I had to laugh at some of the comments about sewing patterns here on this thead. I feel you pain girls ... really! I have been sewing garments many years and some of these patterns are very confusing as to just exactly they are saying to do and how to do it. I often just read the pattern and change it up to how I like it. LOL!
The best thing I ever bought for my fashion sewing was a dress form. There are no surprises after it is made. You make any changes to the pattern before you begin and know if will fit afterwords.
I totally agree with you about simplicity patterns. They are not my favorite company at ALL! And often times they look so homemade, why bother? I did read that they had up-dated thier patterns because they were in trouble with sales.
McCall's is my favorite with butterick coming in a close second. Vogue is very nice, but gee how come they are so expensive?