firecat

My sewing is going well. I've made more of the basic tank top and I'm happy with that pattern. I also tried out a new pattern, for a lightweight unlined jacket to wear over the tanks to make them work-appropriate. I've made two of that jacket now and I like the pattern, it's easy for me to make and suits me.

As for finding patterns, I've tried to pick sewing patterns that are like clothing I already wear successfully. I go into the stores and try on similar things if I don't have it already. And I've read books and websites about how to pick clothing for your body type and to express your personal style. Even then I've made at least 3 things I can think of in the last year that turned out awful--one was a dress I ended up cutting down into a top, and two I just ripped the seams and re-used the fabric for something else.

As for designing your own, do you mean making up your own patterns? There are books that teach pattern-making and draping; that's far more advanced than I'm ready for right now. The furthest I get into design is things like using polka-dot bias tape instead of plain on a pink linen tank top, or inserting trim into a seam to make a vertical decorative accent.