On a purple cotton fabric square background, the words "free pattern" are written above the ChellyWood.com logo. Beside these texts is a photo of a platinum blonde vintage Skipper doll from the 1980s modeling a short-skirted yellow sundress with straps. (Sometimes spelled sun dress.) To locate and print this doll dress for your vintage skipper dolls, go to Chelly Wood dot com. Other dresses and doll clothes patterns are available for free on this free doll clothes sewing pattern website as well.

Make straps for a doll’s dress the quick and easy way with today’s YouTube Shorts video #Sewingtutorial #SewWithMe

  I just returned from my vacation in Arizona, California, and Nevada. When I got back, I had a partially finished video tutorial showing how to make a long, strappy, purple sun dress for Skipper, but I discovered that today’s video (which I wanted to reference in the purple sun dress video) had never been posted to YouTube as a Shorts video before. I thought … Continue reading Make straps for a doll’s dress the quick and easy way with today’s YouTube Shorts video #Sewingtutorial #SewWithMe

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.

What are your thoughts on autistic Barbie?

  I’m a big fan of Sam Bentley’s Good News channel, and this month (which is Autism Awareness Month), he did a news story on the new Barbie with autism spectrum. Have you heard about this Barbie? She’s very articulated! What are your thoughts on this Barbie? Personally, I’m excited to see all the facets of diversity that Mattel is offering these days. People come … Continue reading What are your thoughts on autistic Barbie?

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

I’ve created another fabric on Spoonflower. Can you vote for it please? #Challenge #SewingLove

  I’m still on Vacation. As I type this, I’m in a hotel room in San Dimas, California. So to keep things simple while I’m away, I’ve created some short videos of me painting honeymoon hibiscus flowers. Before I left on this vacation, I used some painting software to remove the white background from behind the flowers I painted, adding leaves in abundance (also these … Continue reading I’ve created another fabric on Spoonflower. Can you vote for it please? #Challenge #SewingLove

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.

What are you doing in your sewing practice, to keep things sustainable? #EarthDay #Recycle

I think all of us know that our earth is in need of a relaxing day at the spa, right? Tomorrow is Earth Day, and in years past, I’ve done official “Earth Day Challenge” activities. You can view those here and here, if you’re interested in seeing what those challenges looked like. Before I go on, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As … Continue reading What are you doing in your sewing practice, to keep things sustainable? #EarthDay #Recycle

Velcro or snap fasteners? Which one do you prefer and why? #SewingChat #Sewcialists

When it comes to fasteners, most people have a favorite. As a seamstress, installing a zipper isn’t my favorite thing. As a little girl, my least favorite was the hook and eye because I never seemed to be able to get them fastened. But for many people who sew doll clothes, they’re either a Velcro fan or they prefer snaps. Which one is your favorite? … Continue reading Velcro or snap fasteners? Which one do you prefer and why? #SewingChat #Sewcialists

In front of an airport, Betty the Bus Driver (a Bumblebee DC Comics doll) drives a public transportation bus filled with people. This is part of the Chelly Wood dot com celebration of Black History Month in February of 2026.

Stop Motion Video with DC Super Hero Bumblebee Doll as “Betty the Bus Driver!” #StopMotion #StopMotionAnimation

  March has been an interesting month for me. My computer started slowing down in February, and then in March, I took it to the fixit shop. And then I got it back and it didn’t work. So I took it to the fixit shop again. And when I got it back, it didn’t work again. This went on for something like five trips to … Continue reading Stop Motion Video with DC Super Hero Bumblebee Doll as “Betty the Bus Driver!” #StopMotion #StopMotionAnimation

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.

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

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.

Here’s a quick preview for February’s upcoming sewing projects #SewingProjects #BlackHistoryMonth

I’m going to keep today’s blog post brief, but I do want you to let me know if there are events or people related to Black History Month that you’d like my blog posts to feature. Please feel free to leave those requests in the comments! I’ll spend this weekend doing my research, and as the video says, I’ll be posting facts about famous African … Continue reading Here’s a quick preview for February’s upcoming sewing projects #SewingProjects #BlackHistoryMonth

The image shows a needle and thread hovering over a swatch of heart-shaped lace. The overlay says, "Sewing with lace" and this header leads to a tutorial video that explains the many types of lace and what they are used for when sewing doll clothes.

