Tag: Sewing

Here we see the Chelly Wood doll from the ChellyWood.com website and the ChellyWood1 YouTube channel. She holds up a sewing pattern for 18 inch doll clothes. The pattern's cover image shows Simplicity 18" doll clothes pattern #4654 which includes patterns for making a lined hooded raincoat or coverup, a tank top and skort, a short-sleeved everyday dress, a sunny sleeveless top with capri pants, a T-shirt with cargo pants, and a crop top with skort or shorts. There's also an 18-inch doll pictured on the pattern wearing a denim jumper with overall straps. The doll wears a striped tee shirt under the overall-style jumper. (This is "jumper" in the US sense of the word -- not a "sweater" as we'd say in the US, but more of a dress with the style of overalls). The watermark on this photo reminds us to visit ChellyWood.com for free, printable sewing patterns for making doll clothes to fit dolls of many shapes and all different sizes. This image also has a header that says, "Today's topic of discussion: what makes a pattern difficult for beginners?" And in fact, if you navigate to the link to the article that accompanies this image, doll clothing designer, YouTuber, and writer Chelly Wood discusses all the features that make this particular pattern difficult for a beginner who is just learning to sew. This article is designed to help anyone who teaches sewing classes, is teaching another person how to sew, or people who are, themselves, just learning to sew, what to avoid when purchasing store-bought patterns.
Interviews With Crafters, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

How to Tell When a Sewing Pattern Is NOT for Beginners (Part 1) #SewingForDolls #Handmade

I started sewing doll clothes when I was very young, back in the early 1970’s, but I didn’t really learn how to read patterns and pattern instructions until I was about 10 or 12. Reading the instructions on the back of a pattern can seem daunting to a child who is learning to sew, and therefore I don’t advise it for kids under age 10. … Continue reading How to Tell When a Sewing Pattern Is NOT for Beginners (Part 1) #SewingForDolls #Handmade

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The image shows a sewing machine with a tiny pink swatch of fabric between the presser foot and the feed dogs. Thread, bobbins, and other sewing tools are scattered around a white table top near the sewing machine's base. This image represents Chelly's sewing room while she recovers from West Nile Virus.
Crafts and Hobbies, Fan Mail, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

How do you finish off your seams? — Please comment! #SewingTips #SewingChat

For today’s “Doll Clothes Sewing Chat,” let’s talk about finishing off a seam. Personally, I use a backstitch, so I’m going to define what that means to me before we get the chat underway… DEFINITION: A backstitch is when you stitch in one direction, you stitch backwards from there, and then you stitch in the forward direction again. This can be done by hand or … Continue reading How do you finish off your seams? — Please comment! #SewingTips #SewingChat

Chelly Wood9 Comments
On a purple background, a woman's hand holds up a yellow card with a blue stripe running down the left side. At the top of the bleu stripe, the Dritz logo appears as white logo image and text on top of a black background. The card holds 10 of the 12 sew-on snaps that were originally place on the card. Two of the snap locations are now vacated and holes are punched through the card where the snaps would have been.
Crafts and Hobbies, For Sale in the Store, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

How to Sew Snaps (AKA Poppers) on Doll Clothes Part 1 –when the snap doesn’t have a hole in the middle #Sewing #DollClothes

Today’s tutorial is an upgraded version of a concept I’ve covered here on ChellyWood.com before. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, but Dritz snaps sometimes have a hole running through the middle of them (which used to be essential for sewing on snaps), but lately they seem to be making them so you can’t slide a straight pin inside the little hole–if there even … Continue reading How to Sew Snaps (AKA Poppers) on Doll Clothes Part 1 –when the snap doesn’t have a hole in the middle #Sewing #DollClothes

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In this purple thumbnail image, we see an African American Mattel Stacie doll (9 inches tall) wearing a handmade pair of black and white check gingham shorts under a cute swingy orange tank top (vest in the UK). She also wears little white ballet flats. This image is overlaid with the words "free pattern." Please go to Chelly Wood dot com to download and print your free PDF sewing pattern for making these summer clothes which should fit your Mattel Stacie dolls.
9-inch Dolls, Stacie Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Make a swingy crop top and Shorts for Mattel’s Stacie dolls with today’s free PDF sewing patterns @ ChellyWood.com

Please scroll down to the second set of bullets for the free printable PDF sewing patterns and links to any additional relevant tutorial videos. Today’s project is a swingy summer top and a pair of elastic waist shorts, which will fit Mattel’s Stacie dolls. The Stacie doll modeling the outfit is my lovely African American Stacie, but the outfit will fit any 9 inch Mattel … Continue reading Make a swingy crop top and Shorts for Mattel’s Stacie dolls with today’s free PDF sewing patterns @ ChellyWood.com

