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.
A purple frame enhances the words "who's the doll of the day" as they surround a photo of doll clothes all piled up next to the bare foot of a random doll.
GI Joe, Uncategorized, WWE Action Figures

Doll of the Day: Can you help me identify this handsome gentleman? #ActionFigures #Dolls

I found this muscle-bound fellow at a yard sale, and I’m designing some clothes to fit him. But who is he? I have no idea! The only clue I have is the letter “M” on his sleeve. It’s bright orange-ish-yellow and black, on a black and white circular background. Does anyone remember him? Feel free to leave your thoughts and memories regarding this handsome gentleman in … Continue reading Doll of the Day: Can you help me identify this handsome gentleman? #ActionFigures #Dolls

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A thumbnail features a Mattel Petite Barbie doll with red hair modeling a Halloween outfit including a shirt, miniskirt, tights, and boots. The text reads, "Free patterns!" Click on the thumbnail to access free printable PDF sewing patterns for making this "Spooky Sewing" outfit for your Petite Barbie doll.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Barbie Patterns, Daily Patterns, Holiday Crafts, Petite Barbie Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 3 #HalloweenDIY #DIYHalloween

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s “Spooky Halloween Skirt” and cotton shirt project is actually one I’ve designed for Barbie, Ideal Tammy, and other dolls, but today I’m posting the outfit for Petite Barbie dolls for the first time. To adjust a pattern that was designed to fit Barbie so it now fits a smaller doll … Continue reading DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 3 #HalloweenDIY #DIYHalloween

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An Ida B Wells doll from Mattel's Inspiring Women collection wears a jacket from Simplicity 1242 while standing beside an image of the Simplicity 1242 doll clothes sewing pattern for Barbie dolls.
Curvy Barbie, Fabric, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

Duplicating Donna’s Jacket with Simplicity 1242 and an Inspiring Woman, Ida B. Wells #Sewing #WomensHistory

As I’ve said in my earlier blog posts, I was so moved by the people I met in Chicago at the IANDS conference, that I created doll clothes to represent each of the people I met while I was there. This doll is meant to represent a woman named Donna. I worked with her in the IANDS bookstore about three times, as a volunteer, and … Continue reading Duplicating Donna’s Jacket with Simplicity 1242 and an Inspiring Woman, Ida B. Wells #Sewing #WomensHistory

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Inside a purple square thumbnail, the text reads, "free pattern!" beside the photo of a Barbie doll with long blond hair modeling a strappy summer shirt and a full Halloween-themed skirt dotted with tiny pumpkins. Visit ChellyWood.com for the free patterns to make this outfit for your Barbie dolls.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, Barbie Patterns, Daily Patterns, Holiday Crafts, Whole Costumes for Dolls

DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 2 #HalloweenBarbie #BarbieHalloween

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s “Spooky Halloween Skirt” and top project is actually one I’ve designed in pink and white in the past, and you can find this project under Barbie, Sindy, and a few other dolls, when you link out from the home page. Unlike the “Spooky Sewing Series” Part 1 skirt, this project … Continue reading DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 2 #HalloweenBarbie #BarbieHalloween

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A strawberry blond curvy Barbie doll models an animal print blouse that has three-quarter length sleeves and side darts. The text says, "free shirt pattern!" beside the Chelly Wood dot com logo.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Barbie Patterns, Curvy Barbie, Daily Patterns, Vintage Barbie, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Make your Curvy Barbie an animal print blouse, PLUS details about my trip to Chicago! #BookStore #Fashionista

  Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. If you regularly follow my blog posts, you may recall that I attended the IANDS conference in Chicago, back in August. I was so inspired by the people I met at that conference, that I’ve begun the process of designing doll clothes to match the fashionable outfits worn by the … Continue reading Make your Curvy Barbie an animal print blouse, PLUS details about my trip to Chicago! #BookStore #Fashionista

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In a purple thumbnail, a Barbie models a Halloween skirt and top ensemble. Beside her are the words, "Free pattern" and the Chelly Wood dot com logo.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, Barbie Patterns, Daily Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 1 #Halloween #HalloweenParty

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s “Spooky Halloween Skirt” and top project is actually the same outfit I posted last Easter, but with a couple of simple alterations. If you’re not sure what I mean by “alterations,” Scroll down past the needle and cross-stitches. That’s where I talk about the online courses that I teach, including … Continue reading DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 1 #Halloween #HalloweenParty

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Thumbnail featuring an eleven inch tall 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 the big Strawberry Shortcake dolls.
Doll Measurements, Fan Mail, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls, Tape Measure Tuesday

Tape Measure Tuesday with the BIG 11 inch 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 Tape Measure Tuesday with the BIG 11 inch Strawberry Shortcake doll #StrawberryShortcake #TapeMeasureTuesday

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Advance 2896 with quilted frame and Tall Barbie in Halloween dress standing nearby. the doll is shown in profile. Her long hair is accentuated by this side view, and you can see that the dress has a belt that ties in the back. On the pattern envelope this dress is most like the one pictured in View 5.
Fabric, Holiday Crafts, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

When your pattern doesn’t fit on the fabric, what do you do? #SewingTips #couture

