"But, as we all know, such slap-dash projects are often unsatisfying and, as you mentioned, the next step up is a difficult one, which takes the investment of time and effort.I think the best advice for an interested absolute novice would be to take a some lessons (either from a friend or family member who sews or at some local place offering classes or with a local Burdastyle sewing club if one is" . . . .