I sewed clothing for many years and learned to read through the pattern but then use basic construction techniques to do sleeves and basic lines. Learning to be always aware of the straight of the grain and then don't follow directions in some of these patterns. I don't think they were written by seamstresses. I really learned to enjoy fashion sewing more after sergers came out because I like the clean edgings and clean seam intersections you get after you serge . Always sew at seam line first and after you fit to size go back and serge most seams. I found quilting much more difficult because of the precision. I think it is what you do first. The magazine Sew News has good advice on heritage sewing