We’ve all had it happen. You’re thinking, “A fat quarter should be enough to make this little doll dress. Right?” You get home, start pinning the pattern pieces onto the fabric, and then… “Oh crap.” That fat quarter isn’t quite long enough for the skirt’s ruffle (or whatever piece still needs pinning). What can you do? Before I go on, I need to make my … Continue reading When your pattern doesn’t fit on the fabric, what do you do? #SewingTips #couture

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A teenage girl displays a handmade rail fence doll-sized quilt in pink, burgundy, and off-white. To her left is an American Girl Kaya doll, and to her right is an 18-inch platinum blonde Madame Alexander doll. Each doll is dressed in flannel nightgowns with bunny slippers, perfectly matching the quilt's size. The scene is set in a pink-themed girl's bedroom, with the chellywood.com logo visible in one corner.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store

I have something new for sale in my Etsy store… #AGdolls #giftsforgirls

It might look like AI made the image above, but actually, I used my Canva account to design that image. However the quilt is another story. It’s entirely made by hand, with careful hand stitching, by my mother-in-law, Anita. At 18 by 22 inches, this rail fence style doll quilt is the perfect size for 18 inch dolls like Journey Girls, American Girl, and Our … Continue reading I have something new for sale in my Etsy store… #AGdolls #giftsforgirls

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The DoApick thumbnail (do a pick thumbnail) is purple with a rainbow and cloud graphic behind a cell phone, featuring a photo from a vintage Mattel doll clothes catalog. Today’s photo features a vintage Skipper doll modeling a yellow dress with multicolored rickrack trim. Click on this thumbnail, and the link will take you to the “Do a Pick” game, which you can play by viewing (and listening to) the story scenario dealing with realistic activities children enjoyed with dolls, back in the early 1970’s. Leave a comment to play along.
Do a Pick! Game, Doll Play Videos, Vintage Barbie, Vintage Skipper

Let’s Do a Pick — Take Skipper to Church #DollLovers #DollCommunity

Today’s “Do a Pick” game features the following: Best Buy Skipper Fashion #8610 (yellow dress with rickrack trim) Best Buy Skipper Fashion #3373 (red floral skirt with white cotton top) Best Buy Skipper Fashion #8611 (traditional schoolgirl outfit) 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 and their clothing … Continue reading Let’s Do a Pick — Take Skipper to Church #DollLovers #DollCommunity

Chelly Wood2 Comments
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, Doll Shoes, Moana dolls, Sewing Chat

Which dolls do you have trouble finding shoes for? #DollShoes #DollCollectors

Yesterday I posted the image above on this blog post offering free doll clothes sewing patterns for my 9 and 1/2 inch Moana fashion doll. But did you notice her shoes? They don’t fit her very well… Take a close look at the image on the left, and you’ll see that these little red Mary Janes have a very loose “strap” on them. That’s because … Continue reading Which dolls do you have trouble finding shoes for? #DollShoes #DollCollectors

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Moana wears a Halloween orange tank top (vest in the UK) with a pair of black and white gingham shorts. The text says, "Free pattern!"
10-inch doll clothes patterns, 9-inch Dolls, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Daily Patterns, Holiday Crafts, Moana dolls, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Free sewing patterns for 9.5 inch Moana doll’s shorts and cropped summer top @ ChellyWood.com #DisneyFan #indiepatterns

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Yes, if you’re a regular follower, you’ve probably seen today’s outfit on a different doll. I like to re-post similar outfits on different dolls, so I can add links from (in this case) the Moana gallery of free patterns to this page. That way, people who are specifically seeking a shorts-and-tank-top … Continue reading Free sewing patterns for 9.5 inch Moana doll’s shorts and cropped summer top @ ChellyWood.com #DisneyFan #indiepatterns

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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, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

Are denim vests back in style in 2025? #SewingPodcast #FashionHistory

I started my 7th grade year in the fall of 1979, and I distinctly remember owning an outfit that included a denim vest. It came with a pretty ruffled skirt made of tan denim, a white top made of lightweight cotton, and a tan denim vest with cream-colored topstitching. My aunt, Harriet, took me on a shopping spree just before school started, and she bought … Continue reading Are denim vests back in style in 2025? #SewingPodcast #FashionHistory

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

Free sewing patterns for Strawberry Shortcake character dolls — including A4 PDF! #StrawberryShortcakeCollection #StrawberryShortcake

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s free patterns and tutorial videos will help you make the entire ensemble worn by the Blueberry Muffin character in the Strawberry Shortcake cartoon from the 1980’s. I designed these doll clothes to fit my own Blueberry Muffin doll (made by Kenner), but the pattern is easy enough to adapt to … Continue reading Free sewing patterns for Strawberry Shortcake character dolls — including A4 PDF! #StrawberryShortcakeCollection #StrawberryShortcake

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Free pattern! Blueberry Muffin vintage doll models a handmade blue and white check gingham dress with bell sleeves and a scalloped trim.
5-inch doll clothes patterns, 6-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls

Let’s make Blueberry Muffin’s gingham dress with bell sleeves! #80skid #Collectibles

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Week by week, I’ve been building on an ensemble for Blueberry Muffin, a little doll from the Strawberry Shortcake doll lineup from the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Today’s tutorial shows you how to make a bell-sleeved dress for Strawberry Shortcake dolls, and since I happen to own a Blueberry Muffin … Continue reading Let’s make Blueberry Muffin’s gingham dress with bell sleeves! #80skid #Collectibles

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