Theories of improvement

I have come so far in my sewing in just five months that I'm amazing myself. It has been a joy I cant even begin to describe...the process of envisioning and creating is better than I could have imagined...

So- how to get my skills there? These are 4 theories I've heard which sound mutually exclusive:

1. Make really easy things. (confidence build with some more T shirts, straight skirts and limit my work to things that have a lot of instructions, or online tutorials. work on technique, finishing, increase wearability output, and impress people--finish everything in Diana's book, keep up with those FBF and remake things that I've already done.)
2. Make really hard things. (impress myself with my crazy details- tackle a coat, a corset, the good stuff! and drafting, and leave commercial patterns and professional finishing by the wayside, and screw a lot of things up in the process but wind up with some rock n' roll diy creations too)
3. Get really fussy. Think vintage fifties dresses a-la gertie.
I would love to be able to make this, for ex:



(damn, that would look good on me!)

This theory involves working on fit with TNT patterns like Carolyn and Elizabeth. I could use a perfectly fitted, go-to pattern for a sheath dress, flared skirt, straight skirt, pants, shell, and button down, come to think of it...maybe add a wrap dress, a bathing suit, underwear, etc, etc. Or, make block/slopers and go from there.
4. take classes. (someone explaining what clear elastic does, or stay tape may make this go a little faster...example-learning how to trace darts would have taken me a LONG time on my own. This is fun but expensive.)

How to go about this? hmm. I have to say, #2 is more appealing, with my current attitude, but everything I've heard suggests #1 is the way to go if I actually want to improve.

Maybe I need to be clearer about my goals? Do I want to be able to make perfect tailored pieces like Erica B, so that I really can lead a lawyer's life without buying suits from Ann Taylor someday? Or is sewing for me all about the fabulous, rough around the edges creative daring of people like beetle?




(I used to hang out and talk to her at the young designer's market in NY, she's rad, and her creations are stunning)





Some of the people I'm most amazed by in the blogosphere (and wish I had their skills) are those who combine both the tailored techniques that lead to wearable, finished clothes, and fashion risks- like this-



or




But then again, she went to school to learn couture finishing... and come to think of it, beetle probably did do...so I guess, maybe I need to come up with a medly of a sewing theory...

What about you, dear readers? what would you do?