I've been making clothes for the American Girl dolls for several years. One source for great patterns is www.morrisseydolls.com. They're not super expensive either. Madame Alexander came out with an 18-inch doll recently that can wear the American Girl clothes too. I've had good luck with Simplicity, McCall's, Butterick, and occasionally Vogue too. If you don't have a local store, try e-Bay.