Exploring making patterns

I've been fascinated for a little while now, with the idea of making my own patterns. Just for myself, but I have to admit most of my knowledge of patterns is of them coming in shiny envelopes and cutting them out.

I remember a friends mum talking about making a "sloper" of her own measurements, and I think my dad might have mentioned my grandma using her own measurements to create clothes [in fact I recently found a whole list of about twenty five measurements in an old pattern of hers so I assume she had a fairly good grasp of fitting]

So I want to make a bodice and skirt block of my measurements. And then according to my 1940's needlework book ill be able to copy all of the latest fashions in the comfort of my own home, it also had something amusing written underneath about only sewing when the house is clean}

But that was all it really said! So Ive been starting to do some research and Ive decided to give it ago! so I'm going to take accurate measurements and make a skirt, bodice and trouser block and then apparently ill be able to create anything. In theory at least.

Ive been pinning away and I'm going to start looking through my sewing books in more detail. And Ive ordered myself a set of french curves which I think are pattern drafting tools, or at least I hope they are.

The reasons I want to learn are pretty silly really
1. I want to wear well fitting clothes
2. I think its going to be one of those skills that dies out, and if a zombie Apocalypse does come I'd like to be able to contribute something to rebuilding society.
3. My sewing budget is pretty limited so I'd much rather spend £9.00 on fabric rather than £9.00 on a pattern.

But if anyone could point me in the right direction that would be wonderful!

Much Love

Frankie

xxx