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We recently purchased an 18-inch American Girl doll for our granddaughter Zoe's fourth birthday. This type of doll has been around since the 1980's and is a favorite of many little girls. However, the clothing for the doll is expensive, so I decided to make my own doll clothes to give Zoe's a variety of outfits in which she can dress her doll.

Clothes making, both for people and dolls runs in my family. My mom made doll clothes for my Chatty Cathy doll, as well as making all of my and my sisters' clothes - dresses, coats, hats and mittens. I remember going with her to pick out the material in early August and watching her sew all month for us before the start of the school year. Many of us either learned to sew by watching our moms or in a home economic class. I've inherited my mother's and mother-in-laws 1950 sewing machines, which I've used to make over 20 doll outfits.

To get started, I visited the Salvation Army and purchased dresses. I pulled out all of my materials: Buttons, embellishments, ribbons, elastics, snaps, and Velcro, and my sister Susan, who quilts, donated to the cause. Many fabric stores will have remnant pieces on sale, and since you only need about half a yard to make a dress, it's a good source.

I also asked around and found a good friend who lent me some of her 18-inch doll patterns. I also discovered a good craft Web site called etsy.com where I found patterns for a couple of dollars plus shipping. There are also books that contain patterns and instructions for the 18" doll. Find a well-lit work area, choose an easy and simple pattern to start, and keep in mind that cotton fabrics are the easiest to sew. Velcro is a great time saver and wide pieces of Velcro can be cut down the middle for a better fit to small clothes.

Take a class Local craft stores offer sewing classes for both children and adults. If you have never sewed, why not treat yourself or your daughter to an evening out and learn to sew? If you are a sewer, then dig out your machine and all your extra material and create something special for the little girl in your life. Who knows, that she may pass these doll dresses along to her daughter someday!

Linda Alger is the Administrative Assistant to the Attleboro Municipal Council and is a local artist who is very involved in the Attleboro art community. She can be reached at BEAKERALG@AOL.COM (please include the word "CRAFTS" in subject block). Any letters she receives may be used in future columns, so please include your name and daytime telephone.