Consulting a popular craft book, 3 of us each read 3 pages of instructions on how to sew a book cover. It was so confusing, we decided we'll just look at the picture and work it out ourselves.
Some sewing/craft books are hard to follow, full of complex verbal explanations. I love heavily illustrated books and have listed some favourites in our new Book Review section.
Unfortunately, they're perhaps not for absolute beginners, but they would be useful references if you want to keep learning! Please drop me a line at carmen@clotheslinehangout.com to add your favourite dressmaking books to the Book Review - only criteria is that they be listed at Amazon.com so folks can track them down.