what about patterns? I'd love to make some clothes for me and ds, maybe even dh. I have a spotlight down the road, but are patterns expensive? are there ones on the net? An Apron would be awesome!

ANY pattern really! Fitted sheets would be an awesome idea coz I can't find (or afford) a fitted sheet for ds' king single bed
I think spotlight had a free pattern for an apron advertised recently. It was one you picked up from in store.

Lincraft also has patterns in store you can pick up. I have seen one with the measurements for bedding sheets and doona covers. You can always measure one you have and work off that (with seam allowances).