JoAnn's will have Butterick patterns on sale for $0.99 each September 19-25, limit 5.
The patterns always sell fast during these sales, so I would go as early in the week as possible.
They have a sale like this with different pattern brands featured about every 6 weeks or so.
There are also a couple of brands that are $1.99 regularly. Walmart also sells reduced price and cheaper patterns if you still have a full fabric department.
You can also try the library for sewing books. I have found some with sewing patterns (you have to trace them). Off hand, I don't remember the names of them. Maybe one was by Amy Butler?