Pattern frustrations

Please allow me to take this time to make a minor modification to a Jack Prelutsky poem.  Ahem.

Vogue twelve thirty-three I hate you, you stink

I wish I could wash you away in the sink.

I'd rather take baths with man-eating sharks,

Or wrestle a lion alone in the dark...

I could go on, but it would be endless... Jack did not write enough lines to convey my hated for this pattern.  And to answer your questions, yes, I did recite that from memory - I had to memorize a poem in the third grade (or was it second?) and that was what I chose.  As I've been ripping out the seams from my fabric, I found myself reciting this mantra.  Along with 'I hate you, I hate you, I hate you...'

I consider myself an advanced beginner seamstress at this point. I've made quite a few Intermediate/Advanced patterns with minor difficulties, but this pattern has just been trouble!  It all started with the two front pockets.  Sure, I can make pockets but I couldn't following their instructions.  I was tempted to just make them 'my way' but decided that I would rather continue on without them.  My fabric pattern is busy enough that it would just be adding more detail and covering up the flow of the design.

Then came the collar.  For some reason, I just could not grasp the instructions that the pattern gave me.  I tried every which way of basting it on. Right sides facing, wrong sides facing, one right, one wrong, folding it over ahead of time, laying it flat... you following? Nothing worked!  Finally, i just flipped it inside out, stitched it on and attached the button lining separately.  I may have a few grey hairs from this endeavor, and my hands are covered in pinmarks and seam ripper stabs.  If it weren't for the fabric and the overall cuteness of the dress, I probably would have scrapped the whole thing.  But I swear, this pattern will not triumph over me!  I'm close to completion, but not without some blood, sweat and tears.  I will win in the end.

I will.

Right?

Her eyes hide a secret: This pattern will make you scream!

Alright, enough with my rant. What are your pattern woes?  Did you ever encounter a pattern that tried to get the best of you? Who won?  Please tell me I'm not the only one who's faced this situation.