I just started sewing. I made these two skirts last week:
Polka Dot Creations » Blog Archive » I like my skirts fast and cheap: a tutorial Crafty Chic: Easy Sew Skirt
I sewed them both by hand. I bought $1 per yard cloth at Walmart and a needle, thread, and pins. They only take one or two seams and you're done! Now I feel more confident and plan to start a more difficult pattern. (I learned to sew by hand by searching google.) Sewing is so much fun! I can't wait to get a sewing machine so I can do more.