Tag: Sewing

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
A thumbnail features a Mattel Petite Barbie doll with red hair modeling a Halloween outfit including a shirt, miniskirt, tights, and boots. The text reads, "Free patterns!" Click on the thumbnail to access free printable PDF sewing patterns for making this "Spooky Sewing" outfit for your Petite Barbie doll.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Barbie Patterns, Daily Patterns, Holiday Crafts, Petite Barbie Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 3 #HalloweenDIY #DIYHalloween

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s “Spooky Halloween Skirt” and cotton shirt project is actually one I’ve designed for Barbie, Ideal Tammy, and other dolls, but today I’m posting the outfit for Petite Barbie dolls for the first time. To adjust a pattern that was designed to fit Barbie so it now fits a smaller doll … Continue reading DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 3 #HalloweenDIY #DIYHalloween

Chelly Wood2 Comments
An Ida B Wells doll from Mattel's Inspiring Women collection wears a jacket from Simplicity 1242 while standing beside an image of the Simplicity 1242 doll clothes sewing pattern for Barbie dolls.
Curvy Barbie, Fabric, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

Duplicating Donna’s Jacket with Simplicity 1242 and an Inspiring Woman, Ida B. Wells #Sewing #WomensHistory

As I’ve said in my earlier blog posts, I was so moved by the people I met in Chicago at the IANDS conference, that I created doll clothes to represent each of the people I met while I was there. This doll is meant to represent a woman named Donna. I worked with her in the IANDS bookstore about three times, as a volunteer, and … Continue reading Duplicating Donna’s Jacket with Simplicity 1242 and an Inspiring Woman, Ida B. Wells #Sewing #WomensHistory

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Inside a purple square thumbnail, the text reads, "free pattern!" beside the photo of a Barbie doll with long blond hair modeling a strappy summer shirt and a full Halloween-themed skirt dotted with tiny pumpkins. Visit ChellyWood.com for the free patterns to make this outfit for your Barbie dolls.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, Barbie Patterns, Daily Patterns, Holiday Crafts, Whole Costumes for Dolls

DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 2 #HalloweenBarbie #BarbieHalloween

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s “Spooky Halloween Skirt” and top project is actually one I’ve designed in pink and white in the past, and you can find this project under Barbie, Sindy, and a few other dolls, when you link out from the home page. Unlike the “Spooky Sewing Series” Part 1 skirt, this project … Continue reading DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 2 #HalloweenBarbie #BarbieHalloween

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A strawberry blond curvy Barbie doll models an animal print blouse that has three-quarter length sleeves and side darts. The text says, "free shirt pattern!" beside the Chelly Wood dot com logo.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Barbie Patterns, Curvy Barbie, Daily Patterns, Vintage Barbie, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Make your Curvy Barbie an animal print blouse, PLUS details about my trip to Chicago! #BookStore #Fashionista

  Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. If you regularly follow my blog posts, you may recall that I attended the IANDS conference in Chicago, back in August. I was so inspired by the people I met at that conference, that I’ve begun the process of designing doll clothes to match the fashionable outfits worn by the … Continue reading Make your Curvy Barbie an animal print blouse, PLUS details about my trip to Chicago! #BookStore #Fashionista

Chelly Wood5 Comments
In a purple thumbnail, a Barbie models a Halloween skirt and top ensemble. Beside her are the words, "Free pattern" and the Chelly Wood dot com logo.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, Barbie Patterns, Daily Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 1 #Halloween #HalloweenParty

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s “Spooky Halloween Skirt” and top project is actually the same outfit I posted last Easter, but with a couple of simple alterations. If you’re not sure what I mean by “alterations,” Scroll down past the needle and cross-stitches. That’s where I talk about the online courses that I teach, including … Continue reading DIY Halloween Skirts for Barbie: Spooky Sewing Series Part 1 #Halloween #HalloweenParty

