Tag: Crafts

A Chelly Wood doll (a Spin Master Liv doll that has been OOAK re-dressed, re-painted, and had its hair dyed to look like the real doll clothing designer Chelly Wood stands beside a photo of a McCall's 9061 vintage sewing pattern for baby and toddler dolls. The Chelly Wood doll wears a red check shirt and black trousers with a pair of flats. Her hair is tied in a red check handkerchief and she wears dark cat eye glasses.
Baby Doll Patterns, Fabric, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners

Learning to sew with McCall’s 9061 Vintage Baby and Toddler Dolls’ Wardrobe Patterns #Sewing #DollCollector

If you’re looking for details, tips, and tricks for sewing with the vintage McCall’s 9061 pattern for baby and toddler dolls, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s blog post, I’m going to give you links to the other blog posts I’ve written about this pattern, plus, I’ll let you know what information can be found on the envelope itself, including which dolls this … Continue reading Learning to sew with McCall’s 9061 Vintage Baby and Toddler Dolls’ Wardrobe Patterns #Sewing #DollCollector

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Thumbnail image featuring a prominent purple silhouette of a sewing machine outlined in white against a turquoise background. The geometric design includes a square displaying a vintage wooden spool of thread, and a rectangle showcasing the Chelly Wood dot com logo.
Crafts and Hobbies, Sewing and Fashion History, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners

What is the best brand of sewing machine for home use? And what type of machine did you learn to sew on? #Sewing #LearningToSew

Last week we shared our favorite brands of irons. Today I want to hear about what brand of sewing machine you use, and is it a good one or not? I’ll also share the brands I’ve used over the years, along with my own opinion about each of them. However, before I start describing sewing machines, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As … Continue reading What is the best brand of sewing machine for home use? And what type of machine did you learn to sew on? #Sewing #LearningToSew

Chelly Wood13 Comments
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store

Where can I find free sewing patterns for 18 inch dolls? Please help spread the news! #Free #SewingPatterns #EasyDIY

  My regular followers are probably wondering why I’ve posted so many “How to find” videos on my YouTube channel. Well, believe it or not, I still get questions — in fact I got one on my YouTube channel on Saturday — asking me how to find the patterns on this website. I’ve been on YouTube for more than 10 years, but there are still … Continue reading Where can I find free sewing patterns for 18 inch dolls? Please help spread the news! #Free #SewingPatterns #EasyDIY

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With a quilted purple and blue frame, a photo of a Made to Move Curvy Barbie with bright pink Anime-style hair stands next to and looks down at vintage 8281 Simplicity Barbie doll clothes pattern, which contains the patterns for making the very same raglan-sleeved shirt or blouse that the Made-to-Move Curvy Barbie is wearing. She also wears a miniskirt that is not pictured on the envelope for Simplicity 8281 vintage Barbie doll clothes patterns. The ChellyWood.com logo appears to the side of the photo.
Curvy Barbie, Fabric, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie, Vintage Ken

What are raglan shirts? — Here’s a quick explanation! #Sewing #HandmadeWithLove

In the image at the top of today’s blog post, Ken is modeling a handmade raglan-sleeved T-shirt, but what, exactly, does “raglan” mean? Well, in today’s blog post, we’ll dig deep into the differences between a set-in sleeve and a raglan sleeve, looking at doll clothes sewing patterns for both kinds. If you’re wondering about the history of the word “raglan” (AKA its etymology), I’ll … Continue reading What are raglan shirts? — Here’s a quick explanation! #Sewing #HandmadeWithLove

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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 Wood5 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.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store

Top 5 BEST sites for doll collectors and doll sewing enthusiasts… Please share your favorites too! #DollCollector #DIY

Now that I’m retired from my job as a school librarian, I have a lot more time on my hands! I have more time for crafting, sewing, and learning. So I thought I’d ask all of you — my followers and friends — “What YouTube channels, what websites, and what resources do you use in your doll collecting and doll crafting?” Below, I’ll list five … Continue reading Top 5 BEST sites for doll collectors and doll sewing enthusiasts… Please share your favorites too! #DollCollector #DIY

Chelly Wood5 Comments
The text in this thumbnail says, "Free halter top pattern" and it shows an image of a little girl doll (Our Generation doll) modeling a handmade halter top with big contrasting pockets.
18-inch doll clothes patterns, American Girl Doll Patterns, Madame Alexander Doll Clothes Patterns, Our Generation dolls, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Let’s make a halter top for 18″ dolls with free patterns (including A4 patterns!) #18inchDolls #DIY

  Scroll down to the second set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. This pattern has been one of my most popular doll clothes patterns because it fits so many different dolls! I recently gave my mother-in-law my little red-headed, second-hand Our Generation doll, who appears in the video at the top of the page. I went to make this doll a halter … Continue reading Let’s make a halter top for 18″ dolls with free patterns (including A4 patterns!) #18inchDolls #DIY

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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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Frog and Toadstool cube shaped or pillow shaped pincushion for sale, for four dollars and ninety nine cents plus shipping at Chelly Wood dot com. The little yellow frog sits on top of a toadstool. His back is dotted with tiny yellow straight pins with ball heads. The toadstool and frog are batiked onto a purple background. The toadstool is streaked with a rainbow of colors, but it’s largely covered by the two-toned yellow and brown frog. The frog’s shape is outlined with black embroidery.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store, Pincushions

