Category: Uncategorized

With a tiny quilt framing it, we see an image of the McCall's 5462 doll clothes pattern on the right and an image of a Barbie doll modeling the shirt from view B in the McCall's Barbie clothes pattern on the left. An arrow points from the pattern to the doll's shirt.
Interviews With Crafters, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Uncategorized

How to sew a boatneck top, using McCall’s Barbie pattern 5462 #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns

If you’ve only recently started to sew doll clothes, you may feel a little challenged by projects that use a boatneck. According to Webster’s online dictionary, a boatneck top has “a wide neckline that extends toward the tips of the shoulders.” And as my computer is still in the fixit shop, today’s blog post is a repeat. That’s why it may look familiar to you. … Continue reading How to sew a boatneck top, using McCall’s Barbie pattern 5462 #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns

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The image shows a building shape, made out of safety pins. Inside the building are the Times New Roman font words: "Out of the Office" to indicate that sewing blogger, doll clothes designer, and You-Tuber Chelly Wood will be on vacation from December 24th until January 2nd.
Uncategorized

I won’t be available for a while. Here’s how you can help!

Did you see this video? My computer died! While it’s in the “fixit shop,” I’ll have to use the public access computers at the library or my phone (which I’m not very good at typing on) until I get a working computer. My fear is that while I’m on hiatus, I’ll lose followers. I mean, it’s not the end of the world to lose followers, … Continue reading I won’t be available for a while. Here’s how you can help!

Chelly Wood7 Comments
We are making history! A book entitled "Black History Month" rests beside a circle of hands bumping fists. Each fist is a different flesh tone, from pale to dark brown. This thumbnail is for an article about how we, in real time, are making history happen all around us. The article can be found at Chelly Wood dot com, as part of her Black History Month celebration in February of 2026.
Holiday Crafts, Uncategorized

We are the history makers… #BlackHistoryMonth #History

We are the history makers… As you know, February is Black History Month, and in celebration, I’m writing articles that research various famous Black Americans or persons of African ancestry, while also posting my usual doll-clothes-sewing related blog posts. However on Fridays this month, I want to feature everyday people of African heritage. Why? Because we are the makers of history — you and I … Continue reading We are the history makers… #BlackHistoryMonth #History

Chelly Wood6 Comments
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.
8-inch doll clothes patterns, Doll Makeovers, Uncategorized

Can you help me identify this doll? #DollCollector #Dollstagram

My mother always said, “If you’re going to use the restroom at a place of business, then you need to also buy something.” So the other day, when I went into my local thrift shop to use the bathroom, I looked through the sewing supplies first. Since they didn’t have anything I wanted or needed at that time, I moved on to peruse the dolls. … Continue reading Can you help me identify this doll? #DollCollector #Dollstagram

Chelly Wood7 Comments
Chelly Wood dot com. Thank you for your support in 2025. Images show a tomato pin cushion and a dollar sign surrounded by a circle with arrows, indicating your money comes back to you.
Charity Work, Chelly's Books, Donate, Selling Your Crafts, Uncategorized

Did your donations and purchases make a difference on ChellyWood.com in 2025? Full disclosure… #NewYearsResolution #2025Review

Today’s the last day of 2025, so I think it’s time to let you know how my small business (officially called ChellyWood LLC) is doing, financially. The image above shows a screenshot of my bookkeeping spreadsheet for Quarter 1 (January through March) of 2025. Sorry about the hashmarks where dates should appear. This spreadsheet is my husband’s creation, so it’s got a few glitches. First, … Continue reading Did your donations and purchases make a difference on ChellyWood.com in 2025? Full disclosure… #NewYearsResolution #2025Review

Chelly Wood6 Comments
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

Chelly Wood27 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
With a quilted frame around it, we see a section of a McCall's vintage fashion doll clothes sewing pattern for making a cape that will fit a fashion doll like Barbie and similar-sized dolls.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Uncategorized

What are the best patterns for Barbie capes? #FashionDolls #SewWithMe

Fall is right around the corner, so we’ll need to keep our little dolls warm. A coat is easy enough to make, but capes are usually even easier! Before you read on, please note that many of my links are affiliate marketing links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more about this, please see my Privacy Policy page. Thank you! … Continue reading What are the best patterns for Barbie capes? #FashionDolls #SewWithMe

Chelly Wood2 Comments
The thumbnail, framed by a turquoise blue and purple quilt, shows the front of the envelope for Simplicity 5861, a vintage doll clothes pattern for Skipper, from 1964. The text in this thumbnail reads, "Vintage Skipper Simplicity 5861" and under this, we see the Chelly Wood dot com logo.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics, Tutorials: Sewing for Dolls, Uncategorized, Vintage Skipper

