Also check out freecycle.org for your area - my area there are always people giving away patterns.
there are also crafty magazines and crafty websites that you can get free patterns from.
it's also not hard at all to adjust a pattern for size... just takes a little put of patience and scotch tape and paper...
For sewing, best tip i can give you -- is practice practice practice.. and start with small projects so you won't get frustrated.
keep a supply of needles because they always break when you least expect it. and take good care of your machine... have it cleaned and oiled regularly for it to last.