sholarj, there are a handful of very talented pattern makers on here. Do as I did. Download the software that EIEIO and jrpeteo have suggested, play with them by following the tutorial then ask questions. These guys have been REAL GREAT and very patient and helpful to boot. Sometimes the whole ordeal gets frustrating for me as I'm learning also, but when I see the patterns that these guys come up with, I get another rush of motivation. I am having fun though and that's what its all about.
Mike