I don't know how to classify myself as a seamstress....Not quite a professional since I don't make my living with it but since I've been sewing for 45 years and I've made wedding and prom dresses in as little as 2 days (cut-out to wearing) and men's suits in a week (I'm currently putting together the 6th one suit for a friend) I'm way more than an beginner! Expert? I wouldn't call myself that, either as I have so much more to learn. I've made practically everything, though. Leather jackets, upholstered furniture, curtains, bedspreads/comforters, shades, women's, men's & children's clothing. You name it and I've probably made it. I'll try to tackle just about anything. My favorites have been the Halloween costumes my sons dreamt up for me to create over the years as were the home decor projects when we've remodeled. The feeling of satisfaction knowing that I've made it (usually without patterns) is so wonderful. Using magazines like THREADS really helps with tips and tricks to make things work and turn out right. I usually read it cover to cover the day it comes in the mail. It's one magazine I will never let the subscription expire for no matter how bleak the ecomony gets.