I need a good source to purchase easy girl's pants and tops, and dress patterns in size 7 or 8. I want to make some clothing for a needy family. Also, downloadable would be good. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I know I can purchase whatever Joann's sells, but I would rather have other types of patterns. I have a lot to make so the easier the better.

Grab a neat looking pair of pants and smock type from a thrift store, take them apart. Use patch pockets..for girls they can be shaped like fruit or a huge letter or just a square.
Probably a lot cheaper than even getting patterns. Or ask for some from friends whose kids have outgrown them, use them for patterns. They'll last forever, or untill you can't stretch them out any more to fit larger bodies.

The patterns that Joanns or Walmart sell for about $3.oo each (made by Simplicity or McCalls), or when Joanns sells any make of patterns for 99cents each. I think one of them is called Sew Easy patterns. I buy those for my kids and they work just fine.

burdastyle.com has a lot of free patterns (and at a wide range of prices). I just checked to make sure there were patterns for kids, too. On the homepage, click on patterns and on the left side of the screen you can narrow your search criteria.

Great ideas, thank you so much for sharing! I don't have any grandchildren, so I really appreciate your kind assistance. Watch Out For the spooks on Monday!!!

There are always patterns of all kinds and sizes at SewItsForSale (yahoo group). They are usually pretty cheap. Have you tried Freecycle?

I am realizing that I do not have the connections or resources that I had as a young mother. Thank you so much for the resources. I will definately investigate. THANK YOU!!

The latest flyer I got from JoAnns has McCalls patterns on sale for $1.29 (Oct 30-Nov 5) and Simplicity for $1.00 (Nov 6-Nov 12) I always buy my patterns when they are that price

Thank you so much for all the great tips. I am sure I can find an easy pattern for every day wear.. Thanks!!