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Thumbnail featuring an eleven inch tall Strawberry Shortcake doll beside a dress form labeled “Tape Measure Tuesday.” The thumbnail includes text: “With doll clothing designer, Chelly Wood,” accompanied by the Chelly Wood dot com logo. The image is bordered by bright turquoise blue rulers against a purple background with tiny polka dots. Clicking this thumbnail leads to an infographic detailing sewing measurements for the big Strawberry Shortcake dolls.
Doll Measurements, Fan Mail, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls, Tape Measure Tuesday

Tape Measure Tuesday with the BIG 11 inch Strawberry Shortcake doll #StrawberryShortcake #TapeMeasureTuesday

Scroll down for clarifications to each measurement. Please note: when you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include Amazon, Etsy, and the eBay Partner Network. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more about how my website uses affiliate marketing, please … Continue reading Tape Measure Tuesday with the BIG 11 inch Strawberry Shortcake doll #StrawberryShortcake #TapeMeasureTuesday

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Advance 2896 with quilted frame and Tall Barbie in Halloween dress standing nearby. the doll is shown in profile. Her long hair is accentuated by this side view, and you can see that the dress has a belt that ties in the back. On the pattern envelope this dress is most like the one pictured in View 5.
Fabric, Holiday Crafts, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

When your pattern doesn’t fit on the fabric, what do you do? #SewingTips #couture

We’ve all had it happen. You’re thinking, “A fat quarter should be enough to make this little doll dress. Right?” You get home, start pinning the pattern pieces onto the fabric, and then… “Oh crap.” That fat quarter isn’t quite long enough for the skirt’s ruffle (or whatever piece still needs pinning). What can you do? Before I go on, I need to make my … Continue reading When your pattern doesn’t fit on the fabric, what do you do? #SewingTips #couture

Chelly Wood4 Comments
Moana wears a Halloween orange tank top (vest in the UK) with a pair of black and white gingham shorts. The text says, "Free pattern!"
10-inch doll clothes patterns, 9-inch Dolls, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Daily Patterns, Holiday Crafts, Moana dolls, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Free sewing patterns for 9.5 inch Moana doll’s shorts and cropped summer top @ ChellyWood.com #DisneyFan #indiepatterns

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Yes, if you’re a regular follower, you’ve probably seen today’s outfit on a different doll. I like to re-post similar outfits on different dolls, so I can add links from (in this case) the Moana gallery of free patterns to this page. That way, people who are specifically seeking a shorts-and-tank-top … Continue reading Free sewing patterns for 9.5 inch Moana doll’s shorts and cropped summer top @ ChellyWood.com #DisneyFan #indiepatterns

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Thumbnail image shows the front of pattern envelope Simplicity 8281, plus a close-up of Simplicity 8281's View 6 culottes, vest, and long-sleeved tee shirt. In the middle, between the pattern envelope and the close-up of a doll wearing the View 6 gouchos (culottes) vest and t-shirt, we see a bubble cut Barbie wearing the handmade outfit. Exactly as printed on the envelope cover, the gouchos / culottes and vest are sky blue, while the long-sleeved T-shirt is made of a red and white striped jersey fabric with narrow one-eighth inch wide stripes. The dolls shoes are red classic pumps.
Fabric, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Sewing and Fashion History, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

Are denim vests back in style in 2025? #SewingPodcast #FashionHistory

I started my 7th grade year in the fall of 1979, and I distinctly remember owning an outfit that included a denim vest. It came with a pretty ruffled skirt made of tan denim, a white top made of lightweight cotton, and a tan denim vest with cream-colored topstitching. My aunt, Harriet, took me on a shopping spree just before school started, and she bought … Continue reading Are denim vests back in style in 2025? #SewingPodcast #FashionHistory

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5-inch doll clothes patterns, 6-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Free sewing patterns for Strawberry Shortcake character dolls — including A4 PDF! #StrawberryShortcakeCollection #StrawberryShortcake

