Category: History and Research

A woman in a long dress with a bustle is silhouetted in white on a purple background with a turquoise blue frame. She holds a bouquet. a man in a top hat holding a cane stands beside her. The Word "History" is in all capitals, stylized in a historical font, beneath the two silhouetted figures in white on the purple background.
History and Research, Sewing and Fashion History, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Men’s and Women’s Fashion in History #EuropeanHistory #AmericanHistory

The video above comes from the Catherine Sews YouTube channel. I love a good romp through fashion history, and Catherine (who like me is retiring from her teaching career to focus on her own creativity) takes us on a wonderful journey through fashion history in this video, which chronicles both men’s and women’s fashion, from the 1700’s to the 2000’s! I hope you enjoy this … Continue reading Men’s and Women’s Fashion in History #EuropeanHistory #AmericanHistory

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A pink screen shows a video play button and the text reads "History of American Dolls: Video."
Doll Collecting, History and Research, Sewing and Fashion History

Fashion Doll History from the DAR Museum #FashionDolls #History

The video above comes from the DAR Museum’s YouTube channel. As a member of the DAR myself (the Daughters of the American Revolution), I have thoroughly enjoyed some of the podcasts and YouTube videos the DAR Museum has done on sewing history. To see the whole “Making-Meaning-Memory: A Sewn in America Symposium” playlist, please click here. You may recognize some of the dolls featured in … Continue reading Fashion Doll History from the DAR Museum #FashionDolls #History

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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

Chelly Wood3 Comments
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

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, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Sewing Glossary with Pictures (Gallery)

Please click on the vocabulary term you’d like to learn more about. It will take you to a page that offers even more pictures (sometimes videos), a more thorough definition, and some discussion questions about that sewing term. As of 25 June 2025, this page is under construction, so please keep coming back to see what words I’ve added! Not what you’re looking for? Please … Continue reading Sewing Glossary with Pictures (Gallery)

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The Chelly Wood doll (a Spin Master Liv doll that has been repainted and re-wigged) stands beside the Advance 2899 vintage doll clothes patterns for a 1960's Ken doll. This pattern was published in 1962.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, 12-inch doll clothes patterns, History and Research, Ken Patterns, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History

What ever happened to the ascot (men’s formal neckwear)? #JimNabors #Birthday

In View 1 of the Advance 2899 pattern envelope you see above, that little 1960’s Ken doll is wearing a red jacket and under that jacket, he’s wearing a type of neckwear called an “ascot.” But what is an ascot? And why don’t we see people wearing them these days? Along with my explanation of how I sewed an ascot for my vintage 1960 Ken … Continue reading What ever happened to the ascot (men’s formal neckwear)? #JimNabors #Birthday

Chelly Wood6 Comments
A simple graphic of a turquoise blue button sits atop a purple gingham fabric background, with the Chelly Wood dot com logo in the lower left corner of this thumbnail image.
Crafts and Hobbies, Fabric, History and Research, Interviews With Crafters, Links, Sewing and Fashion History, Yarn and Embroidery

How are fabrics made? How are buttons made? The answers may surprise you! #Sewing #SewOver50

  First of all, obviously I didn’t make the video I’m showing you, however I’ve watched it and thoroughly enjoyed it! And since I’m busy moving out of the library where I work (I’m retiring from my job as a full-time school librarian), I thought you might like something fun to watch while I’m away from my home office for a bit. If you enjoyed … Continue reading How are fabrics made? How are buttons made? The answers may surprise you! #Sewing #SewOver50

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The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

History of Dolls in America (Facts, a Timeline, and Family-friendly Fun!) #Collectibles

  Today’s blog post is the wrap up for the history challenge that I did earlier this year. Click here to read about the challenge and download the free PDF to join the history challenge. Today’s images and much of the information provided come from the DAR Museum online. Please click on the links provided to learn more about the DAR Museum. The address of … Continue reading History of Dolls in America (Facts, a Timeline, and Family-friendly Fun!) #Collectibles

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Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, Fan Mail, History and Research, Interviews With Crafters, Links, Vintage Barbie

Estrela Barbie: a rare treasure! #Collectibles #Toys

Have you ever heard of the Estrela Barbies? After a fan from Brazil named Debora left a lengthy comment about them on one of my blog posts, I contacted her to find out more about these rare and highly collectible Barbie dolls. Today’s blog post will give you the details, as they were explained to me by Debora, in my online interview with her. Before … Continue reading Estrela Barbie: a rare treasure! #Collectibles #Toys

