Dolls' Clothes Pattern Book

The cover photograph of a doll dressed in an old-fashioned pinafore offers no clue that this book provides wardrobes, mostly contemporary, for Cabbage Patch Kids and Barbie, Chrissy and various baby dolls. There are 73 actual-size patterns, though many are for simple caps and pants to accompany basic, fitted dresses. Poor organization and follow-through make this collection a disappointing resource. Eight color photos (far too few) and a sketch of each garment illustrate minor embellishments, but possibilities for adapting patternschanging a neckline or sleeve length, or using different fabrics to achieve a variety of looksare largely ignored. Muddled instructions are not helped by long-winded phrases like ""steps that will greatly aid in the ease of the construction . . . ,'' a pattern for a doll body with no explanation as to where the plastic heads can be obtained and a meager history of dolls. The author is a doll collector, and amateur doll-maker and artisan. Better Homes and Gardens Crafts Club selection. (December 20)