[honeychile]

A lot of the answer depends on where you'll be rushing, at a SEC school (or the like), or another area of the country.

As we both know, there's sewing and there's sewing. If you make clothing that amazes people that you made it, or even designed it, you'll get further than if it's an obvious Butterick pattern #0000. I sew well (when I have the time!), and have worn creations to various important events, and the only time someone knew that I made my dress was after they wanted to know where they could get someone like it, and I had to say that I made it. Ironically, I have an aunt who makes most of her clothes, and while you can't tell, she is totally incapable of changing a pattern to suit her better.