I have another frog pincushion for sale! (My last one sold instantly!) #Handmade #Frog

Yes, the first frog pincushion that I posted for sale in my online store was sold within minutes of posting it… Wow! Thank you to my regular follower (and friend) who kindly purchased it! But I have been busily making more of these, in the hope that I can find them each a new home. Here’s the story behind my froggy pincushions… I ran across … Continue reading I have another frog pincushion for sale! (My last one sold instantly!) #Handmade #Frog

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Here we see a photo of the Marie Osmond 6664 "Butterick's Personality Doll Wardrobe" envelope and its photo of an actual Marie Osmond doll modeling a red western shirt with white front yokes and a pair of shiny black pants. The pattern options to the doll's right are showing a yellow jumper (in the USA sense of "jumper" -- a sleeveless dress which is sometimes worn over a shirt): a floor length caftan dress with ribbon ties at the sleeve and a waistband; a blue, V-neck long-sleeved shirt with cuffs and a waistband; a long-sleeved white shirt with a collar and cuffs; a purple evening dance dress with a zig-zag-cut skirt and a bodice with straps that tie at the shoulders; a short camel-colored caftan blouse with a waistband and ribbon ties at the sleeves' ends; a green flared ice skater's skirt; a green body suit with long sleeves and a turtle neck. The Chelly Wood doll stands to the left of the envelope. The Marie Osmond doll is on the pattern envelope itself because Butterick 6664 is designed to fit the Marie Osmond Barbie doll.
Marie Osmond dolls, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tammy Doll Patterns

Can vintage Ideal Tammy dolls wear Marie Osmond Barbie doll clothes (Butterick 6664)? #MarieOsmond #Sewing

All of my regular blog followers know that I love Ideal Tammy dolls, but did you know that I’m also a fan of Marie Osmond? Yup! I had the Donny and Marie Osmond dolls as a kid, and for many years, my Marie Osmond Barbie-sized doll was my go-to plaything. Marie Osmond was beautiful! She was talented! And she had her own variety TV show! … Continue reading Can vintage Ideal Tammy dolls wear Marie Osmond Barbie doll clothes (Butterick 6664)? #MarieOsmond #Sewing

Chelly Wood4 Comments
The turquoise blue frame surrounds two different photos: one of a 12 inch baby doll wearing a halter dress with bloomers and the other showing a 12 inch baby doll wearing a halter top with shorts. The watermark reminds us to visit Chelly Wood dot com for free printable PDF sewing patterns for making these doll clothes for baby dolls.
4-inch doll clothes patterns, 5-inch doll clothes patterns, Baby Doll Patterns, Crafts and Hobbies, Heart Family dolls

Where to find free printable PDF sewing patterns for making BABY doll clothes! #FreeStuff #SewingPatterns

Yes, my website also offers free patterns for making baby doll clothes! Even though ChellyWood.com has existed for more than ten years, there are still lots of people in the sewing world who’ve never heard of my website. When they do come to explore my site, a lot of times they leave a comment or message me saying that they don’t understand how to find … Continue reading Where to find free printable PDF sewing patterns for making BABY doll clothes! #FreeStuff #SewingPatterns

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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

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
Frog and Toadstool cube shaped or pillow shaped pincushion for sale for four dollars and ninety nine cents plus shipping at Chelly Wood dot com. The little green frog sits under a toadstool. His back is dotted with tiny green straight pins with ball heads. The toadstool and frog are batiked onto a pink background with a blue below-the-horizon rock or pool of water. The toadstool is bright yellow on top, purple underneath, and has a black stem that's mostly hidden behind the two-toned green frog.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store

Frog and Toadstool pincushion… Can you give me some online sales advice? #Handmade #Frog

It has been a while since I’ve added a handmade product of my own to my store, so today I’m announcing a cute little froggy pincushion, which is for sale in my store. And at the end of today’s blog post, I’m also asking for a little advice on how best to sell these. Here’s the story behind my froggy pincushions… I ran across a … Continue reading Frog and Toadstool pincushion… Can you give me some online sales advice? #Handmade #Frog

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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.
Doll Measurements, Fan Mail, Ken Patterns, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection

Can modern Ken wear 1960s Ken’s doll clothes? I have results to share! #Memorabilia #VintageKen

I really enjoyed making my 1960’s Ken doll a wonderful ensemble, using this vintage Advance 2899 sewing pattern for male fashion dolls. While I shared my sewing and learning process with you, some of you sent me questions about this particular pattern. For example, some people were curious about whether or not this pattern would fit a modern Ken doll. So I tried my Advance … Continue reading Can modern Ken wear 1960s Ken’s doll clothes? I have results to share! #Memorabilia #VintageKen

Chelly Wood7 Comments
Text reads "ORT holder or thread catcher" and the image shows a fabric basket that collapses and pops out, for holding "old ratty threads" and other miscellaneous sewing accoutrements.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store

What is an ORT holder? #Sewing #Handmade

Also known as a “thread catcher,” the item you see above is sometimes referred to as an ORT holder. The letters O-R-T stand for “old ratty threads” or sometimes “odd random threads.” My mother-in-law, Anita, has made me half a dozen of these, and I absolutely love them! So when she asked if she could sell one of her lovely creations in my online shop, … Continue reading What is an ORT holder? #Sewing #Handmade

Chelly Wood2 Comments