I am no expert but it sounds like both of those are either wrong for your body shape or just poor quality. I would just sell them on and not waste any time on attempting alterations, if it was me.

I saw this thread last night and just had to copy it. My case has robots on it, and my first attempt at piping. Also some mismatched thread, but let's say nothing about that 

I work in a similar environment but I wouldn't use that print for clothing, as it is a bit juvenile for any sort of professional to wear. However I would absolutely use it for lining, inside of pockets, and bags or purses, and I think it'd look great in any of those places.  A jacket is probaby a bit much for a beginner to attempt but it would look so cool with that print for a lining

Definitely hem it as a shirt, with just a slim white band at the bottom like in your second photo. It'll be cute and worth losing weight for    

Hi there, what era are you talking about? Mad Men covers a lot of different fashions! Are you thinking of fifties stuff with lots of petticoats underneath?

Vintage Vogue does some reproduction patterns that might suit, e.g. Vogue 1044, but although these are period correct they might require more time or ability than you are able to put in.

You could also go vintage-inspired with a modern pattern, e.g. Vogue 8577  or Vogue 8766 or Simplicity 444. They're not period correct but you could make them look passable at least.

Those are just a few examples. Check out the BMV site and the Simplicity site for lots more ideas.

As for the first one.. I asked somewhere else and was given this diagram.

Are you enlarging the pattern to the grey line on the left and right? If so, that will make the neckline wider and push the shoulder straps further apart, and enlarge the armholes. If that's what you want and need, great, but if not you'll constantly be shoving those straps back onto your shoulders and wondering why everybody can see your bra under your armpit!

In addition, if you add those darts to the side seam without adding length to the front pattern piece, you'll find that your front side seam is suddenly too short and won't match the back side seam. The new dart at the bottom of the front pattern piece will also make the waist smaller, so if you haven't compensated for that (by adding width somewhere else) the front will be too tight around your middle. Releasing the original gathers may give you enough space, but make sure to measure the finished seam line with the dart folded before you cut your fabric. Ask me how I know this is important 

You need to do a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) to make room for your boobs without making everything else hang like a sack. I'm busty too and I know what it's like to suddenly lose my waist because everything is cut for my widest part. An FBA will add room for your bust and tummy without enlarging the shoulders, armpits, neckline, or side seam length. Google FBA and learn how to do it properly -- you'll never look back. If you are not confident in finding the right option for you, head on over to Pattern Review and ask the folks there, as they are very helpful indeed. Here is a great thread of FBA resources for you to start with:
http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/9531

And yes, you should wear a properly fitting and supportive bra both while you're adjusting your pattern and while you wear your clothing. Don't wear a good bra to measure and then a poor bra to wear, or vice versa, because you'll be wasting your time doing proper adjustments and you won't be showing off your figure in its best light. Good luck!

It's not a blog but I recommend PatternReview.com. The people there (men and women) are patient, helpful, encouraging, and from a wide variety of backgrounds. I've learned more from them than from anywhere else in the world, and now I sew 90% of my own clothes. I don't really buy anything apart from bras, tights, socks, and jeans these days!

You are definitely being too hard on yourself. Sure, poor technique or cheap thin fabric can make clothes look amateurish, but fancy fabrics and couture techniques aren't essential to make things look good! (Pressing seams is essential, though. Nothing screams home-made like unpressed seams.)

Just keep practising and don't let sewing snobs deter you. And, like others have said, if you are reading blogs that bother you then just go read something else

Nice top!

The back is probably puckering because (a) your pattern needs a sway back adjustment, or (b) your pattern needs a big buttocks adjustment. Not that you have big buttocks, but they might be big in comparison to your tiny waist     Despite the negative-sounding names, both adjustments are just to make paper patterns fit real bodies and not any sort of judgement! If you google "swayback adjustment" you'll find a whole lot of tips.

So what if it looks homemade? It's your first attempt! Nobody expects to turn out perfect results the first few times they do something as complex as creating a well-fitting garment. Practise, practise, practise, and you'll get better quickly. Learn how to do things like cut accurately, sew accurately, and adjust your machine's tension to avoid loose stitches or puckering.

Pressing seams properly is key to making things look good too. Non-pressed seams definitely look homemade.