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.
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, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What is bias tape used for? #SewWithMe #SewingVocabulary

DEFINITION:  Bias tape is fabric that has been cut on the bias, making it very flexible. When folded and sewn around a circular edge, its flexibility keeps it from winding in waves (as can be problematic in a rolled hem). 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 … Continue reading Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What is bias tape used for? #SewWithMe #SewingVocabulary

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A BFC Ink doll stands beside a dress form mannequin that is labeled "Tape Measure Tuesday." The doll is dressed only in a bra and panties. When you click on this thumbnail, it will take you to an infographic labeling the Best Friends Club Ink doll's sewing measurements.
BFC Ink Dolls, Doll Measurements, Tape Measure Tuesday

Tape Measure Tuesday: Best Friends Club Ink (BFC Ink) Dolls’ Sewing Measurements! #TapeMeasureTuesday

Scroll down for clarifications to each measurement. Today’s infographic shows the sewing measurements for the Best Friends Club Ink (also known as BFC Ink) dolls. These dolls are highly articulated and very collectible! 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, … Continue reading Tape Measure Tuesday: Best Friends Club Ink (BFC Ink) Dolls’ Sewing Measurements! #TapeMeasureTuesday

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With a quilted purple and blue frame, a photo of a Made to Move Curvy Barbie with bright pink Anime-style hair stands next to and looks down at vintage 8281 Simplicity Barbie doll clothes pattern, which contains the patterns for making the very same raglan-sleeved shirt or blouse that the Made-to-Move Curvy Barbie is wearing. She also wears a miniskirt that is not pictured on the envelope for Simplicity 8281 vintage Barbie doll clothes patterns. The ChellyWood.com logo appears to the side of the photo.
Curvy Barbie, Fabric, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie, Vintage Ken

What are raglan shirts? — Here’s a quick explanation! #Sewing #HandmadeWithLove

In the image at the top of today’s blog post, Ken is modeling a handmade raglan-sleeved T-shirt, but what, exactly, does “raglan” mean? Well, in today’s blog post, we’ll dig deep into the differences between a set-in sleeve and a raglan sleeve, looking at doll clothes sewing patterns for both kinds. If you’re wondering about the history of the word “raglan” (AKA its etymology), I’ll … Continue reading What are raglan shirts? — Here’s a quick explanation! #Sewing #HandmadeWithLove

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A blue and white modern looking iron is pictured with the text "What are the best brands for irons?" above the image. This blue and white iron is similar in style to the Hot-2-Trot Sunbeam that's mentioned in Chelly Wood's article about the best irons for sewing doll clothes.
Crafts and Hobbies, Fabric, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners

What’s the best small iron for sewing projects? #SewingTips #SewingMeetUp

Once in a while I get questions from followers about the everyday tools I sometimes take for granted, like the types of irons I use for my doll clothes sewing projects. Recently, in fact, someone left a comment on one of my YouTube tutorials, asking about the small, pink, travel-sized iron that appears in that particular video. So today, I’m going to share that information … Continue reading What’s the best small iron for sewing projects? #SewingTips #SewingMeetUp

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Click on the "Website Navigation Guide" button to learn more about how to navigate on ChellyWood.com, to find the free doll clothes sewing patterns and tutorial videos you need, to make a whole wardrobe of doll clothes for your doll or dolls.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, Barbie Patterns, Crafts and Hobbies, Fan Mail, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Fashion Doll Clothes Patterns (Free Barbie Patterns) and How to Find Them Online #FreeStuff #SewingPatterns

Today’s tutorial video shows how to find free sewing patterns for fashion dolls like Barbie (and others) online, using ChellyWood.com’s library of free PDF sewing patterns. Sometimes people come to my website and leave a comment that says, “I’m looking for free Bratz doll clothes patterns” or “Do you have any patterns for the Disney Princess ten inch dolls?” I designed today’s tutorial video to … Continue reading Fashion Doll Clothes Patterns (Free Barbie Patterns) and How to Find Them Online #FreeStuff #SewingPatterns

