Category: Favorite Books

Do you like to read craft and doll-related books? Chelly often reads and reviews books on these topics. Click here to read her book reviews.

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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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, Favorite Books, History and Research, Holiday Crafts, Interviews With Crafters, Links, Sewing and Fashion History

Celebrating everyday people for #BlackHistoryMonth with #BlackGirlsSew

  Have you ever heard of Black Girls Sew? Watch the video above and you’ll learn a little about it. Or visit their website using this link. As part of my celebration of Black History Month, on Fridays, I’m honoring everyday people like the ladies who organized Black Girls Sew, a non-profit organization that works to teach kids how to sew. Before I go on, … Continue reading Celebrating everyday people for #BlackHistoryMonth with #BlackGirlsSew

Chelly Wood2 Comments
The image shows the Chelly Wood doll (really a Spin Master Liv doll that has had her hair died and her face repainted to look like the real doll clothing designer, Chelly Wood) staring at the camera over the top of her lowered glasses. The photo is superimposed over a swatch of turquoise blue linen fabric with the word "hashtag goals" over the top of the photo. In the lower left corner, we see the ChellyWood.com logo.
2 Enchanting 2B True -- Doll Pics, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Play Videos, Favorite Books, For Sale in the Store, Romeo & Juliet

Have I finished Romeo and Juliet with Dolls, Act V (the stop-motion video) in 2025? #Goals #FreeSpeech

The first goal I set on my sewing and craft planner in January of 2025 was “Finish Romeo and Juliet, Act V! Work on this project for 30 minutes per week.” But did I achieve my goal? That’s what today’s blog post is all about. Before I go on, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying … Continue reading Have I finished Romeo and Juliet with Dolls, Act V (the stop-motion video) in 2025? #Goals #FreeSpeech

Chelly Wood6 Comments
In the center of the frame is an old Y2k computer screen for an art program. The image shows the catalog listings for Ken swim trunks and beach jacket #750, the Ken Fun on Ice #791, and Ken Casuals #782. To the right of these catalogue images are the clothes (minus socks and shoes) from the original catalog listings. The text above this reads "Ken Clothes for sale." The ChellyWood.com logo appears at the bottom.
Favorite Books, For Sale in the Store, Vintage Ken

I have some vintage Ken clothes for sale on eBay… #KenFashion #KenCollector #DeClutter

I’m not so much a collector as a doll clothing designer, so while it’s really nice to have a variety of different Ken dolls to design and sew clothes for, I don’t really have a need for original doll clothes. So although a friend very generously gave me this collection of vintage Ken clothes — many of which are original Mattel items with the tags … Continue reading I have some vintage Ken clothes for sale on eBay… #KenFashion #KenCollector #DeClutter

Chelly Wood5 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, Favorite Books

10 Sewing Books You Can Buy Used Without Regrets #Top10 #Books #GiftIdeas

This list of my top “10 sewing books you can buy used without regrets” is based on a.) the books that have helped me hone my sewing skills, b.) the books that bring me inspiration to continue with my sewing projects, and c.) books that help keep my sewing projects organized. And it may surprise you to find that I’ve included more than just my … Continue reading 10 Sewing Books You Can Buy Used Without Regrets #Top10 #Books #GiftIdeas

Chelly Wood6 Comments
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

Chelly Wood4 Comments
On a white background, we see an array of Celtic knots forming green and blue squares, all of which seem to be linked together by circles of red. This Celtic knot pattern has been made into a fabric, which can be purchased at Chelly Wood's shop on Spoonflower, a fabric website. The Chelly Wood dot com logo appears in one corner of this Celtic knot patterned fabric swatch.
Contests, Crafts and Hobbies, Fabric, Favorite Books, Holiday Crafts, Paper Crafts, Tutorials: Crafts

Celtic Knots and Patterns… Celebrating Celtic Heritage with Style #Scotland #Art

Some of you are already aware that I’ve begun experimenting with painting and fabric design. I now have an account on Spoonflower where you can see and (if you’re interested) purchase the fabrics I’ve designed. Of course I’m just learning how to make my own fabrics, and I’m by no means an expert at this point. However I’m particularly proud of the fabric I designed … Continue reading Celtic Knots and Patterns… Celebrating Celtic Heritage with Style #Scotland #Art

Chelly Wood4 Comments
The photo of Chelly Wood shows a woman with blond hair turning white. She wears glasses and a denim jacket. She poses with her hand resting against her cheek, while her arm, bent at the elbow, rests against the back of a wooden bench (outside the frame of the photo). The frame includes lines of stitching, a button, and a tan linen background, indicating that the woman pictured is best known for her sewing accomplishments.
Charity Work, Creative Spark Online Learning, Favorite Books

A little-known fact about Chelly Wood, the doll clothing designer, YouTuber, and writer…

Okay. Brace yourselves. I’m about to reveal something very unusual about myself. Are you ready for this? Ahem. I am a near-death experiencer. Yes, you read that right. I have had not one but three – count ‘em THREE – near-death experiences. As a social media personality, writer, and YouTuber, I have an agent. Her name is Liz. She called me a couple of years … Continue reading A little-known fact about Chelly Wood, the doll clothing designer, YouTuber, and writer…

Chelly Wood8 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
The thumbnail shows the words "Do a Pick" atop a cell phone that shows a close-up of blond Francie modeling Best Buy Fashion #8645. The text beside and slightly to the left reads "Playing Betty and Veronica from Archie comics." The #DoApick shorts offer a series of three items from a bygone Barbie or other doll's era, from which you and a friend might pick out toys and dolls and the dolls' outfits.
Do a Pick! Game, Doll Play Videos, Favorite Books, Vintage Barbie, Vintage Francie