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Today’s free patterns and tutorial videos will help you make the entire ensemble worn by the Blueberry Muffin character in the Strawberry Shortcake cartoon from the 1980’s. I designed these doll clothes to fit my own Blueberry Muffin doll (made by Kenner), but the pattern is easy enough to adapt to … Continue reading Free sewing patterns for Strawberry Shortcake character dolls — including A4 PDF! #StrawberryShortcakeCollection #StrawberryShortcake

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Free pattern! Blueberry Muffin vintage doll models a handmade blue and white check gingham dress with bell sleeves and a scalloped trim.
5-inch doll clothes patterns, 6-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls

Let’s make Blueberry Muffin’s gingham dress with bell sleeves! #80skid #Collectibles

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Week by week, I’ve been building on an ensemble for Blueberry Muffin, a little doll from the Strawberry Shortcake doll lineup from the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Today’s tutorial shows you how to make a bell-sleeved dress for Strawberry Shortcake dolls, and since I happen to own a Blueberry Muffin … Continue reading Let’s make Blueberry Muffin’s gingham dress with bell sleeves! #80skid #Collectibles

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Thumbnail image shows the front of pattern envelope Simplicity 8281, plus a close-up of Simplicity 8281's View 6 culottes, vest, and long-sleeved tee shirt. In the middle, between the pattern envelope and the close-up of a doll wearing the View 6 gouchos (culottes) vest and t-shirt, we see a bubble cut Barbie wearing the handmade outfit. Exactly as printed on the envelope cover, the gouchos / culottes and vest are sky blue, while the long-sleeved T-shirt is made of a red and white striped jersey fabric with narrow one-eighth inch wide stripes. The dolls shoes are red classic pumps.
Fabric, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Vintage Barbie

How to sew raglan sleeves by hand #VintageSewing #HandSewing

As most of my regular followers know, when it comes to making clothes for dolls, I really like to sew by hand. If I’m using a slippery or curly fabric, like satin or jersey, I definitely prefer sewing by hand. For today’s project — a raglan-sleeved Barbie shirt–I sewed it from start to finish, using a number of different hand stitches. And this blog post … Continue reading How to sew raglan sleeves by hand #VintageSewing #HandSewing

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On pink Halloween invitation paper, we see various pink and purple Halloween images, including a ghost with a broom, another ghost with a party hat, two cobwebs, a purple and pink mint candy, pink stars and a moon, with an orange bat flying up toward the moon and stars. In the center of this colorful thumbnail stands a Mattel Skipper doll, modeling handmade doll clothes that include trousers or pants and a top or vest. The text reads, "Skipper is going to a Halloween party, where there will be free sewing patterns. YAY!" The URL for ChellyWood.com is given as the location where you can learn more.
10-inch doll clothes patterns, 9-inch Dolls, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Daily Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Crafting a Spooktacular Halloween: Free Sewing Patterns for Skipper & Stacie Dolls #HalloweenParty #CraftProjects

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Incorporate creativity into your Halloween celebrations with my free sewing patterns designed for vintage 1980’s Skipper and modern Stacie dolls. This blog post will guide you through a fun and engaging party craft project that parents and children alike will enjoy. If you’re worried your guests won’t have the right dolls … Continue reading Crafting a Spooktacular Halloween: Free Sewing Patterns for Skipper & Stacie Dolls #HalloweenParty #CraftProjects

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5-inch doll clothes patterns, 6-inch doll clothes patterns, A4 Printer PDF Patterns, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls

Let’s make a Strawberry Shortcake doll’s pinafore with free sewing patterns! #BlueberryMuffin #VintageToys

Scroll down to the third set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Last week I gave you a new sewing pattern for making doll clothes that will fit the Strawberry Shortcake character dolls from the late 1970’s and 1980’s. To revisit last week’s tutorial video which showed how to make the teeny-tiny tights, please click here. Today’s tutorial shows you how to make … Continue reading Let’s make a Strawberry Shortcake doll’s pinafore with free sewing patterns! #BlueberryMuffin #VintageToys

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