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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 Fashion Doll capes? #DollClothesPatterns #ToyCollectors

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. To learn more about this, please see my Privacy Policy page. Thank you! You’ll notice, that in the image of Simplicity 8466 … Continue reading What are the best patterns for Fashion Doll capes? #DollClothesPatterns #ToyCollectors

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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, Doll Measurements, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Do you ever alter seam allowances? And has that worked out okay for you? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

For today’s “Doll Clothes Sewing Chat,” let’s talk about seam allowances. Just in case you’re new to sewing, it’s not a bad idea to start with a quick overview of seam allowances… DEFINITION: A seam allowance is a bit of extra room that’s given along the edge of a pattern, to allow for the sewist to include seams in a garment and still have it … Continue reading Do you ever alter seam allowances? And has that worked out okay for you? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

Chelly Wood6 Comments
In a purple frame with tiny white polka dots, we see a little 8 inch Bratz doll modeling an A-line dress with flutter sleeves. The text reads "free patterns!" Please visit ChellyWood.com to download and print your free printable PDF sewing patterns for making this and other dolls' clothes.
10-inch doll clothes patterns, 8-inch doll clothes patterns, 9-inch Dolls, Bratz Dolls, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Today we’re making a little A-line dress with flutter sleeves for Bratz dolls! #FreePatterns #Bratz

Please scroll down to the second set of bullets for the free printable PDF sewing patterns and links to any additional relevant tutorial videos. Yes, as the heading states, today I’ll be showing you how to make this lovely little A-line dress with flutter-style sleeves, and it will fit Bratz dolls along with a wide variety of other dolls in the 8-inch, 9-inch, and even … Continue reading Today we’re making a little A-line dress with flutter sleeves for Bratz dolls! #FreePatterns #Bratz

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Here we see the African American Ken doll next to the Lammily Traveler doll with her beautiful natural hair Afro. They are dressed in traditional African clothing, including a fez, a shawl/poncho, and other garments made of African print fabrics. This image was part of a Kwanzaa celebration at ChellyWood.com and is being revisited today to celebrate Black Business Month (August). It's a great image of any African heritage holiday celebrations.
12-inch doll clothes patterns, Daily Patterns, Holiday Crafts, Ken Patterns, Lammily Doll Patterns, Whole Costumes for Dolls

August is Black Business Month! Let’s make some African-style doll clothes patterns today! #BlackBusinessMonth #Sewing

Scroll down to the second set of bullets for the free PDF sewing patterns. Yes, as it says in the title of today’s blog post, August is Black Business month. What better way to celebrate this month’s theme, than to re-post these patterns with an African American theme? This set of patterns was first posted here on chellyWood.com to celebrate Kwanzaa, but that was a … Continue reading August is Black Business Month! Let’s make some African-style doll clothes patterns today! #BlackBusinessMonth #Sewing

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With a purple and turquoise fabric quilt frame, we see see two doll clothes patterns for Mattel Skipper dolls inside the frame with a woman's torso over the top. The woman, who wears a yellow blouse, has her hands up and her shoulders shrugging, with a curious look on her face. There are question marks dancing around her. The ChellyWood.com logo appears to the side of these images.
10-inch doll clothes patterns, 9-inch Dolls, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Skipper Patterns, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Not all Skipper patterns are alike! #BuyerBeware #DollClothesPatterns

As the heading for today’s blog post states, “Not all Skipper patterns are alike!” And that’s the overall theme for today’s post. However, before I begin talking about the subtle differences between the many renditions of the Skipper doll, please note, many of my links in today’s blog post are affiliate links. To learn more about my affiliate marketing program, please go to my Privacy … Continue reading Not all Skipper patterns are alike! #BuyerBeware #DollClothesPatterns

Chelly Wood6 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, Interviews With Crafters, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

What do you do to prevent fray in your sewing projects? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

DEFINITION: Fray is when the threads or weave of a fabric or ribbon, or the braiding or twisting of string or yarn begins to unravel. This is my own definition, but you can find the Merriam-Webster definition here as well. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please learn more about my affiliate marketing program on the Privacy Policy page. DISCUSSION QUESTION: What … Continue reading What do you do to prevent fray in your sewing projects? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

