I’ve been sewing for about 10 years. I follow patterns, some times I modify them a bit, but generally I don’t need to. I always repeat to myself “it doesn’t have to be perfect” or “it’s not a wedding dress”, because the truth is I’m my own worst critic, most people aren’t looking at the garment that close to see mistakes I might have made. Most people are just impressed I made clothing at all, like it’s witchcraft, or should I say “stitchcraft”. The take away point is, practice makes perfect.