Adyldrop, I agree with RedGarnet....go with Simplicity, McCall's, or Butterick. They are all good companies, and all of them have patterns geared for any level of sewing. (I had tried Burda patterns years ago, but did not like them for same problems you are running into.)
And costwise, have you tried Walmart? I know many of their stores have opted out of the fabric departments, but those that have them yet do carry Simplicity and McCall's patterns. They run anywhere from around $6 to $7 in the pattern books, or if purchased from the revolving racks, are $1.99. (At least that's what I've found here in our Walmart in Worthington, MN. The fabric department has downsized, but at least they still have one!)
Hope this helps!
Joanne
P.S. I miss JoAnn's...We did have one until Walmart moved in!