Doing some groundwork

I've had fitting issues with most of the stuff I've made so I've decided to do some groundwork before I plug the sewing machine back in.

My excellent local library furnished me with this book:

Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure by Sandra Betzina. It might look a bit dated but this book is a bible for fitting issues and how to adjust patterns. I've started doing my measurements... Just need to rope the hubby in for the hard-to-reach bits. This is such a good book that I may well invest in a copy. I can't recommend libraries enough. There are so many sewing books out there that it's easy to purchase a dud. Libraries may not have every sewing book but mine certainly has a good selection, particularly of reference books for techniques. 

I so picked up this one:

Which is a bit groovier and has all sorts of quick projects. Some of which look a bit bonkers.