Let’s Do a Pick — Barbie is Betty and Steffie is Veronica from Archie Comics! #DoApick #Archie

Today’s “Do a Pick” game features the following: Best Buy Fashion #8645 Best Buy Fashion #3347 Busy Steffie #3312 Malibu Barbie Blond Francie Vintage Archie Comic Books This “Do a Pick” game asks you to pick between dolls and outfits to play the characters of Betty and Veronica from the Archie comic books of the 1970’s. What’s the story behind this game? When I was … Continue reading Let’s Do a Pick — Barbie is Betty and Steffie is Veronica from Archie Comics! #DoApick #Archie

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, Creative Spark Online Learning, Fan Mail, Favorite Books, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Can I teach myself to sew online, or do I need an in-person instructor? #Sewing #Tutorials

I’m back with another question from Kim, a follower who reached out to me a few weeks ago with a series of questions that beginners sometimes have when they’re learning to sew. In essence, Kim wanted to know if she could teach herself to sew, or whether or not an in-person instructor would be needed. I will address my answer to Kim’s question below the … Continue reading Can I teach myself to sew online, or do I need an in-person instructor? #Sewing #Tutorials

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Framed by a purple and turquoise blue quilted fabric frame, we see the Chelly Wood doll standing next to a book entitled, Little Quilts, with the subtitle "all through the house" by authors Alice Berg, Mary Ellen Von Holt, and Sylvia Johnson. In one corner of the book, it also says, "designer series." This book was published by "The Patchwork Place" in 1993.
Doll Furniture, Fan Mail, Favorite Books, Holiday Crafts, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Props and Dioramas

Advice for Making a Doll Quilt #Books #Quilting

I received an email from one of my followers, asking me for advice on doll-sized quilts. The question she asked was, “[If] you were to make a doll blanket or quilt for [a 14 inch] doll, what dimensions would you suggest?” So today’s blog post is a variation on the advice I gave her over email… There’s a fantastic book called Little Quilts : All … Continue reading Advice for Making a Doll Quilt #Books #Quilting

Chelly Wood4 Comments
American Girl Doll Patterns, Favorite Books, Interviews With Crafters

What’s the Best Book for Teaching a Child to Sew? — Sew in Style by Erin Hentzel! #CraftyMoms #CraftyKids

Full disclosure here… I’m actually acquainted with Erin Hentzel, the author of Avery Lane Design’s book, Sew in Style. She’s a member of one of the doll clothes sewing groups that I belong to on Facebook, and she’s a fellow instructor at the Creative Spark Online Learning platform. Furthermore, as an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But I actually bought this book back … Continue reading What’s the Best Book for Teaching a Child to Sew? — Sew in Style by Erin Hentzel! #CraftyMoms #CraftyKids

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A red felt Santa coat rests atop a blue cutting mat with the words "free pattern" angled toward the upper left corner of the photo of the doll-sized Santa coat. The Chelly Wood dot com logo appears in the lower left corner. The image is superimposed upon a purple background with tiny white polka dots. This Santa coat for dolls and plush toys is made of red felt with a cotton lining and little white felt collar and cuffs. Free patterns and a free doll clothes sewing tutorial can be found at Chelly Wood dot com, for making this little felt coat with a collar and cuffs that will fit Wellie Wishers, Pete the Cat plush toys, and Baby Alive dolls, among others in this size range.
13-inch doll clothes patterns, 14-inch doll clothes patterns, 15-inch doll clothes patterns, Baby Alive, Daily Patterns, Disney Princess Dolls, Favorite Books, Hearts for Hearts Girls, Holiday Crafts, Plushies/Stuffed Animals, Tutorials: Sewing for Dolls, Wellie Wishers Patterns

Need a gift to give a little boy this Christmas? I’ve got the perfect gift, with free sewing patterns too! #SantaClaus #GiftIdea

Scroll down to the second set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Please note: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more about how my website uses affiliate marketing, please visit the website’s Privacy Policy page. As it says in the video, I am, in fact, a school librarian in my regular day-to-day job, so of course I’m a … Continue reading Need a gift to give a little boy this Christmas? I’ve got the perfect gift, with free sewing patterns too! #SantaClaus #GiftIdea

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In this quilt-framed thumbnail image, a lineup of four Skipper-sized dolls stand next to the Chelly Wood doll (which is a Spin Master Liv doll that has been altered to look like the real doll clothing designer, Chelly Wood), and Chelly is holding up vintage Skipper Simplicity pattern 5861. Over the top of this photo, we see the text that reads, "Who can wear Skipper patterns?"
10-inch doll clothes patterns, 9-inch Dolls, Doll Measurements, Fan Mail, Favorite Books, Holiday Crafts, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Petite Barbie Patterns, Skipper Patterns, Stacie Patterns, Uncategorized, Vintage Skipper

Which dolls can wear Skipper patterns? #Sewing #SewVintage

Note: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last week one of my followers, Lisa, contacted me with some questions about sewing for Skipper. We had a lively exchange over email about how Skipper has changed over the years, and I answered a few of her questions about who can wear various Skipper doll clothes sewing patterns. Today’s blog post will share with … Continue reading Which dolls can wear Skipper patterns? #Sewing #SewVintage

Chelly Wood3 Comments