What would be a good way of learning to see your own clothes?

I'm tired of shelling out $30 for a t shirt. Where could I learn how to make my own shirts? I own a sewing machine and there are several fabric stores near where I live. Geniuses of r/DIY, please help me out here. I also plan to learn how to bleach shirts, so any help on that would be appreciated too. Thanks! :)