Chelly Wood2 Comments
the image shows a little 1:6 scale handmade cardboard chair in a Renaissance or medieval style. The text reads "free pattern!" and beside the photo of the handmade cardboard chair, there's an overlay of the free printable PDF pattern for making the chair out of cardboard. Go to ChellyWood.com to download and print this cardboard chair pattern so you can make your own Barbie-sized chairs.
Barbie Patterns, Crafts and Hobbies, Doll Furniture, Props and Dioramas, Tutorials: Crafts, Yarn and Embroidery

Let’s make a little cardboard chair for Barbie w/today’s FREE pattern! #DIYBarbie #DIYcrafts

  Today I’m taking an older tutorial, re-vamping it, adding voiceover, and generally updating it. This tutorial video will show you how to make a Renaissance chair in 1:6 scale (Barbie sized) for your dioramas for fashion dolls and similar-sized action figures. Before we dive into this project, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. … Continue reading Let’s make a little cardboard chair for Barbie w/today’s FREE pattern! #DIYBarbie #DIYcrafts

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5-inch doll clothes patterns, Chelsea, Disney Princess Dolls, Enchantimals, Mini Elsa Dolls, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls, Whole Costumes for Dolls

Sew a little pair of pants and a felt shirt for Enchantimal dolls w/free patterns @ ChellyWood.com #AmSewing #EasyCrafts

Are you looking for the patterns? Scroll down to the second set of bullets. I have posted this ensemble for other dolls in the past, but this is the first time I have posted it for the Enchanimals dolls. The felt top is super easy to sew, and although they are tiny, the pants are just a basic elastic-waist pants project. So I think it’s … Continue reading Sew a little pair of pants and a felt shirt for Enchantimal dolls w/free patterns @ ChellyWood.com #AmSewing #EasyCrafts

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Here we see the full front display of Vogue Craft Pattern #9964, which offers patterns for making doll clothes that will fit a vintage Tutti, vintage Skipper, Vintage Barbie, Bubble Hair Barbie, and vintage Midge dolls.
10-inch doll clothes patterns, 9-inch Dolls, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Skipper Patterns, Vintage Barbie

Vogue Craft 9964 vs. Simplicity 5861 for vintage Skipper, Vintage Skooter, or Modern Momoko dolls… #MomokoDoll #DollCollectors

Every now and then, people ask me where they can find patterns for vintage Skipper or Skooter dolls. Today I’m recommending this Vogue Craft 9964 pattern to anyone who doesn’t have the budget to buy an antique pattern, but wants to sew with a commercial pattern that will work for vintage Skipper or vintage Skooter dolls. Please note: when you click on links to various … Continue reading Vogue Craft 9964 vs. Simplicity 5861 for vintage Skipper, Vintage Skooter, or Modern Momoko dolls… #MomokoDoll #DollCollectors

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This is the street view of the store, Home Grown Quilts, in Grangeville, Idaho, with its "Viking Husqvarna" sewing machine sign hanging from the rafters outside the store.
Crafts and Hobbies, Holiday Crafts, Interviews With Crafters, Links, Pillow Patterns, Yarn and Embroidery

Let’s take a tour of Home Grown Quilts in Grangeville, Idaho!

Last year for the 4th of July (American Independence Day), I went to visit family in North Idaho, and while I was there, I went to a quilting store called Home Grown Quilts. Breezi, the store manager’s daughter-in-law, who seemed to be in charge of the store around lunchtime that day, wasn’t just standing behind the cut counter scrolling through Tic-Toc jokes on her phone. … Continue reading Let’s take a tour of Home Grown Quilts in Grangeville, Idaho!

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The image shows Enderman from Minecraft. This is an easy-to-sew felt cube with a free printable PDF sewing pattern, which you can download at ChellyWood.com as a PDF file. The Enderman character is trademarked, so this is an "unofficial" pattern, designed by patern designer Chelly Wood. You can make this felt Enderman character or other Minecraft characters into a foot sack, hackey sack (hacky sack) or plush toy using a simple free pattern and felt. Go to ChellyWood.com for this and other fun craft projects for boys and girls to make / sew with felt.
Crafts and Hobbies, Plushies/Stuffed Animals, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Sewing With Boys: Make a Minecraft (unofficial) felt character w/FREE Patterns @ ChellyWood.com #momofboys #craftymom

Yes, you’ve seen this tutorial and pattern before. I apologize for the repeat, but it’s summer vacation and moms are wondering what to do with their restless kids. This free pattern offers you something fun to do with both boys and girls, and all it requires is a little felt with a needle and thread! And let’s face it, boys LOVE this project! So for … Continue reading Sewing With Boys: Make a Minecraft (unofficial) felt character w/FREE Patterns @ ChellyWood.com #momofboys #craftymom

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