Chelly Wood4 Comments
The text in the dialog bubble reads "Back in style?" and the Chelly Wood doll stands in an old-fashioned 1950's style kitchen, wearing a cartoonish ruffled apron over the top of her red check shirt and black pants. She holds a cartoon-like platter with a cartoon-like pink and white layer cake on top. This thumbnail image accompanies a video about how fashion repeats itself in history.
Crafts and Hobbies, History and Research, Interviews With Crafters, Sewing and Fashion History, Sewing Chat

Do you see old fashions coming back into style? #Fashion #FashionHistory #Style

On YouTube, I enjoy watching Nicole Rudolph’s videos about fashion in history, but this one about fashions that repeat themselves was particularly interesting to me. If you’ve followed my doll history articles, which I posted on Tuesdays over the past 10 weeks or so, you’ll remember that a doll’s clothing isn’t always indicative of the era in which it was made. This video gives us … Continue reading Do you see old fashions coming back into style? #Fashion #FashionHistory #Style

Chelly Wood2 Comments
The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

Queen Anne Era Doll with Delicately Designed Gown, Shoes, and Stockings — but who made them? #AmericanDoll #10

This doll is referred to in the DAR Museum collection as a Queen Anne era doll, and its date is cited as being 18th century, but for our history challenge, we need to know a more precise date for this doll. Was it early 18th century or late 18th century? I want you to also picture in your mind the person who made the delicate … Continue reading Queen Anne Era Doll with Delicately Designed Gown, Shoes, and Stockings — but who made them? #AmericanDoll #10

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

This antique doll may have been imported by the Hudson’s Bay Company! #AmericanDoll #9

This little wooden doll is wearing a lovely long dress trimmed in ribbons and lace. But just have a look at the bottom of the dress. Do you see how that spotted burgundy fabric on the underside of the dress is a different fabric from the outer skirting of the dress? This is a perfect example of how lining a doll’s garment gives it longevity! … Continue reading This antique doll may have been imported by the Hudson’s Bay Company! #AmericanDoll #9

Chelly Wood2 Comments
The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Charity Work, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, Doll Furniture, History and Research, Links, Props and Dioramas

Giddings China Doll, Four-Poster Miniature Bed, and Mini Quilt –#AmericanDoll #8

This lovely doll is part of an extensive collection of toys donated to the DAR Museum in Washington DC by the Giddings family of Nebraska and (later) Illinois. Her name is “Miss Hetty” (1), according to the collection’s information on the DAR Museum website. Today’s blog post is part of a history challenge! Click here to read about the challenge and download the free PDF … Continue reading Giddings China Doll, Four-Poster Miniature Bed, and Mini Quilt –#AmericanDoll #8

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
The text reads, "The History of Dolls" and the image shows a brown history book with cover art that shows paper dolls, a rag doll, a voodoo doll, a nutcracker, a Japanese peg doll, and a row of Russian stacking dolls. The ChellyWood.com logo appears in the lower right-hand corner. This thumbnail will be used during the month of July, 2024,to show that we're learning about the history of dolls this month. Be advised that the same thumbnail will be used throughout this series study of the history of dolls from around the world.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Collecting, History and Research, Links

The Hattie Thompson Doll — An early heat transfer face perhaps? — #AmericanDoll #7

For today’s “History of Dolls” blog post, I’m researching what I’m calling the “Hattie Thompson Doll” because according to the DAR website, this doll was made at some point in the 20th century, by a woman name Hattie Thompson. Today’s blog post is part of a history challenge! Click here to read about the challenge and download the free PDF to join the history challenge. … Continue reading The Hattie Thompson Doll — An early heat transfer face perhaps? — #AmericanDoll #7

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In this purple background thumbnail, the text reads "Ken versus GI Joe: Who is the best dance partner?" There's an image of a blond Barbie dancing with African American Ken from Texas A&M articulated EMT dolls, and standing out as the third leg is a somewhat shorter crew cut GI Joe (also African American) with kung fu grip hands.
Doll Collecting, Doll Measurements, Doll Play Videos, GI Joe, History and Research, Sewing Chat

GI Joe vs. Ken: Who makes a better boyfriend for Barbie? — Please leave a comment! #gijoe #retro70s

  This is not my advertisement, but I certainly remember the ad from when I was a kid, and my brother had this exact same GI Joe! Of course I own a GI Joe today, and I’ve designed some attractive clothing for him, which you can find on this page, on ChellyWood.com. Before I dive into this ad and what it means to me, I … Continue reading GI Joe vs. Ken: Who makes a better boyfriend for Barbie? — Please leave a comment! #gijoe #retro70s

Chelly Wood16 Comments