Not even close...and I don't think you can alter a barbie pattern to fit...If I were you and I really wanted to sew some outfits, I'd buy a doll and just make my own patterns...

In the 1970s when my kids were young I traced doll clothes patterns from a book at the public library that had patterns for the 12 1/2 inch fashion dolls - Barbie, etc. The patterns were simplified - most clothing items were cut in one piece and had only one or two seams. White glue was used to keep the edges from raveling, or the clothes were lined to make reversible items. Now my sister wants to make doll clothes for her granddaughters, and I've lost my patterns. Does anyone know the book I'm talking about and if so, can you tell me the title and author? The book was probably published in the 1970s, maybe even the late 60s. I'd really like to find it again. Thanks in advance.

Heavens, I could give you hundreds--I used to teach a Kindergarten Storybook Cooks Class. Without opening my files, here are a few ideas that have always been popular with my little students: Walk-Away Breakfast Sundaes--press a large marshmallow into the bottom of a flat-bottomed ice cream cone. Spoon in diced fruit (fresh or canned), spoon in fruit-flavored yogurt. Top with a sprinkling of Granola. (Ice cream cones are also a good way to serve egg or chicken salad, for a fun change) Butterflies (used with "The Very Hungry Caterpillar")--spread cream cheese or peanut butter in celery sticks. Add small pretzels for wings, raisins for eyes, and broken pretzel pieces for antennae. Grilled Apple Cheese Sandwiches--Use Raisin or cinnamon bread, sliced apples, cheese (American, mild or sharp Cheddar), and--if desired--some raisins or walnuts. Grill as you would a regular grilled cheese. I used to make these for DD when she was little--she's grown and STILL requests them from time to time. Alternatively, you can do the same thing with a whole wheat tortilla to make an apple cheese quesadilla How about BBQ meatballs (for "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"). Put a pound of ground beef into a heavy duty ziplock bag, add a teaspoon or so of grill seasoning, a small handful of bread crumbs. Seal the bag, squish together. Make meatballs using a cookie scoop (Good place to teach about food sanitation and the dangers of touching raw meat). Put in a microwave-safe dish. Zap 5-6 minutes or until done. Make the sauce using Ketchup or chili sauce and grape (or other favorite) jelly. Spoon over and microwave another few minutes to glaze. Another very popular kid-pleaser. Mouse Cookies (If You Give a Mouse A Cookie) Shape slices of refrigerator dough into teardrop shapes (the body). Cut another slice into quarters--use 2 to make ears, press into the mouse. Add raisins or sunflower seed eyes. Bake. You can add a licorice tail after they're baked. Spaghetti Salad (Strega Nona)--Using a clean pair of safety scissors or a plastic knife, the child can cut up: pepperoni, sun-dried or grape tomatoes, cheese (such as provolone), green peppers, etc and add to a bowl of cold spaghetti. Add a little bottled Italian dressing. Mystery Lemonade Cookies ("The Lemonade Mystery") Mix:1 cup Bisquick, 1 small box instant lemon pudding, 1/4 cup oil, 1 egg. Shape into small balls and roll in: 1/4 cup sugar. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Custard's Easy Tarts (The Tale of Custard the Dragon) Make instant pudding, spoon into individual graham cracker tart shells, top with fruit and/or Cool Whip. A few practical tips for mom. Put a piece of that spongy drawer liner under the bowl when a toddler is stirring--helps keep the bowl from slipping and sliding. Always use a much larger bowl than necessary--it's easier for a small one to keep everything in the bowl that way. Keep tasks simple and always have an adult helper on hand to do the more dangerous work. Even very young children can be taught to cut properly--I recommend a plastic knife, soft foods such as lunchmeat or canned fruit, and a pie pan. Cutting in a pie pan helps catch any bits that fly or roll away. Scissors are also a good way for youngsters to cut some foods. Children are often more likely to try a new food, if they've gotten to prepare it themselves. Great way to get them really interested in cooking and eating.

Hardback books may one day disappear. They're expensive to print and heavy to ship and people would rather wait for the softcover version. I've written and published eight books, and all of those have been bound in what's called a "perfect binding" which is a softcover book that's economical to produce but longlasting. Speaking as a big bibliophile (lover of books), I don't think "real" books will ever go away. However, the publishing world is changing very quickly, and if you look at the NY Times best seller list (as I often do), 98% of the authors on that "list of success" are celebrities, well-known political figures and/or famous (previously published) authors. It's mighty tough for an unconnected newbie to break into the world of big house publishers. Most opt for self-publishing. BTW, authors make 10% of the book's wholesale price for every title sold. In other words, a book that sells on Amazon for $20 makes $1 for its author. Authors are the original starving artists. Rose Here is a link that might be useful: Writing ain't easy or profitable