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On a purple square thumbnail background a Consuelo doll (from the Hearts for Hearts Girls doll collection of internationally-themed dolls) models a handmade one-piece swimsuit in a halter style next to the text which reads "Free pattern!" and offers the logo for ChellyWood.com, a website known for free printable PDF sewing patterns for dolls of many shapes and all different sizes.
13-inch doll clothes patterns, 14-inch doll clothes patterns, Daily Patterns, Disney Princess Dolls, Hearts for Hearts Girls

Free one-piece swimsuit PDF sewing pattern for 14 inch dolls! #August #SummerFun

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. I designed the swimsuit you see above as a prototype for the 13 inch Judy Littlechap doll, so I was surprised to discover that it actually fits the Hearts for Hearts Girls 14 inch dolls. However, please be advised that you must use a really stretchy fabric to make this pattern … Continue reading Free one-piece swimsuit PDF sewing pattern for 14 inch dolls! #August #SummerFun

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The thumbnail features the Consuelo doll from the Hearts for Hearts Girls brand modeling a handmade swimsuit. The image is framed by small white rulers with black notches. Consuelo poses next to a dress form mannequin draped with a tape measure. The words "Tape Measure Tuesday" are displayed over the mannequin graphic.
Doll Measurements, Hearts for Hearts Girls, Tape Measure Tuesday, Wellie Wishers Patterns

What are the sewing measurements for Hearts for Hearts Girls dolls? Here you go! #DollsOfTheWorld #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 Hearts for Hearts Girls dolls? Here you go! #DollsOfTheWorld #TapeMeasureTuesday

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A Chelly Wood doll (a Spin Master Liv doll that has been OOAK re-dressed, re-painted, and had its hair dyed to look like the real doll clothing designer Chelly Wood stands beside a photo of a McCall's 9061 vintage sewing pattern for baby and toddler dolls. The Chelly Wood doll wears a red check shirt and black trousers with a pair of flats. Her hair is tied in a red check handkerchief and she wears dark cat eye glasses.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

How can I tell if McCalls 9061 vintage patterns will fit my AG dolls? I have 2 methods! #SewingTips #SewingHacks

When you look at a vintage pattern, do you sometimes wonder whether or not it will fit your modern dolls? Nobody wants to waste time making, for example, the nightgown in View E above, if they’re not sure it will fit. Right? In today’s blog post, I’m going to show you a couple of tricks I use to test a pattern before I start sewing … Continue reading How can I tell if McCalls 9061 vintage patterns will fit my AG dolls? I have 2 methods! #SewingTips #SewingHacks

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A vibrant purple thumbnail featuring the back of a robot's head in profile is seen. Uniquely, the robot has a sewing button as an ear piece and a straight pin wheel below it, suggesting a fusion of technology and crafting. The bold text reads, “Tech talk... Let's discuss technology! Does ChellyWood.com use AI?” This image creatively blends elements of robotics and sewing, engaging viewers in a conversation about the intersection of technology and creativity.
A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Momoko Doll Patterns, Sewing and Fashion History, Sewing Chat, Tammy Doll Patterns

Full Disclosure: Here’s how I use AI (AKA artificial intelligence) in my creative process… #SewingWithAI #SmartSewing

First, it should be noted that some of my competitors on YouTube are non-human AI sewing tutorials. It is my belief that my own sewing tutorials have been used to create these (together with the tutorials made by other human sewists and designers), in many cases without our consent. This is especially true of certain videos that show you how to make and design your … Continue reading Full Disclosure: Here’s how I use AI (AKA artificial intelligence) in my creative process… #SewingWithAI #SmartSewing

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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 #CelticKnot

  Did you know that Wood, my last name, is Scottish? When my aunt 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 my … Continue reading Ancient Celtic artwork inspired my fabric designs… What do you think? #CelticArt #CelticKnot

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Surrounded by a turquoise blue fabric frame, we read the words "free pattern" above the ChellyWood.com logo. To the right of these texts is a photo of a regular Barbie dressed in pink and white floral pajamas underneath a Barbie-doll-pink bathrobe with white trim and a white belt which is tied at the waist.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Barbie Patterns, Daily Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Create stylish Barbie pajamas using my free PDF sewing patterns, including A4 patterns! #Sewing #Pajamas