How to add a lace embellishment to one of my free shirt patterns @ ChellyWood.com #SewWithMe #SewingHacks

Today I want to talk about how easy it is to add a swatch of lace to the front of a garment, to give it an extra kick! Lace is considered a notion or embellishment, and it isn’t a necessary addition to a garment. But it can really jazz up an ordinary shirt or blouse. Before I go on, I need to make my required … Continue reading How to add a lace embellishment to one of my free shirt patterns @ ChellyWood.com #SewWithMe #SewingHacks

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.

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

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.

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

On a gingham background, the silhouette of a human hand holding a cell phone has a white arrow pointing to the upper right corner of the cell phone, where a circle appears with tiny lines inside it. This indicates where the main menu will be located on Chelly Wood dot com, should a person need to access the dropdown menu for any of the following features: The home page, the blog, the helpful information dropdown (giving access to "helpful tips and FAQ's", Chelly's paid courses, contact information for this website, funding and charity work, Romeo & Juliet, Share your Creations! -- Additional items in the main menu include the privacy policy, cart, checkout, my account, shop, and donate.

Help me re-organize things on ChellyWood.com — I need some advice! #Goals

When I was at the IANDS conference in Chicago, one of the ladies there asked me if I could show her what my website looks like. I watched her fiddle around on her phone, confused, trying to get from the Home Page to the American Girls doll clothes pattern page. It was kind of a disaster. So I thought, “Oh man, I’ve got to make … Continue reading Help me re-organize things on ChellyWood.com — I need some advice! #Goals

Fabric. Click the "Fabric" button to see all the fabrics designed by Chelly Wood. This link will take you to Chelly's Spoonflower store.

Let’s talk fabric! #Fabric #Spoonflower

In 2025, those of us who live in the US lost our beloved JoAnn Fabrics stores, and in the little farm town where I live, that was really my only source for buying fabrics in person. So I got creative! I started to design my own fabrics with Spoonflower. Yes, they are more expensive, but Spoonflower is committed to an eco-friendly manufacturing process. And… If … Continue reading Let’s talk fabric! #Fabric #Spoonflower

Handmade doll quilt with tiny pillow. Images show in clockwise order, starting in the upper right corner: vintage charm; twenty-one inches by seventeen inches; applique hearts; vintage fabrics; tiny pillow included; made with love. Each of these subtexts accompanies a close-up image of the cotton fabrics used to make the heart applique quilt for dolls.

Doll quilts for sale! #Christmas2025 #GiftIdeas

If you’ve been making 18 inch doll clothes or baby doll clothes for your child or grandchild for Christmas, today’s blog post is a reminder that I have not one, but two handmade quilts for sale in my Etsy store, which would be great as part of your doll clothes Christmas gift bundle! My mother-in-law, Anita, makes these doll quilts, and as you can see, … Continue reading Doll quilts for sale! #Christmas2025 #GiftIdeas

In this visually engaging thumbnail titled "Five Spooky Halloween Skirts for Barbie," viewers are treated to a captivating display of fashion and creativity. The video is prominently featured on a flat screen TV, showcasing the legs and feet of five Barbie dolls. Each doll struts in style, wearing a unique combination of black boots, orange heels, and black and white striped leggings paired with vibrant, Halloween-themed skirts that capture the festive spirit of the season.

Barbie and friends are headed to a Halloween dance… Watch the stop-motion video! #StopMotion #HalloweenKids

My regular followers have been enjoying my “Spooky Sewing” series, where you learn how to make the outfits featured in today’s stop motion video, using my free doll clothes sewing patterns and tutorial videos. This series will continue next week as well. Today’s video includes both a super fun dance scene in stop-motion and a pitch for the sale of these adorable Halloween outfits for … Continue reading Barbie and friends are headed to a Halloween dance… Watch the stop-motion video! #StopMotion #HalloweenKids