I think sewing children's clothes is a good way to start sewing clothing, because there is less fitting, the items are smaller (faster to make and cheaper if you mess up) and you can get used to some of the techniques and how to read a pattern.
And of course, when the recipient is young enough, they are un-picky if it doesn't turn out just right.
Sewing kid's shirts (at Christmas I sewed one for my nephew and one apiece for my son and daughter) is how I finally got over my irrational fear of making a shirt and made one for myself that I actually love.