Thank you for all the replies - I'm glad I'm not the only one unimpressed by current sewing patterns. I found this:
www.dragonflyfabrics.co.uk which appears to have a lot of independent pattern designers, but just as I was getting interested my broadband died on me. I'll check it out later.
I don't want to use old patterns - I have drawers full of them, none of which would be appropriate now. Then I was in my teens and twenties, fairly slim - now, well lets just say I'm not
I thought I would start with something simple, so I'll go for a full length circular cloak. I've no idea when I'll wear it, but that's not the point. I've found some ideal wool fabric (British wool of course) which won't break the bank. It doesn't need a pattern so that will save me a tenner. Of course I have to make several pairs of curtains first, and I haven't found the material I want for those yet.
Etsy no sorry Craftsy, does sewing courses I think, and there are so many you tube thingies to watch, so I think I'll be OK