I sew too, and I prefer to make my own clothes, just because I can never find stuff I like in the shops. I've got an electric machine that my Mum gave me, and an almost 100yr old Singer, a present from a friend, that doesn't require power.
Current project is a proper greatcoat. I'm taking my time, because the fabric was REALLY expensive, but it'll last me years when it's done
Take your time, learn to tack, or baste as my American friends say, and double check everything, at least, before committing to sewing a seam. The simplest patterns for clothes are 'Kwiksew', which can be found very cheaply online. If you want to make your own pattern, cut it out of newspaper, then fasten it together until it's right. Take it apart, trace it onto brown paper before cutting your fabric. If I can help, give me a shout