What is a hook and eye closure, and how do you sew one? #SewingHacks #SewWithMe

Today I’m going to explain how to sew a hook and eye onto the back of a doll’s garment. Specifically, I’ll be working with the bodice for Dress View 6 in the Simplicity doll clothes wardrobe pattern 5861 for vintage Skipper dolls. Let’s stat with a quick explanation of the notion referred to as a “Hook and eye” or “Hook and loop.” The pink arrow … Continue reading What is a hook and eye closure, and how do you sew one? #SewingHacks #SewWithMe

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
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.
Fabric, Fan Mail, Interviews With Crafters, Sewing Chat, Uncategorized

What are you working on? #SewingProjects #SewingChat

Today’s blog post is short and sweet. (At least, I hope you think it’s sweet!) I haven’t had many comments on my website lately, and frankly, I miss you guys! So I’m reaching out with a simple question: What are you working on right now? Or maybe your summer is filled with family gatherings, and you just haven’t had time for sewing. That’s okay. Tell … Continue reading What are you working on? #SewingProjects #SewingChat

Chelly Wood19 Comments
The Chelly Wood doll (AKA Spin Master Liv doll) stands next to the vintage Barbie sewing pattern Advance 2896. This thumbnail image is surrounded by a purple and turquoise blue quilted frame.
Fabric, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Uncategorized, Vintage Barbie

How to use 2 small squares of fabric to make a #Barbie shirt! #SewingFun

What can you do with small squares of leftover fabric? You can make a Barbie shirt, of course! And in today’s blog post, I’m going to show you exactly how I took two squares of leftover fabric and turned them into a simple Barbie shirt with a pocket. *Please note: when you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, … Continue reading How to use 2 small squares of fabric to make a #Barbie shirt! #SewingFun

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Framed by a blue and purple quilt, the ChellyWood.com logo accompanies a close-up image of Simplicity 4883 Ideal Tammy doll clothes patterns and a pattern for making a shoe box closet that would work for most 11 inch or 12 inch fashion dolls like Ideal Tammy, Mattel's Barbie dolls, Rainbow High dolls, and dozens of other fashion dolls in this size range.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Uncategorized

Changing the fabric can make a BIG difference! #Sewing #Fabrics

I often have people contact me to request pajamas for the doll of their choice. Even if I’ve never made a specifically labeled “pajama” pattern for a doll, it’s likely that I’ve made patterns you can use for pajamas. What do I mean by this? The fabric makes all the difference! *Please note: when you click on links to various merchants on this site and … Continue reading Changing the fabric can make a BIG difference! #Sewing #Fabrics

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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.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Uncategorized

How to sew a facing on a neckline: Ken doll dinner jacket! #Sewing #Troubleshooting

I’ve been working with the vintage Ken doll clothing pattern, Sew Easy Advance 2899, and this time, specifically, I’ve been sewing the jacket from the View 1 image on the envelope. Like many Ken-sized coat patterns, this dinner jacket comes with a facing piece, which must be attached around the front inside section of the jacket, to help form the lapels. When I saw that … Continue reading How to sew a facing on a neckline: Ken doll dinner jacket! #Sewing #Troubleshooting

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
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.
Ken Patterns, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Uncategorized, Vintage Ken

How to Sew a Patch Pocket on a Ken Doll’s Shirt (Advance 2899) #SewingTips #VintageSewing

Last week I gave you a few tips and pointers on sewing a collar for Ken’s View 2 long-sleeved shirt, in the Advance 2899 doll clothes sewing pattern. This is a vintage sewing pattern from 1962, and I’m really enjoying sewing with it! This week, I’m going to talk about how to sew on a patch pocket, like the pocket you see on my Ken … Continue reading How to Sew a Patch Pocket on a Ken Doll’s Shirt (Advance 2899) #SewingTips #VintageSewing

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
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.
Ken Patterns, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Uncategorized, Vintage Ken

How to sew Ken’s collar so it lays down flat #VintageKen #SewingTips

Recently I sewed the collared shirt shown in View 2 of this vintage 1962 Advance 2899 sewing pattern for Ken dolls. While I was working on this, I got a message from one of my followers, asking if there’s a trick to sewing Ken’s collars so they will lay flat. And yes, there are a couple of tricks. Today’s blog post will address them. *Please … Continue reading How to sew Ken’s collar so it lays down flat #VintageKen #SewingTips

Chelly WoodLeave a comment