I just followed a pattern. I've made pretty close to a dozen shirts (I hate collars!).

But it is still sewing. I'm doing trippy things with cosplay that teach me better sewing techniques overall. I'm going to make myself a pair of shorts after I've rested up from making my cosplay (and found my pattern, it seems to have grown legs and walked off). I don't like the ladies shorts they have out there. They show off more of my muscular thighs than I like (not to forget that my legs stick to everything).