Pags wrote:

...Each night I sit down and try to think what I should tie up and usually stick close to a few easy patterns I can do well...like simple leeches and woollys...

Thanks for reminding me that my woolly bugger stocks are running low.  You can try for some more immitative patterns like this Lumbricus terrestris pattern I made with lion suede chenille.  Members of the Lumbricus genus often hatch after a steady rain:

Pags,

I many cases it is some simple pattern that out produces all others on a given day. In terms of simply advancing your fly tying skills I would suggest the online fly tying course found here on hipwader or the one on www.flyanglersonline.com. It's more about learning the various techniques as opposed to specific patterns. Once you know the techniques you can easily tie whatever you like.

If you haven't already purchased it, I would also recommend picking up a copy of the Fly Tyers Benchside Reference. It's is a hefty book in terms of size and price but it covers pretty much every fly tying techique with good descriptions and photos.

Hey Eric, you might find this helpful; http://hipwader.com/2004/fly-tying-course

Pags ,nothing beats a class or mentor to shallow out the learning curve. Look around there might be one close enough to you. Eric a basic kit is pretty cheap but avoid total junk. Fly shops  sometimes  have tying nights and they're usually helpful . But beware, fly tying is an addiction. Golf is cheaper.