thank you so much for the wonderful comments, love what you have posted so far and keep up the good work :)

thank you so much for your comment! it seriously made my day.

Thank you for the compliment! It is indeed warm in Salmon Arm, especially the summers, although it's been slow getting to that particular season this year. Come visit some time! The Roots and Blues festival is coming up, if you like music. Perfect occasion!

As to patterns to try, this one, or rather just the top. (Mostly 'cuz the skirt would be one drum mojor of a pain to print out) It doesn't come as tile print layout, but each pattern piece can be printed on its own 8.5" x 11" if you arrange it in Adobe Reader.

That whole site has free patterns actually, it's just a matter of finding the ones that are actually there.

I can also highly recommend messing with pre-made garments. That's fun, and if you pick the piece up at the thrift store, won't matter so much if you make a fatal mistake. (as opposed to the mistakes that are masterpieces in disguise.)

Whatever you choose, happy sewing adventures to you!