What are good books to for sewing your own patterns?

Which craft books for sewing cute dolls and kids clothes do you recommend?

• I am extremely novice at sewing (with a machine) and haven't done much at all but take up pants and make square snuggle blankies with taggy bits on it. That's about it! I want to try my hand at both cute dollies and toddler attire. I'll need a few books that are beginner friendly. Or have a mix of beginner, intermediate for when I get better. I've seen all the "softies" books and will probably grab one of those, though u haw no idea which one to choose. I've also heard that "stitched toys" is very good too so maybe that instead... But thy aren't really doll books... More quirky stuffed toys. So do you know of anything specifically for dolls? I mean like, cute rag dolls with a modern touch. "wee wonderfuls" looks promising but I'd like more ideas. Also a book with very easy children's clothing patterns and instructions in it. Soooooo much out there. Know any good ones for beginners?

• Answer:

  For kid's clothes specifically, these are some of the best beginner books out there: http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Sewing-Toddlers-Kerstin-Martensson/dp/0913212164 http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Sewing-Children-Kerstin-Martensson/dp/0913212172 KwikSew was just bought by McCalls, so I don't know how long these may be available. They include basic patterns, sewing instructions for the patterns, and instructions on how to alter the patterns into new designs.