Check out the master pattern thread sticky at the top of the fashion forum.
I love Simplicity patterns. They just come easier to me. I also love the downloadable patterns from miss daisy designs. You can find her online and linked up in the aforementioned thread. There are links to freebies in there too.
Ooooh, also this weekend Joann has a memorial day sale where you can get 5 patterns for $5. It's the simplicity ones. Hobby lobby runs good sales too. I've found a lot of patterns online pretty reasonable too. I like searching on eBay, etsy, art fire, and bonanza.
Happy Sewing and do share your creations with us.