Source for learning to read patterns? Sewing Machines Parts and Sales in Los Angeles

I’ve only been sewing for a couple years and can’t read patterns. I usually just use step by step picture tutorials, or I wing it. (I’d be terrible at quilting- it’s too precise. Measure twice, cut once”? Eff that. I’m more of an “eyeball it and hope for the best” kind of girl! Lol) I tried using a pattern once. Made a ruffled edge cardigan out of fleece. The pattern said to “gather the fabric from point a to point b” or whatever… that was 36 inches of gathering! Took me 3 days and I may or may not have imbibed some tequila to deal. As a result, patterns scare the shit out of me. How did you guys learn to read patterns? Are there any good sources I could use that you would recommend?