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. It might surprise you to learn that I actually use my own patterns pretty frequently, and recently I wanted to make some pajamas for Barbie. I went looking for the image you see above in my Barbie gallery, and I was shocked to discover it wasn’t there! So today I’m re-posting … Continue reading Create stylish Barbie pajamas using my free PDF sewing patterns, including A4 patterns! #Sewing #Pajamas

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Thumbnail featuring a Creatable World doll beside a dress form mannequin 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 white rulers against a pale turquoise blue background. Clicking this thumbnail leads to an infographic detailing sewing measurements for Creatable World dolls.
Doll Measurements, Tape Measure Tuesday

Tape Measure Tuesday: What are the sewing measurements for Creatable World Dolls? Here they are! #TapeMeasureTuesday #CreatableWorld

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 Tape Measure Tuesday: What are the sewing measurements for Creatable World Dolls? Here they are! #TapeMeasureTuesday #CreatableWorld

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Discover Sewing Magic with Chelly Wood's Doll Clothes Sewing Pattern Creations! Inside a charming quilted frame, a unique Chelly Wood doll (a creatively transformed Spin Master Liv doll featuring a grey wig and custom face paint) strikes a pose, pointing at three vibrant purple question marks. Dressed in a red check gingham short-sleeved shirt and black trousers, the doll accessorizes with a red gingham handkerchief securing her silver grey hair and completes the look with black flats. Click to explore ChellyWood.com, your go-to resource for free, printable PDF sewing patterns to craft stylish doll clothes for dolls of all shapes and sizes. Dive into the sewing community and enhance your skills today!
Baby Doll Patterns, Charity Work, Crissy Family of Dolls, Doll Collecting, Fan Mail, Interviews With Crafters, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing Chat

Look at what I found! Oooh la-la! #Lucky #Treasures

I absolutely love hearing the stories about each and every one of you, my fellow doll clothes sewing enthusiasts! For example, on Wednesday, July 23rd, I asked you what you were working on, and I got some really cool responses! (If you didn’t see the comments, you should really go back to that blog post and read through all of them!) From those little “Sewing … Continue reading Look at what I found! Oooh la-la! #Lucky #Treasures

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Three black question marks on a purple gingham background. Each question mark is turned at a slight angle, to create an arc of question marks. The image below the question marks is the Chelly Wood dot com logo. The purple gingham represents fabric.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store

Top 5 BEST sites for doll collectors and doll sewing enthusiasts… Please share your favorites too! #DollCollector #DIY

Now that I’m retired from my job as a school librarian, I have a lot more time on my hands! I have more time for crafting, sewing, and learning. So I thought I’d ask all of you — my followers and friends — “What YouTube channels, what websites, and what resources do you use in your doll collecting and doll crafting?” Below, I’ll list five … Continue reading Top 5 BEST sites for doll collectors and doll sewing enthusiasts… Please share your favorites too! #DollCollector #DIY

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The thumbnail features a Kaya doll from the American Girl collection, dressed in a handmade ensemble of white underpants and a pink crop top. The underpants, or panties, are displayed from both the front and the back. Notably, a delicate lace ruffle adorns the back of these panties, adding a charming touch. The text highlights that the sewing patterns for crafting these stylish pants are available for free at ChellyWood.com.
18-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, American Girl Doll Patterns, Daily Patterns, Doll Play Videos, Madame Alexander Doll Clothes Patterns, Our Generation dolls, Tutorials: Sewing for Dolls

FREE 18 inch doll underpants / panties patterns (including A4 sewing patterns — doll pants/knickers) @ ChellyWood.com #18inchDolls #FreeSewingPatterns

  Scroll down to the second set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. With today’s free, printable PDF sewing patterns (including A4 patterns), you can make a pair of bikini bottoms for your doll (and yes, I also have a free pattern for the bikini top), or you can make a pair of underpants /panties for your 18 inch dolls. I’ve tried this … Continue reading FREE 18 inch doll underpants / panties patterns (including A4 sewing patterns — doll pants/knickers) @ ChellyWood.com #18inchDolls #FreeSewingPatterns

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