread recommendations and leave a comment on your own opinions for the best brands of thread to use when sewing.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store

What’s the best thread for beginners? Please join the discussion! #Sewing #LearningToSew

Recently I received a comment on my blog, asking me to give advice on which type of thread a beginner should use. The answer I gave is the subject of today’s blog post, but if you have an opinion, please feel free to leave it in the comments at the bottom of today’s post! Before I go on, I need to make my required disclaimer … Continue reading What’s the best thread for beginners? Please join the discussion! #Sewing #LearningToSew

Chelly Wood2 Comments
With a quilted frame around it, we see a section of a McCall's vintage fashion doll clothes sewing pattern for making a cape that will fit a fashion doll like Barbie and similar-sized dolls.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Uncategorized

What are the best patterns for Barbie capes? #FashionDolls #SewWithMe

Fall is right around the corner, so we’ll need to keep our little dolls warm. A coat is easy enough to make, but capes are usually even easier! Before you read on, please note that many of my links are affiliate marketing links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more about this, please see my Privacy Policy page. Thank you! … Continue reading What are the best patterns for Barbie capes? #FashionDolls #SewWithMe

Chelly Wood2 Comments
On a purple background, the text reads "VOTE!" and it shows a person's hand dropping a ballot into a voting box.
Daily Patterns

Please Vote for My Hand-Painted Celtic Knots in the Snow in the #SpoonflowerDesignChallenge on #Spoonflower

Last Thursday I published a YouTube short, showing me making my hand-painted Celtic knots, and I announced that it would be available as a fabric you could purchase in my Spoonflower store. I’ve entered my Celtic knots fabric design in the Spoonflower Design Challenge contest, and I’d love it if you’d vote for my fabric! Here’s the link to the contest. Look for “Small Celtic … Continue reading Please Vote for My Hand-Painted Celtic Knots in the Snow in the #SpoonflowerDesignChallenge on #Spoonflower

Chelly Wood4 Comments
An image shows a cell phone displaying a vintage Mattel Francie doll. The doll is dressed in a brown winter coat with a matching hat and belt. Behind the cell phone, a rainbow with yellow, turquoise blue, and green colors creates cloud-like curves against a purple background. The screen displays the text "Do a Pick," indicating the name of the game, with a subtitle that reads "New coat for back to school," suggesting the game's theme focuses on buying a new coat for the fall school season.
Do a Pick! Game, Doll Play Videos, Vintage Barbie

Let’s Do a Pick — Back to School Coats for Francie or Skipper! #BarbieGames #BarbieFun

Today’s “Do a Pick” game features the following: Francie’s brown coat with collar and matching hat, Best Buy #8646 Francie’s long red and white coat with matching purse, Best Buy #3368 Skipper’s red velvet coat with furry collar, Best Buy #8613 What’s the story behind this game? When I was a kid, whenever it was playtime with dolls, we would lay out all our dolls … Continue reading Let’s Do a Pick — Back to School Coats for Francie or Skipper! #BarbieGames #BarbieFun

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