The Fashion Designer's Handbook and Fashion Kit: Learn to Sew and Become a Designer in 33 Fabulous Projects

Fashion design has never been more popular, and the kind of young women who watch Project Runway will love Galen's kit. It includes a book with patterns to create clothing for an 11%C2%BD-inch Barbie-type fashion doll, along with a doll-sized dress form and a smattering of fabrics, thread, and a tape measure. The biggest selling point though, is the adorableness of the designs: even the Barbie-averse will be charmed by the tiny Duffle Coat, Little Black Dress, and Classic Kilt. Directions are reasonably clear, although the book's design is too busy, and more visual instructions would be helpful. Galen chooses not to include machine sewing instructions, which makes the projects more approachable for young hands. One flaw of the book is that the focus on fashion dolls leaves out the opportunity to explore designing for different body types; even the fashions for girls are very much for the slim. Still, this kit provides plenty of background on designing and lots of inspiration for young women who want to meet Tim Gunn. (Sept. 25)