first time making children's clothes...???

[godusjourney]

I'm not necessarily new to sewing, was raised around it, but I'm new to sewing REAL things (more than sloppy doll clothes and easy slings...lol). I've decided to make some dresses similar to the Hanna Andersson dresses, but I don't know where to start. I'll have my mom's help in this, so difficulty doesn't matter. Does anyone have good advice on where to get patterns for those type of clothes?? Most clothes patterns I see are not so "hip" or funky. Also, we don't have a vast assortment of fabric stores around, or selection. Is there somewhere online that would have high quality fabrics (again similar to the hanna fabric)?? I don't really care if it's organic or not, I just want fun colors, crazy-colored stripes, etc.

Anyone want to boast about their favorite places to frequent??? I could use some pointers!!!

Thanks!!!
Sarah

[mlrohde]

kwik sew makes a pattern similar to hanna dresses. you can see their patterns at kwiksew.com. ebay is a great source for finding great knit prints and stripes. just seach knit fabric. good luck
melissa

[Leersia]

Burda patterns have European styling, although I have boys and haven't spent much time looking at the girl's line. Also, there is some euro pattern book out there that looks really intriguing - pattern company is Ottobre and the pattern books can be purchased here http://www.sewzannesfabrics.com/. Good luck, you can do it!

[baize2006]

Fabric.com has a large selection of fabrics. I also second the recomenation for Burda patterns. They are very cute and tend to be more stylish!

[courtenay_e]

Yup, I third the Burd and Ottobre suggestions. Co-ops are a CHEAP way to go, but you often have to wait a long time to get the fabrics. I, too, would just try online stores...also, if you have a joanns around, I have found some pretty funky fabrics there for my dd. Worth a try!