I think instructions on everything has gone downhill. I've lucked out and bought patterns on sale at JoAnn's. The last time the sale was $1.99 on most patterns! I get patterns online, too. When the instructions are awful, I look it up online and there's usually a blog or youtube video that explains it better. I just bought a pattern for a zippered pouch that looks like a teacup (so cute!). The instructions were 17 pages long! After I read through it twice, I realized I could make it a lot easier.
Snowshoe, congrats on the serger! I have a friend with a serger and that's the next best thing. I don't have much need for one, but I'm sure that need would arise if I had one
Daisy and Miia, what kind of purses? I made some that turned out great but not in time for Christmas last year. They were purses with reversible covers.
Versatile Wave Tote Bag Pattern by Susan Rooney Patterns I like the way they turned out, but it took me a while. Good Luck!