Hi!

If you're in the UK I recommend Sew Direct for patterns.

www.sewdirect.com

especially the butterick basics
http://www.sewdirect.com/acatalog/BtkBasics.html

They are only £2.95, and there is no postage. I would also go with the suggestion of a drawstring or elasticated waist skirt as your first project, or the site I suggested has a pattern for pyjamas, elasticated trousers are pretty easy too as long as you don't get the legs mixed up!

First of all can I just say Hi! This is my first post, but I've been a lurker for a while...

I used to love going to Fabric Land when I lived in the south, but since I moved to the east midlands the nearest shop is 100 miles away 

Now I use ebay quite a bit, and my local market has a good fabric stall.